KPL
The Government of Australia and The Asia Foundation (TAF) have reaffirmed their cooperation with the National Assembly of the Lao PDR through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a project to strengthen the National Assembly and Provincial People's Assemblies in evidence-based policymaking and monitoring the implementation of legislation.
The signing ceremony took place on 7 November 2025 at the National Assembly and was attended by Ms. Daophet Sihavong, Head of the Finance Department and Deputy Head of the Aid Coordination Secretariat, National Assembly Secretariat, along with delegations from the Law Committee, Economic, Technology and Environment Committee, Planning, Finance and Audit Committee, the Legislative Research Institute, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the ceremony, Ms. Benita Sommerville, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy in Laos, emphasized Australia’s commitment to supporting the Lao PDR in promoting good governance and strengthening institutional capacity. She highlighted that Australia is proud to partner with the National Assembly to enhance evidence-based policymaking and legislative oversight as the Lao PDR prepares its next National Socio-Economic Development Plan.
The project, funded by the Government of Australia and implemented by The Asia Foundation, aims to strengthen the legislative and oversight capacity of the National Assembly and Provincial People's Assemblies. It builds on more than 13 years of cooperation between the National Assembly and TAF, focusing on enhancing the use of research and data in policymaking, improving legislative review processes, and promoting effective lawmaking to support the country’s priority development goals.
This new phase of cooperation underscores the Australian Government’s continued support for the Lao PDR in strengthening legislative institutions and promoting accountable and participatory governance for sustainable national development.
KPL
