Australia’s International Development Assistance Program
2011-12 Lao PDR
The Australian Government will provide an estimated A$42.1 million in official development assistance to Lao PDR in the financial year 2011-12.
This represents a 76 percent increase in Australia’s official development assistance to Lao PDR over the past five years (since financial year 2006-07).
‘The level of aid funding to Lao PDR demonstrates Australia’s long-term commitment to assist Lao PDR to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development,’ said Australia’s Ambassador to Lao PDR, Ms Lynda Worthaisong.
Managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Australia’s aid program in Lao PDR is focused on three key areas: strengthening basic education, increasing trade and investment in areas that contribute to poverty reduction and improving rural livelihoods.
Australia remains committed to supporting Lao PDR to achieve its MDG targets for primary education. In particular, Australian support will continue to increase access to quality education for both girls and boys, improve completion rates and strengthen education planning systems.
Australia recognises that significant progress has been made to reduce poverty in Laos, but many people in rural areas still need better access to supplies, information, markets or employment in order to improve food security and incomes. This is why in 2011-12 we will increase our focus on village infrastructure and access to markets as we continue to support ongoing work on rural livelihoods, disaster risk reduction and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
The Australian Government has given an ongoing commitment to scale up its overall development assistance program to 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income by 2015 16.
The Australian Government remains committed to ensuring that every dollar spent on aid in Lao PDR has the maximum impact on poverty and economic development.
Media enquiries:
Raine Dixon
First Secretary (Development Cooperation)
021 353800 ext. 121