Several participants asked the Government to give an indication on how the Government views the "Decision Framework for Processing the Proposed Nam Theun 2 Project" (See Annex 6.17).
The "Decision Framework", as presented by Mr. Shivakumar at the Symposium, is part of the World Bank's recommendations regarding the proposed Nam Theun 2 project. Its main elements, as already outlined in the World Bank's Aide-Memoire of August 2001, regarding the national development framework, the safeguard policies and their implementation, are acceptable to the Government of the Lao PDR. Also recognized is the need for international support for the Project.
With respect to the national development framework, and the associated reform programmes, in his opening address, H.E. Mr. Somsavat LENGSAVAD, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, clearly stated "the Government's strongest commitment to the vital reform programmes being identified and agreed upon with our main partners in development, namely the ADB's Banking's sector reforms (FSPL I-III), the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PGRF) as well as the World Bank's Financial Management Adjustment Credit (FMAC) and the associated Financial Management Capacity Building Credit (FMCBC)". All these reforms are aimed at strengthening the Government's priorities in terms of poverty eradication and environmental protection.
The national development framework also includes the National Poverty Eradication Programme as well as a National Poverty Reduction Fund. It has been developed by the Government in view of the implementation of its longer-term 2020 goal, and does not limit itself to the Nam Theun 2 project.
In view of developing a greater understanding and wider support for the Nam Theun 2 Project, this Symposium is part of the on-going process of consultation with the international and local community and global society in general which started many years ago.
The Symposium itself reflects the tremendous effort that has been done in the past 12 years to achieve the highest standards in matters of safeguard policies and what is still needed to be done from all parties related to the Project.
Hence, the Government of the Lao PDR considers the proposed Decision Framework as a sound basis for timely proceeding towards the approval stage of the Nam Theun 2 project.
The Government of the Lao PDR also appreciated the World Bank's representative's statement with effect that the World Bank will co-ordinate its approval process with the time frame proposed by the Developer. |
