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EU praises closer cooperative relations with Laos
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A gift from Australia, the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong, completed in 1994, linking Laos to Thailand. (JP/Peter Milne)
T
he European Union has highlighted its cooperative relations with Laos while marking the 66th anniversary of the European Union Foundation Day or Europe Day on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference in Vientiane on Friday, EU Chargé d'Affaires Michel Goffin said the EU has long enjoyed a close relationship and good cooperation with Laos.
“Our relationship covers a multitude of areas and also includes political dialogue, development cooperation, trade as well as a regular dialogue on human rights and good governance. Collaboration also takes place on the regional and international stage through fora such as ASEAN and ASEM,” added Goffin.
European development partners, the EU and its member states together are one of the first providers of development assistance in Laos, with more than half a billion euro (4.5 trillion kip) over the period of 2016-2020, according to the EU Delegation in Vientiane.
The funding provided by the EU to Laos through its bilateral cooperation over the period 2007-2013 amounted to more than 69 million euros. The current programming period of 2014-2020 has witnessed a substantial increase of funds with a total amount of 207 million euros. This period was divided into two phases. Based on the strategic objectives of EU-Laos cooperation and a thorough analysis of its development priorities, the EU decided to support the implementation of the 7th NSEDP in 2014-2015.
In addition to the EU's bilateral assistance, Laos continues benefitting from many EU specific thematic programs in the field of rural development, health, food and nutrition security, climate change resilience and governance and human rights with the total assistance valued at almost 20 million euros.
Laos is also eligible under regional programs, notably those implemented through ASEAN and the Mekong River Commission.
Laos is also a regular recipient of the EU's humanitarian assistance for both response for natural disasters and disaster preparedness actions.
“I will end my term this summer, and will leave a country with a new Cabinet, a new National Assembly, a new judiciary and even a new Constitution. This is very encouraging and I am optimistic about the future of this country, with a population that will gradually reap the fruits of both economic growth and effective governance,” said Goffin.
EU-Laos trade stood at 362 million euros for 2015, while the EU's trade deficit with Laos is 115 million euros. Textiles and clothing, coffee and sugar are three key exports to the EU market.
