World Bank Search - documentsYjY4OTIzOGI3OTRkODRjNWY3Y2E3MzJkNmFkODU5N2E0ZTVhMTRiNQ2http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/03/27/lao-pdr-and-world-bank-start-clear-initiative-to-fight-povertyLao PDRpublication:Poverty Reduction Strategies,subject:poverty,subject:nutrition,subject:climate change adaptation,subject:rural development,country:Lao PDR,regions:East Asia and Pacific,subject:community driven developmentEnglishEast Asia and PacificLao PDR and World Bank Start CLEAR Initiative to Fight PovertyPoverty,Nutrition,Climate Change Adaptation,Rural Development,Community Driven DevelopmentP178545/content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2024/03/27/lao-pdr-and-world-bank-start-clear-initiative-to-fight-poverty2024-03-27T14:36:29ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Lao PDRLAPress ReleasePress ReleaseEast Asia and Pacific, EAPIDANWZjYTFhODYxMjc3NmNkZDJkNWZmMjEzM2YwY2RjM2M5YjViMmMzYg2http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/03/23/world-bank-and-partners-to-build-on-support-for-improved-health-and-nutrition-in-lao-pdrLao PDRThe Health and Nutrition Services Access Project Phase 2 continues supporting improved access to and quality of services in underserved areas of the Lao PDRsubject:sexual reproductive maternal and child health,subject:health,subject:nutrition,country:Lao PDR,regions:East Asia and PacificEnglishEast Asia and PacificWorld Bank and Partners to Build on Support for Improved Health and Nutrition in Lao PDRSexual Reproductive Maternal And Child Health,Health,NutritionP178957/content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2024/03/23/world-bank-and-partners-to-build-on-support-for-improved-health-and-nutrition-in-lao-pdr2024-03-23T16:56:04ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Lao PDRLAPress ReleasePress ReleaseEast Asia and Pacific, EAPIDAZjFjM2NjZmZlNjc0MGE3OGRhODUwNzNlOWQzYmNjMDc2Y2Y5ZmRmMA2http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lao/publication/lao-pdr-public-expenditure-and-institutional-review-financial-management-in-education-analysis-2023Lao PDRThis PEIR assesses education funding in Laos, analyzing why gaps in enrolment, poor education outcomes, and limited job prospects for graduates persistprograms:Education for the Knowledge Economy,subject:education management and administration,programs:Education for All,subject:levels of education,country:Lao PDR,regions:East Asia and PacificEnglishEast Asia and PacificLao PDR Public Expenditure and Institutional Review: Financial Management in Education Analysis 2023Education Management And Administration,Levels Of EducationP172774,P173407/content/country/lao/en/publication/lao-pdr-public-expenditure-and-institutional-review-financial-management-in-education-analysis-20232024-03-15T07:00:00ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Lao PDRLAPublication The Lao PDR Public Expenditure and Institutional Review and Financial Management in Education Analysis 2023 assesses funding of the education sector in Laos and looks at why gaps in enrolment, poor education outcomes, and limited job prospects for graduates persist. It outlines how the country can restore adequate funding for education, while improving the allocation and use of available resources. In May 2023, at the Lao PDR Human Capital Summit, the government committed to improving the quality of basic education, enrolling all children and keeping them in school, and improving education financing. At present, the Lao education sector faces significant challenges. While access to education improved over much of the past decade substantial gaps remain, and previous progress has been undermined by the impacts of COVID-19 and ongoing economic difficulties. Education quality was already poor before these shocks. The sector is severely underfunded due to a steep decline in allocated public resources. Lao children lag behind those in neighboring countries in math, reading, and writing. Many fail to enroll in secondary school or drop out early. In addition, limited job prospects for graduates reduce demand for quality education. The Lao PDR Public Expenditure and Institutional Review and Financial