Laos stresses the need to borrow as West raises debt alarm

Prime minister admits missing target for graduating world's poorest countries

Financing is crucial for Laos' development, even if it means borrowing more, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith told the Nikkei Asian Review. (Photo by Yoichi Iwata)

KENJI KAWASE, Nikkei Asian Review chief business news correspondent

June 13, 2018 11:45 JST

Updated on June 13, 2018 13:52 JST

TOKYO -- As the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia and one of the least developed ones in the region, Laos seems to have different priorities on growth that are driving it pile on even more debt.