Lao - Luxembourg Development Cooperation

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The first cooperation projects between Luxembourg and Lao PDR were launched in 1997, and later framed by a general cooperation agreement in 2000. Over the years, 4 multi-annual programs, called Indicative Cooperation Programmes (ICP) have been implemented. Those programmes define the strategy, interventions, and priority areas in each partner country. Currently, the 5th ICP is ongoing (2023-2027).  Signed in 2021, it is supported by a budget exceeding 110 million €. The programme adopts a strategic approach, which links the interventions in the different priority sectors through the integrated development of human capital, including by promoting institutional strengthening and good governance.

The four priority areas include:

i)                    Health & Nutrition,

ii)                   Local Development,

iii)                 Skills Development for Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry, and

iv)                 Rule of Law, Access to Justice and Good Governance.

Luxembourg focuses its activities on the four provinces of Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, and Vientiane. Throughout the activities, particular emphasis is placed on human rights, gender equality, environmental protection and the fight against climate change, as well as the use of digital technologies.

The programmes are funded primarily by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, with additional contributions from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Biodiversity of Luxembourg, who approach Laos through an integrated whole-of-government approach.

The ICP is oriented along Luxembourg’s general development cooperation strategy, The Road to 2030, as well as the national socio-economic development plans (NSEDP) and sectoral strategies of the Lao PDR.

Luxembourg’s fifth ICP is also closely aligned with the Team Europe Strategy 2021-2027, encompassing the European partners’ combined efforts and cooperation priorities with the Lao PDR.

·         The ICP V is available in English here (PDF).

An overview of bilateral and multilateral projects, programme support, regional cooperation, cooperation through NGOs and humanitarian affairs can be found through the following links:

·         Overview of the Laos Luxembourg Development Cooperation - 2025 (PDF, 6.51 MB)

·         Lux-Development in Laos

Together with its partners, including LuxDev, UN Agencies, NGOs, as well as academic and private partners, Luxembourg remains committed to eradicating extreme poverty, while 'leaving no one behind'.

 

Key Dates of the Development Cooperation between Laos and Luxembourg

  • 1997: Diplomatic relations established at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly followed by a first intervention in the health sector
  • 2000: General Cooperation agreement signed in Vientiane
  • 2003: ICP I (Indicative Cooperation Programme) covering the period from 2003 to 2006 with a total budget of 18 million EUR
  • 2007: ICP II (2007-2010) with a budget of 35 million EUR
  • 2011: ICP III (2011-2015) with a budget of 50 million EUR
  • 2015: ICP IV (2016-2020) signed in Luxembourg with a budget of 60 million EUR
  • 2017: Signature of the budget increase of ICP IV to 75 million EUR
  • 2019: Signature of an additional budget increase of the ICP IV to 86 million EUR
  • 2021: Signature of an additional budget increase of the ICP IV to 99 million EUR and extension of ICP IV until the end of 2022.
  • 2021: Signature of the 5th Indicative Cooperation programme (ICP V 2023-2027) for 95 million EUR
  • 2024-2025: Budget increases bringing the total budget of ICP V to more than EUR 110 million EUR