Day: April 4, 2023

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Recovery in Services, Investment to Boost Growth in Lao PDR – ADB

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s (Lao PDR) economy is expected to grow moderately this year and next, thanks to the recovery in services and private sector investments as pandemic restrictions are eased throughout the region, according to a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report today.

(KPL) The Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s (Lao PDR) economy is expected to grow moderately this year and next, thanks to the recovery in services and private sector investments as pandemic restrictions are eased throughout the region, according to a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report today.

ADB’s flagship publication Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2023 forecasts gross domestic product (GDP) growth this year and next at 4%. Fresh investment in renewable energy, including the 600-megawatt Monsoon Wind Power Project funded by a financial package of $692.55 million, and border reopening will give a boost to recovery.

With upgrades to major connectivity infrastructure complete and reopening of borders including with the People’s Republic of China, international tourist arrivals are projected to double to 2.6 million in 2023 from a year earlier. Transit freight is expected to continue its steady expansion, with 1.3 million passengers and 1.9 million tons of cargo transported through the Laos–China railway in 2022.

However, challenges remain. Inflation pressure will remain high in 2023, projected at 16%, before moderating to 5% in 2024. Prices are expected to climb as businesses pass on costs from imported goods and wage increases to consumers. Adjustments are also planned for electricity tariffs. As such, domestic consumption and the job market are expected to remain weak.

“Prospects for economic recovery have improved,” said ADB Country Director for the Lao PDR Sonomi Tanaka. “A concern is that inflationary pressure will remain high in 2023. This poses risks to the balance sheets of households, businesses, and the government. Focus on coordination of policy responses is essential to ensure that economic recovery is inclusive and resilient against future shocks.”

With almost two-thirds of the Lao population currently of working age, the Lao PDR’s young workforce means that more people have potential to be productive and contribute to economic growth. However, high inflation and comparatively low wages mean that many workers are opting to work in neighboring countries, where they can earn more.

The government needs a comprehensive program that addresses macroeconomic vulnerabilities and challenges in the labor market. It is important for the government to support local industrial development through regulatory reform that improves the business environment.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Source: Lao News Agency

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Lawyer Project Launched to Strengthen the Role of Lawyers in Advancing Rule of Law and Access to Justice of Lao PDR

Various government representatives, development partners, UN agencies, law firms, and civil society organizations working on the rule of law attended the launch of the Lawyer Project in Vientiane on April 3.

Lawyers play an essential role in strengthening access to justice and the rule of law. They help build public trust in the legal system, foster the protection of people’s rights, and contribute to an appealing political environment for inclusive socio-economic development that leaves no one behind. Yet, the Lao PDR counts less than 400 accredited lawyers to respond to the needs of the people which prompts the need for more lawyers and enhanced capacities.

(KPL) Various government representatives, development partners, UN agencies, law firms, and civil society organizations working on the rule of law attended the launch of the Lawyer Project in Vientiane on April 3.

This project is funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and will be implemented for three years under the management of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in close partnership with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Lao Bar Association (LBA).

The project aims to strengthen the rule of law with a threefold focus based on the metaphor of the Head, the Heart, and the Hands. The first priority of the Head refers to the need for the LBA to strengthen its capacity for strategic visioning and continuous professional development. Mr. Voratsamy Soulipaphanh, the President of the Lao Bar Association, reiterated the importance of this by pointing out the benefit of having a strategy that fits the institutional realities in the Lao PDR and the existing capacities of the LBA.

The Heart refers to the aspiration of empowering not only the LBA but also the lawyers themselves by fostering a network of leading lawyers that are committed to professionalism and high ethical standards. By leveraging mentoring, peer learning, and provincial hubs, the lawyers are empowered to strengthen professionalism from within the community.

Lastly, the metaphor of the hand refers to the need to deliver practical tools for learning and professional development. Mr. Ketsana Phommachanh, the Vice Minister of Justice, echoed this point by emphasizing the importance of assistance that is of practical value and can support lawyers in a tangible way.

Catherine Phuong, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, furthermore, emphasized the importance of this project for the wider socio-economic development, “Lawyers help foster stability, enhance accountability, and contribute to a society that is governed by the rule of law in which everybody can enjoy access to justice. Supporting lawyers, therefore, is of critical importance to the inclusive and comprehensive development of the Lao PDR.”

In recognition of gender as a cross-cutting issue, gender equality will be promoted within all activities through a gender-sensitive approach that fosters the leadership of female lawyers and raises awareness about important issues, such as women’s rights and gender-based violence. Moreover, a decentralized approach will be leveraged to make sure the project can impact lawyers and their clients across the country. Mr. William Solley, Director of INL, echoed this point by emphasizing the importance of generating a sustainable impact through activities that can be continued by the LBA and the lawyers after the finalization of the project.

This project is only one intervention that feeds into wider efforts by the government, development partners, and civil society to foster the rule of law. Already this year, a strategy for the LBA will be co-developed and launched, a network of committed lawyers will be established and engaged on various priorities, and the development of a programme for continuous learning will be initiated. These are just some initial steps that will be built upon in 2024 and 2025 to ensure a structural change that can generate a sustainable impact beyond the project itself.

Source: Lao News Agency

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Mekong ministers discuss preparations for 4th MRC Summit

Ministers from Mekong member countries met in Vientiane on Apr 4 to discuss preparations for the 4th Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit and related meetings scheduled for Apr 5. The meeting was also attended by researchers, experts from the region and other parts of the world. “This ministerial meeting will review achievements made by Mekong River Commission since the adoption of Siem Reap Declaration in 2018 and present the results of the 4th MRC International Conference we have just held which was attended by several hundreds of experts from around the world to brainstorm ideas, innovative mechanisms and cooperation that can ensure secure and sustainable Mekong in the future,” said Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit, who is also Member of MRC Council for the Lao PDR.

(KPL) Ministers from Mekong member countries met in Vientiane on Apr 4 to discuss preparations for the 4th Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit and related meetings scheduled for Apr 5.

The meeting was also attended by researchers, experts from the region and other parts of the world.

“This ministerial meeting will review achievements made by Mekong River Commission since the adoption of Siem Reap Declaration in 2018 and present the results of the 4th MRC International Conference we have just held which was attended by several hundreds of experts from around the world to brainstorm ideas, innovative mechanisms and cooperation that can ensure secure and sustainable Mekong in the future,” said Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit, who is also Member of MRC Council for the Lao PDR.

The minister noted that over the past 28 years, MRC has made major achievements including the adoption of a common vision for economic prosperity, just society, and healthy and resilient environment in the Mekong region, adding that such achievements resulted from collective efforts and cooperation built on mutual trust from all member countries.

4th MRC Summit is expected to provide the government leaders of MRC member countries the opportunity to reaffirm their top political commitment to cooperation in the Mekong region, the role of MRC and just and sustainable development of water and related resources in the Mekong region.

The Mekong River is one of the world’s great rivers. Covering a distance of nearly 5,000 km from its source on the Tibetan Plateau in China to the Mekong Delta, the river flows through six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Viet Nam.

The basin is home to one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world, with more than 20,000 plant species and 850 fish species discovered to date. An estimated 80% of the nearly 65 million people living in the Lower Mekong River Basin depend on the river and its rich natural resources for their livelihoods, making sustainable development crucial for the environment and communities living in the basin

Source: Lao News Agency