The United States Agency for International Development Laos–U.S. International and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration (USAID LUNA II) is a four-year, $9 million activity that is helping Laos to further integrate into the global economy by developing and implementing sound, modern, transparent and inclusive economic policies and regulations. Currently, natural resource extraction has fueled 7.5 percent average GDP growth over the past 10 years. However, per capita income remains low at about $1,460 and poverty levels are among the highest in Southeast Asia.

Integration within the global economy will help generate sustainable trade and investment, and create the conditions for improved access to economic opportunities and higher incomes for both men and women from all areas of Lao society. Higher incomes are an essential piece of Laos’ ultimate goal of achieving middle-income country status by 2020.