In Vientiane Capital, on 23 September 2026, Ministry of Finance in cooperation with UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Lao PDR convened the Chair and Co-Chair Sector Working Group Meeting in Preparation for the Round Table Implementation Meeting 2026. The meeting was honor chaired by H.E. Mr. Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, Deputy Minister of Finance and co- chaired by Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator to Lao PDR with approximately 95 attendees of Deputy Ministers from 10 Sector Working Groups, Heads of Secretariats to SWGs, Ambassadors, representatives from Development Partners and financial institutions, the representative of private sector – the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, international non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations. The meeting aimed to ensure inclusive and effective preparation for the Round Table Implementation Meeting 2026, which is tentatively scheduled for 19 November 2026 under the theme: “Prioritizing Strategic Financing for NSEDP 2027 Ensuring a smooth Least Developed Country Transition”. In addition, the meeting aimed to collate feedback on the recommendations produced under study on the RTP operating model, to ensure its long-term
sustainability.
“The Lao PDR has consistently met several criteria for LDC graduation and is entering the critical graduation phase by the end of 2026. The Round Table Process mechanism plays a pivotal role in facilitating strategic consultations between the Government and Development Partners regarding the national development agenda. In particular, it drives the mobilization of technical assistance and financial resources for the formulation and implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), which is instrumental in advancing the nation from LDC status toward becoming an upper-middle-income economy. As the implementation of the 10th Five-Year NSEDP nears the completion of its first year, it marks a crucial milestone to review progress, apply lessons learned for the outer prioritized agendas to ensure its achievement. Furthermore, urging the leadership from line ministries of each Sector Working Group to actively align their sectoral plans with the NSEDP. This includes fostering an enabling environment for investment and trade, enhancing revenue collection and expenditure management, promoting high-potential agricultural products, and advancing digitalization. Calling for close coordination among line ministries and relevant stakeholders to collectively address prevailing development challenges.” noted H.E. Mr. Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, Deputy Minister of Finance, Chair of the meeting, in his opening remarks, providing important context for the discussions that followed. Further, Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator to Lao PDR, co-Chair of the meeting underscored the collective stance of the Development Partners by stating that “As we prepare for this year’s Round Table Meeting, one overarching question should guide our discussions: How do we ensure that the transition beyond LDC status translates into stronger, more resilient and more inclusive development outcomes for the people of Lao PDR? Answering this question will require us to move beyond identifying challenges. It calls for sharper prioritization, practical solutions,
stronger implementation, credible financing, and partnerships aligned behind nationally-led results.”. This meeting marks a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between the Government of Lao PDR and Development Partners. It serves to ensure that the Round Table Process mechanism will remain a vital policy dialogue platform, facilitating the mobilization of support and effectively responding to the nation’s most pressing needs during the post-LDC graduation period.
The Round Table Process (RTP) comprises of 10 Sector Working Groups tasked with coordinating and executing development initiatives in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, in accordance with their respective sectoral mandates. The Round Table Process serves as a national consultation mechanism on development policies, specifically fostering development cooperation for the implementation of the National Social-Economic Development Plan, which putting together line ministries, development partners, the private sector, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to actively participate in the sustainable development of the nation.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Viriya Phounsiri, Deputy Director of International Organization Division,
International Finance and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Finance
Tel: +856 20 5655 9655 Email: [email protected], [email protected]
