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Laos Intensifies Efforts Against Child Labour Amidst Development Push
The Lao government has pledged to intensify its efforts to eliminate child labour. Concurrently, it is focusing on rural development and improving living standards through international cooperation, including the completion of a poverty reduction project with China and the signing of a new UN development cooperation framework.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for intensified efforts to eliminate child labour in Laos. During a visit to Kadane Subdistrict, Khong District, Champasak Province, he stressed the importance of improving security, strengthening rural development, and raising living standards for the populace. In parallel with domestic initiatives, Laos is deepening its international cooperation. A two-year technical cooperation and poverty reduction project aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods, agricultural production, and infrastructure in Tha Dokkham Village, Xaythany District, was officially completed with China. This marks a concrete achievement in addressing Laos' economic challenges, particularly rural poverty. Furthermore, the Lao government and the United Nations have taken a significant step towards strengthening their development partnership by reviewing a new five-year cooperation framework set to guide joint efforts from 2027 to 2031. This underscores the continuation of international support mechanisms for Laos' sustainable socio-economic development. Prime Minister Sonexay also urged for accelerated socio-economic development in the four southern provinces of Laos, emphasizing regional connectivity, modern agriculture, clean energy, tourism, and value-added industries. This strategy aims to position Laos as a regional economic hub and diversify its economic structure. In a related development, government agencies, the private sector, and development partners have signed a joint commitment to position the Lao PDR as a leading biodiversity tourism destination in Asia through sustainable conservation and nature-based tourism. This initiative seeks to leverage Laos' rich natural resources to foster new economic growth pillars. These developments highlight Laos' commitment to prioritizing socio-economic development under its one-party system, while actively engaging with international organizations and development partners, alongside maintaining and strengthening relations with neighbouring major powers like China and Vietnam. While economic challenges, particularly inflation and public debt management, remain critical, the government's focus is firmly on development and improving living standards. Source: KPL Laos News
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KPL Laos News