(KPL) The Swiss government has granted over 38 billion kip (US$4.5 million) to the Laos government to support the Poverty Reduction Fund.
The assistance is aimed to support the fund’s implementation of basic infrastructure development in 21 poorest districts of seven provinces, including Huaphan, Xieng Khuang, Luang Namtha, Savannakhet, Saravan, Sekong and Champassak.
A memorandum of understanding on such a grant was signed on 23 October in Vientiane by Deputy Minister of Finance, Ms. Viengthong Siphandone, and Regional Director for Swiss Cooperation in the Mekong Region, Mr. Martin Sommer.
Ms. Viengthong said at the signing ceremony that over 720,000 people would directly benefit from the assistance. Last year, 655,000 people in 1,567 villages of 21 poorest districts gained an access to basic infrastructure, health, education, water, roads and agriculture developed with the assistance from the Swiss government.
The Poverty Reduction Fund is expanding its activities to three districts in Luang Namtha province this year and other two districts in Sekong province next year.
Between 2003 and 2008, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) had provided assistance totally worth US$20 million to the Poverty Reduction Fund.
KPL Lao News Agency
October 28, 2009
