Employers’ and business membership organizations
Lao employers help shape a new Decent Work Country Programme for a post Least Developed Country (LDC) transition
As Lao PDR prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the ILO and its tripartite constituents have launched consultations on the country's 2027–2031 Decent Work Country Programme, aligning it with national development priorities and the transition beyond LDC status.
30 July 2026
VIENTIANE, Laos (ILO News) – On 23 and 24 July, 2026, the International Labour Organization (ILO), together with the Government of Lao PDR, the Lao Federation of Trade Unions and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), has launched consultations to develop the country's next Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for 2027–2031.
The new programme comes at a pivotal moment as Lao PDR prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026. The programme is aligned with the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the Government's 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030).
For employers, LDC graduation presents both opportunities and challenges. As preferential trade arrangements are gradually phased out, future competitiveness will increasingly depend on productivity, skills and the ability to meet international buyer expectations on labour standards and responsible business practices.
Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) has therefore emerged as a key priority in the new DWCP. The ILO is supporting LNCCI to develop Lao PDR's first national Responsible Business Conduct Guidelines, providing enterprises with practical guidance to strengthen competitiveness and respond to evolving market requirements. The initiative will also establish a national RBC Working Group and build LNCCI's capacity to support enterprises over the long term.
As Lao PDR graduates from LDC status, Responsible Business Conduct will be essential for maintaining market access and strengthening the competitiveness of Lao enterprises. The new DWCP provides an important platform to help businesses prepare for this transition.
Mr. Viboon Sithimolada, Vice President of LNCCI
Skills development is another priority. Strengthening technical and vocational education, expanding employer engagement and building digital and green skills will help enterprises improve productivity and move into higher-value markets.
As one of the ILO's three constituents, LNCCI is playing a central role in ensuring that the voice of business is reflected throughout the DWCP. By aligning the programme with the UNSDCF, the National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the country's post-LDC priorities, the new DWCP aims to support not only better jobs, but also stronger enterprises, greater competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.