Laos faces severe inflation and debt crisis, doubling food prices and weakening its currency.

Laos, heavily indebted to China, is grappling with severe inflation, causing food prices to skyrocket. Basic staples like rice and sugar have doubled in price, leading many households to resort to foraging. Public debt, at 108% of GDP, is unsustainable, and the national currency, the kip, has sharply depreciated. Despite plans to curb inflation, critics argue the government's measures are too slow. The World Bank suggests cutting tax breaks and restructuring debt to address the crisis.

November 17, 2024
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