Setting path toward graduation from LDC status
(KPL) The United Nations Development Programme in cooperation with the NERI and MPI organized a workshop on the Development of Lao PDR strategy for achieving eligibility for graduation from Least Developed Country status by 2020 on May 16-17 in Vientiane.
At the meeting, representatives of government will learn about and discuss criteria for graduation and adjustment to policy and programming that may be necessary following graduation.
The government has set a target of qualification from LDC status by 2020 in its vision 2020 and has highlighted this goal in its 5-year development plans, including the 7th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, 2011-2015, according to Vice Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr. Khamlien Pholsena.
"Although the Lao economy has developed progressively some risks still exist. Therefore, a strong understanding of those risks, especially related to graduation criteria, is needed," said Dr. Khamlien Pholsena.
Dr. Khamlien said "that an objective of the workshop is to help Lao government officials to understand the criteria and graduation threshold clearly, so that we can plan accordingly and ensure that we are on target to achieve our goal".
" Laos is in the unique position of having set a target data for graduation as early as 1996 and only recently has international community strongly recognized the importance of such forward looking policies," United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nation Development Programme Resident Representative, Mr. Minh Pham, told the meeting.
"Better understanding of the factors that impact development performance and how to manage these in an integrated manner is especially important in the more volatile and uncertain world in which the Lao PDR participates ever more intensely," said Mr. Minh Pham.
There are 48 Least Developed Countries as designated by the United Nations.
The LDC category was established in 1971 to address the needs of the world most vulnerable states.
Only three countries have graduated from LDC status since 1971, Botswana, Cape Verde and Maldives.
Present at the workshop were representatives of government bodies, embassies and international organizations.
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