Re: GDP per capita has increased from US$76 in 1975 to US$438 in 2005

Hmm?????...... Does anyone take into account the inflation? I am sure
that the $76 back in 1975 probably could buy as much as $438 can today.
What do you think?

Jansey

thanouxay wrote:
> Dear Friends,
>
> 30 years had passed and the performance is not that bad. Please read
> this interview by PM Bounnhanh Vorachith.
> Sok dee
>
> Prime Minister Bounnhang reflects on the nation's progress.
>
> "When we review national development, we have to consider our
> beginnings as a backward economy, when people lived on a hand-to-mouth
> basis," Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachit said.
>
> Over the past 30 years, Laos has witnessed enormous progress in its
> development, Mr Bounnhang told the local press yesterday, recalling how
> the country had earlier been destroyed by more than 10 years of war,
> leading to a period of hardship.
>
> Prime Minister Bounnhang reflects on the nation's progress.
>
> "When we review national development, we have to consider our
> beginnings as a backward economy, when people lived on a hand-to-mouth
> basis," Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachit said.
>
> Over the past 30 years, Laos has witnessed enormous progress in its
> development, Mr Bounnhang told the local press yesterday, recalling how
> the country had earlier been destroyed by more than 10 years of war,
> leading to a period of hardship.
>
> "Under the leadership of the Party, and thanks to the patriotism of
> the people and the sacrifices of all ethnic groups of Lao people and
> with support from the international community, our country was able to
> overcome those difficulties and begin the task of implementing national
> protection and development," the Prime Minister recalled.
>
> This year is the 30 th anniversary of Lao National Day. In the lead up
> to this special anniversary, Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachit briefed
> the press on the implementation of the national development plan during
> the last 30 years, particularly the achievements of the renovation
> policies regarding socio-economic development plans.
>
> The Prime Minister stressed some of the highlights of the progress
> achieved by the government since liberation.
>
> The government has maintained stability in politics, the economy and
> security. This favourable situation has facilitated socio-economic
> development, which has seen continuous growth.
>
> Since, the introduction of the renovation policy in 1986, economic
> growth has averaged 6 percent annually.
>
> GDP per capita has increased from US$76 in 1975 to US$438 in 2005.
>
> Agriculture
>
> There are over 15,000 irrigation systems throughout the country, which
> have the potential to boost agricultural production.
>
> In 2005, the country now can produce 2.3 million tonnes of rice, up
> from 400,000 tonnes in 1976, to fully meet consumption demands. This is
> also enough to keep stocks of rice in reserve and to export the
> surplus.
>
> "In 1976 we did not have enough rice to eat," observed the Prime
> Minister.
>
> Infrastructure
>
> Infrastructure relating to telecommunications, electricity, water and
> roads has expanded. These systems play an important role in driving
> economic growth and providing links to other countries. They are also
> factors enabling the modernisation of the country's industry.
>
> The country has about 4,497 km of paved roads, up from 1,427 km in
> 1976; roads with stone surfaces amount to 10,097 km, up from 4,371 km
> in 1975. Dirt roads have also increased in number, and there are now
> 16,615 km, up from 5,664 km in 1975.
>
> It is the policy of the government to make the country a transit route
> for the ASEAN region.
>
> The government has worked to change the country from a landlocked
> nation into a land-link, connecting with other ASEAN nations and
> beyond.
>
> Work on strategic roads has been completed and others are under
> construction. Road No 9 from Savannakhet province stretching to the
> Vietnamese and Thai borders has already been completed, while R3
> highway in the north is currently under construction. It is expected to
> be completed in the middle of 2007.
>
> Bridges linking neighbouring countries have been built, such as the
> Lao-Thai friendship bridge in Vientiane and another crossing the Mekong
> River in Champassak province.
>
> The Savanakhet-Mukdahan bridge at the Lao-Thai border is under
> construction and should be finished in late 2006.
>
> The Prime Minister added that post and telecommunication systems had
> seen widespread changes since 1990. Modern technologies, especially the
> Internet, are being employed to facilitate local and overseas
> communication.
>
> To date, the country has a total of 772,136 fixed line connections and
