Workshop Held to Strengthen an Enabling Environment for Infrastructure Asset Management in Lao PDR

The event, taking place in the town of Vang Vieng from 19 to 21 August, brought together over 40 key representatives from the Ministry of Finance, other line ministries, UN agencies, and infrastructure experts to discuss and develop strategies for strengthening infrastructure asset management in Lao PDR.

The workshop is part of a broader global initiative led by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to enhance the resilience, accessibility, and sustainability of infrastructure assets in developing countries, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda. Lao PDR is one of the six pilot countries selected globally. 

UNOPS has been working closely with the Lao Ministry of Finance to conduct an EE IAM Gap Assessment since November 2023. This assessment involved high-level stakeholder engagement consultations and data analysis to identify gaps and opportunities for the formulation of an evidence-based roadmap. The workshop built on the findings of the gap assessment, inviting key stakeholders to discuss, validate and prioritize national challenges, proposing strategic solutions and action plans that will effectively improve IAM in Lao PDR. 

In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Bounpone Vannachit, Vice Minister of Finance of Lao PDR, said, “Enhancing an enabling environment for infrastructure asset management in Lao PDR is a critical element of the country's development strategy. High-quality and resilient infrastructure opens the door to better education, job opportunities, economic growth, and improved well-being, while reducing disparities and fostering a more prosperous society.”.

“UNOPS, as the UN agency with a mandated expertise in infrastructure, aims to help partners plan, deliver, and manage infrastructure more effectively,” said Ms. Eda Kraja, UNOPS Country Manager for Lao PDR. “Together, we can transform our approach to infrastructure asset management and propel Lao PDR towards a more resilient tomorrow.”

In his remarks, Mr. Luis Pineda, representing UN DESA, highlighted the critical connection between resilient infrastructure and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stated “Resilient infrastructure is linked to over 90% of all SDGs and their targets. We know that about half of the targets are moderately or severely off track. Over a third of the targets are stagnant or have even regressed. We must dramatically strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and accessibility of our current and future assets through an effective enabling environment in support of turbocharging the SDGs. UN DESA is proud to partner with the Ministry of Finance of Lao PDR, UNOPS, and UNCDF in supporting national and local governments in their infrastructure lifecycle approach to managing public infrastructure assets. “

The workshops also featured a UNOPS presentation on the concept and best practices of IAM, the Capacity Assessment Tool for Infrastructure Asset Management (CAT-IAM) followed by group discussions on the infrastructure lifecycle’s priority areas for effective infrastructure asset management practices at the national and local government levels. 

Inputs received from the workshop will inform the development of a strategic evidence-based roadmap to enhance the national enabling environment for Infrastructure Asset Management in Lao PDR. 

Press contact details, Please contact:

Ms. Zekun Shi, Communications Officer, UNOPS South East Asia and Pacific 

Email: zekuns@unops.org