Vietnam became the leading foreign investor in Vientiane, Laos with US$1.5 billion invested in 162 projects from 2006-2010, followed by China with US$705 million invested in 142 projects and Thailand with US$411 million.

The statement was given by the Vientiane Department of Planning and Investment.

Under the report, Vientiane approved 1,052 foreign-invested projects from 2006-2010, valued at US$3.5 billion, up 80 percent compared to previous 5 years (2001-2005).

Vientiane officials said they hoped the foreign direct investment (FDI) will keep rising, especially when the Laotian government has amended some clauses in the Law of Investment, such as tax reduction and right land use for priority projects.