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| 1990 |
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| In view of the changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Laos increased its ties with Thailand and China and sought increased Western aid for economic reform. However, it continued to be a client state vis-à-vis Vietnam. New economic mechanisms were also introduced, including the decentralization of economic decision making and a greater reliance on market forces. | 1 |
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| 1991, Aug |
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| Final adoption of the new constitution. Some economic growth had resulted from the new development plan introduced in 1985. However, Laos continued to be one of the poorest countries in the world, with a per capita income of approximately $180 per annum and 85 percent of the population working in agriculture. | 2 |
| In the area of international relations, the Laotian relationship with Vietnam was still “special” but less substantial, since the Vietnamese were preoccupied with their own problems. Relations with China and with the U.S. continued to improve. | 3 |
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| Aug. 15 |
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| Prime Minister Khamtai Siphandon became the head of the Communist government. | 4 |
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