What about the LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC?
By Jan Freidun Taravosh November 30th 2009
In the west, the nation known as Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is simply know as Laos. the type of government in LAO PDR is a genuine People’s Democracy, but it is often written off without much knowledge as a “Communist Dictatorship” in the west.
For some reason, even within the progressive movement people tend to accept the demeaning portraying of this nation as nothing more than a small developing country that is considered poor, and if people show any interest in the history of Lao PDR, it’s taking note of the fact that the country was heavily bombed during the U.S. invasion of Indochina. To be frank - It seems no one has cared much about what has happened in this country since the mid 70’s and it’s nothing but baffling to me. When the anti imperialist movements are more than happy to endorse any positive development in Cuba, then why should the people of Lao PDR be treated any differently? Really?
Dr. Ty Phommasack vice minister of agriculture in the people’s government attended the world food summit in Rome some weeks ago. and he presented the following statement which I wish to quote.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
The agriculture and forestry sector is the main contributor to the GDP and overall
economic development, and in particular to the government’s food production and
poverty reduction targets.
Lao PDR’s agriculture was impacted by the global downturn, especially supply of key
imported inputs require for agriculture and encountered relatively severe disasters in
2008 and in 2009 which had damaged a large number of irrigation scheme and destroyed
agriculture areas of approximately 42,000 ha. However, agriculture and fisheries production has recorded satisfactory performance in the last few years. This is, to a great
extent, due to gradually increasing and well-programmed investment in the agriculture
and rural development sector. It is estimated that total rice production will reach 3.2
metric tons in 2009 and thereby meet its rice requirement and self-sufficiency. “
despite the unfavourable conditions described above for this landlocked country, the reaching of self sufficency, is a great achievement!. Lao PDR might be seen as a poor country by western standards, but how many of the western (capitalist) nations have ever strived for self sufficiency or sincerely cared about agricultural and Rural development. In Lao PDR agriculture is the life blood of the nation, in western countries such as the Kingdom of Sweden, good soil is wasted for golf courts while the general populace become increasingly dependant on food imports for no reason. The people of Lao PDR, are aware that development is no easy task, yet they highly esteem their independence and sovereignty, and they get together to make the best of what they have got.
this is a source of inspiration , if you ask me. Despite various setbacks the people are united in a common vision to work together for the development of the independent society. Dr. Sisoulith, the deputy prime minister of Lao PDR, who delivered a statement to the 63 session of the UN General Assembly, last year explained: The Lao PDR continues to enjoy a solid political and social order. Thus our socio-economic has registered significant achievements as reflected in high and sustained GDP growth. Notwithstanding these achievements the the Lao PDR still faces impediments. rising oil prices, inflation and a global economic slowdown all stand in the way of our path to economic prosperity. This year, we are also experiencing a severe flood, inflicting huge material loss nation-wide. Yet despite all of this, by improving the quality of basic infrastructure, human resources and co-operation with international partners we are determined to pursue our twin strategies of poverty eradication and regional integration. At this pace we hope to extricate our country from the shackles of underdevelopment by the year 2020. “
Hopefully the above clears up a few myths about Lao PDR to people who have not been aware of the true dynamics of the developments in the country, and I hope this article will help people interested in social development to see the Lao PDR in a different light. one should respect the sovereignty of the Lao PDR, and stop seeing it as a helpless orphan country, which it obviously is not. one thing it certainly is - a progressive country in development- this is true. The Lao PDR is by no means that “isolated hell on earth” as often portrayed in western media - more over it is in fact a popular tourist destination. The nations capital Vientiane also has The Swedish bakery - I would go there if I had the money.
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