Overview of Australia's Aid Program to Lao PDR
Australia has had a long-standing development cooperation engagement in the Lao PDR. Australian aid currently focuses on basic education, trade and investment facilitation and rural development.
In 2021-22, the Australian Government will provide an estimated $20.6 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Laos. This includes an estimated $20.6 in bilateral funding, managed by DFAT.
Australia's ODA to Laos aims to help the Lao Government lift its people out of poverty, and develop as a prosperous and stable neighbour that can contribute constructively to the region. This objective is consistent with the themes of the Australian Foreign Policy White Paper — contributing to global efforts to reduce poverty, alleviate suffering and promote sustainable development; and building our influence through education, including scholarships.
Basic Education
Basic education is the flagship of Australia’s development cooperation partnership with the Lao PDR.
Australia is the largest bilateral donor to basic education in Lao PDR. We deliver our support in partnership with the Lao Government, multilateral development agencies and other donors to build schools, train teachers, strengthen school management... Read more about BEQUAL Phase II
Human Resource Development
The Government of Lao PDR has placed priority on building its human resource capacity to address existing skills gaps to sustain social development and economic growth and support new enterprise. Read related information Here
Trade and Private Sector Reform
Australia is helping the Lao Government to simplify and improve the transparency of regulation for business, including establishment of an electronic trade portal which will publish in one place all import and export related laws, regulations and procedures.