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Embassies and consular services for Laos
| Location | Service areas |
|---|---|
| Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic | |
| New Zealand Embassy to Thailand | Cambodia, Laos, Thailand |
Our relationship with Laos
New Zealand’s relationship with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is limited but friendly. Following the Viet Nam War, this neighbouring landlocked nation earned the unenviable reputation as the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. The UN also classifies it as one of the world's least developed countries.
Laos has been a member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) since 1997 and New Zealand’s engagement with Laos through ASEAN-related fora is warm, and the main source of our political-level engagements.
Trade
Information about New Zealand's trade with Laos is available on the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).
Free trade agreements with Laos
We have regional free trade agreements that include Laos:
Development cooperation and sustainability
New Zealand has a long-standing development relationship with Laos. Our partnership is focused on sustainable economic growth, developing a highly skilled and educated workforce, building resilience to climate change, and strengthening governance.
Our development cooperation partnership with Laos supports ASEAN’s commitment to narrow the development gap between its members.
Although economic growth in Laos has been impressive, poverty and disparities remain widespread. Laos ranks 147 out of 193 countries in the United Nation’s Human Development Index.
Our development cooperation is made up of activities specifically in Laos, as well as multi-country and regional initiatives, and Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. Our country-specific initiatives focus on areas that Laos has prioritised and where New Zealand’s expertise is most valued, such as:
- mine action, supporting the removal of unexploded ordnance for over 20 years;
- flood risk management using nature-based solutions; and
- building knowledge and skills.
Scholars from Laos are eligible for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme which offers undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary scholarships, thematic short-term training, and vocational/professional short-term training. More information, including availability and application processes, are available here(external link).
Learn more about New Zealand’s development cooperation with ASEAN(external link).
The latest information on our development cooperation activities, including activity details and descriptions, start and end dates, geographic and sectoral focus, expenditure figures, is available at DevData.(external link)
Embassies
- New Zealand is represented in Laos by the New Zealand Embassy in Thailand(external link).
- Laos is accredited to New Zealand by the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic(external link).