In 2018, Laos was hit by widespread floods. They were some of the heaviest and cost intense floods in a decade and had a huge impact on the economy of Laos. Also many people died, got injured or lost their homes. The effects of the disaster can still be felt today. On Dec. 13 the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors granted financial help. The approved additional financial funds are 50 million U.S. dollars. Their primary purpose is to repair the damage caused by the flood, which is estimated to be around 371,500 million US Dollars.
What the financial funds will be used for
The money is distributed to two projects. One part goes to the Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Management Project. Another part to the Lao Road Sector Project II. The money for the Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Management Project in Laos is intended to reduce the effects of flooding on potential risk areas and help the government to respond appropriately to such disasters. Furthermore, it’s meant to enhance hydro-meteorological services. The money for the Lao Road Sector Project II has two purposes. On the one hand, damaged roads are to be repaired. On the other hand, the infrastructure should become more climate resilient.
Financial aid to Laos and its impact on tourism
The financial resources that are granted for disasters naturally only have an indirect impact on tourism. Still, they have an impact. By promoting infrastructure and disaster management, for example, the safety of tourists is also increasing. But of course that’s not all. A better infrastructure also improves the entire transport system. This will, among other things, make bus trips through the country more attractive. In general, sooner or later financial aid will contribute significantly to the economic development of Laos. Who knows, maybe the country will even become one of the next Asian Tigers.
Read more:
Is Laos a safe country to visit? A thorough guide for 2025
As a traveler, it’s natural to consider your safety and well-being – particularly when it comes to visiting a country like Laos, which remains unfamiliar to many. We felt the same before our first trip, but after experiencing the country firsthand we can say that, while there are some things to be aware of, Laos […]Spicy food in Laos – what every tourist should know
How spicy is Lao food? Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Laos is not the spiciest. There are plenty of countries with spicier dishes, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Nonetheless, Lao food can be very spicy, and therefore – if you’re not used to spicy food – it’s better to be cautious rather than order […]Gay traveling in Laos: useful tips for homosexual tourists
Like most other Southeast Asian countries, Laos is pretty open towards gay people. However, the situation is not comparable to the Philippines or Thailand, where there are many bars, events, and hotels catering to the LGBTQ+ community. After all, Laos is still a pretty conservative country with traditional values. In this article we want to […]10 most dangerous animals in Laos: Watch Out!
When it comes to wildlife, Laos is one of the most diverse countries in Asia. There are plenty of animals roaming freely, including very rare ones like the Irrawaddy dolphin. While most pose no risk to humans, there are some that can be dangerous and you should be aware of, especially if you like exploring […]Visa on arrival in Laos: situation in 2025
If you’re planning to travel to Laos, you’re going to need a visa. The good thing is, that in most cases you’re eligible for a visa on arrival and therefore don’t need to apply in advance. However, some things you should know if you want to apply for a visa on arrival in Laos. In […]
