Mild deficits are expected in the next two years, with the government aiming to maintain the growth rate, although the potential removal of its trade privileges could lower revenue realisation. With Lao PDR’s deficit ratio remaining at around 5% in 2018 (World Bank, 2019) and its debt ratio becoming a concern, the country imposed spending restrictions (e.g. limits to the allowances of government officials and vehicle purchases) to narrow the gap in 2019 and 2020. Similarly, Myanmar moved to raise tax collection and rein in spending in the near term to deal with persistently wide budget shortfalls.