Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) for achieving the National

Development Goals

ANZBA CSR Conference Vientiane, Lao PDR

24th November 2014

Laying the foundation

Main approach - contribute to the creation of an enabling environment that supports sustainability

How we do this? Global initiatives (Global Compact, South to South, etc), programmes through Country Offices as a trusted government partner and more so, working with the private sector on country specific programmes. Example China.

In Lao PDR, we have a projects working on the quality of investments and supporting government in the preparation of the National Plan and piloting the M&E framework.

Private Sector and the National Development Plan

Implementation of the 7th National Development Plan requires about 50% funding from taxes derived from FDI

Private sector is seen as the engine for sustainable development in Lao PDR. Many different examples.

The national plan could benefit from having a closer working relationship with the private sector.

Private Sector & National Development (Cont’d)

A selection of the plan’s targets were private sector can contribute:Reduce poverty rate below 19% through job

creation, diversified agriculture techniques

Achieve the net primary enrolment rate (95%)

Ensure 80% of population access to water and

sanitation

Ensure minimum environment impact from

development

How to work jointly

Private Sector-Work with government to achieve targets-Engage in community development, e.g. income generation, business development, knowledge transfer, protection of the environment, etc

Government-Promote business competitiveness-Show interest in CSR-Provide incentives/rewards to private sector

Development Partners-Promote and raise awareness of CSR-Partner with government and private sector to ensure principles of CSR are applied

THANK YOU