QBN Lao PDR October-December 2014

Although economic growth and structural transformation in Lao People’s Democratic Republic has continued at a rapid pace, the transition out of agricultural employment has remained relatively slow, particularly given its limited contribution to GDP. Concurrently, the more rapidly growing sectors of the economy have not created enough jobs to make a considerable impact on the structure of employment. As a result, labour migration continues to represent an important livelihood option for the Lao workforce. A survey in 2006 found that approximately seven per cent of the population was migratory, with 74 per cent of migrant workers between the ages of 18-35.