New Zealand supports Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) to achieve sustainable economic growth, develop a highly skilled and educated workforce, build resilience to climate change, and improve good governance. The development cooperation partnership with Lao PDR supports ASEAN’s commitment to narrow the development gap between its members.
The development cooperation partnership with Lao PDR supports ASEAN’s commitment to narrow the development gap between its members.
Although economic growth in Lao PDR has been impressive, poverty and disparities remain widespread. Lao PDR ranks lowly at 139 out of 193 countries in the United Nation’s Human Development Index.
Our development cooperation is made up of activities delivered specifically in Lao PDR, as well as multi-country and regional initiatives, and Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. Our country-specific development initiatives focus on areas that Lao PDR has prioritised and where New Zealand’s expertise is most valued, such as mine action with the removal of unexploded ordnance, flood risk management using nature-based solutions and building knowledge and skills.
Key documents and links
- Lao PDR
- New Zealand's Four Year Plan for ASEAN [PDF, 982 KB]
- Our IDC activity reporting page includes information and links to our DevData website for detailed information on current IDC activities
- Recent evaluations and research
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships(external link)
- Humanitarian action