Vientiane, 23-24 February 2015, a seminar on Population and Development in Lao PDR was conducted based on the demographic analysis highlight of key population situation and areas in Lao PDR for attention by the 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP). The seminars were organized into two session for the technical and development partners on 23 February and for the high-level on 24 February.

The findings of population and development analysis shared during the seminars indicate that Lao PDR’s population will continue to increase from around 6.2 million in 2010 to between 10.3 million to 10.7 million in 2050. Lao PDR has a young population structure which is continued to grow. The changing age structure is leading to what referred to as the “demographic bonus,” meaning that the proportion of the population in the working age group will increase, so that there are fewer dependants for any one worker. This provides a great challenge as well as opportunity for Lao planners. But Lao PDR can only gain significant long-term benefits, if the quality of human capital is raised through education-training and health policies, infrastructure investment and other means, including access to comprehensive sexual education and youth friendly services and information.

“It is significant to understand the current situation of population. Sustainable development of the country requires the shift from natural resources to an increased investment on human capital. Line ministries and provinces are urged to integrate population factors into the five-year plan to ensure that we can maximize benefits from the current and future population structure,” said H.E. Dr. Khamlien Pholsena, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment.

Lastly, the seminar also highlighted the importance of accurate, updated and timely data including demographic data which will be obtained from the Population and Housing Census to be conducted from, which will be 1–7 March 2015 nationwide, for effective planning and monitoring.

The demographic analysis on population and development was conducted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment with supported from the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) Lao PDR.

For more information please contact:

Vanly Lorkuanging – Communication Associate, UNFPA Lao PDR

Tel: +856 21 315547, 353048, 353049

E-mail: lorkuangming@unfpa.org