Laos also applied in 1998 to join the World Trade Organization, where it currently has observer status. Laos's relations with Thailand have historically featured territorial conquests in both directions, and as recently as the mid-1980s there were fierce and bloody border clashes. Nevertheless, Thailand remains one of Laos's most important bilateral partners for reasons of history, proximity and cultural affinity as well as strong trade and investment links. The visit of Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai in May 2000, the first visit by a Thai PM in three years, served as an important occasion in further cementing ties. Areas of concern and drawbacks Landlocked Laos has a limited infrastructure, no railroads, a poor road system and limited telecommunications.
Electricity is available in only a few urban areas.
Laos hopes to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2020. Laos suffers from a severe shortage of tertiary-trained personnel and lacks sufficient officials with English language skills to interact effectively with donors and investors and undertake its Asean commitments. The health status of the Lao people is poorer than elsewhere in the region and government expenditure on health is among the lowest in the world. Advantages Laos shares borders and many common interests with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China, forming a natural economic growth area. Subregional economic interaction has, until recently, been obstructed by political and ideological divisions and hostilities, but these divisions have reduced considerably in recent years, especially with Laos joining Asean in 1997.