New Zealand supports Lao PDR to achieve sustainable economic growth, develop a highly skilled and educated workforce, and build resilience to disasters, and increase access to renewable energy.
Although economic growth in Lao PDR has been impressive, poverty and disparities remain widespread and Lao PDR ranks lowly at 139 out of 189 countries in the United Nation’s Human Development Index.
Our development activities in Lao PDR focus on areas that Lao PDR has prioritised and where New Zealand’s expertise is most valued, such as agriculture, knowledge and skills, and disaster risk management.