To support resilient and inclusive economic growth in Laos, our development partnership will focus on outcomes that ensure:
- Economic resilience is improved, including through support for economic reforms, public financial management and infrastructure connectivity policy
- Women, people with disabilities and disadvantaged groups benefit from economic reforms and improved economic opportunities.
Australia's economic programs will support key Lao economic reforms to ensure macro-economic stability and equitable growth. This will include targeted support for improved monetary and fiscal policy, increased trade and private sector development, high-quality investment and improved infrastructure policy.
Several global and regional programs also contribute to this objective. See Annex 1 of the Australia–Laos Development Partnership Plan 2024-2029.
Laos-Australia Investment Facilitation and Transformation for Economic Resilience (Lift 4 Laos)
$2.1 million (2025-2027)
This investment strengthens Laos’ ability to attract, promote and retain high-quality foreign investment. It supports investment facilitation and strategy development aligned with national priorities, while advancing sustainable and transparent investment, regional integration, and practical capacity building through initiatives such as study tours and engagement in sectors like green investment. This program is funded by the Mekong Australia Partnership.
Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade (LCT) Phase 2
$7.5 million (2026-2029)
This investment supports Laos to improve the business regulatory environment and trade facilitation. It focuses on strengthening paperless trade systems, enhancing the electronic Business Registration System, and increasing private sector participation in trade policy. This program is co-funded by the Mekong Australia Partnership.
Related documents
| Name of document | Year published | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade (LCT) Mid-Term Review | 2021 | Review |
| World Bank Document | 2018 | Design |
Public Financial Management in Lao PDR and Cambodia
$5.5 million (2026-2029)
This investment strengthens the country’s public financial and human resource management systems. It focuses on: budget and expenditure management, domestic revenue mobilization, public procurement, human resource management and analytical support, building on earlier reforms such as the Single Treasury Account and improved revenue collection mechanisms. This program is implemented through the Mekong Australia Partnership.
Laos-Australia Connectivity Partnership (LACP) Phase 2
$7.5 million (2026-2031)
This investment supports Laos to improve domestic and regional connectivity by developing and managing a resilient and inclusive road network that supports greater economic integration, increased cross-border trade, and inclusive growth. The overarching objective of the program is to increase investment in quality road and road-linked infrastructure. Australian assistance is helping transform the Lao Government's approach to transport policy and planning, including building in climate and disaster risk considerations for a resilient transport system. LACP is implemented through the regional Partnerships for Infrastructure program.