Chinese-owned banana plantations expand in Laos despite lingering environmental and health concerns
In 2017, the Lao government ordered the closure of the country’s Chinese-owned banana farms following reports of pollution and workers falling ill after being exposed to dangerous chemicals. Firms already operating in the country were allowed to stay open until their contracts expired. The ban prohibited the signing of new contracts with Chinese banana firms.
The ban has since been lifted but environmental and health concerns remain. To fully unlock the economic benefits of the Laotian banana trade, the government must provide firm oversight and further industry management efforts.
Oliver Ward
