On October 09, 2025, in Vientiane Capital, the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in the Lao PDR, jointly organized a high-level meeting of Sector Working Group Chairs and Co-Chairs for consultations with Development Partners. The meeting was held to prepare for the upcoming 14th High-Level Round Table Meeting (HL-RTM), scheduled for November 2025, in Vientiane Capital.

Today’s meeting was honorably opened by H.E. Mr. Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, Deputy Minister of Finance, and co-chaired by Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator to the Lao PDR. The meeting was attended by Vice Ministers, Heads/Deputy Heads of Offices, Heads/Deputy Heads of Departments, and Heads of Sector Working Group Secretariats for consultations with Development Partners. Also in attendance were Ambassadors, Chargés d’Affaires, Heads of International Organizations, and representatives of development partners.

The objectives of the meeting were as follows:

1. Present the 10th NSEDP Version 5, Draft Financing Strategy, and Monitoring and Evaluation framework to support the implementation of the 10th NSEDP.
2. Report on the progress of preparations for the 14th HL-RTM and inform about the organization of a High-Level Policy Dialogue to present the outcomes of said dialogue at the HL-RTM and to present updates on Vientiane Declaration III.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Soulivath Souvannachoumkham stated that the meeting was a good opportunity for sector ministries and development partners to discuss important points regarding Lao PDR’s development work, exchange lessons learned, and build a common understanding to ensure substantive preparation for the upcoming 14th HL-RTM. In this regard, the Deputy Minister highlighted the openness of the government, demonstrated through discussions and contributions of ideas and comments on the 10th NSEDP Version 5, Draft Financing Strategy, and Monitoring & Evaluation framework. He also reported on the progress in preparing for the HL-RTM, informed the organization of the High-Level Policy Dialogue to present its outcomes at the HL-RTM, and presented updates on the Vientiane Declaration III

Subsequently, Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov commented that prioritization within the National Socio-Economic Development Plan is crucial, especially in the current global context of economic, political, and disaster-related challenges. The mobilization and use of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for development faces many challenges. Therefore, a collective focus and collaboration are required to achieve the objectives. He highlighted that the government’s organizational restructuring presents an opportunity for the UN, development partners, and friendly countries to jointly establish better working mechanisms, particularly in policy, coordination frameworks, and planning, to make them consistent and effective.

He emphasized the importance of supporting Lao PDR in achieving sustainable development goals, providing funding, technical expertise, and mobilizing new resources. After the restructuring, the Round Table Process mechanism, including the structure and role of the Sector Working Groups, will be jointly assessed to ensure appropriateness and coherence.

At the end of the meeting, participants provided comments and proposed action plans to respond to the government’s new reform directions. This included preparing readiness in terms of policies, improving coordination mechanisms, frameworks, and other relevant legislation of the Sector Working Groups to enhance their performance.

The meeting featured a frank exchange of views, a lively atmosphere, and comprehensive discussions, successfully achieving all the set objectives and targets.

 

Documentation:
The full meeting report and related documents are available for download at:(Lao) (Eng)

For more information:
Contact: Mr. Santi Songnavong
Director of International Organization Division
International Finance and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Finance
Tel: +856 20 2222 3989
Email: songnavong@gmail.com/rtpsecretariat@gmail.com