Lao PDR

Expected results: The present project will assist the Government in the implementation of the Sixth Plan (2006-2010) including the constituent poverty reduction strategy and the MDGs; and in monitoring and evaluating the results. Specifically, the project will help the Government of the Lao PDR in achieving three outcomes: (i) incorporation of the poverty reduction and MDG priorities and programmes of the Sixth Plan (2006-2010) in the annual plans and budgets of selected Ministries and three pilot provinces and implementing them; (ii) enhanced capacities of CPI, selected Ministries and three pilot provinces for improved implementation monitoring, evaluation and reporting; and (iii) establishment of a research network comprising the National Economic Research Institute (NERI) and selected Ministries and Agencies to undertake policy research to support planning, monitoring and evaluation.

NSEDP Fact Sheet 2009_10 Project document Signature page

Expected results: The main purpose of this project is to further enrich the quality and effectiveness of the Round Table Process as a process for facilitating substantive dialogue on key development issues relevant to Official Development Assistance (ODA), sharing valuable knowledge and ideas for advancing development, developing common understandings on evolving national priorities, and further enhancing collaboration among all national and international development partners in the implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) 2006-2010.

The project will support a substantial increase in aid effectiveness by also strengthening DIC's capacity for coordinating, motivating and monitoring the effective implementation of the Country Action Plan (CAP) of the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness signed at the Round Table Meeting in November 2006. The project will also facilitate the further development of effective Sector Working Groups (SWGs) and Thematic Working Groups (TWGs).

RTP Fact Sheet 2009_10 Project document Signature page

Expected results: The project promotes and develops the understanding of the concept of human development and its challenges for development in the Lao PDR through the process of preparation of the National Human Development Reports (NHDR).

NHDR Fact Sheet 2009_10 Project document Signature page

Expected results: This project seeks to support the development of the private sector in Laos, in particular SMEs, by 1) optimising the use of research findings and recommendations in the areas of private sector development and the business enabling environment; 2) strengthening the capacities of chambers of commerce and industry and business associations so that they can become independent, self-reliant and self-financing organizations providing effective and income generating services to the business community; 3) strengthening the capacities of chambers of commerce and industry and business associations to carry out advocacy on behalf of their members.

Ultimately, the project will contribute to an improved enabling business environment, accelerated growth of private businesses, increased exports, and increase in the number and profitability of SMEs.

Project document Signature page

Expected results: A further three-year cooperation project phase II will build on Laos' successful chairmanship of the ASEAN Standing Committee and the positive achievements of the UNDP PA Project. The new project, implemented by the ASEAN Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will have the following key outcomes:

•  Increased national commitment to the process of ASEAN integration;

•  Improved capacity to coordinate ASEAN affairs within the Government of Lao PDR; and

•  Enhanced national capacity to assess policy implications of regional integration.

Fact Sheet 2009_10 Project document

Expected results: The long-term Development Objective of this project is to achieve gender equality for poverty reduction in Lao PDR. The desired long term impact is to improve the lives of women and men living in poverty, especially those in the poorest districts and among marginalized groups. The medium term goal is to create a more conducive environment and mechanisms for the Government to implement gender-sensitive development for poverty alleviation. The short-term goal is to build gender equality advocacy, planning and resource allocation skills within LWU, NCAW, CPI, the National Assembly, and Government – Donor Sector Working Groups, in support of decision-making processes and policy formulations and planning forums.

Project document Signature page

Expected results: The overall objectives of the IF initiative is to increase trade integration and improve export market share in Laos . This project will help achieve this objective through the delivery of the following outcomes:

• Enhanced institutional capacity to coordinate and implement trade related policies and projects within the government of GOL;
• Enhanced coordination mechanism and management capacity within GOL; and
• Enhanced national capacity to assess the policy implication of trade on growth, economic development, and poverty alleviation.

Project document Signature page

Expected results: The purpose of the project is to promote the integration of Laos into the global economy through export growth and increased competitiveness. This will be achieved through the delivery of the following outcomes:

• Improved capacity of the GOL to prepare and negotiate a pro-poor and pro-growth WTO accession agreement and improved capacity of the Lao WTO negotiations team to coordinate with the working party;
• Improved capacity of the GOL to negotiate market access in the goods and services sectors; and
• Increased national awareness, consensus and commitment on WTO accession negotiations.

WTO Fact Sheet 2009_10 Project document Signature page

Expected results: The purpose of the project is to promote the integration of Laos into the global economy through export growth and increased competitiveness. This will be achieved through the delivery of the following outcomes:

• To improve capacity of DIMEX to provide services to the private sector;
• To improve capacity of the GOL to participate actively in the ASEAN;
• Taskforce on Rules of Origin and export procedures including;
• Product-Specific Rules and operational certificate procedures; and
• To improve efficiency at central and provincial level in administering ROO, PSR, and OCP.

Dimex Fact Sheet 2009_10 Project document Signature page