VIENTIANE, LAO PDR – During a three-day visit to Laos from January 12-15, a senior official from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) reinforced the United States government’s support to the Lao PDR as the two countries collaborate to achieve Laos’ development goals.

In Xieng Khouang Province, Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs Richard Parker and Deputy Chief of Mission Colin Crosby visited project sites in Kham district to see first-hand how the United States and Laos work together to improve development outcomes for persons with disabilities and strengthen literacy among pre-primary, first, and second grade students.  While in Xieng Khouang, he also met with officials from Xieng Khouang’s Governor Office and learned more about the area’s impressive history when he visited the country’s newest World Heritage Site, the Plain of Jars.

Following his visit to Xieng Khouang Province, Assistant Administrator Parker traveled to Vientiane, where he met with Mr. Phomma Khammanichanh, Director General of the Europe and America Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their discussions focused on ways to increase cooperation between the United States and Lao PDR on a wide range of development issues including growing trade and investment, strengthening the rule of law, and improving health and education outcomes throughout Laos.

“We are proud of the incredible partnership that our two countries have formed on important development issues,” said U.S. Ambassador Rena Bitter.  “The United States will continue to support the Lao PDR in its development journey leading up to, and continuing beyond, graduation from Least Developed Country status.”

The United States partners with the Lao government and the people of Laos to improve education, promote health and nutrition, facilitate trade and investment, and strengthen the rule of law as part of our commitment to a strong, prosperous, and independent Laos.