VIENTIANE, Laos – This morning, the Lao Government, the European Union and its Member States France and Germany officially launched the Global Gateway flagship “Team Europe Partnership with Lao PDR to increase sustainable and inclusive Trade, Investment and Connectivity in the Agriculture and Forestry sectors – TICAF”.
The launch was attended by guest of honour, including H.E Mrs. Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, H.E. Mr. Khamjane Vongphosy, the Minister for Planning and Investment, H.E. Mrs. Siv-Leng CHHUOR, French Ambassador, and H.E Mrs. Annette Knobloch, German Ambassador. Amongst other high-level participants were H.E. Mr. Phet Phomphiphak, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, H.E. Mr. Ngampasong Muongmany, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, and H.E. Mrs. Ina Marciulionyte, Ambassador of the European Union.
The TICAF programme aims to support the development of sustainable and inclusive value chains of coffee, tea and forest-based products which the Lao PDR is trading with the EU. To facilitate access to national, regional and global markets, TICAF will also support better connectivity to regional and international markets through the rehabilitation of national road 2 leading to Thailand and Vietnam. The programme is co-financed with grants from the EU (€28 M) France (€4.65 M), Germany (€11 M), and concessional loan from the European Investment Bank (€50 M).
European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen highlighted the TICAF’s contribution to improving the livelihoods of rural communities through income diversification and the promotion of decent work conditions, as well as increasing domestic production, exports of sustainable agricultural and forest-based products, and public revenue. She noted that “TICAF marks a milestone and is an excellent illustration of how we have translated our Global Gateway and Green Deal objectives in our partnership with the Lao PDR, while ensuring a meaningful contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals and leaving no one behind”.
Minister for Planning and Investment said: “I highly value the assistance provided to the Lao PDR under the Team Europe Strategy 2021-2025 with focus on Green and Inclusive Growth, Human Capital and Good Governance. This cooperation highlights the harmonization and consolidation of resources from Development Partner to support the implementation on priorities outlined under the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2021-2025”
The TICAF seeks to foster cooperation between Lao PDR and the European Union in reducing deforestation and enhancing sustainable forest and land use, and promoting more resilient crops to the climate change. Working together to help Lao PDR to preserve and use sustainably its rich natural resources, in line with its National Green Growth Strategy 2030.
The event featured a traditional lao coffee dance for the opening. It followed with a welcoming speech from the Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, a keynote speech from the European Commissioner, and remarks by the leaders of the line ministries and EU Member States representatives in the Lao PDR.
The TICAF programme is the flagship programme of the Team Europe Strategy in Lao PRD. It will further promote partnerships between Government, the National University of Laos, Private sector operators and local communities, and be supported by other Team Europe initiatives in Lao PDR to enhanced skills development, social protection, trade and business facilitation and rehabilitation of rural roads.
EU Global Gateway
This is the new strategy of the EU that was initiated in 2021. It stands for sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet. It helps to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change, to improving health systems, and boosting competitiveness and security of global supply chains. Global Gateway is implemented in a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States, European Financial Institutions and the private sector for a transformational impact.
Team Europe in Laos
Based on the success of the “European Joint Programming for Lao PDR 2016-2020”, European Partners (EU, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland) adopted their “Team Europe Strategy in the Lao PDR 2021-2025”.
Team Europe Strategy 2021-2025, focus the cooperation in the Lao PDR in 3 broad priority areas: i) green and inclusive growth, ii) human capital; and iii) good governance. Within these 3 priority areas, we will specifically support interventions in the following 6 cooperation sectors: agriculture and rural development; natural resources and environment; private sector development, trade and tourism; education, including technical vocational education and training; health; and good governance. The cooperation places a particular attention to women, youth, digitalisation, decent work, nutrition, and collaboration with civil society organisations.
