(L-R) Phet Phomphiphak, Minister of Planning and Investment of Laos; Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs;
Credit: MAE
On Wednesday 5 March 2025, the 16th Partnership Commission between Luxembourg and Laos, one of the main partner countries of Luxembourg's development cooperation platform for over 25 years, took place in Luxembourg.
Laos’ Minister of Planning and Investment, Phet Phomphiphak, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Phonevanh Outhavong, and their delegation were received in the Grand Duchy by Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel.
As reported by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the 16th Partnership Commission was an opportunity to discuss the progress of the implementation of the 5th Indicative Cooperation Programme between Luxembourg and Laos, as well as current international issues. The two Laotian ministers welcomed the successful implementation of the programmes in the fields of health, rural development, tourism, vocational training and good governance.
Minister Bettel in particular highlighted the “Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry” (STAF) project, recognised by the ministry as a flagship project of the European Global Gateway initiative, as well as the two hospitality and tourism schools funded by Luxembourg's development cooperation platform.
On the sidelines of this meeting, Ministers Bettel and Phomphiphak signed an amendment to the programme’s memorandum of understanding in the health and nutrition sector, formalising an increase of €10.5 million, bringing the programme’s total budget to around €46 million.
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