VIENTIANE, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Laos is stepping up efforts to strengthen workforce skills and enhance social welfare as part of its broader socio-economic development, while expanding employment opportunities both domestically and abroad.
A meeting on labor and social welfare was held on Wednesday in Lao capital Vientiane, co-chaired by Vientiane Governor Atsaphangthong Siphandone and Lao Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Phoxay Sayasone. The discussion focused on key priorities, including labor management, regulation of foreign workers and the modernization of labor information and social welfare systems.
The Lao government emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive social services for disadvantaged groups and implementing measures to protect workers from abuse and discrimination, in line with international labor standards.
Speaking at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare's 2025 technical conference held on Jan. 22-23, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone highlighted the need for coordinated efforts between ministries and local authorities to ensure effective policy implementation and deliver tangible results in 2026.
The government has unveiled a five-year strategy to strengthen workforce skills and expand employment opportunities both domestically and abroad. The plan aims to upskill 650,000 workers and create 411,000 jobs over the next five years, tackling challenges such as low skills, worker migration and inadequate wages.
To meet demand in key sectors, authorities are expanding vocational and dual-training programs in areas including vehicle and machinery repair, agricultural machinery and electrical technology.
Education is central to these efforts. The Ministry of Education and Sports has launched reforms to modernize curricula, enhance teacher welfare and improve human resource development nationwide.
In her remarks at the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party in early January, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Dalavone Kittiphan emphasized that a highly skilled workforce is vital for national development, regional integration and international competitiveness.
Investments in modern educational infrastructure, technical and vocational education, higher education, and lifelong learning are designed to produce skilled professionals and innovators who can drive economic growth, industrialization and sustainable development.
Through coordinated labor and education initiatives, Laos is striving to equip its citizens with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to the country's future growth and prosperity. ■