Vientiane, Lao PDR – May 26, 2023 – The Government of Lao PDR and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have recently reaffirmed their partnership and collaboration to advance Lao PDR’s green transition. During a three-day visit from May 11-13, 2023, Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General of GGGI met with senior officials of the Government of Lao PDR and engaged in fruitful discussions on the scope of the support and assistance which GGGI is providing. H.E. Madam Phonevanh Outhavong , Vice Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment and, Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment were among the senior officials met.
Central to Lao PDR’s green transition is the development and implementation of essential and innovative infrastructure and policy for improving solid waste management and wastewater treatment. This is an area where GGGI, with the support for KOICA, has been assisting the Government of Lao PDR since 2019.
In Vientiane Capital, GGGI is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, specifically through Vientiane City Office for Management and Services (VCOMS), to focus on the establishment of waste management infrastructure. This partnership ensures that households in Sikottabong District have access to proper waste management systems, while organic waste from markets is effectively converted into organic fertilizer at the integrated resource recovery center. Additionally, waste recycling banks have been installed in schools to support recycling and raise awareness among students. In Pakse City, GGGI is working closely with the Department of Public Works and Transport of Champasak Province to prioritize wastewater infrastructure. Four decentralized wastewater treatment systems and one fecal sludge treatment plant are being constructed to ensure proper treatment of household wastewater before it enters natural rivers.
During his visit, Dr. Rijsberman travelled through both cities, to inspect project sites and infrastructure operation and engage local and provincial authorities, including H.E. Somboun Heungvongsa, the Provincial Vice Governor of Champassak, and Mr. Boualy Phetsongkham, Mayor of Pakse City.
Dr Rijsberman and the Government of Lao PDR also discussed opportunities to scale up GGGI and its partners support for Lao PDR’s green transition. Expanding areas of technical assistance include solid waste, wastewater, carbon markets and urban flood risk management, including GGGI’s entrance into two new cities, namely Vang Vieng and Kaysone. In addition, Dr Rijsberman opened GGGI’s new enlarged southern office, in Pakse, which will facilitate ongoing expansion and assistance to southern provinces. By broadening the scope of collaboration, both parties aim to address pressing challenges and accelerate sustainable development in Lao PDR.
