ILO/China Partnership Programme to prioritize skills development in Lao People’s Democratic Republic for 2025

VIENTIANE (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization’s China Partnership Programme will put skills development at the heart of its efforts to advance decent work in Lao People’s Democratic Republic during 2025.

A review of the work carried out in 2024 and plans for 2025 took place in Vientiane on 19 March 2025, attended by government, employer and worker representatives.

Participants recommended that the programme and its stakeholders place greater emphasis on several key areas going forward. These include fostering public-private partnerships, promoting quality apprenticeships and aligning education with industry needs. They stressed the importance of strengthening certification systems and engaging the private sector in labour market data sharing.

The meeting saw discussion on the decline in enrollment for education and vocational training and proposed strategies to address these challenges. Participants also examined barriers to implementing the Labour Market Information System (LMIS).

The ILO/China Partnership Programme’s activities aim to enhance skills for government officials, business operators and workers.

In 2024, key actions included the alignment of vocational training with labour market demands, curriculum development, occupational standards and technology integration with ASEAN member countries. These were carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Lao Federation of Trade Unions, and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“The ILO/China Partnership Programme continues to play a vital role in supporting the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on its path toward inclusive and sustainable development,” said Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO’s Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific, and Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

“By placing skills development at the center of our efforts, we are opening up decent work opportunities for more people and supporting businesses across the country.”

Since 2020, some 130,000 individuals have benefited from initiatives carried out by the ILO/China Partnership Programme in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. This includes those who have taken part apprenticeship training, job fairs and skills competitions.

© ILO

© ILO