Name of country: Lao People's Democratic Republic, République démocratique populaire lao

System of government: People’s republic since 1975

Establishment of diplomatic relations:

• 31 January 1958 (Federal Republic of Germany)
• 27 May 1974 (German Democratic Republic)

Economic relations with Laos are showing a slight upward trend, starting from a very low level. Germany is Laos’ principal European trading partner. Laos mainly imports chemical products and machinery and primarily exports textiles, food and footwear.

Germany has been engaged in development cooperation with Laos since 1964. Among the EU member states, Germany is one of the largest donors. Germany is helping, among other things, to protect endangered ecosystems and promote strong land rights as a basis for food security in Laos. It also supports the modernisation of vocational training, as well as dialogue and political participation for inclusive development. At regional level, the German Government supports the Mekong River Commission with its headquarters in Vientiane.

Germany has been active in Laos in the field of cultural preservation since 1989. Between 2011 and 2017, Germany funded the restoration of the murals at Wat Sisaket temple in Vientiane. The documentation and digitisation of collections of Buddhist photographs and the recording of traditional Lao music were also supported. In 2024/2025, the Museum of Buddhist Art was provided with funding, while financial support is currently being provided for the restoration of rare paintings in Wat Had Siew temple. The museum and the temple are both situated in Luang Prabang.