Dr. Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR on Sept 6 paid a courtesy visit to Mr Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR.

Mr Malaythong Kommasith commended UNICEF for its 50 years-strong collaboration with the Government of Lao PDR on improving the wellbeing of children and their families in the country.

During the visit, Dr. Rebello Britto congratulated Minister Malaythong Kommasith on his new appointment. She then highlighted the role of the private sector can play in protecting women and children in the Lao PDR.

Dr. Rebello Britto also briefed Mr Malaythong Kommasith on a number of actions on which UNICEF is collaborating with the Government of the Lao PDR, namely: providing quality education for all children; providing decent work opportunities for children above the minimum legal age for work, including vocational and specialized training; and developing family-friendly policies and practices at the workplace to promote gender equality and protect the wellbeing of workers’ children.

Mr Malaythong Kommasith highlighted that the Government of Lao PDR looks forward to building upon this partnership under the new UNICEF Country Programme 2022-2026. He also commented on the workloads of women in the work space and family and suggests if UNICEF could contribute to improve women working conditions.

Dr. Rebello Britto concluded the meeting by thanking Mr Malaythong Kommasith for the cordial reception today, and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue working closely with the Government across various initiatives in the new Country Programme.

Source: Lao News Agency