IMF Staff Completes 2023 Article IV Mission to Lao P.D.R.

IMF News, February 8, 2023

Source details

Press Release No. 23/36
Date: February 8, 2023
Mission visit dates: January 26 to February 8, 2023
Location of concluding meetings: Washington, DC (concluding meetings joined by IMF Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura)
Mission Chief for Lao P.D.R.: Mr. Alasdair Scott
IMF Communications Department — MEDIA RELATIONS press officer: Huong Lan Vu
- Phone: +1 202 623-7100
- Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
- Twitter: @IMFSpokesperson
Meetings held in Vientiane with:
- Senior officials from Bank of the Lao P.D.R.
- Senior officials from Ministry of Finance
- Other government agencies
- Private sector representatives

Purpose: 2023 Article IV Consultation discussions covering macroeconomic developments, prospects and challenges, and policies to further the progress of the Lao P.D.R.
Reporting process: Based on preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for discussion and decision.
Institutional disclaimer: The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board.

2022: The global fight against inflation resulted in a difficult year for Lao P.D.R.
2023: Stronger economic activity in China due to re-opening is expected to lead to:
- Greater demand for goods and services produced in Lao P.D.R.
- More tourists coming to the country
Global inflation: World inflation seems to have peaked.
Risks: The world economy and Lao’s economy are not out of the woods yet, with risks to the global outlook remaining tilted to the downside.

IMF staff expressed thanks to the authorities for excellent discussions and their support during the Article IV visit.

IMF press release — IMF Staff Completes 2023 Article IV Mission to Lao P.D.R., February 8, 2023