Lao gov't, Chinese firm cooperate to boost education in Laos

VIENTIANE, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government has partnered with China's Asia-Potash International Investment (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd to boost education, with Laos' first Education Fund disbursing an initial 700,000 U.S. dollars for Lao teachers and students.

According to Pasaxon newspaper report on Tuesday, Lao Ministry of Education and Sports, in collaboration with Asia-Potash International and its subsidiary, SINO-AGRI International Potash Co., Ltd. (SINO-KCL), held the "2023-2024 Education Assistance Fund Disbursement Ceremony" in the Lao capital Vientiane last Friday.

In the presence of Lao Minister of Education and Sports, Phout Simmalavong, along with several high-ranking officials, the initial 700,000 U.S. dollars contribution to the education fund was officially transferred to the ministry.

The education fund was established by Asia-Potash International on Dec. 1, 2022, as a collaborative effort between the ministry and the company.

Asia-Potash International expressed its gratitude and unwavering dedication to being a supporter of Laos' economic and social development, with a special emphasis on advancing the field of education.

The education fund is intended to support educators in impoverished regions, financially disadvantaged students in educational institutions, and the cultivation of skilled professionals.

During the ceremony, Lao Minister of Education and Sports Phout Simmalavong said that the initial disbursement of assistance funds focuses on six provinces in the central, northern and southern regions as pilot areas.

"These funds target eligible impoverished teachers and students to improve teacher compensation and provide financial aid to underprivileged students. In this first round, 1,436 individuals have received the education assistance fund," he said.

He highly praised Asia-Potash International's sponsorship of the education fund, saying its support was a significant contribution to forging a China-Laos community with a shared future and played an important role in fostering cooperation.

"In particular, it has been instrumental in advancing the quality of education in Laos, notably by increasing enrollment and graduation rates for regular education students and promoting higher education and vocational education access," he said.