VIENTIANE (ILO News) – Lao People Democratic Republic has launched today its second Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) which will cover the period 2017-2021. The document was signed by senior representatives of the Government, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU). This new country programme aims to promote inclusive and sustainable development through employment creation and skills development, the application of labour standards, the extension of social protection, and the promotion of social dialogue.

“Creating decent jobs especially for the most vulnerable and those in rural areas will be key to the success of the country in poverty reduction and graduation from least developed country status,” said Dr. Kikeo Chanthaboury, the Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment. He also stressed that the five-year plan will contribute to the implementation and reporting against the adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to the implementation of the country’s five-year 8^th National Social and Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).

“The programme also aims at achieving eligibility for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2020, particularly with respect to addressing human development and economic vulnerabilities as well as expand social protection coverage,” said Dr. Chanthaboury.

The Director of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR, Mr Maurizio Bussi, said: “Lao PDR demographics represent a major opportunity for development. The long-term population dynamics offer opportunities for savings from a reduced social services burden and should pave the way for more national investments in inclusive socio-economic development.”

“However, the full benefits of the demographic dividend will only be realized if more and better jobs are promoted and youth employment prospects are enhanced with a view to inclusive growth and development. The key areas of focus of the Decent Work Country Programme over the next five years will promote and apply policies, strategies and programmes that increase productive employment opportunities and decent work in the rural economy. Similar emphasis will be placed on strengthening the management, outreach and sustainability of social protection systems,” Mr Bussi added.

The agreement was signed by the Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr. Kikeo Chanthaboury, the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mme. Baykham Kattiya, the Vice President of LFTU, Mr Symoun Ounlasy and the Vice President of LNCCI, Mr Daovone Phachanthavong.

The Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) is the primary framework for the ILO support to constituents at the country level. It reflects the ILO’s efforts in in putting decent work at the heart of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and promotes its integration with national development plans and country level United Nations Sustainable Development Frameworks. 

The ILO is the United Nations specialized agency that deals with labour and work-related issues.  The ILO’s unique tripartite structure brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programmes, with the aim of promoting Decent Work for All.  In Lao People Democratic Republic, these tripartite constituents are represented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Lao Federation of Trade Unions, and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

 For more information please contact:

 Ms Khemphone Phaokhamkeo

ILO National Coordinator in Lao People Democratic Republic

Tel.: +856 20 5662 1760

Email: khemphone@ilo.org