Australia increases aid for Covid-19 recovery

THE Australian government has increased its bilateral development assistance to Laos by almost 25% this year, providing an additional A$4.8mil (RM13.9mil) to help mitigate the economic, social and health impacts of the pandemic.

The new assistance will support the Lao government to strengthen health systems, build the foundations for economic recovery, and protect the most vulnerable people.

“Like Australia, Laos is facing a long road ahead to help its economy and people recover from the impacts of Covid-19,” said Ambassador Jean-Bernard Carrasco.

“Australia is committed to supporting Laos to regain security, stability and prosperity as swiftly as possible.

“However, there are significant challenges to overcome, including making sure disadvantaged groups, particularly women and girls, do not get left behind.”

The new funding announced on Friday includes A$1mil (RM2.9mil) to scale up cooperation with the Industry and Commerce ministry for business environment reform and private sector development, which will play a crucial role in Laos’ post-Covid-19 recovery.

The Australian government will also help strengthen the Lao health system and Emergency Operations Centre to respond to Covid-19 at the central and sub-national levels, help improve child protection and gender-based violence prevention and response services, build capacity on human rights issues relating to Covid-19, and support health, nutrition and education initiatives at the community level.

“Our two countries have stood side by side through many difficult challenges in our 68 years of diplomatic and development partnership,” Carrasco said.

“As the effects of this crisis continue to unfold, Australia will remain a strong, high quality partner for Laos and the Indo-Pacific region as we work together for recovery.”

Australia provides more than A$40mil (RM116mil) of official development assistance to Laos every year, in addition to the A$4.8mil in new funding just announced.