World Bank: Lao current account deficit remains high
LAOS’ current account deficit is expected to widen to 12 per cent this year as imports are projected to grow faster than exports, according to a recent report from the World Bank.
The rising trade deficit is driven by strong demand for imports relating to investment in mega infrastructure projects, particularly the under-construction Laos-China railway.
From January to May this year, the export sector remained stable due to the fact that strong exports of crops and semi-processed products offset a drop in mining exports triggered by lower metal prices.
Electricity exports remained stable compared to last year, while manufacturing exports such as electronic parts declined, according to the latest edition of the World Bank’s Lao Economic Monitor.
“This reflects the spillover effect due to the appreciation of the Thai baht.
However, this trend was compensated by an increase in exports of rubber, crops (cassava and fruits) and wood pulp to China (about $80 million in the first five months of this year or a sevenfold increase compared to the same period last year),” the report said.
In the meantime, imports somewhat grew and the increase in demand for machinery and equipment more than offset the fall in fuel imports.
The growth of the import sector was mainly driven by construction equipment, vehicles and machinery to support large projects.
The import of construction equipment and machinery, mainly from China, increased by 26 per cent year on year from January to May this year.
Meanwhile, fuel imports fell by 11 per cent in value terms due to lower average oil prices during the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year.
According to a government report, the value of imports is expected to reach $5.77 billion this year and the value of exports is projected to reach $5.51 billion, with the trade deficit at $259 million.
One of the main challenges for Laos is to boost agricultural productivity and the processing industry for export and to promote tourism so that more foreign currency flows to the country.
Last year, Laos suffered the most costly floods in a decade after the collapse of a dam at the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy hydropower plant in Attapeu province.
More than 600,000 people across the country were affected by flooding, and 64 people lost their lives.
The total damage from last year’s floods was estimated at $371.5 million, equivalent to 2.1 per cent of the country’s projected 2018 GDP, and 10.2 per cent of Laos’ annual budget, according to the World Bank.
The government has forecast that the agriculture sector will grow by only 2.8 per cent this year despite the fact that the majority of the population is employed in this sector.
Economists recommend Laos attracts more investment in agriculture to boost exports by cutting red tape and providing more incentives for agriculture businesses.