VIENTIANE, Lao People's Democratic Republic (ILO News) – The Rural Employment Promotion (REP) project, a new initiative that aims to increase incomes and boost employment opportunities for some 25,000 women and men in rural areas of Lao People's Democratic Republic was launched in Vientiane today (3 August 2023).
The REP project is implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Lao Federation of Trade Unions. The implementation is divided into two phases. The first phase is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and will run until 2027 and the second phase will follow on and continue till 2031.
The initiative supports the implementation of the National Rural Employment Strategy (NRES) which targets decent and sustainable employment creation in rural areas to increase incomes, improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
It will engage women and men, including persons with disabilities, youth, returned migrant workers and LGBTQI in three provinces in Phase I and in additional two provinces in Phase II.
“Today’s MoU signing ceremony has its own significance and it is necessary for all parties to coordinate, cooperate and share responsibilities to develop skills of workers in both quantity and quality, to create and improve jobs according to the labour market demand and contribute to the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP),” said Anousone Khamsingsavath, Director General of Employment Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
To achieve its goals, activities will take place in three main areas. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems and employment services will be upgraded to help participants gain the skills they need to find decent employment opportunities, especially in non-farm sectors. Primary producers, rural workers and enterprises will be strengthened by addressing systemic barriers to productivity, competition, trade, and market integration. In addition, the capacity of government, employers’ organizations and trade unions will be built to facilitate rural employment, investment and NRES implementation. Sexual and reproductive rights and women’s economic empowerment will be supported throughout the initiative.
“Unlocking the potential of those living and working in rural areas is vital to the socio-economic development of Lao PDR. This initiative will provide new opportunities for large numbers of women and men, giving them better livelihoods options and more secure futures,” said Viengprasith Thiphasouda, ILO National Coordinator for Lao People's Democratic Republic.
“USAID is proud to support the Rural Employment Promotion Project which aims to unlock the immense potential of the Lao people, creating a conducive environment for existing business to thrive and enticing new private sector investment", said Cullen Hughes, Director of the Economic Growth, Education and Energy Office, USAID/Laos”
The launch ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Vientiane and was witnessed by representatives of ILO, UNFPA, USAID, and key stakeholders from relevant line ministries and organizations.
For further information please contact:
Mr Mohammad Khairul Islam REP Project Manager (English) Tel.: +856 20 5222 0654 Email: [email protected]
