Policy options deal with resources booms in Lao PDR

Date

2015

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

National University of Laos

Abstract

Resource booms can result in overvaluation of the national currency, an effect commonly referred to as Dutch disease. Laos is a resource-rich economy in terms of mining and hydropower, but the government has not formed relevant policy to deal with this issue. Studies show that resource-rich countries can suffer from slow growth compared with resource‐poor countries often due to effects of Dutch disease, conflicts, and rent seeking. This brief investigates and considers policy options: diversification of the economy; management of fiscal and monetary policy; balancing the budget; reduction of external borrowing; rapid repayment of debt; and setting up funds for future expenditure.

Description

Keywords

ECONOMIC GROWTH, FISCAL POLICY, RESOURCES EXPLOITATION, HYDROELECTRIC POWER, MINERAL RESOURCES, NATURAL RESOURCE CURSE, FOREIGN INVESTMENT, RENT THEORY, RIGHT TO NATURAL RESOURCES CONTROL, CHILE, BOTSWANA, GOVERNANCE, DIVERSIFICATION, MONETARY POLICY

Citation

DOI