Laos Reaffirms Commitment to Skills Development and Worker Protection at ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting

The Lao PDR has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ASEAN labour cooperation to promote decent employment, protect workers’ rights and expand opportunities for people to develop skills and secure better livelihoods. The Lao delegation, led by Mr. Phongsaysak Inthalath, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, attended the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM), the 22nd ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM) and related meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. Hosted by the Ministry of Labour of Thailand, the meetings were held under the theme, “Advancing ASEAN Human Capital Towards International Recognition of Skills Certification,” bringing together representatives from ASEAN Member States, development partners and dialogue partners. Mr. Phongsaysak reaffirmed the Lao PDR’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation with ASEAN Member States, development partners and dialogue partners. He also expressed support for the ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Work Plan and the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Plan for 2026–2030. The regional cooperation focuses on areas that directly affect workers and their families, including safe and orderly labour migration, stronger labour standards, effective labour inspection, occupational safety and health, social protection and the development of green and digital skills. Recognition of skills across ASEAN is expected to help workers gain qualifications that are more widely understood and valued, improving their access to employment opportunities and supporting mobility in a rapidly changing labour market. The Lao delegation also endorsed the Joint Declaration of the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting and the Joint Declaration of the 14th ASEAN Labour Ministers Plus Three Meeting involving China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The documents set out common priorities for strengthening labour cooperation and promoting decent and fair work across the region. The outcomes of the meetings will be submitted to the 49th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for November 2026 in the Philippines. Thailand holds the ASEAN chairmanship for 2026–2028, while Timor-Leste is scheduled to host the 30th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting in 2028.