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LAOS - Governments of Lao PDR, Luxembourg and Switzerland to launch new phase of Local Development Programme
Representing the Governments of Lao PDR, Luxembourg and Switzerland, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Luxembourg Embassy in Laos and the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation respectively convened the Programme Steering Committee Meeting to officially close the “Local Development Programme for Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane and Vientiane province” (LAO/030) and launch a new phase.
The new LAO/338 programme is co-funded by the Governments of Lao PDR, Luxembourg and Switzerland with a generous grant of EUR 33 million, and implemented by LuxDev and the ministry of Planning and Investment. It aims to foster inclusive development in 226 target villages across 17 districts from 2023 to 2027.
From left to right: Thomas LAMMAR, Chargé d'Affaires, Luxembourg Embassy; Phonevanh OUTHAVONG, Vice Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment; Jean-Gabriel DUSS, Regional Director of Cooperation, SDC
The Programme Steering Committee Meeting was chaired by the Vice-Minister of Planning and Investment, Mrs. Phonevanh OUTHAVONG, and co-chaired by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Luxembourg Embassy to Lao PDR, Mr. Thomas LAMMAR, and SDC Regional Director of Cooperation, Mr. Jean-Gabriel DUSS. More than 70 representatives from central, provincial and district government officials, as well as development partner organisations also participated in the meeting.
The Programme Steering Committee Meeting reviewed the successful predecessor of LAO/338, LAO/030, which was implemented between 2016 and 2022 with a total funding of EUR 32.4 million and benefiting approximatively 150.000 people. The final evaluation concluded that, despite challenges encountered during the implementation period, particularly the spread of COVID-19, the project has been very successful. Key achievements included 3.588 community projects implemented through village development funds, the establishment of 46 community-owned credit schemes that enabled job creation and increased production capacity, construction and renovation of 396 schools, water supply systems and other local infrastructure, as well as training and awareness campaigns in 90 villages and capacity building for central and provincial-level government officials.
The programme focus
The new five-year programme, from 2023 to 2027, focuses on three main areas of support:
- the creation of socio-economic opportunities for sustainable livelihood;
- access to improved and more resilient public services; and
- access to improved and more resilient village-level services.
Its objective is to further enhance the livelihoods of people in rural communities by strengthening their capacity to manage natural resources, enhance agricultural productivity, and develop income-generating activities. The Local Development Programme is expected to benefit over 172.000 people through village development funds and over 750.000 people through local infrastructure investments.
