Lao, Japanese experts debate path to sustainable development

Lao academics, teachers, ministry officials and Japanese experts met in Vientiane on Friday to discuss sustainable development in Laos.
Talks focused on ways to strengthen SMEs so they could contribute more to Laos’ development.

The meeting, titled “Sustainable Development Paths for Laos – Implications for Fiscal Stabilisation”, was hosted by the National University of Laos, Graduate School of Public Policy of Tokyo University, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Laos Office.
The meeting was led by the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Management, National University of Laos, Associate Professor Dr Phouphet Kyophilavong, and Professor Toshiro Nishizawa, who is Project Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo.
The workshop was one of a series of activities under the Joint Policy Research and Dialogue Programme for Fiscal Stabilisation in Laos, begun under an initiative by the Prime Minister.
Participants shared ideas on ways to tackle challenges associated with SMEs such as the high interest rates charged by banks and the lack of skills among entrepreneurs concerning business operation.
Talks also centred on fiscal and monetary policies for fiscal stabilisation.
A mid-term report on the Joint Policy Research and Dialogue Programme for Fiscal Stabilisation in Laos is expected to be completed next month.
The National Institute for Economic Research and JICA will hold a workshop to discuss the mid-term report.
Dr Phouphet said “Fiscal and monetary policy discipline is key for macroeconomic stability and sustainable development. Rule-based decisions and evidence-based policies can go a long way to fulfilling this policy.”

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 4, 2019)