Luxembourg nationals travelling to the communist state of Laos can enter for two weeks free of charge and without applying for a visa: an undeniable advantage for tourists, rooted in the long-standing, stable relationship between the two countries.
In Vientiane, we meet Richard Philippart at the Luxembourg embassy. He was involved in setting up LUXDEV Asia, an agency of the Luxembourg government dedicated to bilateral cooperation. Richard Philippart has been living in Laos since 2013. He remains particularly taken with the people, their culture and, not least, the fresh and distinctive flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine.
The embassy and the agency share premises in the capital, Vientiane, in the south of Laos, directly across the border from Thailand. People here often cross the bridge into Thailand to refuel or do their shopping.
Laos is considered the poorest and least developed country in Southeast Asia, in stark contrast to its neighbours: Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Major regional powers such as Thailand, Vietnam, and China pour investment into the country’s infrastructure and provide development assistance.
Luxembourg’s work, however, takes a different form: it focuses on helping Laos strengthen governance. Although the political system is highly centralised, the authorities are open to foreign investors. Still, the country struggles with corruption, low wages, an overstretched administration, and reforms that are difficult to implement.
This is where Luxembourg’s Institute for Legal Support and Technical Assistance (ILSTA) comes in. The organisation provides training for professional groups such as police officers, lawyers, and customs officials.
Richard Philippart, ILSTA’s director, plays a key role in these trainings. Strengthening Laotian institutions contributes to regional stability, protects European funds from misuse, and supports efforts to combat money laundering. Resources are also directed towards stopping the illegal wildlife trade, including trafficking of bears.
