Number: RL34320
Title: Laos: Background and U.S. Relations
Authors: Thomas Lum, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: The United States and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) cooperate in important areas despite disagreements regarding human rights policies in Laos and the LPDR's strong ties with China and Vietnam. Areas of U.S.-Laos cooperation include: the recovery of Americans missing in action (MIAs), counter-narcotics efforts, the removal of land mines, and avian flu. Social and Economic conditions in Laos reportedly have improved in some areas. The country was upgraded to Tier 2 on the U.S. State Department's trafficking in persons list (2007) for making significant efforts to curtail trafficking, although significant problems remain. Religious freedom reportedly has improved, particularly in urban areas. Opium production and use have dropped dramatically since 1998.3 The country reportedly has made progress in deepening economic reforms as it prepares to apply for membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Pages: 9
Date: January 7, 2008