Management in Education Analysis 2023 assesses funding of the education sector in Laos and looks at why gaps in enrolment, poor education outcomes, and limited job prospects for graduates persist. It outlines how the country can restore adequate funding for education, while improving the allocation and use of available resources. In May 2023, at the Lao PDR Human Capital Summit, the government committed to improving the quality of basic education, enrolling all children and keeping them in school, and improving education financing. At present, the Lao education sector faces significant challenges. While access to education improved over much of the past decade substantial gaps remain, and previous progress has been undermined by the impacts of COVID-19 and ongoing economic difficulties. Education quality was already poor before these shocks. The sector is severely underfunded due to a steep decline in allocated publPublicationEast Asia and Pacific, EAPcountry|laoZmQzZTk1YzdiNjZhZmExYjU5MzQ1YjZjZGVmNzdhYzZlZDg0NjI4Mw2http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/immersive-story/2024/03/08/accelerate-equality-in-east-asia-and-pacificTonga,Samoa,Mongolia,Lao PDR,China,Myanmar,Vietnam,Indonesia,Philippines,Timor-Leste,Papua New Guinea,ThailandOn International Women's Day, we honor the women of East Asia and Pacific—celebrating the vast spectrum of contributions they bring to their families, communities, and nations. From mothers tirelessly advocating for their children's education, to dynamic entrepreneurs and dedicated community leaders, we recognize every woman's role to accelerate equality.subject:gender,country:Tonga,country:Samoa,country:Mongolia,country:Lao PDR,country:China,country:Myanmar,country:Vietnam,country:Indonesia,country:Philippines,country:Timor-Leste,country:Papua New Guinea,regions:East Asia and Pacific,country:ThailandEnglishEast Asia and PacificAccelerate Equality in East Asia and PacificGender/content/wb-home/en/news/immersive-story/2024/03/08/accelerate-equality-in-east-asia-and-pacific2024-03-08T15:55:00ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Tonga,Samoa,Mongolia,Lao PDR,China,Myanmar,Vietnam,Indonesia,Philippines,Timor-Leste,Papua New Guinea,ThailandTO,WS,MN,LA,CN,MM,VN,ID,PH,TL,PG,THImmersive StoryNANAImmersive StoryEast Asia and Pacific, EAPNjdhNzBmMzA0MWUyZjExY2YwZjE4MmVlZDBhYTNmYzYyOWJmZDhmZQ2http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/03/06/tax-reform-would-improve-health-and-finances-in-lao-pdr-world-bankLao PDRRevising health taxes on harmful products like tobacco and alcohol would increase state revenue, reduce health costs and give Lao people longer, healthier livessubject:health,subject:public finance,webdoc:doctype/658101,country:Lao PDR,regions:East Asia and PacificEnglishEast Asia and PacificTax Reform Would Improve Health and Finances in Lao PDR – World BankHealth,Public Finance/content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2024/03/06/tax-reform-would-improve-health-and-finances-in-lao-pdr-world-bank2024-03-06T10:04:20ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Lao PDRLAPress Release Revising health taxes — levies on harmful products like tobacco and alcohol — would increase government revenue, reduce the cost of health care, and make people enjoy longer, healthier lives, a World Bank report says. Most countries around the world have significantly raised taxes on tobacco and alcohol to discourage consumption of these products and reduce the damage they do, according to Health Taxes in the Lao PDR. However, despite recent increases, these health taxes are very low in Laos, and the use of tobacco and alcohol remains higher than in most Southeast Asian countries. More than 6,700 Lao people die every year due to tobacco-related illness, accounting for nearly 15% of all deaths. Tobacco use costs the economy about 2.3% of GDP, through 240 billion kip in healthcare expenditure and 3.3 trillion kip in productivity losses. “Although the government recently introduced higher taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, these increases were too small to provide noticeable public health benefits or generate significant