Lao PDR launched first Decent Work Country Programme

(ILO NEWS) Vientiane - Representatives of the Lao Government, Lao workers' and employers' organizations and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed the Lao PDR's first Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP).

The DWCP for Lao PDR provides a framework for the delivery of ILO assistance within the country and promotes decent work as a key element in the national development strategy. The overall aim is to promote decent work for all in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.

The programme covers the period 2011-2015 and has four priorities: Promoting employment and skills development to support more equitable growth and poverty reduction; improving labour market governance; improving and expanding social protection; and improving the capacity of constituents and strengthening social dialogue. Linked to these four priorities are 15 specific Outcomes, including rural employment, skills development, child labor, social protection, migration, gender, occupational safety and health, and support for labour-related policy and legal frameworks.

The ceremony took place during a workshop held in Vientiane on 16 February. Signing on behalf of Lao PDR were H.E. Mr Somchith Inthamith, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Planning and Investment; H.E. Mr Bounkhong Lasoukhanh, Vice-Minister of Labour and Social Welfare; H.E. Mr Vanhna Douangphachanh, Vice President of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) and Dr Sananh Chounlamany, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI). Mr Jiyuan Wang, Director of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR signed the DWCP on behalf of the ILO. Ms Sachiko Yamamoto, ILO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, also attended the ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.

“This is a major breakthrough in terms of achieving the Lao Government's vision for growth with equity," Ms Yamamoto said. "The DWCP will support the Government of Lao PDR as well as workers and employers in the country in creating decent work, at a critical juncture in the country's development path".

H.E. Mr Bounkhong Lasoukhanh, Vice Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, congratulated delegates on the successful launch of the first-ever DWCP. "Creating decent work, especially for the poor and in the rural areas, will be key to the success of our country in poverty reduction, and the graduation from the status of Least Developed Country by 2020," he said. Mr Lasokhanh added that the DWCP's priorities and outcomes are in line with the national development goals enshrined in the Lao PDR‘s current 7th National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2011-2015. Both frameworks also coincide with the target year - 2015 - for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The DWCP priorities will be integrated into the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for Lao PDR 2012-2015, the new multi-year strategy for the country that covers the work of the entire UN system.

In a presentation to the workshop, ILO National Coordinator in Lao PDR, Ms Khemphone Phaokhamkeo, said that despite impressive economic growth, Lao PDR still faces a number of development challenges. These include widespread poverty, widening inequities, jobless growth, youth development, a shortage of skilled workers, and the need to increase productivity and competitiveness, and stimulate local private sector development. "The DWCP is results-based and focused," Ms Khemphone said, adding that "the DWCP will focus directly on capacity development of the three constituents and other national partners, throughout its implementation and monitoring work”.

The ILO is the specialized agency of the United Nations 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 promoting Decent Work for all. In Lao PDR the tripartite constituents are represented by the MoLSW, LFTU and LNCCI. The DWCP was developed after more than a year of consultations with these tripartite partners, and other national stakeholders.

The ILO estimates that to achieving all the Outcomes in the Lao PDR, DWCP will require funding of US$1.5-2 million a year.

For more information please contact:

Ms Khemphone Phaokhamkeo
ILO National Coordinator in Lao PDR
Tel: (020) 5662 1760
Email