(KPL) The Government of the Lao PDR, together with European Development Partners and representatives, convened for their annual cooperation review in Vientiane, reaffirming their mutual commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Phonevanh Outhavong, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment, and co-chaired by Mr. Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to the Lao PDR. Ambassadors and heads of cooperation from Team Europe Partners, including the European Union, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, participated in the session, which focused on progress made under the Team Europe Strategy 2021-2025 and the Global Gateway initiative.

The Team Europe Strategy aims to support Lao PDR's green and inclusive economy, human capital development, and good governance, aligned with the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP). The Global Gateway focuses on fostering smart and sustainable infrastructure to strengthen global partnerships.

The partnership has adopted a comprehensive approach, tackling interconnected sectors such as road infrastructure, vocational education in agro-forestry and tourism, and governance. This approach is designed to enhance competitiveness in the private sector, particularly in coffee, tea, and forestry-based products, thus generating domestic revenue for reinvestment in social sectors.

In a demonstration of their strong commitment, Team Europe has increased its financial commitments for 2021-2025 from an initial EUR 550 million to EUR 672 million. As of March 2025, EUR 606 million has already been effectively allocated to new projects.

During the meeting, participants reflected on 2024 achievements and discussed the Government's priorities for 2025. Both the Lao government and European partners expressed their desire to continue strengthening trade, economic, and investment relations, especially in the green economy sector. The focus is on quality investments that contribute to sustainable growth and job creation.

Mrs. Phonevanh Outhavong expressed her gratitude for the continued partnership, noting that despite global economic challenges, significant progress had been made in various sectors, thanks in part to Team Europe’s support. “Our partnership with Team Europe has been pivotal in sustaining this momentum. Their continued engagement is vital as we work together to achieve our shared goals,” she said.

Mr. Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to the Lao PDR, reaffirmed Team Europe's enduring commitment, stating, “In this shifting environment, Team Europe remains a committed partner to the Lao PDR. We stand for fair, principled, and mutually beneficial cooperation, effective multilateralism, and the 'Pact for the Future'—a shared vision for sustainable development."

European representatives, including Siv-Leng Chhuor, Ambassador of France to the Lao PDR, and Keijo Noryanto, Ambassador of Finland, echoed the sentiment of continued collaboration.

KPL