Lao People’s Democratic Republic is a land-locked country with population of 6.75 million[1] in 2017 and the GDP value of USD 17.09 billion. Lao PDR is one of the fastest growing economies in the region and globally as the GDP growth averaged at 7.8% over the last decade. Previously, agriculture constituted the main economic sector, accounted for over 50% of Lao PDR GDP. However recent expansion on manufacturing has been shifting GDP share in Lao PDR. Currently, agriculture sector contributes to 23% of Lao PDR GDP while the industry and services sectors contribute to 33% and 37% respectively. The country aims to accelerate its development and to end its status of a least-developed country by 2020. Vientiane (or Viangchan) is the capital city of the country and the official language is Lao.
[1] ASEAN Secretariat. ASEAN Statistical Leaflet 2018
Lao PDR’s population has been increasing steadily from 6 million in 2008 to 6.7 million in 2017. Nonetheless, it is one of the smallest populations, which contributing only 1.05% of the total ASEAN population. The population is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 2%, which will be the highest growth rate in ASEAN. On the other hand, the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) per capita of Lao PDR’s has been growing at annual growth rates between 6 and 8 % to 2,531 USD in 2017.
Source: ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) Database and ASEAN Statistical Yearbook 2018
Source: ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) Database and ASEAN Statistical Yearbook 2018
NDC Target
Source : UNFCCC NDC – Lao PDR
To secure a future where Lao PDR is capable of mitigating and adapting to changing climatic conditions in a way that promotes sustainable economic development, reduces poverty, protects public health and safety, enhances the quality of Lao PDR’s natural environment, and advances the quality of life for all Lao People.
To achieve the above vision, Lao PDR has outlined the following intended mitigation activities to be implemented in 2015 – 2030
Energy Sector
NDC Target
Increase the share of renewables (by 2025)
30%
of the total energy consumption
is sourced from renewable energy
Energy Sector
NDC Target
CO2 avoidance from large scale hydroelectricity (2020-2030)
16,284 ktCO2e/year
Transportation Sector
NDC Target
Reduce CO2 emissions from transportation
191 ktCO2e/year
Forestry Sector
NDC Target
Increase forest cover
70%
of total land area
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Cambodia
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ASEAN
Profile
Socio Economic
Energy Sector
NDC Target
