From local impact to global recognition: how Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme is shaping Laos’ future workforce

In a major boost to Lao PDR’s human capital development, the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (STAF) Programme, has been recognised as a Global Gateway Flagship Project by the European Union (EU) and its Member States, placing it among the world’s most significant Vocational Skills Development (VSD) and employability initiatives financed under the EU’s Global Gateway.

The STAF Programme, implemented by the Lao PDR Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, and co-financed by Luxembourg, Switzerland and the EU, seeks to address the challenges of persistent low quality and relevance, as well as limited uptake, of VSD opportunities, which continue to hold back the country’s economic competitiveness.

Focusing on two sectors with strong potential for inclusive and sustainable growth, namely tourism and hospitality, and agriculture and forestry, the programme aims to improve the labour market orientation of, and access to VSD services. These sectors are not only major employers, but also offer opportunities for entrepreneurship, as well as green and digital innovation.

The tourism sector in Lao PDR, severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is still in recovery. The STAF Programme supports this rebound by ensuring a pipeline of skilled graduates who can help rebuild the sector’s competitiveness. In agriculture and forestry, the programme supports value chain development and skills training in areas expected to benefit from improved trade and transport links with neighbouring countries.

The programme is actively working in four priority provinces: Bolikhamxay, Bokeo, Khammouane, and Vientiane, with additional outreach in Luang Prabang and other important tourism destinations, including Champasak, Savannakhet, Xieng Khuang and Vientiane Capital. STAF works with a wide range of stakeholders, including public and private training providers, employers and government agencies. Special attention is given to improving access to VSD for those at risk of being left behind in Lao PDR’s socio-economic development, including women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. 

In 2024 alone, over 500 students have accessed Certificate Level 1 (C1) courses in the formal VSD system supported by the STAF Programme and are currently transitioning into employment with the support of their training providers and partners in the private sector. As these initiatives grow, even more young people across Lao PDR will gain access to vocational training and employment opportunities. In 2025, the number of supported students is set to reach more than 1,000, further strengthening the link between vocational training and the labour market.

In 2024, the STAF Programme was selected as one of the EU’s Global Gateway Flagship Projects. This designation is part of the EU’s broader Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable and high-quality investments in areas such as education, health, energy, and digital infrastructure. Out of 46 new flagship projects selected that year, only four focused on education, placing the STAF Programme in a small group of initiatives recognised for their strategic relevance and potential impact.

The Global Gateway Flagship designation is not just symbolic. It serves as a visibility and coordination tool for the EU and its member states, helping to align development efforts and highlight projects that reflect shared priorities. While inclusion does not automatically guarantee additional EU funding, the relevance and interest generated by the STAF Programme has led the EU to propose for approval of its Member States a top-up of MEUR 1, a clear signal of confidence in the Programme’s direction and potential.

The Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme is cofinanced by the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.