ID :
181661
Thu, 05/12/2011 - 08:02
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/181661
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European Union and Laos partnership in progress
VIENTIANE,MAY.(KPL) - Lao European Union (EU) and Lao PDR enjoy a period of flourishing relation and cooperation since the EU Delegation has been officially opened here in Vientiane in 2003, said Ambassador David Lipman.
Relations between the EU and Laos are strong and vibrant and we are working together to build even closer ties both bilaterally and regionally through ASEAN, Ambassador David Lipman, Head of the EU Delegation said at a press conference, on 10 May.
Mr. Lipman added that a trade and cooperation agreement between the European Union and Lao PDR was already established in 1997, and bilateral relations and cooperation with some of the EU Member States date back much longer.
In 2003, the European Commission opened a delegation in Vientiane, replacing a smaller cooperation office. After entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, the delegation now represents the European Union.
“Globally, the EU (Member States and the European Commission) provide more than half of the ODA. In Laos, the EU development partners have at the moment ongoing cooperation activities worth more than 440 million euro,” he said, adding that “With the overarching objective of reducing poverty, European ODA to Laos targets mainly the sectors agriculture, trade and economic development, education and health, climate change and reduction of UXO threats.”
The important crosscutting areas are also supported, such as sound public financial management, good governance and human rights and now climate change. The EU works towards an increased level of coordination, aid efficiency and division of labour. Several EU development partners have shifted to multi-year cooperation strategies aligned to the Lao Government’s National Social and Economic Development Plans (NSEDP), Mr. David touched upon.
Good trade relations between Lao PDR and the European Union are also increasingly important, at the EU remains largest export destination for Duty-Free and Quota-Free access products from Laos under the ‘Everything But Arms’ Generalized System of Preferences GSP. In addition, the former Franco-Lao Chamber of Commerce will soon become a European Chamber of Commerce. This means that the Companies in Laos will have “one-top” opportunity to learn about business opportunities throughout the European market, and European companies will be better-placed to benefit from business opportunities arising in this fast developing country, he went on.
Our relationship covers a multitude of areas and also includes a regular dialogue on human rights and good governance. Next year will mark a very special occasion for Laos, its Asian neighbours and Europe, when the Lao Government will host the 9th Asia and European Summit (ASEM). We look toward to working closely with the Lao Government in preparing for this key event which will further raise the international profile of this country. The EU remains a strong and loyal partner for Laos. This Europe Day is the ideal time to reflect upon how much we have achieved together while looking forward to facing future challenges, he pledged.
Relations between the EU and Laos are strong and vibrant and we are working together to build even closer ties both bilaterally and regionally through ASEAN, Ambassador David Lipman, Head of the EU Delegation said at a press conference, on 10 May.
Mr. Lipman added that a trade and cooperation agreement between the European Union and Lao PDR was already established in 1997, and bilateral relations and cooperation with some of the EU Member States date back much longer.
In 2003, the European Commission opened a delegation in Vientiane, replacing a smaller cooperation office. After entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, the delegation now represents the European Union.
“Globally, the EU (Member States and the European Commission) provide more than half of the ODA. In Laos, the EU development partners have at the moment ongoing cooperation activities worth more than 440 million euro,” he said, adding that “With the overarching objective of reducing poverty, European ODA to Laos targets mainly the sectors agriculture, trade and economic development, education and health, climate change and reduction of UXO threats.”
The important crosscutting areas are also supported, such as sound public financial management, good governance and human rights and now climate change. The EU works towards an increased level of coordination, aid efficiency and division of labour. Several EU development partners have shifted to multi-year cooperation strategies aligned to the Lao Government’s National Social and Economic Development Plans (NSEDP), Mr. David touched upon.
Good trade relations between Lao PDR and the European Union are also increasingly important, at the EU remains largest export destination for Duty-Free and Quota-Free access products from Laos under the ‘Everything But Arms’ Generalized System of Preferences GSP. In addition, the former Franco-Lao Chamber of Commerce will soon become a European Chamber of Commerce. This means that the Companies in Laos will have “one-top” opportunity to learn about business opportunities throughout the European market, and European companies will be better-placed to benefit from business opportunities arising in this fast developing country, he went on.
Our relationship covers a multitude of areas and also includes a regular dialogue on human rights and good governance. Next year will mark a very special occasion for Laos, its Asian neighbours and Europe, when the Lao Government will host the 9th Asia and European Summit (ASEM). We look toward to working closely with the Lao Government in preparing for this key event which will further raise the international profile of this country. The EU remains a strong and loyal partner for Laos. This Europe Day is the ideal time to reflect upon how much we have achieved together while looking forward to facing future challenges, he pledged.