> mobile phones, an increase on the 2001 figure of 71,551 units and the
> 1975 figure of 4,600 units.
>
> Industry and handicrafts
>
> In 1976, there were 100 industrial and handicraft factories; now there
> are 26,200.
>
> Power and mining
>
> Electricity and mining industries have grown rapidly since national
> liberation.
>
> Now, the country has 11 hydroelectric dams, producing 1,541 million
> Kwh, up from 247 million Kwh in 1975. These meet local demand and also
> supply other countries.
>
> In the first 10 months of this year, the country earned US$19,257
> million from hydropower sales.
>
> The local electricity network is also being expanded to ensure both
> urban and rural communities have access to electricity. In remote
> areas, where the supply of electricity is not cost-effective, the
> government is harnessing solar energy to produce electricity.
>
> According to the government's power development plan, about 45 percent
> of all families will have electricity in 2005. This will increase to 70
> percent by 2010 and 90 percent ten years later.
>
> The government aims to develop the country as a regional power hub.
>
> The country's physical location and natural resources mean the
> potential for developing hydroelectric energy in Laos is huge. This
> potential is also a major source of growth and an indicator of the
> country's ability to generate revenue and fulfil the government's
> poverty reduction and environment conservation initiatives.
>
> The investment policy has been clear over the past 30 years, creating
> confidence among investors. The government welcomes foreign direct
> investors to develop mining projects in the country.
>
> The government is also attracting many local and foreign investors in
> the development of hydropower schemes.
>
> The US$1.2 billion Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric power project will be the
> biggest power project undertaken in Laos and is located in Khammuan
> province. The foundation stone of the project will be laid this Sunday.
> The site will begin generating electricity in 2009.
>
> Almost all of the 1,070 MW of electricity generated will be exported to
> Thailand, providing about US$1.9 billion in revenue for the Lao
> government over 25 years, beginning 2009.
>
> Many other foreign investors have also expressed interest in investing
> in mining projects in Laos .
>
> The largest foreign investment in Laos , a gold and copper mine at
> Xepon in Savannakhet province, is operated by Lane Xang Minerals
> Limited. A US$230 million copper mine began production in March, 2005,
> expected to produce 60,000 tonnes annually.
>
> The mines are boosting the local economy and providing thousands of
> jobs for local villagers.
>
> Education
>
> In addition to the economy, the government has focused on social issues
> such as education and health and the protection of the nation's
> traditional culture.
>
> The education sector has grown strongly, both in quality and quantity.
>
> Currently, 70 percent of the population is literate. This reflects a
> marked contrast to the time of the previous regime, when 70 percent of
> the population was illiterate. Another outstanding achievement in the
> field of education is the increase in the number of higher education
> institutes such as colleges and universities.
>
> Currently, there are about 35,429 students in schools of all levels,
> compared to 146 in 1975.
>
> There are now about 1,684 teachers who have graduated from colleges and
> universities, up from only 64 in 1975. There are now 38 colleges and
> universities, whereas there were only 4 in 1975.
>
> Health
>
> The prime minister also highlighted the development in the health
> sector, referring to the increase in the number of hospitals and health
> services which were being accessed by people nationwide.
>
> Currently, there are three big hospitals in the capital and 13 in the
> provinces. There are also 127 district hospitals. Also, there are also
> 746 dispensaries and 254 private clinics.
>
> The number of the doctors stands today at 2,000; there were none in
> 1976-80.
>
> Other outstanding achievements include the elimination of polio and the
> efficient tackling of disease outbreaks.
>
> The average life expectancy is about 61 years old up from a mere 40
> years in 1975.
>
> A new start
>
> The first National Congress met on December 1 and 2, 1975 and accepted
> the abdication of the King.
>
> The Congress resolution on 2 December 1975 declared the establishment
> of "the Lao People's Democratic Republic". This historic event was
> the beginning of a new era, an era of genuine independence for the
> country and true freedom for the people.
>
> By Vientiane Times
> (Latest Update November 25, 2005)

.

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