Constraints to Rice Production Systems in Laos

This paper summarizes the known main abiotic and biotic production constraints in each of Laos’s rice-producing environments: wet-season lowlands, dry-season irrigated, and rainfed uplands, but not those socioeconomic constraints that can also have significant impact on farmer attitudes and production. Downloadable at
http://www.aciar.gov.au/system/files/sites/aciar/files/node/2301/pr101chapter01.pdf

The transition of garment factory girls into prostitution in Laos

Interview based report plus recommendation paper on prostitution problems in garment fatories in Laos. Downloadable at http://www.afesiplaos.org/upload/assets/OS_Garment%20factory%20girls_06.pdf

Coping with restrictive policies and maintaining competitiveness: Lao PDR

A presentation on garment industry in Laos. Time series data of export garment factories are especially useful. Downloadable at http://www.unescap.org/tid/mtg/weaving_lao.pdf

Forest extraction or cultivation? Local solutions from Lao PDR

I myself have actually come across a few Lao who spending most of their schools days without cashes, but had made it to universities abroad. I think Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) were what made this possible. The following paper may give you an idea about how NTFPs are still important to Lao livelihoods.
http://www.etfrn.org/ETFRN/WORKSHOP/BIODIVERSITY/documents/foppes1.pdf

Tourism Development in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

A report(discussion paper) by UN staffs on developments and policies on tourism in Laos, approximately 10 years after it practically opened its door to foreign tourists.
http://www.un.org/esa/desa/papers/1999/esa99dp9.pdf

LAOS IN THE ASEAN FREE TRADE AREA: TRADE,REVENUE AND INVESTMENT IMPLICATIONS

This article examines the likely impact of AFTA membership on Laos’s trade,
government revenue and foreign investment flows. It founded that the membership would basically make Laos better off. The paper can be downloaded at
http://dspace-dev.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1030.58/11253/2/pep-276.pdf

Assessment of Current Garment Industry in the Lao PDR

A report based on field survey of 21 garment factories in Vientiane, from March 12 to March 25, 2005, with a set of recommendations for possible development of garment industry in Laos. The report can be found at http://www.research.kobe-u.ac.jp/gsics-publication/jics/sakurai&ogawa_14-1.pdf

Use of Natural Biological Resources and Their Roles in Household Food Security in Northwest Laos

A study that focuses on agriculture-forestry-based livelihood systems of Northwestern Lao people through village studies, including semi-structured group interviews, questionnaire survey, participatory observation and wealth ranking in Luang Namtha province. The paper can be downloaded from http://www.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/seas/41/4/410402.pdf

Archeological Survey of Prehistoric Cave Sites in Laos

A report of Lao-Japanese field survey carried out from Dec. 1974 to Jan. 1975 in order to locate prehistoric case sites in Vang Viang (Vientiane), Luang Phabang and Tha Khek areas, by a joint team from the Tokyo University, National Museum of Laos and Reitaku Association for overseas development. The report can be found at http://repository.dl.itc.u-tokyo.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2261/4378/1/KJ00004312290.pdf

Why this blog?

I will basically do this for my own interests but will also be glad to share what I found with those who are also interested in downloadable articles on Laos.