Both sides display the signed documents regarding amendment No 02 of the Bilateral Protocol to increase the budget for Health and Nutrition Programme (project LAO/035) by 10.5 million euros.

Laos, Luxembourg strengthen development cooperation with increased funding for health, nutrition
           
The governments of Laos and Luxembourg have reached an understanding on increasing funding for a health and nutrition programme to improve healthcare services.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation during the 16th Bilateral Partnership Commission meeting.
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of Amendment No 02 to an existing Bilateral Protocol to increase the budget for the Health and Nutrition Programme (LAO/035) by 10.5 million euros. This will enhance efforts to improve healthcare services and nutritional outcomes in Laos.
The Bilateral Partnership Commission meeting, held on March 5, was co-chaired by Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Xavier Bettel, and the Minister of Planning and Investment of Laos, Dr Phet Phomphiphak.
The meeting was attended by high-level representatives from key Lao ministries, including Planning and Investment, Foreign Affairs, Health, and Education. The discussions assessed the progress made under the 5th Indicative Cooperation Programme (2023–2027).
This programme prioritises health and nutrition, local development, skills development and good governance, ensuring a targeted approach to Laos’ socio-economic advancement.
The Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong, also led a delegation to le Fonds Belval in southern Luxembourg on March 4 to study the European country’s development model. This was part of the learning exchange on Luxembourg’s development path.
The insights gained from this process are expected to support the refinement of Laos’ national development priorities, particularly the Local Development Programme (LAO/338), which Luxembourg is actively supporting in the provinces of Bokeo, Vientiane, Borikhamxay and Khammuan.
Beyond the formal meetings, the Lao delegation engaged with key figures from Luxembourg’s financial sector, including the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and other sustainable finance entities, to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation in green finance and financial sustainability.
This builds on the memorandum of understanding signed in 2024, during Mr Bettel’s visit to Laos for the ASEAN Summit and related meetings, and reinforces Laos’ commitment to its Nationally Determined Contribution, green development, and carbon market management.
The Laos-Luxembourg bilateral cooperation meeting mechanism, which alternates annually between the two countries, continues to serve as a vital platform for reinforcing partnerships and accelerating Laos’ sustainable development goals.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 12, 2025)