CLOSING REMARKS: Theme 1: Macro-Fiscal Framework and Financing for Sustainable Development, Multi-Stakeholder Taskforce to study the impact of COVID-19 to support a Determination of the 9th NSEDP and SDG Localization in Lao PDR

Excellency,

Esteemed Government partners,

Distinguished Ambassadors,

Colleagues, Ladies & Gentlemen,

• I would like to express my sincere thanks for your active participation in the discussion today. We find ourselves in highly unusual circumstances- working to develop a 5-year plan under great levels of uncertainty, to come to terms with the implications of the pandemic about which there is so much that we are yet to understand.
• But we do know that the decisions we make now- the plans and priorities that go into the 9th NSEDP, and will be implemented over the coming 5 years- will have consequences. How well we to adapt to the changing circumstances and make the right calls will shape how much progress we make towards the achievement of national development priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• In bringing this group together, we hoped to pool our knowledge through a frank, open discussion. Through this, we hoped to move towards a shared understanding of the strategic policy decisions that give us the best chance of achieving our development aspirations.
• I commend you for the admirable way that you have taken on that challenge. As we said from the outset, we do not expect easy answers here. We have counted on your willingness to take the bull by the horns- to address the challenging situation and beginning to chart a path that can help to maintain development progress in spite of it.
• You have not disappointed. It has been a pleasure to see the sincere way that the circumstances have been addressed, and the proactive way that possible ways forward have been shared.
• Going forward, this first thematic dialogue will be followed over the course of the next two weeks by others on:
  • Trade and private sector, value chains and tourism;
  • Green growth, resilience and risk management;
  • Manage changes and enhance policy preparedness for decent work; and
  • Human capital, including health and education.

• Each of these will take a similar approach, working through what we know about how the situation has changed as a result of COVID-19, and what that means for policy priorities over the coming 5-years, with a view to making strategic recommendations for consideration in the preparation of the 9th NSEDP.
• Based on this meeting, we will prepare a short outcome document – drawing on the background paper- setting out the key elements of discussion, and our strategic recommendations on possible ways forward as the Multi-Stakeholder Taskforce.
• This, along with similar notes from the other upcoming thematic policy dialogues, will be presented at the planned meeting of the Sector Working Group Chairs and Co-Chairs (tentatively planned for 28th September). Vice Minister Kikeo and I count on the technical leads from the sessions joining that discussion, to take forward the process of translating the strategic discussion we have had today into concrete implications for the 9th NSEDP.
• With this, I thank you all again for your participation today, and in particular to the technical team from:
  • The Ministry of Finance
  • NIER
  • Bank of Laos
  • The World Bank
  • ADB
  • IMF; and
  • The Embassy of Japan

• …that has committed so much time to the preparations for this discussion over the past weeks. We set high expectations for the discussion, and you have certainly delivered. Now, our task is to take forward the outcomes of this discussion to the work of finalizing the 9th NSEDP as a strategic plan that meets the governments expectations, and reflects the changed world in which we find ourselves.
• Thank you and good afternoon.