Australia Supports the National Assembly of the Lao PDR to Strengthen Legislative Capacity and Oversight

Vientiane, November 7, 2025 -- Australia and The Asia Foundation (TAF) have reaffirmed their partnership with the National Assembly (NA) of the Lao PDR through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Strengthening Evidence-Based Policymaking and Legislative Oversight Project.
The signing ceremony took place at the National Assembly in Vientiane, attended by the Honourable Madame Daophet Sihalath, Director General of the Finance Department of the Secretariat Committee and Vice Head of the International Cooperation and Project Management Secretariat, alongside senior representatives from the Secretariat Affairs Committee, the Economic, Technology and Environment Committee (ETEC), the Planning, Finance and Audit Committee (PFAC), the Law Committee, the Institute of Legislative Studies (ILS), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Benita Sommerville, Australia’s Deputy Ambassador in Lao PDR, emphasised Australia’s commitment to supporting Laos in advancing good governance and institutional reform. “Australia is proud to partner with the National Assembly to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and legislative oversight as Laos prepares its next National Socio-Economic Development Plan,” she said.
Funded by the Australian Government and implemented by The Asia Foundation, the project aims to strengthen the legislative and oversight capacity of the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Assemblies. It builds on more than thirteen years of collaboration between the National Assembly and The Asia Foundation, focusing on enhancing the use of research and data in policymaking, improving legislative review processes, and promoting effective lawmaking that supports the country’s development priorities.
This renewed partnership underscores Australia’s continued support for the Lao PDR in strengthening legislative institutions and promoting accountable and inclusive governance for sustainable national development.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update November 13, 2025)