Vientiane: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the United Nations Office for Project Services recently held a partnership dialogue to explore new avenues for cooperation aimed at enhancing sustainable infrastructure development in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The dialogue, held in Vientiane on March 10, was co-chaired by Deputy Minister Detsongkham Thammavong and Eda Kraja.
According to Lao News Agency, the event followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties on October 20, 2025. This agreement established a framework for closer collaboration in infrastructure planning and project implementation. During the dialogue, Ms. Kraja compared the partnership to an architect’s blueprint, emphasizing its importance in building the country’s future infrastructure.
Deputy Minister Detsongkham Thammavong underscored the strategic value of the partnership in enhancing the ministry’s technical capacity. He encouraged active idea exchange among participants to ensure effective future cooperation and successful joint project implementation.
The workshop discussions focused on four key areas: improving priority infrastructure projects through technical and implementation support, strengthening the ministry’s capacity to plan, design, and finance sustainable transport corridors, supporting the preparation of public-private partnership projects, and providing procurement and supply-chain support for efficient project execution.
The full-day workshop featured presentations and discussions led by UNOPS experts, including infrastructure advisor Ali Salha and senior partnerships development manager Akira Moretto. Participants included directors general and deputy directors general from eight departments under the ministry, who shared their portfolios and challenges.
This dialogue marks a significant step toward translating the 2025 memorandum of understanding into concrete projects that support Laos’ long-term infrastructure development and economic growth.