Lao PDR

The bi-annual inter-sessions of the National Assembly provide an opportunity to strengthen the role of NA members and committees. The United Nations Joint Programme on Support to an Effective National Assembly (SELNA) facilitates the important initiative of the NA.

Over 120 National Assembly members and staff, key government officials and members of the development community have gathered to Thalat in Vientiane Province 13 to 16 September to discuss economic and trade issues, international law and law-making processes. The bi-annual inter-session is organised between the formal NA sessions that take place every year in June and December.

The three-day programme covers a variety of interesting topics, such as the rapidly growing role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Lao PDR and mobilizing quality FDI to help achieve the valuable goals of the 7th NSEDP. The current situation regarding Foreign Direct Investments will be looked at from different angles: the decision-making process within the Government; benefits, setbacks and fiscal impact from current FDI and the opportunities and challenges the rapidly growing FDI pose to the country.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ian Holland, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. noted that Laos is definitely and irreversibly integrating into the ASEAN and global economy. “Over the past 10 years US$ 12.2 billion of FDI has been approved in Laos across 13 majors sectors.  A quarter of this has flowed into electricity generation, and 20% into mining.  Significant other sectors benefitting include agriculture, industry and services.  25% of the FDI over the past 10 years was approved in 2009 alone.  Over 60% of total FDI originates approximately equally from three countries: Thailand, China and Vietnam; with the other 40% coming from over 30 others.” 

A key question to be asked, also reflected on the programme, is how to make the country's investment environment attractive to high quality FDI. They are making a significant contribution to economic growth. But how can we improve upon the performance of FDI further?

As noted by Mr. Holland, trade, FDI and private sector development lie at the heart of prosperity and development – which is clearly stated in the 7th National Social and Economic Development Plan that will take Laos from 2010 to 2015. “Perhaps the greatest challenge is how to fully maximize the benefits that arise from increased ASEAN economic integration and WTO accession for all of the citizens of Lao, right across the country, in a balanced and equitable manner”, he said.

The four-day agenda covers topics such as WTO accession, increasing the oversight of the National Assembly over the implementation of the country's international treaty obligations and the law-making process together with budget allocation. The participants will hear presentations on e.g. about harmonising LAO PDR's national legislation with the core UN human rights treaties.

Opening remarks by Mr Ian Holland, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. on National Assembly Inter-session programme