Laos
BACKGROUND
Since the mid-1980s the people of Laos have experienced a gradual transition from a centrally-planned economy to an increasingly market-oriented financial system. The country still faces serious infrastructure and human capacity challenges, however. The Government of Laos recognizes the need for technical assistance, training and investment in order to modernize its economy and address critical health, education and employment issues, and has welcomed USAID programs designed to address these needs.
USAID PROGRAMS
PEACE & SECURITY: ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOODS
USAID provides technical assistance to develop silk production as a viable economic alternative to opium production, enhancing the livelihoods of poor farmers in northern Laos. The program promotes the formation of village clusters, where producers and buyers can benefit from reductions in marketing costs while raising the quality of yarn and textiles. It also introduces microfinance via savings and lending groups.
PEACE & SECURITY: HELPING PEOPLE DISABLED BY UNEXPLODED ORDINANCE
USAID provides assistance to improve the quality of medical and rehabilitation services for victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Indochina conflict more than 30 years ago. In addition, USAID seeks to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities from UXO by working toward the development of effective and sustainable national policies. The program also develops community resources for people with disabilities by addressing their physical, social and economic needs. USAID supports income-generating projects, vocational opportunities and integration into community life for disabled people.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE: EDUCATING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
USAID is working to strengthen inclusive education in Laos to ensure that children with disabilities are able to attend and succeed in school. Working with teachers and administrators in primary and preschools, the program promotes the development of education resources and local expertise, strengthens community networks, and promotes advocacy to increase social awareness with respect to disabilities.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE: HEALTH
USAID is engaged in activities in Laos to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis, malaria and dengue fever as part of its regional health program. It is providing regional technical assistance on various aspects of drug quality assurance including drug control management systems, laboratory testing methods, confirmation testing, good manufacturing practices, and bioavailability studies. USAID seeks to reduce the incidence and to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on at-risk and infected people and their families. The Avian Influenza program strives to contain the H5N1 virus within the animal population, as well as help the country prepare for a pandemic by strengthening response capabilities.
ECONOMIC GROWTH: TRADE REFORM
USAID provides technical assistance and training to the Government of Laos in implementing reforms necessary to gain accession to the World Trade Organization, implement the U.S.-Lao PDR Bilateral Trade Agreement, and collaborate in the development of an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
ECONOMIC GROWTH: ENVIRONMENT
USAID provides technical assistance and supports the Government of Laos in collaboration with other countries in the region to promote responsible timber trade and the sustainable management of forest resources and biodiversity; to combat illegal wildlife trafficking; and to promote the adoption of improved conflict management policies, plans and mechanisms within the Mekong River Basin.
CONTACT
Sara Walter
Program Development Office
U.S. Agency for International Development
GPF Witthayu Tower A
93/1 Wireless Road
Bangkok 10330 Thailand
Office: (66-2) 263-7440
Fax: (66-2) 263-7499
E-mail: swalter@usaid.gov
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