Chinese assistance to Laos has steadily increased in the past ten years, with grants totalling over 2.3 billion yuans and over 350 million dollars in long-term loans.
Chinese investment has also steadily expanded. Since 1990, China has undertaken some 236 investment projects in its southern neighbor, totalling over $876 million in 12 areas.
China is also currently mapping potential mining areas in Laos, having discovered some 500 areas with various mineral deposits in only 30% of the total land area so far covered.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details on Chinese assistance to Laos and investment.