Vientiane, 21 March 2024: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe led a delegation of ERIA experts to share their research findings to the Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR Malaitong Kommasith, on studies conducted at the government’s request. These studies focused on the development of dry ports, sustainable cassava production, and the development of competitive industrial parks – all critical areas for economic growth in Lao PDR.

Minister Kommasith opened the workshop by expressing the Ministry's gratitude for ERIA's ongoing support. It was attended by Sonexay Sithpaxay, Minister of the Prime Minister's Office, and participants from interested ministries.

President Watanabe expressed his gratitude to Minister Kommasith for his time and the opportunity for ERIA researchers to deliver the presentation to the Ministry.

‘I am very pleased that we have been able to respond to these requests, and today gives us an opportunity to present our findings,’ said President Watanabe in his remarks, expressing his hope that the studies would be valuable for future policy development. These studies were conducted following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ERIA and the Ministry in July 2023.

Each study presentation was followed by lively exchanges of views between senior-level government officials and representatives from the private sector. These discussions among researchers, policymakers, and private sector representatives will contribute to the finalisation of the three studies. As ERIA continues collaborating with Lao PDR and other ASEAN nations, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting ASEAN's vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.