HL-RTIM Pre-Consultation Meeting

• Excellency Mr. Santhiphab Phomvihane, Minister of Finance 

• Excellency Mr. Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, Deputy Minister

• Chairs and Co-Chairs of Sector Working Groups

• Development partners, United Nations Country Team 

• Ladies and gentlemen:

It is a true pleasure to join Minister [Deputy Minister] in this High-Level Pre-Consultation ahead of the 14th Round Table Meeting. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Finance and the RTP Secretariat within the International Finance and Cooperation Department for their continued leadership. 

Over the years, we tried different approaches to RTIM agenda and deliberations. This pre-consultation marks a first for any Round Table Meeting. Today we are focusing on frontier issues and enablers to unlock new opportunities for the next phase of Lao PDR’s development. And ‘next phase’ is defined by a start of the new five-year planning period and the impending graduation from LDC status. So, we meet this morning with the aim of fostering and open, multi-stakeholder dialogue on emerging priorities for Lao PDR. Our objective is to be forward-looking, practical and solutions-oriented as we prepare for the high-level meeting next month. Simply put, we would like to look at known issues from a different lens, and encourage shared understanding and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Today’s agenda is built around three interlinked sessions. First, we will review progress since the 2024 RTIM, particularly around the key themes of economic growth, human capital, and climate resilience. Second, we will hear from two recently graduated countries on their experiences transitioning from LDC status — their challenges, lessons learned and insights relevant for Lao PDR. Third, we will have a panel discussion on growth, jobs and technology — focusing on solutions and ambitions for the future.

I am pleased to see such a strong line-up of speakers and panelists, and look forward to engagement and contributions from all participants. Key messages from today’s deliberations will feed into the High-Level Round Table on 19 November.

Ladies and gentlemen:

Let me share a few reflections on the themes we will explore today:

First, investing in human capital remains a key priority. It is a solution, not a problem. Education, health and nutrition are accelerators. They are foundational to building a functioning work force, which in turn spurs economic growth and development.

Second, a productive workforce needs access to decent employment. There must be jobs for skilled workers and they need to be adequately compensated – or the cycle of out-migration will persist. Technical and vocational education and training must evolve with demand; TVET graduates need linking up with businesses and employers; industries must search for their competitive edge and innovate, and new enterprises and start-ups should be supported to grow.

Third, as was highlighted in the mid-term review of the 9th NSEDP, continued macroeconomic reforms are a pre-requisite to stimulating quality growth. The Government can build on recent progress made to further consolidate reforms on revenue generation, public financial management, and debt management. As Official Development Assistance (ODA) declines and LDC graduation approaches, the shift from funding to financing — from external grants to domestic resource mobilization — is both necessary and inevitable. Opportunities for sustainable financing are sizeable and often under-explored. And, of course, all development finance must continue will work better when invested in people, systems, capacities and resilience.

And fourth, technology holds immense potential — as an enabler, an accelerator, and a means to leapfrog traditional development pathways. This is particularly true for digital transformation that is already re-shaping industries and institutions. Artificial intelligence is transforming traditional economic sectors by automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, and improving human experiences. This impact spans agriculture, manufacturing, finance and tourism, and reshaping business models and efficiencies. 

Digital trends are also changing public sector and governance by enhancing data generation and use, and strengthening accountability and policy credibility. Earlier this week, we launched Lao PDR’s first fully digital national population and housing census — a significant milestone in the country’s digital journey. This is just the beginning, as more and more data will be harvested in smarter, less costly ways.

Dear colleagues and friends:

The discussions today will help inform key interventions under the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), a plan that will also define the country’s trajectory toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The world is off-track to meet the SDGs. The recently adopted Pact for the Future emphasizes not only what needs to be achieved but how we can get there — through stronger partnerships, innovation and inclusion. The Pact calls for working more closely with the private sector, academia, youth, and other emerging actors. I am glad to see that today’s discussions bring together diverse perspectives. Let us therefore focus not only on the what and the why — but also on how we can translate shared ideas into concrete collective action.

  In closing, I wish to thank Minister [Deputy Minister] for his leadership and substantive guidance on the topics before us today. Our special thanks to the Government of New Zealand for funding UNDP’s National Planning for Inclusive Development initiative, which has supported key RTP milestones.

Finally, our gratitude goes to all national and international partners for your presence and engagement today in what promises to be a rich and meaningful exchange.

            Thank you all.