7 November 2012
Australia’s Prime Minister announces additional support for Laos
During her visit to Laos for the 9th ASEM Summit, Australia’s Prime Minister the Honourable Julia Gillard reconfirmed Australia’s commitment to further supporting Laos’ development. The Prime Minister announced two new programs of Australian Government assistance: a LAK332 billion (AUD41.5 million) rural livelihoods program and LAK160 billion (AUD20 million) for the new Laos-Australia Institute.
“The new rural livelihoods program will help thousands of the country’s poorest families generate thriving small enterprises and increase incomes” Prime Minister Gillard said during a visit to a local primary school.
The rural livelihoods program, to commence in late 2012, will provide rural women and men with greater access to cash transfers, financial services and opportunities to generate income through small businesses. It will also continue Australia’s support for clearance of unexploded ordnance.
“The new Laos-Australia Institute will deliver training to government agencies, the public sector and civil society organisations to equip professionals with the necessary skills to tackle key development challenges facing Laos, including programs that support women’s empowerment and people with disabilities” the Prime Minister said.
The Laos-Australia Institute, to open in late 2013, will build on the success of Australia’s existing scholarships program by providing additional comprehensive training to the government, civil society and the private sector to improve the delivery of basic services in Laos. The Institute will also deliver at least 280 scholarships to students from rural disadvantaged backgrounds for study in Laos.
During the Prime Minister’s visit to Hom Neua Primary School, Hadsaifong District, the Australian Ambassador to Laos, HE Lynda Worthaisong also announced support of LAK332million (AUD40,000) to build a new school roof, funded by the Australian Embassy’s Direct Aid Program.
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