The Australian government will provide an estimated AUS$42.1 million (US$45.8 million) in official development assistance to Laos during the 2011-2012 financial year, according to the Australia Embassy to Laos.

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/free_Australia.htm

This represents a 61 percent increase in Australia's assistance to Laos since 2006-2007.

Australian Ambassador Ms Lynda Worthaisong said “The level of aid given to Laos demonstrates Australia's long-term commitment to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.”

Managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Australia's aid programme is focused on three areas - strengthening basic education, increasing trade and investment in impoverished areas and improving rural livelihoods.

Australia remains committed to supporting Laos to achieve its Millennium Development Goal targets for primary education by supporting increases in access to quality education for girls and boys, improvements in completion rates and the strengthening of education planning systems.

Australia recognises that significant progress has been made to reduce poverty in Laos, but many people in rural areas are still in need of better access to food supplies, information, markets and employment in order to improve food security and incomes.

In 2011-12 AusAID will focus on village infrastructure and access to markets as part of the ongoing work to improve rural livelihoods, disaster risk reduction and unexploded ordnance.

The Australian government has given a commitment to scale up its overall development assistance programme to 0.5 percent of Gross National Income by 2015 16.

The Australian government remains committed to ensuring that every dollar spent on aid in Laos has the maximum impact on poverty and economic development.

The Australian government has helped Laos a lot over the years.

Why are we always waiting for hand out in order to survive! I just don't get it! Other nation have the same problem as us, but they all excel in every part. Look at China,Cambodia and Vietnam in South-East Asia.  Africa is booming right now and South American is also set to be that way....  When are we going to stand on our own 2 feet?

Didn't the Aussies put up half the ca$h - instead of the Commies - to build the first Friendship Bridge? (We all know who put the other half. I don't need to mention them.)

Its was very nice of Australia helping Laos.
:)


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 15^th May, 2011 at 6:36am:

The Australian government has helped Laos a lot over the years.

I think Laos is moving forward and developing. It'll take time. Yes we need to help ourself.
8-)


Tee wrote on 15^th May, 2011 at 10:02am:

Why are we always waiting for hand out in order to survive! I just don't get it! Other nation have the same problem as us, but they all excel in every part. Look at China,Cambodia and Vietnam in South-East Asia.  Africa is booming right now and South American is also set to be that way....  When are we going to stand on our own 2 feet?

There's a few Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges these days, with the source of financial assistance coming from Japan. But yes, Australia helped out financially with the first Friendship Bridge in Vientiane.

Nothing is free.  There are strings attached to this $45 million and could be related to the many Australian mining companies that are current in Laos and this amount could be some kind of 'special tax' payment to Laos for allowing these Aussies to be there.  MIning is the major revenue for the Lao government.


Tee wrote on 15^th May, 2011 at 10:02am:

Why are we always waiting for hand out in order to survive! I just don't get it! Other nation have the same problem as us, but they all excel in every part. Look at China,Cambodia and Vietnam in South-East Asia.  Africa is booming right now and South American is also set to be that way....  When are we going to stand on our own 2 feet?

True, there's always some benefits for the countries that hand out cash to Laos.

PEACE wrote on 15^th May, 2011 at 10:49pm:

Nothing is free.  There are strings attached to this $45 million and could be related to the many Australian mining companies that are current in Laos and this amount could be some kind of 'special tax' payment to Laos for allowing these Aussies to be there.  MIning is the major revenue for the Lao government.

[smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Thank you Australia.
;)

Any money coming in to Laos is all good for the country and people.  I really like the money from Japan, South Korea and Germany because these countries make automobiles and I think we all know what they are trying to do in Laos in the near future ;).

More aid and investment in Laos the better. Its doesn't matter what country it from. China, Vietnam or Australia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj5TwERtd9w



PEACE wrote on 16^th May, 2011 at 3:08am:

Any money coming in to Laos is all good for the country and people.  I really like the money from Japan, South Korea and Germany because these countries make automobiles and I think we all know what they are trying to do in Laos in the near future ;).

Looks like for 'major' investors only?

PEACE wrote on 16^th May, 2011 at 12:39pm:

Looks like for 'major' investors only?

Nice investment from China. It'll also created jobs for Lao citizens. China is second largest economies in the world and soon will be number one. Its good idea for Lao government to suck up to them and have closer ties.
;)