VIENTIANE, Lao PDR, June 8, 2011- The Ministry of Planning and Investment of Lao PDR organized a consultation to discuss key priority areas for Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank Group (WBG) assistance. Both Banks are in the process of developing their next five-year country partnership strategies in support of the Government of Lao PDR’s Seventh National Socioeconomic Development Plan. The day-long discussion served to examine areas in which ADB and WBG support can have most impact on poverty reduction and economic growth in the Lao PDR. Representatives from the Government of Lao PDR, development partners, civil society and private sector partners participated in the one-day workshop, which presented an opportunity to provide comments on and inputs to the key issues identified in the draft strategies of the ADB and the World Bank Group. Working group discussions evolved around issues of competitiveness and connectivity, public sector management, inclusive development, natural resource management and health and education. H.E. Dr. Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment said, “We welcome the joint consultation process by the ADB and the World Bank as it fits into the spirit of the Vientiane Declaration.I hope we will see more coordinated approach to development assistance both in strategy development and implementation.” Dr. Chong Chi Nai, Country Director for ADB in Lao PDR said, “Today’s consultations are an important milestone. All stakeholders in Lao PDR’s development process have discussed key issues in an open and frank manner. This is a valuable process for all involved. Dr. Chong continued, “For the ADB, the discussions are a very useful input in to our new strategy, which aims at enhancing aid effectiveness and maximizing development impact through better focus on key issues and priority sectors.” “Lao PDR has come a long way during the past five years. We would like to build on our strong partnership and help the government pave the way to achieve its ambitious objectives of graduating from the Least Developer Country status by 2020, “said Ms. Keiko Miwa, Country Manager for the World Bank in Lao PDR. “Going forward, we would like to develop a strategy with a focus on results and support areas where we have a comparative advantage. Today’s feedback has been extremely helpful in refining our thinking.” Comments and inputs received during the consultation will be incorporated as the two development Banks advance the preparation of their respective strategies.
For more information about the ADB in Lao PDR, please visit: www.adb.org/laopdr For more information about the World Bank in Lao PDR, please visit: www.worldbank.org/lao Media contacts in Vientiane: Souphavanh Phonmany (ADB) at sphonmany@adb.org and Meriem Gray (World Bank) at mgray@worldbank.org |
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