European External Action Service

04/04/2025 | Press release | Archived content

The Government of the Lao PDR and Team Europe organise an Annual Review Meeting 2024

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The Government of the Lao PDR and Team Europe organise an Annual Review Meeting 2024

© EU in Laos, 2025

Vientiane, 4 April 2025 - The Government of the Lao PDR and European Development Partners and representatives convened in Vientiane for their annual cooperation review, reaffirming their mutual commitment to fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment and Co-Chaired by H.E. Mr. Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to the Lao PDR; with the presence of Ambassadors, Head of Cooperation from the Team Europe Partners in the Lao PDR (European Union, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg and Switzerland), focused on progress under the Team Europe Strategy 2021-2025 and the Global Gateway.

The objective of the Team Europe Strategy is to support Lao PDR's green and inclusive economy, human capital development, and good governance within the framework of the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP). The Global Gateway is Team Europe's strategy to engage with its partners in building high-quality, smart and sustainable infrastructure that fosters meaningful and effective connections. This is implemented through a 360-degree approach, targeting interconnected sectors simultaneously to create lasting impact for both people and the planet. For instance, by addressing road infrastructure, vocational education in agro-forestry and tourism, and enhancing governance, the partnership helps build a more competitive private sector in the coffee, tea and forestry-based products value chains. This, in turn, generates domestic revenues, which can be reinvested in social sectors.

In a demonstration of their strong commitment, Team Europe has increased its financial commitments for 2021-2025 from an initial EUR 550 million to EUR 672 million. By March 2025, EUR 606 million had already been effectively engaged through new projects.

During the review meeting, participants reflected on achievements in 2024 and discussed Government priorities for 2025, highlighting key successes of programmes financed under the Team Europe Strategy. Both Government of the Lao PDR and European partners expressed their desire to continue strengthening trade, economic and investment relations, particularly in the green economy sector, focusing on quality investments that contribute to inclusive, sustainable growth and job creation.

The Lao government reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening collaboration with Team Europe. H.E. Mrs. Phonevanh Outhavong, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment, expressed her appreciation for the partnership: "In 2024, we saw remarkable progress across multiple sectors, despite the global challenges affecting economies worldwide. Our partnership with Team Europe has been pivotal in sustaining this momentum. Their continued engagement is vital as we work together to achieve our shared goals."

The Vice Minister extended her gratitude to all Team Europe partners for their ongoing support and commitment to Lao PDR's development.

H.E. Mr. Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR, reaffirmed Team Europe's enduring partnership: "The world is evolving rapidly, and so are the dynamics of international relations. In this shifting environment, Team Europe remains a committed partner to Lao PDR. We stand for fair, principled and mutually beneficial cooperation, effective multilateralism, and the 'Pact for the Future' that we both endorsed-a shared vision for sustainable development."

Other key European representatives echoed this sentiment, including H.E. Siv-Leng Chhuor, Ambassador of France to Lao PDR, and H.E. Keijo Noryanto, Ambassador of Finland, along with Deputy Heads of Missions and Embassy representatives from Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

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