Luxembourg extends assistance to Laos

The Lao government and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg yesterday signed an agreement and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to extend assistance and support for Lao socio-economic development.

The signings took place in Vientiane and included an extension to the Borikhamxay Livelihood Improvement and Governance Programme and a tripartite MOU between the National University of Laos (NUOL), Luxembourg and Swedish Section Office for Development Cooperation. The programme agreement was signed by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dr Bounthavy Sisouphanthong and Ambassador of Luxembourg to Laos Marc Ungeheuer, who is based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Dr Bounthavy said the continued assistance of the Luxembourg government to the three poorest districts of Borikhan, Khamkeuth and Vienthong in Borikhamxay province is worth 75.3 billion kip (6 million euros).

He said the Lao government’s contribution is 10 percent of the total amount. The programme covers priority development goals, social and economic development and the Millennium Development Goals for sustainability poverty eradication.

The three-party MOU continues assistance from the Luxembourg government on capacity building in law education and is worth 63 billion kip (5 million euros).

Dr Bounthavy said the Lao government has always highly valued Luxembourg’s assistance and hopes to together move further towards enhancing relations and cooperation and help Laos to
achieve its goal to move off the UN’s list of least developed countries by 2020.

“We will do our best to make use of your assistance as efficiently and effectively as possible,” he pledged at the signing ceremony.

Dr Bounthavy Sisouphanthong (right) shakes hands with Mr Marc Ungeheuer (left) after signing the agreements.

Luxembourg is a major donor to Laos through bilateral and multilateral channels. The support covers socioeconomic development and improving the livelihoods of ethnic groups in Borikhamxay province in particular.

Dr Bounthavy thanked the government and people of Luxembourg for their valuable assistance and generous contribution and support extended to Laos.

Phonsavanh Vongsay | Vientiane Times, Friday November 6, 2009