KPL
The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and the Republic of India have reaffirmed their strong bilateral ties with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement five Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the framework of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC).
The official signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane. Mr. Somphone Sihannad, Director General of the Department of Economic Affairs, represented the Lao Government, while Mr. Rohit Babba, Ambassador of India to the Lao PDR, signed on behalf of the Government of India. Also present were officials from relevant ministries and provincial agencies involved in the implementation of the projects.
Under this agreement, the Government of India will provide a total grant of over USD 247,000 to support the implementation of five community-focused projects across Laos. These include: Construction of a multipurpose hall in Dong Yang, Phonthong District, Champasak Province – USD 49,996, Construction of a primary school building in Phou San, Paek District, Xieng Khuang Province – USD 48,416, Construction of a healthcare facility in Nam Tor, Houn District, Oudomxay Province – USD 49,963, Construction of a multipurpose hall in Pong, Khongxedon District, Saravan Province – USD 49,993.85 and Construction of a Lao-India Friendship Exhibition Hall at the Silk Museum in Nongtha Tai, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane – USD 49,476.15
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Somphone Sihannad expressed sincere gratitude to the Indian Government for its consistent support, particularly in driving socio-economic development in the Lao PDR. He noted that the QIPs have played a meaningful role in improving the quality of life in local communities, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The Quick Impact Projects programme, launched by the Government of India in 2012, is part of its broader commitment to the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation initiative. It provides annual funding of up to USD 1 million, supporting small-scale, high-impact projects in partner countries, with a maximum of USD 50,000 allocated per project.
Since joining the programme, Laos has received approval for 36 QIPs, totalling over USD 1.76 million in Indian grant assistance. These projects have primarily supported critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and rural development.
The MGC, launched in 2000, serves as a vital platform for enhancing regional cooperation among India and five Southeast Asian countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Through initiatives like the QIPs, the cooperation aims to promote sustainable development, cultural exchange, and closer ties between member nations.
This latest round of projects further strengthens the Laos–India partnership and underscores both countries’ shared vision for inclusive, people-centred development across the region.
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