(KPL) A ceremony to unveil the Strategy for Managing and Using State Investment Budgets for Infrastructure Rehabilitation Following Natural Disasters Through 2035 was held on October 14, 2025, in Vientiane Capital under the framework of the Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Management Project.

The event was chaired by Ms. Phonvan Outhavong, Vice Minister of Finance and Chairperson of the Project Steering Committee. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Hemang Karla, World Bank Team Leader; directors and deputy directors of departments; heads and deputy heads of divisions; as well as experts from relevant ministries and development partners from international organizations.

During the event, Mr. Oula Somchanmavong, Deputy Director of the Planning Department of the Ministry of Finance, presented the key objectives and significance of the strategy. He explained that the strategy serves as a comprehensive framework and a preventive tool to guide the effective management and utilization of state investment budgets for infrastructure rehabilitation after natural disasters.

“The strategy defines the overall direction, objectives, principles, and scope of application to ensure that state infrastructure is rehabilitated in a disaster-resilient and cost-effective manner,” said Mr. Oula. “It also provides a foundation for strengthening coordination and cooperation between the finance sector and other related sectors in this important work.”

In February 2021, the Ministry of Finance issued a decree establishing a committee to develop and improve the strategy for the effective management and use of post-disaster rehabilitation budgets. Between 2022 and 2023, consultations were held with relevant ministries and three target provinces to collect field data and assess actual disaster impacts, ensuring the strategy’s content is practical and aligned with sectoral legislation.

In 2024, a research meeting was convened to revise the draft in accordance with official guidance dated July 22, 2024. Subsequently, in July 2025, a high-level meeting was held with senior representatives from key ministries and target provinces to finalize and approve the strategy.

The Strategy for Managing and Using State Investment Budgets for Infrastructure Rehabilitation Following Natural Disasters Through 2035 was officially reviewed and signed by the Minister of Finance in September 2025, marking an important milestone in strengthening the country’s financial and institutional resilience to natural disasters.

KPL