About the Round Table Process
The Round Table Process serves as the primary platform for aid effectiveness in the Lao PDR. It is led by the Government of the Lao PDR and co-chaired by the UNDP.
The Round Table Process and its associated Round Table mechanisms facilitates meaningful dialogue on Official Development Assistance (ODA), aid effectiveness, strategic planning and alignment.
It enables the sharing of knowledge and ideas, and helps bring common understanding of, and collaboration on, national priorities. It promotes collaboration, cooperation and understanding by both Government and Development Partners as they work together to make the National Socio-Economic Development Plan as effective, efficient and inclusive as possible.
The coordination of ODA in the Lao PDR follows the principles of the Paris Declaration, the locally adopted Vientiane Declaration and the revised Vientiane Declaration – Country Action Plan, which now integrates the Accra Agenda for Action. In line with the Vientiane Declaration, this assistance is undertaken under the five pillars of Ownership, Alignment, Harmonization, Managing for Results and Mutual Accountability.
The Long Term Strategy of Socio Economic Development to the year 2020 (LTSSED) is the overriding guiding development policy in Lao PDR. This strategy is supported by the ten year Socio Economic Development Strategy 2001-2010 and the National Social Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), which is a rolling five year development plan that provides the overarching development strategy and framework for prioritizing the Government of the Lao PDRs expenditure program, expressed in its annual budget. The NSEDP is coordinated with the National Budgeting Framework and the National Public Investment Program.
The NSEDP provides the Government of Lao PDR with the framework for both economic and social advancement for the country. The achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 and the aim of graduating from Least Developed Country status by 2020 form essential elements of the NSEDP.
The NSEDP is supported by the development of sectoral strategies by the eight Sector Working Groups (SWGs). Led by the Government and co-chaired by Development Partners, the SWGs provide detailed and current advice on key development issues and challenges faced in the Lao PDR.
The role of the NSEDP is that it clearly lays out the core development strategy for Lao PDR based on Government expenditure decisions. The NSEDP specifies the policy framework that will help put in place the enabling environment for recovery and development, and enhances fiscal governance by strengthening public expenditure management.
The Round Table Process has facilitated the formulation of the 7th NSEDP Plan with full participation by, and consultation with, Development Partners. Representing a definitive moment in the Government's commitment to the development process, it is the first time in the history of the Lao PDR that Development Partners have been involved in formulating the country's strategic development framework to this extent.