European development partners and representatives from the Lao government gathering for a group photo while meeting in Vientiane on April 4, 2025. - VT
VIENTIANE: Team Europe has increased its financial commitments for 2021–2025 from an initial 550 million euros to 672 million euros and, by last month, 25,606 million euros had already been effectively engaged through new projects, according to a news release from the EU Delegation to Laos.
The figures were reported at Friday’s annual review cooperation meeting in Vientiane, where development partners from EU nations reaffirmed their mutual commitment to fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth, as evidenced by the increase in financial support.
The meeting, co-hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Team Europe Partners in Laos (European Union, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg and Switzerland), focused on progress under the Team Europe Strategy for 2021–2025 and the Global Gateway.
The objective of the Team Europe Strategy is to support Laos’ green and inclusive economy, human capital development, and good governance within the framework of the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan.
The Global Gateway is Team Europe’s strategy to engage with its partners in building high-quality, smart and sustainable infrastructure that fosters meaningful and effective connections.
This is implemented through a 360-degree approach, targeting interconnected sectors simultaneously to create lasting impact for both people and the planet.
For instance, by addressing road infrastructure, vocational education in agroforestry and tourism, and enhancing governance, the partnership helps build a more competitive private sector in the coffee, tea and forestry-based products value chains. This, in turn, generates domestic revenues which can be reinvested in social sectors.
During the review meeting, participants reflected on achievements in 2024 and discussed the Lao government’s priorities for 2025, highlighting key successes of programmes financed under the Team Europe Strategy.
Both European partners and the Lao government expressed their desire to continue strengthening trade, economic and investment relations, particularly in the green economy sector, focusing on quality investments that contribute to inclusive, sustainable growth and job creation.
The EU Ambassador to Laos, Mark Gallagher, said “The world is evolving rapidly, and so are the dynamics of international relations.
In this shifting environment, Team Europe remains a committed partner to Laos. We stand for fair, principled and mutually beneficial cooperation, effective multilateralism, and the ‘Pact for the Future’ that we both endorsed, a shared vision for sustainable development.”
Other key European representatives echoed this sentiment, namely the Ambassador of France to Laos Siv-Leng Chhuor and the Ambassador of Finland to Laos Keijo Noryanto, along with Deputy Heads of Missions and Embassy representatives from Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
The Lao government reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening collaboration with Team Europe.
Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Phonevanh Outhavong expressed her appreciation for the partnership, saying “In 2024, we saw remarkable progress across multiple sectors, despite the global challenges affecting economies worldwide.
"Our partnership with Team Europe has been pivotal in sustaining this momentum. Their continued engagement is vital as we work together to achieve our shared goals.”
She thanked all Team Europe partners for their ongoing support and commitment to Laos’ development. - Vientiane Times/ANN
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