The Ministry of Planning and Investment expects more than LAK 320 billion to execute the fifth Population and Housing Census which will take place in 2025.
The 3rd Stakeholders Briefing on the preparation of the 5th Population and Housing Census (PHC) revealed that approximately LAK 321 billion, or USD 22 million, will be required for conducting the Population and Housing Census.
Mr. Khamjane Vongphosy, Minister of Planning and Investment, and Ms. Mariam A. Khan, representative of UNFPA in Laos alongside relevant government sectors and stakeholders attended the event.
The Minister of Planning and Investment said that Population and Housing Census is a major national survey that is conducted every 10 years. The goal of the 5th Population and Housing Census is to account for all those living in Laos for six months or more.
The government has presented in the state investment budget plan for 2023-2025, that it has allocated LAK 60 billion (USD 4.2 million) for the PHC. The rest will come from the contribution of international organizations and development partners.
Ms. Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Representative, said, “A Population and Housing Census requires timely and accurate planning, financing, and monitoring. Delays in financing will significantly affect the implementation of the census and hamper access to quality data, which in turn limits the possibility of decisions and policies being based on data. With LSB we planned well, now we count on the active involvement of key stakeholders, including media, to adhere to the census timetable and commit support to the census implementation.”
Four PHCs have been conducted by the government so far in the years 1985, 1995, 2005, and the most recent in 2015. Based on current trends, the national population is projected to increase to 8.1 million by 2030, according to UNFPA.
