Most of the imported materials over the first half of the current fiscal year were vehicles, industrial and construction materials and processed foods.
Rising import values are attributed to the rapid increase of investment projects and economic growth. The government has approved 29 domestic and foreign investment projects with a combined investment cost of US$1.6 billion.
Lao economic growth saw at least eight percent growth over the first six months of this fiscal year, creating higher purchasing power among sections of the population.