VIENTIANE, Dec 18: The European Union (EU), Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, working together as Team Europe, committed to contributing 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), reports Laotian Times.
The launch event was attended by the Vice Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr. Sthabandith Insisienmay, the European Union Ambassador, Ina Marčiulionytė, European Ambassadors and Heads of Missions from France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, as well as representatives from Lao Government’s line ministries, Development Partners and other stakeholders.
Following a broad consultation process, the European Partners agreed to focus the Team Europe Strategy 2021-2025 for Laos on six main cooperation sectors: agriculture and rural development; natural resources and environment; private sector development, trade and tourism; education, including technical vocational education and training; health; and good governance.
The Strategy emphasizes the importance of the Agenda 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals) and Laos’ Green Growth Strategy, to which Team Europe aims to contribute through a specific “Green Initiative” focused on sustainable agriculture value chains and forestry.
European partners stressed their willingness to strengthen their trade, economic, and investment partnership with Laos, especially focusing on quality investment, which contributes to inclusive growth and jobs.
These objectives also derive from the EU’s regional agenda, including its new strategic partnership with Asean, and its strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific unveiled in September 2021.
“I would like to acknowledge with full appreciation that Team Europe is a strong advocate for development effectiveness and works closely with the Government of Laos”, said Vice Minister Dr. Sthabandith Insisienmay.
“The support from Team Europe is important for the development of Laos, since sustainable development means exchange of skills, technologies and other related policies for the future of Laos”, he added.
The Vice Minister stressed that the Team Europe Strategy was a significant achievement as it represents a strong commitment to further enhance harmonization and alignment with Lao national development goals and priorities.
“We want to strengthen our partnership in support of green and inclusive growth while promoting trade and investment, and consolidating good governance,” said Ambassador Marčiulionytė on behalf of the European Partners.
“Joint Programming is mutually beneficial because it brings more coherence and effectiveness to our dialogue and cooperation, in line with the principles of the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness”, she added.
All seven European Ambassadors and Heads of the mission outlined their commitment to work together on co-financed projects in order to maximize the effectiveness of European partners’ cooperation in Laos.
Team Europe will continue to accompany Laos in the next five years to ensure a recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and a smooth LDC graduation towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
This partnership recognizes Lao PDR’s commitment to green and inclusive growth and the active role that Lao PDR can play in achieving our global goals to reduce poverty, promote peace and stability, fight climate change and protect our planet for our children.
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