Eliminating Workplace Discrimination, Harassment and Child Labour in Lao People’s Democratic to Support Trade and Compliance

• Project factsheet

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has made significant economic progress in recent years, with an average annual growth rate of around 6 per cent. The country is scheduled to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) to a developing country in 2026; it will need to maintain its competitiveness after this point as it will not have its protective safeguards under the LDC status. Lao PDR will have to prepare for entering trade negotiations and opening its economy as per WTO rules. Compliance with fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) are key components of many trade agreements, for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and for accessing preferential opportunities into larger markets.

The project aims to align national labour practices with international labour standards, which is crucial in the context of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and evolving expectations within global supply chains.

The project focuses on key trade sectors by strengthening social dialogue and building the capacity of tripartite constituents to prevent discrimination and harassment at work both in law and in practice and to combat child labour. Additionally, the project seeks to promote social dialogue and supportive labour relations policies that uphold respect for the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW).

Contact

Viengprasith Thiphasouda
ILO National Coordinator for Lao PDR
E: [email protected]

Bounthavy Bounmy
National Project Coordinator
E: [email protected]