Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong attends a meeting in Berlin, Germany.

Germany pledges millions of euros in aid for Laos as both sides outline future cooperation

The German government has pledged to provide a new aid package worth 41 million euros (1.011 billion kip) to Laos to support poverty alleviation programmes and drive development.
The support was the outcome of negotiations between the two governments on extending development cooperation. The meeting took place in Berlin, Germany, during September 17-18, according to an official statement.
“As part of the negotiations, the Government of Germany has undertaken to provide the Government of the Lao PDR with a total new amount of €41,000,000 for bilateral Technical and Financial Cooperation,” the Department of International Cooperation of the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment said in the statement.
The Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong, led the Lao delegation attending the meeting. The German Parliamentary State Secretary to the Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr Bärbel Kofler, and Mrs Phonevanh jointly delivered opening remarks at the meet. 
Mrs Phonevanh, on behalf of the Lao government and people, expressed sincere appreciation for the assistance Germany has extended to Laos since 1964.
“The technical and financial assistance provided under Lao-German cooperation has played a key role in alleviating poverty, developing vocational skills, creating jobs, protecting and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and improving infrastructure in rural areas,” she said.
Dr Kofler underscored the long-standing partnership between the two sides and said 60 years of cooperation has created strong links between the two countries.
“Together, we have achieved a great deal. Germany remains committed to its partnership with Laos and to supporting the priorities that you have set,” Dr Kofler said.
This support comprises 20 million euros for financial cooperation projects and 21 million euros for technical cooperation projects.
This year’s Lao-German inter-governmental negotiations on development cooperation coincided with the 60th anniversary of cooperation between Laos and Germany (1964-2024).
During their talks, the two sides touched on key areas of Lao-German cooperation, such as sustainable economic development, vocational training and employment, living without hunger and transformation of food systems (including rural development and land management), conserving nature and natural resources, and protecting life on earth.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 2, 2024)