VIENTIANE, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- A new phase of an ongoing poverty reduction program has been launched in Laos, which is expected to benefit over 172,000 people, Lao national TV reported on Monday.

The project follows on from the previous Local Development Program implemented in these four provinces of Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Khammuan and Vientiane, according to the report.

The new program is co-funded by the governments of Laos, Luxembourg and Switzerland with a grant of 33 million euros (some 34 million U.S. dollars) to foster inclusive development in 226 villages of 17 districts during the project period from 2023 to 2027.

The new five-year program focuses on three main areas of support, namely the creation of socio-economic opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, accession to improved and more resilient public services, and increased access to improved and more resilient village-level services.

The earlier program, which was carried out from 2016 to 2022, benefitted about 150,000 people.