(KPL) The Government of the Lao PDR, with support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted in Vientiane yesterday an international workshop on "Accelerating COVID-Recovery in the Asia-Pacific through South-South and Triangular Cooperation" funded by the Government of China.

Attendees included representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of China and project beneficiary countries:  Bangladesh, the Maldives, Pakistan, and The Lao PDR.

The workshop aims to foster mutual learning and knowledge sharing on COVID-19 recovery and sustainable procurement while showcasing the project’s achievements and strengthening South-South partnerships for continued sustainability and resilience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to its reliance on imports, the Lao PDR faced severe shortages, as well as fluctuations in price and quality of medical supplies.

To address this, the Government of the Lao PDR has been promoting local production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and enhancing regulatory systems and legal frameworks.

This includes the development of PPE Manufacturing Establishment Guidelines, National Medical Device Registration Regulations, and PPE Inspection Guidelines and tools.

Under the "China-UNDP Triangular and SSC Project on Strengthening PPE-related Manufacturing Capacities in Asia and the Pacific Region," the Government of China has extended its support to the Lao PDR, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Pakistan through UNDP.

The project strengthened COVID-19 preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, boosted socio-economic development, and facilitated knowledge sharing between China and beneficiary countries.

During the workshop, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Martine Thérer, expressed hope that “this workshop will be an opportunity for participating countries to consolidate their collaboration and continue working together after the project end to address common challenges in the health sector and beyond, and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

Let’s not wait for the next pandemic to create another global crisis to step up our cooperation.”.  

Representative from the Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products of China (CCCME) shared similar sentiments by emphasizing the importance of partnership stating, “We hope to better integrate into global economic development, foster the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and allow everyone to share development achievements and jointly build a better world. ".

Through the improvement of quality control of medical devices and the enhancement of production capacity of face masks and hand sanitizer at the state enterprise pharmaceutical factory, the Lao PDR ensures the safety and well-being of medical workers but also of the public.

The achievements of this project represent a significant milestone in the country's future pandemic preparedness and response efforts. 

The project not only strengthens local capabilities but also exemplifies effective international cooperation in advancing public health and socio-economic resilience.

KPL