Switzerland and the Lao People's Democratic Republic established diplomatic relations in 1963 and enjoy good bilateral relations. Switzerland supports the development effort in the Lao People's Democratic Republic through its international cooperation within the framework of a regional programme. Trade relations between the two countries are minimal.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Laos
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
The Swiss embassy in Bangkok and its regional consular centre are accredited to the Lao People's Democratic Republic. A consular agency was opened in Vientiane in 2020.
Switzerland and Laos have had diplomatic relations since 1963 and engage in regular dialogue on political and development cooperation issues. Ties in this area have been strengthened through a Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) cooperation office, opened in Vientiane in 2006.
Switzerland has also cooperated with Laos since 2016 within the framework of its sectoral dialogue partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Laotian ambassador to Switzerland resides in Geneva. There is a Laotian honorary consulate in Schwyz.
Economic and financial relations
Trade relations between Switzerland and Laos have been growing since the 1990s but remain small in scope. Switzerland's exports include watches and clocks, machinery and pharmaceuticals, while its main imports from the country are textiles.
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is responsible for the implementation of Switzerland's International Strategy on Education, Research and Innovation.
Laotian students and scholars are eligible for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Switzerland has supported the Lao People's Democratic Republic since 1995 under its programme devoted to the Mekong region. The Mekong regional strategy 2018-2021 has an annual budget of CHF 35 million and focuses on three main areas:
- local governance and citizen participation
- agriculture and food security
- employment and vocational education and training.
Specific expenditure for the Lao People's Democratic Republic (bilateral programmes) come to approximately CHF 16 million per year.
The SDC, through its humanitarian aid programme, provides support on an ad hoc basis after natural disasters and to ensure a durable recovery. Switzerland intervened, for example, following the collapse of a dam in the province of Attapeu in July 2018 and subsequently helped in securing several dams.
The Lao People's Democratic Republic also benefits from a number of regional economic development programmes run by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Swiss nationals in Laos
In April 2021, there were 115 Swiss nationals living in Laos (registered with Swiss embassy in Bangkok, accredited to the Lao People's Democratic Republic).
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland recognised Laos in 1957. In 1963 the two countries established diplomatic relations, which are today managed by the Swiss embassy in Bangkok.
