footballer wrote:

---

This amount is not enough for LAOS TO OUT OF WORLD'S POOREST

EU supports 36 million euros for Laos�s poverty reduction

(KPL) The European Union supported 36 million euros for the Lao government for the implementation of the sustainable poverty reduction plan in Laos under the framework of Lao PDR�s National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), according to yesterday�s signed MOU in Vientiane.

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the European Commission and the Lao PDR regarding the Multi-annual Indicative Programme 2011-13 was held at the Ministry of Planning and Investment office in Vientiane on 19 October 2010.

Attending the event were Dr. Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment representing the Government of the Lao PDR, and H.E. Ambassador David Lipman, Head of the European Union Delegation representing the European Commission, and also representatives from line ministries, EU member states embassies and the EU Delegation in Vientiane.

The overall objective of the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2011-2013 is to support the sustainable reduction of poverty in the Lao PDR within the framework of Lao PDR�s National Socio Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) 2011-2015. In line with the Paris Declaration and Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and priorities, EU assistance will seek to align with Lao PDR�s policies and use of national systems, wherever feasible, as well as to promote coordination and harmonisation with other development partners.

Assistance provided under the MIP 2011-13 is EURO 36 million for the Lao PDR and will be concentrated on the following priorities:

1. Support for the Lao Government�s reform agenda,

2. Support for sustainable development in the uplands, policy dialogue on relocation, UXO-clearance

3. Trade and economic development

4. Good governance and human rights

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Lipman said, �This agreement marks the continuation of the long and fruitful relationship the European Union has with Laos. We remain committed to assisting Laos as it strives to eradicate poverty, meet the MDG�s, and leave the LDC status by 2020.� This agreement makes the assistance for the Lao PDR under the European Commission Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013 reach Euro 69 million. This amount excludes emergency assistance, regional cooperation and aid channelled through civil society by the means of both local and global calls for proposals.

The European Union (EU) is one of the Lao PDR�s biggest development partner in terms of grant aid for development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, and also an important trade partner. The European Union�s development cooperation with the Lao PDR comprises contributions from the budget of the EU, which is managed by the European Commission, as well as the bilateral cooperation activities of the European Union Member States financed from their national budgets.

Since years the European Union development partners in the Lao PDR, EU Member States and European Commission together have supported Euro 443 million for the Lao PDR through ongoing programme and project activities.

---