Laos was founded in the 8th century AD and invaded successively by France, Japan and US and other countries from the 19th century. In October 1945, Laos gained independence; in December 1975, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established. Since the renovation and opening up in 1986, Laos has gradually established the market economy system. In July 1997, Laos joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); in October 2012, Laos was accepted officially by WTO as the 158th member state.