Round Table Implementation Meeting 2023 Under the Theme: “Accelerating the Implementation of the results of the 9th National Social Economic Development Plan Mid-Term Review for achieving SDGs and LDC graduation”
Vientiane, Lao PDR (13th February 2024) The Round Table Implementation Meeting (RTIM) was held on 13 February 2024, at the National Convention Centre. This year, the RTIM 2023 met under the theme “Accelerating the Implementation of the Results of the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan Mid-Term Review for Achieving SDGs and LDC Graduation.”
The event was chaired by H.E. Mr. Khamjane Vongphosy, Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment, and co-chaired by Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator to Lao PDR, with participation of more than 300 representatives of vice ministers, vice presidents of standing committees, vice presidents of ministry equivalent organizations, vice governors of provinces and the Capital, representatives of line ministries and equivalent organizations, and provincial departments of planning and investment from 17 provinces and the Capital, ambassadors, heads of international organizations, and representatives from embassies, civil society organizations and the private sector.
The RTIM featured the discussion of the Mid-Term Review of the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), emphasizing the need to stabilize the macroeconomy, enhance investment in human capital, and promote sustainable utilization of natural resources. The event also discussed the imperative to bolster the private sector as a key driver to diversify the economy to foster employment. Two parallel panel discussions addressing key thematic development issues, underlining the commitment to sustainable, green, and inclusive development, took place at the event to provide a platform for participants to discuss key development issues. Moreover, the event discussed on Laos’ Voluntary National Review and the Lao PDR Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) for LDC Graduation, reflecting the nation’s dedication to ensuring a seamless transition out of LDC status. These developments mark significant progress in Laos’ pursuit of sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth, strengthening the linkages between planning and financing functions. The 4th Round of Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation and the Round Table Process (RTP) Guideline have also been discussed at the event.
H.E. Mr. Khamjane Vongphosy, Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment, chairman of the meeting, said: The RTIM 2023 was very timely for Lao PDR as it provided us with an opportunity to present and discuss the 9th NSEDP (2021-2025) Mid-Term Review and its Financing Strategy, the Lao PDR Resilience Framework, the progress on the preparations of the 3rd Voluntary National Review, and the Lao PDR STS for LDC Graduation with a Vision to 2030 and beyond. At the event, we also focused our discussion on development cooperation, particularly the 4th Round of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation and the RTP guidelines, which aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the RTP mechanism through the 10 Sector Working Groups as a platform for dialogues between the responsible ministries and development partners on the joint development priorities of each sector. The RTP has made a significant contribution to building trust and understanding between the Government and development partners and is instrumental in mobilizing funds to support the implementation of the NSEDP in each period, manifested in the continued financial and technical support from the development partners for the implementation of the NSEDP of the Lao PDR.
Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator to Lao PDR and Co-Chair of the meeting, noted that “The Roundtable is set apart by being the most inclusive platform that we have in place to discuss our efforts to address the most pressing development issues facing the country.” He emphasized “this is an important moment to take stock of where we are, and to deliberate on what can be done to overcome challenges and accelerate progress in the coming years. This includes both immediate priorities that can be implemented during the remaining years of the 9th Plan up to 2025, and reflections that can guide the ongoing development of the 10th NSEDP that will set development priorities through to 2030.”
After the meeting, the SWG Chairs and Co-Chairs, together with the representatives of the development partners, will present the results of the meeting to H.E. Prime Minister of the Lao PDR in order to provide the implementation instructions for the results of the RTIM 2023.
The RTIM 2023 was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
For more information, please contact
Mr. Santi Songnavong
Head of the International Organization Division, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Tel: +85620 22 223 989 Email: songnavong@gmail.com
Mr. Viriya PHOUNSIRI
Deputy Head of the International Organization Division, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Tel: +85620 5655 9655 Email: Viri.P9899@gmail.com