During his first official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica reconfirmed the EU’s commitment to working with the country’s government to support sustainable development, especially in rural areas.

 On this occasion, Commissioner Mimica also launched two new programmes on nutrition and sustainable growth. The two new programmes are:

– The ASEAN Regional Integration Support-Lao PDR Trade-Related Assistance (Arise Plus) programme, especially addressed to smallholders and SMEs. The programme, worth €5 million, provides trade related assistance to promote more sustainable, broad-based and inclusive growth, which is also more resilient to climate change.
– EU Nutrition Budget Support programme to facilitate access to safe and nutritious food, worth €50 million.