Today, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen launched a new Global Gateway flagship “Team Europe Partnership with Laos to boost sustainable trade and investments in agriculture and forestry sectors (TICAF)”. Commissioner Urpilainen inaugurated the flagship together with the representatives of the Lao Government as well as EU Member States France and Germany. The launch took place during the Commissioner’s visit to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR).
Commissioner Urpilainen said: “My first visit to South-East Asia provides an excellent opportunity for the EU and Lao People’s Democratic Republic to advance our bilateral cooperation as well as the EU-ASEAN partnership, fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth. The Team Europe Partnership with Laos to boost sustainable trade and investments in agriculture and forestry sectors (TICAF) is a significant step in accomplishing our shared goals, in line with the EU Global Gateway investment strategy. Together, we are building a future where economic prosperity goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability, leaving no one behind.”
The Global Gateway flagship “Team Europe Partnership with Laos to boost sustainable trade and investments in agriculture and forestry sectors (TICAF)” focuses on coffee, tea and forest-based value chains, and connectivity to markets. It seeks to further cooperation in reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable land use. TICAF also contributes to improving the livelihoods of rural communities through income diversification and the promotion of decent work conditions, as well as increasing domestic production, exports of sustainable agricultural and forest-based products, and public revenue. The flagship is co-financed with France, Germany and the European Investment Bank, in a Team Europe approach, bringing together EU, its Member States, European Financial Institutions and the private sector.
Given Lao PDR’s ASEAN chairmanship this year, Commissioner Urpilainen will take the opportunity of this visit to also discuss the implementation of the EU-ASEAN strategic partnership priorities with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. Moreover, Commissioner will visit the Pha That Luang Stupa as well as the Thongkang primary school to meet with local teachers and students and appreciate the country’s premiere digital learning platform supported by the EU.
Background
Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.
The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, we aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
EU-Lao PDR partnership
EU-Lao PDR country projects
EU-ASEAN: Global Gateway
EU ̵ Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): project examples
