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28 April 2009

Australian Parliamentary Secretary Visits Laos

Australian Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Mr Bob McMullan, will visit Vientiane from 29 April to 1 May to meet development partners and discuss Australia’s foreign aid to Laos.

“Laos has made significant progress in reducing poverty as a result of strong and sustained economic growth and increasing regional engagement but some real challenges remain,” said Mr McMullan. “Australia is committed to helping Laos to achieve its Millennium Development Goals targets – particularly in education.”

Mr McMullan will visit a model school in Phone Hong District to see first-hand the type of education assistance being funded by Australia in Laos.

He will also participate in a ceremony to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Australian-funded Laos-Thai Friendship Bridge.

“The Bridge is an enduring symbol of Australian, Thai and Lao cooperation,” Mr McMullan said.

During his stay, Mr McMullan will meet with the Ministers of Education, Planning and Investment and Industry and Commerce to discuss social and economic development issues and how these might be affected by the global economic downturn. He will also meet the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Phongsavath Boupha.

Mr McMullan will hold meetings with other development partners, including the World Bank, Asia Development Bank and UN agencies to discuss ways to improve coordination and cooperation between donors.

Australian assistance to Laos is expected to total A$27.8 million in 2008-09. The main areas of focus include basic education, scholarships, trade and investment, and rural development (including mine action, community development, and rural infrastructure).

Media contacts: Ms Raine Dixon
First Secretary
Development Cooperation Section
Australian Embassy
Tel: 353800 Ext. 121