Therefore, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and the West including the United States of America should not blame Laos for her unconditional support for the People's Republic of China.  Needless to say, a decade long mining boom, combined with a rapid development of hydropower, has seen Laos’ growth rate reach over 7 percent a year, allowing national output to more than double, generating some half a million jobs.  According VOA news, A key player in the economic progress has been China. A recent World Bank report on the Lao economy noted China’s influence was continuing to grow.

China is the leading investor, with $6.7 billion in 760 projects from mining, to energy, agriculture, banking and trade as well as construction of commercial properties.  China is also a key investor in real estate. In Vientiane, Chinese owned commercial buildings stand developed or under construction. This includes the $1.6 billion That Luang Lake residential and commercial complex covering 365 hectares.