Closing remarks at 2023 Roundtable Implementation Meeting

Excellency Khamjane Vongphosy, Minister of Planning and Investment

Excellencies Vice-Ministers, Vice-Governors

Excellencies Ambassadors

All distinguished participants:

As we move towards the end of the day, I would like to recall a point that was emphasized this morning – the Roundtable Meeting is only the most visible part of an ongoing Roundtable Process.

It is the work that we all do between these meetings, taking forward what we have agreed, that really drives progress.

However, making this progress requires a clear shared understanding of priorities and how they are to be implemented.

And so, I thank you all for the frank and constructive discussions over the course of the day, which offer valuable recommendations that can help shape our work.

Both panel discussions developed a succinct articulation of the major challenges encountered, and agreement on the top-priority practical actions that we can take to address them.

Reflections from Panel 1, Panel 2, Plenaries:

- We heard a clear and consistent emphasis on the importance of prioritising and protecting investments in health, education, and social protection to set the foundation for sustainable development.

- There were also practical suggestions for measures that could raise essential revenue for these investments in line with national policies, including the reversal of the COVID19-era cuts to VAT and the consideration of pro-health taxes on tobacco and alcohol.

- As we approach the development of the 10th NSEDP, we can build on the policies that are now in place and the lessons learned over the past years to integrate financing considerations more tightly into the definition of policies from the outset.

Equally important was our final discussion on how we can further strengthen our ways of working and jointly improve the effectiveness of our development cooperation processes.

Reflections on effective development cooperation discussion:

- There was a specific suggestion to consider how best we can facilitate collaboration and discussion on issues related to energy, which does not feature in the existing Sector Working Group structure, but now plays an enormous role in the economy.

All of these recommendations will now all be taken forward for consideration by the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment, and other concerned Ministries.

And the Prime Minister will subsequently issue instructions to all ministries and to guide the work of the Sector Working Groups over the coming year.

So, while this meeting is one key step in our journey, the real test of our success will be in what comes next, and how effectively we are able to take forward what we have discussed today.

Thank you very much, and I look forward to continuing to engage with you all over the coming year, and beyond.