Lao PDR currently faces limitations in monitoring ODA projects and lacks systematic, real-time management tools. Moreover, regional cooperation projects, particularly those under mechanisms like Mekong-ROK, were not integrated into a unified supervision and information-sharing system. This resulted in ineffective recording and dissemination of data regarding their contributions to national and regional development. Additionally, public and member state awareness of these cooperation mechanisms was relatively low, and a lack of coordination and synergy among regional projects hindered the maximization of their benefits. To address these issues, the Department of International Cooperation (DIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) of Lao PDR led this project. The aim was to expand the existing Official Development Assistance Monitoring System (ODA- MIS.gov.la) and establish a unified, efficient, and multi-national database platform for recording, managing, and publicizing the implementation and effectiveness of regional cooperation projects, especially those within frameworks like the MKCF. Read more...
Priority Sector
Information & Communication Technology
Project Site
No. of Direct Beneficiaries
Duration
Dec-2020 to Nov-2023
Expanded the existing ODA database system (ODA- mis.gov.la) in Lao PDR and developed a "Regional Cooperation Project Monitoring Data Center" to systematically monitor and evaluate regional cooperation projects, including Mekong- ROK cooperation.
The new system aimed to achieve project data collection, performance evaluation, information sharing, and experience exchange through a shared database platform.
The project content included rapid requirements assessment, database design and development, user training, dashboard and website construction, and enhanced project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capabilities of six countries through regional training and seminars.
All regional cooperation projects were captured systematically and evaluated timely.
The Project Implementation Agency (PIA) took practical actions to address issues identified in the mid-term assessment, including establishing a daily petty cash spreadsheet record system, standardizing small cash usage, and committing to formal management guidelines.
Internal financial reporting was improved with monthly bank statement reconciliation via electronic spreadsheets, with plans for detailed budget item reporting for dynamic expenditure monitoring.
Despite a budget expenditure of only 35% at the time of assessment, PIA committed to submitting the interim progress report (MTR) by the end of September 2022 to adjust the implementation plan and align with the original project timeline.
Procurement guidelines, payment voucher templates, and bank reconciliation tools provided by MI were adopted by PIA, gradually standardizing the financial process.
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