The 1st JAIF Coaching Clinic for JAIF Stakeholders kicks-off in Vientiane

VIENTIANE, 18 October 2022 – The 1st JAIF Coaching Clinic, jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) Management Team (JMT), and the ASEAN Secretariat, was held on 18 October 2022 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The one-day workshop was officially opened by Mr. Sitsangkhom Sisaketh, Deputy Director-General of the ASEAN Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR. Mr. Sisaketh expressed appreciation for Japan’s strong support for ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing development gaps among ASEAN Member States through capacity building especially the Lao PDR.

In his recorded remarks, JMT Director Naoki Minamiguchi highlighted the increasingly important role Lao PDR is playing in ASEAN in anticipation of its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. He also expressed his view that more active formulation of JAIF projects by Lao proponents would contribute to narrowing the development gaps within the region, thereby further enhancing the integration of ASEAN.

JMT Programme Coordinator Miyuki Ishikawa and Senior Programme Officer Billy Sumuan jointly delivered a presentation on JAIF Background and Handbook. Also, Mr. Jasper Belarmino Rom from the ASEAN Secretariat provided a session on the ASEAN Development Cooperation programme, followed by Mr. Phetphouthai Vongphouthai of the Permanent Mission of the Lao PDR to ASEAN, who briefed the meeting on the roles and responsibilities of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN for appraising ASEAN Development Cooperation project proposals.

The 1st JAIF Coaching Clinic was participated by about 30 officials from 18 line ministries in the Lao PDR.