Family, Friends and Business Relationships
Relationships are the currency of business and social life in the Lao PDR. When resources and information are scarce, relationships count a lot. In order to get things done, personal contacts and familial relationships are drawn upon in all aspects of daily life, from finding a job to getting a license. The Lao have very close family and tribal relationships, which they value above everything else. Obligation is used to establish a network that can be called upon in time of need. It is not a cold, calculating exchange, but rather proof the relationship is alive and well.