UNOPS and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Host Partnership Dialogue to Strengthen Sustainable Infrastructure in Lao PDR

The event was co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, H.E Detsongkham Thammavong, and Ms. Eda Kraja, the Country Manager of UNOPS for Lao PDR and Cambodia. The workshop was organized to build upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two entities on October 20, 2025.

"I see this partnership as an architect's blueprint. It shows us the vision, the design of what we can build together," stated Ms. Kraja during her opening remarks. "Today, all of us in this room ―the leaders, the experts, the planners― we are the engineers and the builders. My hope is that we will have identified one or two strong, clear, and concrete opportunities where we can begin our work together."

The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, H.E Detsongkham Thammavong, also emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration. "This workshop is a good opportunity for us to understand more about the roles and expertise of UNOPS that might push and strengthen the technical capacity for the Ministry," the Deputy Minister remarked. "I urge all parties attending today's meeting to exchange and actively contribute ideas according to the meeting agenda to ensure future cooperation is effective and can be used in joint project implementation."

The partnership and the workshop discussions center on four primary areas of collaboration: 

● Improving priority infrastructure projects: Providing technical and implementation support, including feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, detailed engineering designs, and construction management.

● Capacity building for sustainable transport corridors: Strengthening MPWT's capacity to plan, design, manage, and finance public infrastructure projects through technical and advisory services. 

● PPP project preparation and investment mobilization: Supporting the creation of integrated project feasibility frameworks designed to make projects fundable and attractive to potential private sector partners.

Project procurement support: Delivering end-to-end procurement and supply chain

The full-day workshop featured presentations and discussions with the UNOPS team, including the East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office’s Infrastructure Advisor, Dr. Ali Salha, and the Senior Partnerships Development Manager, Akira Moretto, alongside the Directors General and Deputy Directors General from eight ministerial departments. The participating departments of the Ministry, which shared their respective portfolios and challenges, included the Department of Housing and Urban Planning, Water Supply, Roads, Transport, Waterways, Railways, and of Civil Aviation.\

The workshop will be followed by individual department meetings on March 11 to deep dive into specific portfolios and develop actionable plans for 2026.

Press contact details: Yadhu Acharya, UNOPS Communications and Partnerships Officer for South East Asia and the Pacific yadhua@unops.org 

About UNOPS: UNOPS' mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners to manage projects and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more at www.unops.org and follow UNOPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and WhatsApp. 

About the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT): The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is responsible for developing and maintaining Lao PDR's national infrastructure, including its road, rail, water, and air transportation networks. Its role includes strategic planning, managing transportation services, and overseeing construction and maintenance projects to enhance connectivity, economic opportunities, and the overall quality of life in the country. Read more at https://www.mpwt.gov.la/en/