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Characterizing private investments and implications for poverty reduction and natural resource management in Laos

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  • Oulavanh Keovilignavong
  • Diana Suhardiman

Abstract

We examine the patterns and characteristics of private investment in Laos, and how these evolve in relation to the Lao government's investment incentive policies in particular, and the wider State policies in general. Our goals are to: (1) systematically describe and analyze the patterns and characteristics of private investment in the country, and (2) analyze investment outcomes in terms of economic growth, poverty reduction and livelihoods. We argue that while private investments in the resource sector have contributed to economic growth, they have also negatively impacted local resources and communities. From a policy perspective, we highlight the need to examine the actual significance of policy incentives provided by the Lao government, especially with regard to its ability to direct investment decisions, in terms of both geography and sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Oulavanh Keovilignavong & Diana Suhardiman, 2018. "Characterizing private investments and implications for poverty reduction and natural resource management in Laos," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(S1), pages 341-359, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:36:y:2018:i:s1:p:o341-o359
    DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12302
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ian G. Baird & Bruce P. Shoemaker & Kanokwan Manorom, 2015. "The People and their River, the World Bank and its Dam: Revisiting the Xe Bang Fai River in Laos," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 46(5), pages 1080-1105, September.
    2. Lao PDR Ministry of Planning and Investment & World Bank, 2011. "Lao People's Democratic Republic - Investment and Access to Land and Natural Resources : Challenges in Promoting Sustainable Development, A Think Piece (A Basis for Dialogue)," World Bank Publications - Reports 12812, The World Bank Group.
    3. Ian G. Baird & Jefferson Fox, 2015. "How Land Concessions Affect Places Elsewhere: Telecoupling, Political Ecology, and Large-Scale Plantations in Southern Laos and Northeastern Cambodia," Land, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-18, May.
    4. repec:wbk:wbpubs:4387 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Peter J Buckley & L Jeremy Clegg & Adam R Cross & Xin Liu & Hinrich Voss & Ping Zheng, 2007. "The determinants of Chinese outward foreign direct investment," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 38(4), pages 499-518, July.
    6. Federico Bonaglia & Kiichiro Fukasaku, 2007. "Private Sector Development in Poor Countries: Seeking Better Policy Recipes?," OECD Development Centre Policy Insights 48, OECD Publishing.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zheng, Zhiqiang, 2026. "Encountering large-scale infrastructure development in the rural areas: Dynamic effects on rural livelihoods and mobility injustice in northern Laos," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    2. Sayed, Khalid & Nazimuddin, Ridzwan & Syakir, M.I. & Yusuff, Shaiful & Johar, Rahmah & Yaseen, Zaher Mundher, 2025. "Shifting paradigm in water resources management: Public willingness to participate in watershed management of Batu Kurau, Perak, Malaysia," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 39(C).
    3. Illien, Patrick & Bieri, Sabin, 2024. "Political settlements analysis and the study of pro-poor development: Laos and Rwanda compared," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).

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