VIENTIANE: Laos has successfully lifted 31,232 families out of poverty, reaching 89.23 per cent of its target for 2024.
The Lao government's initiative to create poverty-free districts is also making progress, with eight districts having eradicated poverty, reaching 53.33 per cent of the goal to reach 15 districts in 2024, according to Laos' Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on Tuesday (Feb 25).
In a bid to reduce poverty, the Lao government has expanded the Village Development Fund, allocating 500 million Lao kip (some US$23,800) per district. Six villages have benefited from this expansion, achieving 42.86 per cent of the target to support 14 villages in 2024.
To date, the fund has reached 17 provinces, covering 57 districts, 599 villages, and supporting a total of 23,808 families.
The government is prioritising the development of basic infrastructure in rural areas, such as road repairs, transportation, and ensuring access to education for all children.
The Lao government is seeking to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status by 2026. - Xinhua
