Laos continues to demonstrate its economic development in the 2013-2014 period with a growth rate of 7.6 percent, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, announced at a roundtable meeting in Vientiane on November 14.

The event, which was organised by the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to review progress and devise measures to implement the 2016-2020 plan and achieve the Millennium Development Goals . It attracted more than 300 international and domestic delegates.

Deputy PM Thongloun Sisoulith, who is also Foreign Minister, hailed the substantial contributions made by Laos’ private sector, as well as international partners and organisations.

He pointed out a number of challenges for the country, including the impact of natural disasters and limited financial sources.

He concluded by urging participants to explore the nation’s potential for economic development and regional and international integration, as well as ful filling the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and no longer being categorised as underdeveloped by 2020.

Kaarina Immomen from the UNDP office in Laos spoke highly of the country’s achievements in implementing its socio-economic development plan, as well as the government’s active involvement of stakeholders.

She also affirmed that UNDP will continue to provide technical and financial support to Laos in the future.

Per capita income has increased from 1,534 USD in the 2012-2013 period to 1,692 USD in the 2013-2014 period, with an inflation rate of 5.16 percent.-VNA