revenue,” said Alex Kremer, World Bank Country Manager for the Lao PDR. “This report clearly explains how tax reform would improve public health by encouraging people to smoke less and buy fewer alcoholic drinks. Poor people would benefit the most.” Extra revenue from the recent tax increases will amount to less than 0.02% of GDP, the report finds. In contrast, reforms and measures suggested in the report could net almost 1% of GDP, bringing an estimated 2.5 trillion kip ($113 million) to the government within one year. This could go toward health care, education, or infrastructure. Tax structures could be reformed, and excise rates increased toward international standards, while tax rates could be linked to inflation and income growth, the report advises. The proposals are modest, in line with rates in the region and in those with similar income levels - if the World Bank recommendations were implemented, the prices of tobacco products and alcoholic drinks would not be higher than in neighboring countries. The report also recommends increased use of technology in monitoring, enforcement, and licensing to strengthen tax administration. A key recommendation is to end all tax privileges that the tobacco industry currently receives under a 2001 investment license agreement. This agreement is due to be renewed in 2026 unless steps are taken to terminate it. This analysis was conducted with financial support from the World Bank’s Global Tax Program and from the Government of Japan through the Japan Policy and Human Resources Development Fund. Revising health taxes — levies on harmful products like tobacco and alcohol — would increase government revenue, reduce the cost of health care, and make people enjoy longer, healthier lives, a World Bank report says. Most countries around the world have significantly raised taxes on tobacco and alcohol to discourage consumption of these products and reduce the damage they do, according to Health Taxes in the Lao PDR. However, despite recent increases, these health taxes are very low in Laos, and the use of tobacco and alcohol remains higher than in most Southeast Asian countries. More than 6,700 Lao people die every year due to tobacco-related illness, accounting for nearly 15% of all deaths. Tobacco use costs the economy about 2.3% of GDP, through 240 billion kip in healthcare expenditure and 3.3 trillion kip in productivity losses. “Although the government recently introduced higher taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, these increases were too small to provide noticeable public health Press ReleaseEast Asia and Pacific, EAPIBRD,Trust FundMTJlMTdhMTM2MzU2YTAyZGI2MTY3MTY1NjFiNzcwODg4OTE3NGUwYw2http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lao/brief/access-to-quality-health-and-nutrition-services-tackling-one-of-laos-enduring-challengesLao PDRThe HANSA2 project will help Laos scale-up quality essential health services to those most in need and improve nutrition in rural areassubject:health,subject:sexual reproductive maternal and child health,subject:nutrition,country:Lao PDR,regions:East Asia and PacificEnglishEast Asia and PacificAccess to Quality Health and Nutrition Services – Tackling One of Laos’ Enduring ChallengesHealth,Sexual Reproductive Maternal And Child Health,NutritionP178957/content/country/lao/en/brief/access-to-quality-health-and-nutrition-services-tackling-one-of-laos-enduring-challenges2024-02-23T09:28:15ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Lao PDRLABriefBriefEast Asia and Pacific, EAPcountry|laoNmJkZmQ4YWFjMmZjMjI1YTlhM2QxNGVhYWQyZDY4ZGU1YjY0MWY0YQ2http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/infographic/2024/01/29/education-in-laos-3-connected-challengesLao PDREducation in Laos faces three connected challenges: Low public funding; Enrolment gaps and low quality; Few jobsprograms:Education for All,subject:levels of education,subject:education management and administration,subject:economics of education,subject:education,programs:Education for the Knowledge Economy,country:Lao PDR,regions:East Asia and Pacific,subject:public finance,subject:public sector managementEnglishEast Asia and PacificEducation