ILO/China partnership advances skills development in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

VIENTIANE (ILO News) - The positive role of the ILO/China Partnership Programme on Skills Development in ASEAN through South-South and Triangular Cooperation in advancing human resources development in the Lao People's Democratic Republic was recognized at a review of the initiative's progress during 2025.

The review and a discussion on plans for 2026-2027 took place in Vientiane on 31 March 2026, with participation from government, employer and worker representatives. Participants heard how during 2025, the ILO/China Partnership Project reached 678 beneficiaries through 20 coordinated activities in the country. Key achievements included aligning vocational training with labour market demands, updating curricula and advancing the Skills Development Law.

The project also promoted technical training in electrical installation, e-commerce, electronic information and electric vehicle maintenance. Additionally, the project conducted skills mapping and facilitated international technical exchanges through the South-South Cooperation Network, while strengthening individual and institutional capacities.
The initiative will continue to promote skills initiatives and support human capital development in the Lao People's Democratic Republic throughout 2026.

The programme will place greater emphasis on several key areas going forward. These include fostering public-private partnerships, promoting skills development, integrating soft skills to address workforce shortages, improving the quality of apprenticeships, and aligning education and training with industry needs. The importance of strengthening skills testing, skills competitions, and certification systems, as well as engaging the private sector in labour market data sharing were also underscored.

Concerns raised at the meeting included declining enrollment in education and vocational training programmes, with stakeholders discussing potential strategies to address these challenges. Barriers to data correction and post-graduation follow-up within the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) were examined, and new training methods were proposed to improve skills development.

"The ILO/China Partnership Programme continues to play a vital role in supporting the Lao People's Democratic Republic on its path toward inclusive and sustainable development and to develop replicable and scalable experiences and practices that contribute to decent work and full employment in the country," said Tian Feng, Project Manager of the ILO/China Partnership Project on Strengthening Skills Development in ASEAN through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.