Poverty solutions prove challenging

Rural development and poverty eradication in Laos could face many challenges in the coming years before getting better in the long term, according to the National Committee for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication. The challenges include unexpected developments and the fact that regional and international integration may impact the viability of rural commercial ventures because most Lao people are either small holder farmers or small business people. Other issues include a lack of skilled human resources and limited access to finance, explained Mr Chit Thavixay, an official from the NCRDPE at the meeting in Vientiane this week. Despite the fact that the country has potential in terms of natural resources, its human resource potential is still limited in comparison with other countries in the region, Mr Chit said.

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