Ministry officials and representatives of GGGI attend a Validation Workshop and Closing Ceremony for the Groundwork for E-mobility Investment in Laos Project.

E-mobility initiative sets Laos on path to sustainability

The “Groundwork for E-mobility Investment in Lao PDR Project” funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), successfully concluded its final workshop on March 11-12 in Vientiane. This pivotal event, which highlighted the project’s milestones and future directions, underscored the Global Green Growth Institute’s (GGGI) instrumental role in steering Laos towards its net-zero emissions target.

Mr Vilayphanh Xayavong and Ms Eva Diaz Ugena give comments at the closing ceremony of the Groundwork for E-mobility Investment in Laos Project.

With strong leadership from the Department of Transport, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and the Department of Planning and Finance of the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment as National Designated Authorities to the Green Climate Fund, the project has been a cornerstone in contributing to achieving Laos’ low carbon transport ambitions by having a 30 percent electric vehicle (EV) penetration rate by 2030 and realising the vision of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Throughout the 18-month project period, which began in September 2022, the project has accomplished several significant achievements, including EV integration into three transport regulations of Laos, such as the Decision on Technical Requirement on Motor Vehicles Registration and Management in Laos, Decision on Establishment of Technical Inspection Centres, and Decision on Vehicle Registration and Management.
The project also conducted a five-session training programme on EV technical inspection and registration for government officials across the country and the private sector.
Moreover, the project has developed a policy recommendation to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) towards 2030 in alignment with the national Net Zero Plan by introducing several policy recommendations and mechanisms, for example, stricter emission standards and bans of ICEVs, and a ban on second-hand heavy trucks as a path moving towards sustainable transport, and an EV national commnication strategy and EV website.
The 2-day Validation Workshop and Closing Ceremony for the Groundwork for
E-mobility Investment in Laos Project, which took place recently, was co-chaired by the Deputy Director General of the Department of Transport, Mr Vilayphanh Xayavong, and the Deputy Country Representative of GGGI Lao PDR, Ms Eva Diaz Ugena, and participants from all provinces, reflecting the nationwide impact of the project.
Mr Vilayphanh expressed his profound gratitude to GGGI, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and GCF for their invaluable support, saying “The outcomes of our collaborative project hold significant implications for Laos’ progress, particularly within the transportation domain. At the Department of Transport, we are committed to advancing our legislative framework to ensure its future efficacy.”
“Initiatives like the diesel car cessation policy, vehicular promotion communications, and the electric vehicle website play a crucial role in educating society about vehicular advantages and imparting essential knowledge to the next generation of students,” he added.
On the same occasion Ms Eva, representing GGGI, emphasised “Our progress in integrating electric vehicles into Laos’ transportation is crucial. Working together, we’ve tackled policy gaps, built technical skills, raised awareness, and secured funding.
“Our collaboration with GGGI and the Department of Transport has led to significant achievements, such as EV regulations, training programmes, communication strategies, and investment plans,” she added.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update March 14, 2024)