Saturday, January 31, 2009

FDI - SME Linkages (Two Case Studies)

The report used some statics and figures to show that FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) had contributed to economic developments in Laos, but argued that this could be
enhance by promotion of FDI and SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) linkages. It was a surprise to see Local Inputs for the Gold and Copper mine LXML (an Australian miner and State) and Beer Lao (Carlsberg and State ) accounted for 21% and 30% respectively. Taxes paid to the state was $53 million for LXML, and $38 million for Beer Lao, in 2006. Can be downloaded at http://www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-FDI-SME-Linkages.pdf

Acceptance and suitability of renewable energy technologies in Lao PDR

Interesting report on trendy topic. One of the conclusion was combination of RE (Renewable Energy) technologies, such as Solar Power, Biomass etc. could be an answer to off-grid electrification and on-grid efficiency in Laos.

http://library.wur.nl/way/bestanden/clc/1885912.pdf

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Sugarcane in Phongsaly: Story of a forecast disaster

Short but informative paper. It discussed conditions, under which replacing slash and burn farming by cash crop production might be a solution to forest preservation. Though not discussed explicitly, the paper also provided first hand information on the question why it was difficult to make the contract farming work.

http://mekonginfo.org/mrc_en%5Ccontact.nsf/0/2B49690F4E42255487256906003074BE/$FILE/pddp.pdf

Vietnamese Migrant Workers in Savannakhet, Lao PDR A Study of the impacts of their economic migration on the region

The paper said it was interesting that while Cambodian and Lao went to work in Thailand, Chinese and Vietnamese were, on the other hand, coming to work in these two countries. Through studies base on interviews, it concluded that while Vietnamese workers in Savannakhet contributed to both countries by providing skilled labor in Laos and remit home, social impacts were also expected.

http://www.mekonginstitute.org/html/images/pdf/rocke2/5Paper_Vmigrants_in_Lao_PDR.pdf

Monday, January 19, 2009

Understanding the supply chain of paper mulberry bark in Lao PDR using causal mapping

Quite interesting paper. It uses causal mapping to examine the factors shaping the supply chain of paper mulberry bark. The supply chain is seen as a network of six
functional groups (farmers, district traders, Lao exporters, Thai manufacturers,
government extension staff and consultants). There were too many findings so please have a look by your self at
http://www.wiso.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/_/H73/H733/Laos/Report_CausalMaps.pdf

Friday, January 16, 2009

Pro-Poor Tourism and the Value of Heritage in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

This paper thinks that there should be more activities to foster local awareness of, and appreciation for Luang Prabang’s (or Luang Pabang, a city that was registered as world heritage in Laos) cultural and heritage significance, on which the future of the site will depend. Downloadable at
http://www.tourismroi.com/Content_Attachments/28016/File_633546129004585181.pdf

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

DETERMINANTS OF POVERTY IN LAO PDR

This paper uses a detailed household survey data set to examine the determinants of income and poverty in Lao PDR. It found that household size, dependency ratios, education, access to agricultural inputs, geography and ethnicity are among the main determinants of per capita consumption.
http://swopec.hhs.se/eijswp/papers/eijswp0223.pdf