A recent survey shows that a very large number of Lao people are self employed, or employed without pay by family, rather than working for businesses or other organisations.
The number of people working in both private and state organisations is still very low despite increased investment and economic growth. According to a 2011 household survey, which was distributed to media at the end of last month, only 174,000 people or 4.33 percent of the total population within the working age group of 15 to 64, work for private companies. A further 11,234 or 0.28 percent work for state-private joint ventures, and 32,039 or 0.80 percent work for state-owned businesses.The results of the survey, which was conducted by the Lao National Statistics Bureau, give the impression that growing private investment and strong economic growth has helped to open up employment opportunities.Economic growth has seen a more than 7.5 percent appreciation over the past few years, largely due to foreign investment in hydropower sector and mining. These investments are not labour intensive, however, so they do not provide large numbers of jobs.A lack of skills is one of the main barriers preventing Lao people from obtaining jobs in the rising number of large investment projects in the country. Some of the projects employ foreign workers as they were unable to recruit domestic workers.
The government has realised the need for education reform and development so it has increased the budget for education in order to supply a sufficiently skilled labour force to meet the growing demand created by foreign investment and economic growth. The latest survey also identifies that 276,974 people, or 6.8 percent of the working age population, work for state agencies. This shows that the
number of people working as state employees is still high compared to other countries.
The survey also shows that about 1.4 million people, or 35 percent of the working population, are self employed. These people own small
businesses such as barber shops and family retail shops, chicken farms and beauty salons.About 1.1 million people or 28.57 percent of the working age population work for their own families without payment, 218,342 or 5.42 percent are home makers, and 558,905 people or 13.87 percent are students.About 110,173 people, 2.73 percent of the working age population, are retired while 61,345 or 1.52 percent are looking for jobs. Some 3,382 people or 0.08 percent did not provide information on their employment status.The Lao National Statistics Bureau conducts annual household surveys which aim to provide data to help the government determine the ideal development policy for the reality of the situation in the country.
Vientiane Times,
January 02, 2013
The Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to the UN in Geneva, Yong Chanthalangsy, on Thursday sent a letter clarifying the issue of the disappearance of Mr Sombath Somphone in response to the queries raised by the UN Special Procedures. The content of the letter is as follows: As a Member of the United Nations, Laos has always cooperated with the international community, particularly in the promotion and protection of human rights, which is reflected in the country’s implementation of its international obligations and commitments on human rights with achievements being progressively made. Laos is State party to 7 core UN Human Rights Conventions and 2 Optional Protocols. In addition, Laos is also a signatory to the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Being the fourth nation in Asia to sign this important Convention Laos is currently in the process of preparations for its ratification. In the implementation of its human rights obligations and commitments the Lao PDR has the constitution and laws which are in conformity with the treaties to which the Lao PDR is party. Furthermore, Laos has adopted the Legal Sector Master Plan on the Rule of Law by 2020 in order to create enabling conditions for the Lao people to fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In recent times, pursuant to approval of the Law on Family (amended) by the National Assembly (NA) on 2 July 2008 and its promulgation by Presidential Decree 112/PDR, dated 18 August 2008, the adoption of Lao children by Lao nationals, foreigners, and stateless people has been permitted.
Cambodia’s Heng Development Company on Monday unveiled the firstever electric-powered cars manufactured by its factory in Kandal province. The show was made after the firm has completed the construction of a US$20 million car manufacturing plant branded “Angkor” in Kandal province’s Takhmao district. Speaking at a car show on Monday here, Khuon Sodary, the 2nd vice-president of the Parliament, said it was the first time that Cambodia has its own car-made factory and this was a pride for the country. “This is a good start. Even though the car is not as good as that imported from other countries, but it is the good start. No start, no progress,” she said. Sieng Chan Heng, director general of Heng Development Company, said the factory has used raw materials and spare parts from auto manufacturers in China’s Shanghai. “We do believe that the Angkor-branded car will gain popularity among local customers because it is friendly to environment,” she said. “A car costs less than US$10,000.” She did not disclose the number of cars the factory will produce annually, saying that it will depend on market demand.