in Laos: 3 connected challengesLevels Of Education,Education Management And Administration,Economics Of Education,Education,Public Finance,Public Sector ManagementP172774,P173407/content/wb-home/en/news/infographic/2024/01/29/education-in-laos-3-connected-challenges2024-01-29T13:40:23ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Lao PDRLAInfographicNANAInfographicEast Asia and Pacific, EAPNzI0YjkwOTJkOTVmMjBkNDk0MTUxMDY3MjAyYzUwYWE5NTJkZDI0Mw2http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lao/publication/impacts-of-covid-19-on-tourism-in-the-lao-pdrLao PDRAfter COVID-19, how can Laos redevelop tourism for inclusive green growth? A World Bank report looks at how to attract visitors and fill skills gapssubject:green-growth,country:Lao PDR,regions:East Asia and Pacific,subject:cultural heritage and sustainable tourism,subject:covid-19-coronavirusEnglishEast Asia and PacificImpacts of COVID-19 on Tourism in the Lao PDRGreen-growth,Cultural Heritage And Sustainable Tourism,Covid-19-coronavirusP177594/content/country/lao/en/publication/impacts-of-covid-19-on-tourism-in-the-lao-pdr2024-01-08T17:15:18ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Lao PDRLAPublication In 2024 the Government of the Lao PDR launches Visit Laos Year, which it hopes will attract at least 4.6 million tourists to the country. This represents a significant economic opportunity: tourism already accounts for about 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, while the World Bank estimates that tourism can grow to about 10 percent of GDP with the right investments and reforms. COVID-19 disrupted the global tourism industry, and one of the biggest challenges facing the Lao tourism sector is a lack of market intelligence regarding the changing nature of tourism markets. Such intelligence can help the Lao government improve tourism marketing strategies, products, and service standards to meet the needs of visitors from different markets. In 2024 the Government of the Lao PDR launches Visit Laos Year, which it hopes will attract at least 4.6 million tourists to the country. This represents a significant economic opportunity: tourism already accounts for about 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, while the World Bank estimates that tourism can grow to about 10 percent of GDP with the right investments and reforms. COVID-19 disrupted the global tourism industry, and one of the biggest challenges facing the Lao tourism sector is a lack of market intelligence regarding the changing nature of tourism markets. Such intelligence can help the Lao government improve tourism marketing strategies, products, and service standards to meet the needs of visitors from different markets.Publicationcountry|laoMGMyM2U2MWJlZmM1NTY2YjJlZDhlYzhjYjVkOThhZWQ0ZjU4MzRkYw2http://www.worldbank.org/lo/country/lao/publication/impacts-of-covid-19-on-tourism-in-the-lao-pdrLao PDRຂໍ້ມູນທີ່ດີ ແລະ ມີຄຸນນະພາບ ສາມາດຊ່ວຍ ປັບປຸງການຕະຫຼາດທ່ອງທ່ຽວໃຫ້ດີຂຶ້ນ ໂດຍເຮັດໃຫ້ ທ່າແຮງບົ່ມຊ້ອນຂອງປະເທດລາວ ເປັນຈຸດໝາຍປາຍທາງຂອງນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວຈໍານວນຫຼາຍຈາກທົ່ວໂລກsubject:green-growth,country:Lao PDR,regions:East Asia and Pacific,subject:cultural heritage and sustainable tourism,subject:covid-19-coronavirusLaoEast Asia and Pacificຜົນກະທົບຈາກ COVID-19 ຕໍ່ຂະແໜງການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂອງ ສປປ ລາວGreen-growth,Cultural Heritage And Sustainable Tourism,Covid-19-coronavirusP177594/content/country/lao/lo/publication/impacts-of-covid-19-on-tourism-in-the-lao-pdr2024-01-08T17:15:00ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Lao PDRLAPublication ລັດຖະບານແຫ່ງ ສປປ ລາວ ຈະເປີດປີທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວ ປີ 2024 ເພື່ອ ສ້າງຄວາມສົນໃຈໃຫ້ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ເຂົ້າມາທ່ອງທ່ຽວໃນປະເທດ ຢ່າງໜ້ອຍ 4,6 ລ້ານຄົນ. ການເປີດປີທ່ອງທ່ຽວນີ້ ເປັນໂອກາດສຳຄັນຕໍ່ເສດຖະກິດລາວ ເພາະວ່າຂະແໝງການທ່ອງທ່ຽວກວມເອົາປະມານ 5% ຂອງລວມຍອດຜະລິດຕະພັນພາຍໃນປະເທດ (GDP). ໃນຄະນະດຽວກັນ, ທະນາຄານໂລກຄາດຄະເນໄວ້ວ່າ ການທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວສາມາດເຕີບໂຕ ປະມານ 10% ຂອງ GDP ຖ້າມີການລົງທຶນ ແລະ ການປະຕິຮູບ ທີ່ຖືກຕ້ອງ. ໂຄວິດ-19 ໄດ້ສ້າງຜົນກະທົບ ຕໍ່ອຸດສາຫະກຳການທ່ອງທ່ຽວທົ່ວໂລກ. ສິ່ງທ້າທາຍອັນສໍາຄັນ ທີ່ຂະແຫນງການທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວ ກຳລັງປະເຊີນ ແມ່ນຂາດຂໍ້ມູນດ້ານການຕະຫຼາດ ເຊິ່ງກ່ຽວຂ້ອງກັບ ການປ່ຽນແປງຂອງຕະຫຼາດການທ່ອງທ່ຽວໂລກ. ຂໍ້ມູນດ້ານການຕະຫຼາດທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ເປັນບ່ອນອີງຈໍາເປັນ ແລະ ສໍາຄັນ ຕໍ່ ລັດຖະບານລາວໃນການ ປັບປຸງຍຸດທະສາດ ການຕະຫຼາດ, ຜະລິດຕະພັນ ແລະ ມາດຕະຖານການບໍລິການ ທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ທີ່ສາມາດ ຕອບສະໜອງຄວາມຕ້ອງການຂອງນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ຈາກຕະຫຼາດການທ່ອງທ່ຽວທີ່ແຕກຕ່າງກັນ. ລັດຖະບານແຫ່ງ ສປປ ລາວ ຈະເປີດປີທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວ ປີ 2024 ເພື່ອ ສ້າງຄວາມສົນໃຈໃຫ້ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ເຂົ້າມາທ່ອງທ່ຽວໃນປະເທດ ຢ່າງໜ້ອຍ 4,6 ລ້ານຄົນ. ການເປີດປີທ່ອງທ່ຽວນີ້ ເປັນໂອກາດສຳຄັນຕໍ່ເສດຖະກິດລາວ ເພາະວ່າຂະແໝງການທ່ອງທ່ຽວກວມເອົາປະມານ 5% ຂອງລວມຍອດຜະລິດຕະພັນພາຍໃນປະເທດ (GDP). ໃນຄະນະດຽວກັນ, ທະນາຄານໂລກຄາດຄະເນໄວ້ວ່າ ການທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວສາມາດເຕີບໂຕ ປະມານ 10% ຂອງ GDP ຖ້າມີການລົງທຶນ ແລະ ການປະຕິຮູບ ທີ່ຖືກຕ້ອງ. ໂຄວິດ-19 ໄດ້ສ້າງຜົນກະທົບ ຕໍ່ອຸດສາຫະກຳການທ່ອງທ່ຽວທົ່ວໂລກ. ສິ່ງທ້າທາຍອັນສໍາຄັນ ທີ່ຂະແຫນງການທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວ ກຳລັງປະເຊີນ ແມ່ນຂາດຂໍ້ມູນດ້ານການຕະຫຼາດ ເຊິ່ງກ່ຽວຂ້ອງກັບ ການປ່ຽນແປງຂອງຕະຫຼາດການທ່ອງທ່ຽວໂລກ. ຂໍ້ມູນດ້ານການຕະຫຼາດທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ເປັນບ່ອນອີງຈໍາເປັນ ແລະ ສໍາຄັນ ຕໍ່ ລັດຖະບານລາວໃນການ ປັບປຸງຍຸດທະສາດ ການຕະຫຼາດ, ຜະລິດຕະພັນ ແລະ ມາດຕະຖານການບໍລິການ ທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ທີ່ສາມາດ ຕອບສະໜອງຄວາມຕ້ອງການຂອງນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ຈາກຕະຫຼາດການທ່ອງທ່ຽວທີ່ແຕກຕ່າງກັນ.PublicationTrust Fundcountry|laoNGU2YWI0YzhkYWVkMzdiNTg5NTNlMmEwZDExMmE3ZWU1OGQ1ZTExOQ2http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lao/publication/health-taxes-in-the-lao-pdr-technical-noteLao PDRTaxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages are low in Laos. This report analyzes the benefits that could be gained by raising excise taxes.subject:health,country:Lao PDR,regions:East Asia and Pacific,subject:public financeEnglishEast Asia and PacificHealth Taxes in the Lao PDR - Technical NoteHealth,Public Finance/content/country/lao/en/publication/health-taxes-in-the-lao-pdr-technical-note2023-12-14T13:21:45ZEast Asia and Pacificcq5Lao PDRLAPublication Health taxes are excise taxes imposed on products that have a negative public health impact. This technical note looks at the current tax situation for tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks in the Lao PDR and gives recommendations on how reform of health excise taxes could provide significant health and revenue gains. Excise taxation is considered one of the most cost-effective policy measures for reducing consumption of these products, while also raising meaningful revenue. The report examines different tax options and structures, summarizing best practices from different countries. It looks at the negligible anticipated impact of the alcohol and tax increases announced in late 2013 and also the long-reaching influence of the investment license agreement enjoyed by cigarette manufacturers in Laos. A full technical note and a two-sided summary of the study are both available. Health taxes are excise taxes imposed on products that have a negative public health impact. This technical note looks at the current tax situation for tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks in the Lao PDR and gives recommendations on how reform of health excise taxes could provide significant health and revenue gains. Excise taxation is considered one of the most cost-effective policy measures for reducing consumption of these products, while also raising meaningful revenue. The report examines different tax options and structures, summarizing best practices from different countries. It looks at the negligible anticipated impact of the alcohol and tax increases announced in late 2013 and also the long-reaching influence of the investment license agreement enjoyed by cigarette manufacturers in Laos. A full technical note and a two-sided summary of the study are both available.PublicationEast Asia and Pacific, EAPcountry|lao