ASEAN Integration Initiative Project Proposal Writing Course

The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), with the support of the Republic of Singapore Polytechnic and the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), concluded on September 9 the third cycle of the Project Proposal Writing Course of the Initiative for the Integration of ASEAN (IAI) for officials of the People’s Democratic Republic (PRD) of Laos.

The Lao-Singapore Cooperation Center in Vientiane hosted the online training from August 29 to September 9, which was attended by 21 Lao officials from seven ministries and the Bank of Lao PDR. The Republic of Singapore Polytechnic facilitated the first part of the training, from August 29 to September 2, while ASEC continued the second part from September 5 to 9.

ASEC trained officials in developing a regional project proposal and managing ASEAN Cooperation Projects (ACPs) using a results-based management approach, including preparation of budget formulation, disbursements funding and reporting.

For its part, the management team of the ASEAN-ROK development cooperation program shared its experience in preparing project proposals from the perspective of an ASEAN partner.

A conference promotes cooperation between Laos and Vietnam

What did the training consist of?

In the training, participants learned how to harness the resources available to ACPs and processes throughout the ASEAN project cycle.

Following the five days of training with ASEC, participants developed four draft regional project proposals on capacity building of healthcare providers and improvement of bus transport management system in Cambodia, Lao PDR , Myanmar and Vietnam; promoting foreign direct investment through the development of a website; and enhancing the capacities of ASEAN farmers in cultivation and management.

At the end of the training, all participants received a certificate issued jointly by the Singapore MAE and ASEC. Participants appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with officials from other Lao PDR ministries during breakout sessions.

The next training for Vietnamese officials is scheduled for October 10-21, 2022.