Laos participates in Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund training course

In Vientiane (Lao People’s Democratic Republic), the first Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) advisory seminarjointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, the JAIF management team and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The JAIF Coaching Clinic reaffirmed the commitment of ASEAN and Japan to bring JAIF closer to stakeholders by holding a consultation workshop in the country. The participants, coming from various ministries, had the opportunity to learn about the cooperation of JAIF and gained practical knowledge on preparing project proposals to effectively implement JAIF projects.

The one-day workshop was officially opened by Sitsangkhom Sisaketh, Deputy Director General of the ASEAN Department of the Lao PDR Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sitsangkhom expressed appreciation for Japan’s strong support for ASEAN’s efforts to bridge development gaps among ASEAN Member States (AMS) through capacity building, especially in Lao PDR. In addition, he highlighted the important role played by the JAIF and the JMT in providing necessary assistance from the people and government of Japan to ASEAN, as well as in promoting cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

ASEAN is committed to promoting good regulatory practices in the region

For his part, Naoki Minamiguchi, Director of the JAIF Management Team, highlighted the increasingly important role that Lao PDR is playing in ASEAN in anticipation of its presidency in 2024. He noted that a more active formulation of JAIF projects JAIF by the Lao proponents would contribute to reducing the development gaps within the region, thereby enhancing ASEAN integration.

“To this end, the JAIF Counseling Clinic is designed to help potential proponents from relevant ministries in Lao PDR deepen their understanding of JAIF and its procedures,” he added.

Workshop participants had the opportunity to learn about the cooperation of the JAIF and gained practical knowledge on the preparation of project proposals

The first JAIF training course brought together some 30 officials from 18 ministries. In addition to learning about JAIF cooperation, participants learned about the ASEAN Development Cooperation program from Jasper Belarmino Rom, from the ASEAN Secretariat, followed by Phetphouthai Vongphouthai, from the PDR Permanent Mission. of Laos to ASEAN, who reported on the roles and responsibilities of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN to assess ASEAN Development Cooperation project proposals.