Concerns over multiple strategic development frameworks

1. Forum on National Plans as Poverty Reduction Strategies in East AsiaNational Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), 2006-2010&Public Investment Program (PIP)By Mr. Pagnathun THENGMinistry of PlanningApril 4-6, 2006 Vientiane, Lao PDR

2. Planned Development Efforts • Concerns over multiple strategic development frameworks • RGC decision to prepare a single NSDP to implement Rectangular Strategy and achieve CMDGs • NSDP 2006-2010 overarching document giving RGC’s priority goals and strategies • NSDP operationalizes Rectangular Strategy to achieve CMDGs and other priority goals • A PIP 2006-2008 prepared to support NSDP implementation • Both approved by RGC on 27 January 2006

3. NSDP Preparation Process • Prepared in a participatory and inclusive way • Consultations and workshops at various stages focusing on “results” • “Results matrix” of priority goals and other key features agreed by line ministries/agencies, EDPs, members of civil society • Several drafts reviewed and revised between August and November 2005 • Final draft reviewed by inter-ministerial meetings at COM in December 2005 and January 2006 • Endorsed by COM on 27 January 2006

4. THE INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NSDP FORMULATION ROYAL GOVERNMENT SENATE/ ASSEMBLY Decision-Making Level GOVERNMENT-DONOR TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ON PLANNING AND POVERTY REDUCTION (TWG-PPR) Policy-Dialogue/Consultative Level DONOR WORKING GROUP LINE MINISTRY WORKING GROUP SECRETARIAT (MOP) Policy/Program- -Formulation, -Implementation, & -ME Level Implementation (Inputs, process, outputs) Coordination/Facilitation (Process, Outputs) Implementation (Inputs, process, outputs)

5. NSDP Sector Allocations • Based on four elements: • Expected availability of public sector investments • Ensure judicious resource use in sectors and purposes not likely to be served by private investments • Focus on rural areas • Focus on sectors with high poverty reduction impact

6. NSDP Sector Allocations (contd.) • Total requirement of US$ 3,500 million in public sector during 2006-2010 • Resources are expected from: • Current account surplus of national budget • Grant aid from traditional development partners • Concessional loans from MFIs • Resources from non-traditional partners • Funds from possible debt relief

7. NSDP and PIP • NSDP and PIP 2006-2008 to guide EDPs to align and harmonize their efforts to improve aid-effectiveness and secure higher “net transfer of resources” • RGC urges all EDPs to align their country assistance strategies with NSDP and programs/projects with PIP

8. NSDP Implementation Strategy • RGC committed to NSDP implementation monitoring and carrying out annual review • A monitoring framework to be formulated in next few months • NSDP implementation review 2006 to be shared by end-March 2007 • NSDP is a “live” document to be adjusted and updated annually using agreed monitoring framework • Responsible ministries/agencies to work out detailed goals, targets, actions in sector plans for national and sub-national levels

9. Lessons from NPRS Communications First Draft • GSCSD Meeting - 23 July 2002 • Second National Workshop on PRSP First Draft - 26-27 August 2002 • First Provincial Consultation at Siem Reap - 17 September 2002 • Second Provincial Consultation at Prey Veng – 26 September 2002 • Third Provincial Consultation at Kep – 17 October 2002 Second Draft • Revised whole structure • Integrated recommendations from Second National Workshop on PRSP First Draft • Integrated comments from stakeholders: IMF WB NGOs DFID UNICEF UNESCO ADB UNDP UNFPA … • Third National Workshop on PRSP Second Draft - 12 November 2002

10. Lessons from NPRS Communications • Monthly meetings: To provide opportunity to stakeholders to fully participate in all GSCSD meetings • National Workshops:All stakeholders have been invited to actively attend the National Workshops and National Poverty Forum • Consultation Workshops: To provide opportunity to Stakeholders at Provincial, District, Commune, Village levels and the Poor themselves to participate in Consultation Workshop at Local levels • Comments/Recommendations: Open for written comments in addition to above

11. Lessons from NPRS Communications • National Launch • Presided over by Samdach Prime Minister on March 3, 2003. With all stakeholders attended • Provincial Dissemination • At 3 Poorest Provinces: Banteay Meanchey, Siemreap, Preyveng • Disseminate by others means to other 21 Provinces • Publish NPRS Executive Summary both languages: Khmer and English • Mobile Show during 21 days – at 39 Poor Communes – in 13 Poor Provinces • TV Spot broadcasting through TV and Radio - Posters • Reducing Poverty Manual for Local Communities implementing by themselves, will published 5,000 Copies ¬ 4,000 Khmer and 1,000 English

12. Conclusion • Coordinated efforts will be given by RGC to ensure allocation of resources reflecting NSDP priorities • Core Ministries and Agencies worked and continue together to: • Align national budget to support NSDP implementation • Prepare rolling PIP and complete in time to take into account in preparing national budget • Align mobilization of development cooperation resources with PIP • Align EDPs’ country assistance strategies with NSDP priorities and their development programs and projects with PIP.

13. Thank you for your kind attention.