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Temple in disrepair: Laos seeks foreign aid to restore Wat Pou

Article Abstract:

The Laos government requires foreign aid to preserve the 12th century Wat Pou temple complex built by the Khmer ruler Suryavarman II. The restoration work for the temple, destroyed by eroding rain waters and antique hunters, started after Laos acquired $210,000 from UNESCO. In the second phase, Laos received $300,000 to study the rock and soil conditions of the region. Meanwhile, a new method of preservation called anastylose has been discovered, which will be used to dismantle the main sanctuary, rebuild the base of the temple with concrete and restore the broken segments to the original form.

Remodeling and renovation, Monuments, Laos, Temples

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Chain lending: informal credit fills void left by Vietnam's banks

Article Abstract:

Informal credit circles, better known among Vietnamese as hui groups, are themost popular alternative lending sources in Vietnam. According to government figures, only a mere 6% of the country's 71 million people rely on the country's banking system. Although the exact number of credit circles in the country is unknown, such sources of lending have greatly contributed to Vietnam's economic recovery efforts. Credit circles come in different types, whose main drawing power lie on their ability to hand over available capital inthe absence of complicated banking procedures.

Analysis, Finance, Vietnam, Personal loans, Finance charges

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Safety in numbers

Article Abstract:

US companies continue to invest heavily in Singapore despite its high costs. The number of US companies operating in Singapore increased from 900 in 1993 to 1,200 in 1996. One executive explained that Singapore was more attractive for his company than Hong Kong because of government incentives. Malaysia has attracted growing US investment especially in the petroleum and electronics sector. One US diplomat explained that Malaysia is attractive because of its political stability, abundant inexpensive labor and rapidly growing economy.

United States, International trade, Singapore, Malaysia

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