Development from below in international cooperation

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is nearly six times the size of Switzerland, but fewer people live in that land area, namely 5.8 million. Laos is one of the world’s poorest countries. Since the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party took power, the country has been a one-party state. The party holds the reins of power in its hands, and is following a cautious course of opening up and moving towards a social market economy. So far, the general population has not seen the benefits of this policy. The main target group is the rural population in Laos. The goal is to reach particularly the poorest of the poor in this group, as well as women. However, because of existing traditional-cultural beliefs and political circumstances, this is not easy. Other target groups include government officials, teachers and pupils. 

Programme officer

Lucia Stamm-Marti