Vientiane, Lao PDR - August 19,2014: A Public Private Partnership (PPP) Technical Workshop entitled "Towards Tailored Approach to Establishing PPP Guidelines in South East Asia" was held at Lao Plaza Hotel, Vientiane on August 19,2014.

It was organized by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) jointly with the National Economic Research Institute (NERI), Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), Lao PDR. The Workshop was the second in a series of ERIA PPP Technical Workshops, following the first session held in Myanmar on August 11.

"Supporting investment is one of the key elements for keeping the momentum of economic growth and for achieving our development targets. Success stories around the world show us that Public Private Partnership (PPP) will address challenges in public, domestic, and foreign investment. Our country has started to adopt the approach of PPP but still, policy reform to enhance its effectiveness is indispensable, " Dr. Leeber Leebouapao, Director General of NERI, commented in his remarks. He went on to say that the nation needs to take one step forward from the current Build-Own-Transfer (BOT) model and called for further discussion for the deepening of understanding of PPP.

During the Workshop, international experts explained the rationale of PPP, the importance of stakeholder management, experiences from Malaysia, and the keys to creating bankable projects. Meanwhile, representatives from line ministries and the private sector in Lao PDR presented a recent program for the development of a PPP framework in Lao PDR, case studies in the road and hydropower sectors, and project structuring criteria in power projects. A panel discussion session became a floor for the exchange of views on government support under fiscally constrained circumstances, readiness of private companies for a shareholding participation by foreign investors, how to create the flow of information for potential investors, and the need for a common understanding on PPP.

Throughout the workshop sessions, the distinguished speakers and participants numbering around 60 and representing the public and private sectors as well as academia in and outside Lao PDR took active part in the discussions. The international experts who participated in the event are: Dr. Michael Regan, Professor of Bond University, Australia; Dr. Ibnu Syabri, Associate Professor of Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia; Mr. Nik Nasir Majid, Independent Consultant of Malaysia; Mr. Matthew Rikards, Counsel, Ashurst; and Dr. Fauziah Zen, Economist from ERIA. The participants from Lao PDR included, among others, Dr. Phouphet Kyophilavong, Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business Management, National University of Laos; Mr. Syviengxay Oraboun, Deputy Director General of NERI; Mr. Xaysomephet Norasine, Deputy Director General of Economic Research Institute for Trade, Ministry of Industry and Commerce; Mr. Akhomdeth Vongsay from the Ministry of Energy and Mines; and representatives from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, and National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In his remarks, meanwhile, Mr. Yasushi Iwata, General Manager of ERIA, said that "PPP requires better coordination among various stakeholders like today's invitees. I hope this event could be an opportunity to learn the importance and meaning of "better partnership". ERIA will make the effort to draft the PPP Guidelines applicable to and helpful for your country based on today's discussion, with a target completion by the end of this year."

Please click the following link to get the agenda of the event:

PPP Workshop Agenda