Govt, development partners consult on 8th NSEDP improvement
Govt, development partners consult on 8th NSEDP improvement
Representatives of government and development partners met in Vientiane to consult on the improvement process towards formulating the 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2016-2020) as well as the 2025 Strategy and 2030 Vision.
The consultation meeting on the 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2016-2020) drew 65 participants from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, diplomatic corps, as well as international organisations and institutions.
The meeting took place on Wednesday and was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dr Khamlien Pholsena and UN Resident Coordinator Dr Hassan Mohtashami.
At the meeting, representatives of the government and development partners raised several critical issues such as the challenges faced by businesses with Laos currently ranked 148 out of 189 countries by the World Bank' Business Doing survey in 2015.
They pointed out the importance of human resource development, national population policy and national disaster response.
Participants also commented on the integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and green growth ideas.
Furthermore, development partners expressed their concerns about economic risk as well as social issues, which required government to foster a stronger and sustainable economy by reducing risks and promoting industries that were environmental friendly and created job opportunities.
In addition, they expressed their concerns on funding sources and budget plan for implementing the 8th Five-Year Plan, agreement between the socio-economic development plan and government budget plan, along with balance between the socio-economic development plan and environment protection, private investment, the use of raw materials and other critical issues.
In response, the Ministry gave feedback to the development partners' comments on the draft plan.
“Improving the process of the 8th Five-Year Plan is very significant and development partners stand ready to offer our full support to the government in preparing to lift the country out of least developed country status and solve challenges in policy and increasing the role of the private sector in implementing the plan,” said Dr Hassan.
Earlier this week, the ministry also held discussions with private sector representatives from various industries on the key priorities of the next socio-economic development plan.
The objective is to enhance the role of the private sector and strengthen partnerships to advance Laos' development process.
