Press Release

                                                                                                             Date: 23 September 2022

Team Europe reaffirms joint efforts in support of Government development priorities

On 23 September 2022, European Development Partners and representatives of the Government of the Lao PDR gathered in Vientiane on the occasion of their annual cooperation review. The purpose of this meeting was to present and discuss past, ongoing and future cooperation priorities and projects. The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the European Development Partners in Lao PDR (EU, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland).

During the consultation, participants discussed the progress of the 9th NSEDP, the key achievements and remaining challenges of each priority sector of the European Joint Programming Strategy 2016-2020, as well as an overview of the new Team Europe Strategy 2021-2025 and the joint actions currently being formulated under this framework. European partners and the Government of Lao PDR expressed their willingness to strengthen their trade, economic, and investment partnership, especially in green economy sectors, focusing on quality investment, which contributes to inclusive growth and jobs.

‘By working together, Team Europe is striving to bring more coherence, more effectiveness and more impact in our cooperation and our dialogue. Our goal is to create growth and jobs to improve the life of people, contribute to peace and stability, and fight climate change. We want to engage in a genuine partnership where everyone gains.’ shared Mr. Vincent Vire, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Lao PDR.

Mrs Sisomboun Ounavong, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Planning and Investment added: ‘We highly value and appreciate our European Partners’ efforts to synchronize the Joint Programming cycle with the Government of Lao’s NSEDP cycle, including mid-term reviews and final evaluations. This is a very good indication of our common efforts to align our priorities, and to deliver on our commitment for the partnership for effective development cooperation as stated in the Vientiane Declaration’.

For the next five years (2021-2025), Team Europe partners committed to contribute an estimated EUR 550 million in support of a green and inclusive economy, human capital development, and good governance, in the framework of Laos’ 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and COVID-19 recovery framework. All European Partners outlined their commitment to work together on co-financed projects in order to maximise the effectiveness of European cooperation in Laos.

The event was followed up by sports activities which allowed participants to show the friendly spirit of European cooperation with Lao PDR.

‘End’

BACKGROUND:  

Team Europe in Laos:

Based on the success of the “European Joint Programming for Lao PDR 2016-2020”, European Partners (EU, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland) adopted their “Team Europe Strategy in the Lao PDR 2021-2025”.

For more information about the Team Europe strategy, please refer to the summarised document: https://issuu.com/euinlaopdr/docs/team_europe_strategy_2021-2025_summary

Contact details:

For more information about this Press Release please contact EU Delegation to Lao PDR at delegation-laos@eeas.europa.eu or 021 255575.