ERIA Presents its Research Findings to the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR

Vientiane, 2 August 2024: ERIA presented its research findings to Lao PDR's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, and the Minister of Industry and Commerce, H.E. Malaithong Kommasith, during a closed seminar in Vientiane.

The presentation, attended by senior officials from various Lao PDR ministries, including Director-Generals and Directors, highlighted the significance of the studies and issues in shaping the nation's future development policies. In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay underscored the importance of ERIA's studies, noting that they will directly influence the national development plan for Lao PDR. 'As we prepare our five-year development plan for 2026-2030, the studies are very timely. I urge all relevant ministries to to make use of these findings into their policy formulations and development plans,' he stated.

ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe expressed gratitude to the Lao PDR government for their trust and confidence and emphasised ERIA's commitment to supporting the country beyond its ASEAN Chairmanship this year. 'We are dedicated to supporting Lao PDR in its developmental journey,' Watanabe affirmed in his opening address.

The presentation of the research was divided into two sessions. The morning session was chaired and moderated by H.E. Minister Malaithong whilst President Watanabe chaired and moderated the afternoon session. Each session featured a detailed analysis and findings on the four topics. The morning session consisted of the following presentations:

1. Developing Sustainable and Competitive Industrial Parks in Lao PDR, presented by ERIA Economist Dr Rashesh Shrestha.
2. The White Paper on Energy Security Policy Directions for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Lao PDR and the Implications for ASEAN was presented by Dr Han Phoumin, Senior Energy Economist, along with Dr Anousak Phongsavath, Director-General of the Research Institute for Energy and Mines, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Lao PDR.

The two presentations in the afternoon consisted of:

1. Promoting Sustainable Cassava Production in Lao PDR, presented by Dr Kentaro Yamada, Policy Fellow of ERIA, along with Lao PDR researchers Dr Sayvisene Boulom and Dr Phanthasin Khantavong.
2. Optimisation of Dry Ports Operation in Lao PDR, presented by Mr Souknilanh Keola, Senior Economist of ERIA.

This event was the second opportunity to present the findings after preliminary findings were presented in March. The presentations on 2 August take into account the feedback and comment received after the earlier presentations.

In his closing remarks, H.E. Minister Malaithong Kommasith emphasised the significance of the studies in addressing Lao PDR's developmental challenges. He praised ERIA's methodological rigour and the studies' comprehensive approach, stating, 'These studies are vital for identifying key issues and shaping both short-term and long-term policies and strategies.' On behalf of the government, Minister Malaithong extended gratitude to ERIA for its unwavering support.

This presentation marks a pivotal step in strengthening the collaboration between ERIA and Lao PDR, with the shared goal of fostering sustainable economic growth and a prosperous region.

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