Nghiên cứu sinh Sihoune Siththilusay bảo vệ luận án tiến sĩ
NEW CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE THESIS
Thesis topic: Factors affecting the attraction of the host country to FDI: An empirical study in Laos PDR
Major: Business Administration Code: 9340101
PhD student: Sihoune Siththilusay Student ID: NCS38.03B1QTV
Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Le Trung Thanh
Training institution: National Economics University
New scholarly and theoretical contributions
On the basis of theoretical and practical research, the Thesis has new scholarly contributions as follows:
1. Provide up-to-date empirical analysis of factors attracting FDI in Laos – There are very few recent studies that focus specifically on analyzing the factors attracting FDI inflows into Laos using the latest data. This thesis will help fill that gap by conducting empirical research using the most recent FDI data, examining variables such as infrastructure, tax reform, trade agreements, FDI promotion policies, market search, and efficiency seeking.
2. Improved understanding of FDI trends and drivers in developing countries – The results will provide deeper insights into FDI determinants in less developed economies. This can complement the current academic literature that mainly focuses on FDI in developed and emerging economies. The analysis of Laos allows a deeper look at FDI attraction in low-income developing countries.
3. Contribution to academic literature on FDI in Southeast Asia – Although there is some research on FDI in larger ASEAN economies, academic studies focusing on Laos remain scarce. This thesis will help fill this area knowledge gap.
New findings and suggestions drawn from the research results of the thesis
(1) The results show that market search engines, effective search engines, and government policies are all important factors that have a positive impact on the ability to attract FDI into Laos. Market search engines such as market size, growth potential, and accessibility are the main driving factors for FDI in Laos. This shows that Laos' expanding consumer market and regional integration are enhancing the country's attractiveness to foreign investors. Efficiency seeking engines related to lower labor and input costs in Laos also attract export-oriented FDI projects. Laos can leverage its natural resources and low-cost workforce to attract productive seeking investments.
(2) Government policies and incentives have the strongest influence on FDI inflows. Foreign investors place a high weight on favorable regulations, tax exemptions and reductions, investment protection and stability. This underscores the pivotal role of institutional reform. Among the factors, policies to encourage FDI, incentives to seek markets and availability of infrastructure were found to have the greatest influence on attracting FDI into Laos.
(3) Improve the legal and regulatory framework through new investor-friendly laws, eliminate inefficient regulations, strengthen intellectual property protection, and issue clear implementation guidelines. Enhance policy stability and transparency to create investor confidence and confidence in the consistency of Laos' FDI policies and regulations.
Leverage regional integration and trade agreements such as ASEAN and RCEP to boost FDI inflows by expanding market access and positioning Laos as an export hub. Develop special economic zones with incentives, infrastructure and simplified procedures to attract export-oriented manufacturing FDI. Invest in improving transportation, power and telecommunications infrastructure to enhance location advantages. Continue to reform taxes, fees and investment incentives such as tax exemptions and reductions to attract FDI into priority sectors. Actively promote investment opportunities through conferences, events and information sharing with potential foreign investors. Improve service efficiency and government approvals that affect foreign businesses through the application of digital technology and streamlining administrative procedures. Focus on skills development and training programmes to create a workforce equipped to benefit from the spread of FDI.
