Strengthening rural development and supporting poverty reduction in the Lao PDR

Government and development partners reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthening rural development and poverty reduction in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic during the latest meeting of the Sub-Sector Working Group on Rural Development (SSWG-RD) held in Vientiane on 24 September 2025. The session provided a platform to review draft legislative documents, discuss land allocation and participatory land-use planning at the village level, and promote agricultural production in remote areas, while enhancing coordination to ensure inclusive and sustainable rural development.

The SSWG-RD convened in Vientiane on 24 September 2025 to reaffirm the commitment of the government and its development partners to advancing rural development and reducing poverty across the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Discussions covered land allocation and participatory land-use planning at the village level, as well as agricultural production extension and promotion in remote areas. The SSWG-RD further reviewed the draft legislative documents and monitored poverty graduation and development based on Decree No. 348.

The meeting was supported by the Local development programme, co-financed by the government of the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Finance and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

The session was chaired by H.E. Mr Kykeo SINGNAVONG, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and co-chaired by H.E. Mr Thomas LAMMAR, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Lao PDR. Both co-chairs underscored the importance of inclusive and coordinated efforts to address the multifaceted challenges that rural communities face.

Established in 2017 under the Sector Working Group on Agriculture and Rural Development, the SSWG-RD plays an essential role within the roundtable meeting process. It serves as a platform for policy dialogue, coordination, and collaboration between the government and development partners, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of rural development initiatives.

The objectives are closely aligned with key national and international frameworks, including the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals, and relevant strategic policies. Through regular dialogue and information exchange, the SSWG-RD contributes to the formulation and refinement of strategies, legislation, programmes, and monitoring systems. It also promotes cross-sector collaboration, reviews sector indicators, and strengthens institutional and human resource capacities within the rural development and poverty reduction sector.

Looking ahead, the SSWG-RD remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships and promoting inclusive, sustainable development. Continued engagement from government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders is essential to ensuring that rural communities across the Lao PDR benefit from coordinated and impactful development efforts.

The Local development programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland. It is jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Finance (formerly the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.