Thailand
Laos-China continue labour sector cooperation
Laos and China have agreed to ongoing cooperation in the labour sector with feasibility studies for the construction of a new Skills Development Centre in Oudomxay province.
A survey has already been undertaken to explore the best location for the centre and further studies will focus on identifying actual labour skills development needs in the north of Laos.
Construction of the centre is expected to get underway straight after the feasibility studies have been completed.
The cooperation agreement to build the new facility was signed in Vientiane on Wednesday between Director General of Department Planning and International Cooperation, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Yangkou Yangleuxay and the Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy to Laos, Mr Wang Qihui.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Bounkong Lasoukanh, Laos-China Cooperation Committee Representative, Mr Kanthong Sisouvong, along with officials from both sides. Mr Bounkong said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would serve to implement the cooperation plan according to the policies of the governments of Laos and China.
“Under the agreement, China is giving financial support for the studies and construction of the project and the two parties will implement the agreed areas of cooperation by joint participation,” he said.
The centre would support training and skills development to ensure the workforce could meet the needs of the labour market and assist economic development, he added. The facility will become a school to develop sustainable skills which can be integrated regionally and internationally allowing workers to be employed and earn reasonable incomes to exit poverty.
“After finishing construction, the new institute will play an important role in the skills development of the country, particularly young people in northern provinces of Laos,” he said. The new institute will serve as a hub for resource development and facilitate cooperation between Laos and China for model centre services in the training and labour fields.
Source: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_Laoschina.php