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Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), and Mr. Kirati Veruwan, NEDA’s Vice President, traveled to monitor the progress of the construction project of the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bung Kan–Bolikhamsai) in Lao PDR. The project has progressed more than 90% and is expected to be completed in February 2025. Upon completion, the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge linkage is set to stimulate economic expansion, trade, investment, and tourism between Thailand and Lao PDR. This will also enhance the transport of goods from Thailand to markets in Southern China, at the Lao People’’s Democratic Republic, on June 13, 2024.

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), and H.E. Mr. PHOUTHANOUPHET SAYSOMBATH, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, jointly signed a financial cooperation agreement for the Route 12 improvement project from Tha Khaek to Na Phao border checkpoint, Lao PDR, on May 30, 2024, at the Ministry of Finance, Vientiane, Lao PDR. The aforementioned project was approved by the Cabinet to jointly push for the upgrading and improvement of Route 12, amounting to a total assistance of 1,833,747,000 baht, consisting of a loan component of 1,742,684,000 baht and a grant component of 91,063,000 baht on April 18, 2024. The conditions stipulate that at least 50% of the contract value for materials and equipment must be sourced from Thailand under the project. Additionally, the main construction

On May 24, 2024, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), along with NEDA executives, welcomed Mr. Yuho Hayakawa, Director General of the Southeast Asia and Pacific Department from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and his delegation for the 5th JICA-NEDA Annual Meeting, an event that has been organized continuously over the years. During this meeting, both parties discussed strategies and operations for collaboration in the Mekong Sub-region and explored ways to integrate development cooperation projects in Bhutan and Timor-Leste in the future.

On May 23, 2024, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), was interviewed by Mr. Wasan Monprasertkul from THE STATES TIMES as part of NEDA’’s pivotal role in economic and social development for sustainability. Over the past 19 years, NEDA has implemented infrastructure development projects to enhance the quality of life in neighboring countries, supported financial and academic cooperation to boost trade, investment, tourism, and transportation convenience. Furthermore, NEDA has supported Thai entrepreneurs and provided training in various management and human resource development aspects. THE TOMORROW, a segment of Voice of Navy Radio (VNR) FM93.0 MHz and an online media under THE STATES TIMES network, will soon air this insightful interview. The discussion delved into future project development perspectives aimed at mutual growth and benefits between Thailand and its neighboring countries.

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), along with Colonel (Ret.) Saranyu Viriyavejakul, D.Sc., Vice President of NEDA, and the management team, extended congratulations to Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Minister of Finance, and Mr. Paopoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Minister of Finance, on their appointments. This gesture of congratulations occurred at the Ministry of Finance on May 20, 2024.

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), took the initiative to lead the management team and staff in a video recording event. The purpose was to extend auspicious blessings to Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, in commemoration of her upcoming birthday on June 3, 2024. This heartfelt gesture aimed to express deep reverence and gratitude. The event took place at the Public Relations Department’’s Radio and Television station on May 15, 2024.

Led by Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), along with a delegation, NEDA engaged in discussions with H.E. PEN Thirong, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) in Cambodia.The meeting focused on exploring opportunities, addressing challenges, and identifying constraints for collaborative development projects between NEDA and Cambodia. Discussions encompassed ongoing projects as well as future initiatives, aiming to establish operational guidelines to ensure the successful implementation of projects and contribute to overall development.This discussion took place during the 57th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 3, 2024.

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), engaged in a bilateral discussion with ADB’s Country Directors from three Countries: Ms. Sonomi Tanaka, Country Director of the Lao PDR Resident Mission (LRM); Mr. Shamit Chakravarti, Country Director of the Bhutan Resident Mission (BHRM); and Ms. Stefania Dina, Country Director of the Timor-Leste Resident Mission (TLRM).The meeting delved into the socio-economic dynamics of these three countries, which NEDA aims to expand its cooperation through Official Development Assistance (ODA). Topics included ADB’’s strategic direction and policies regarding project implementation, as well as exploring avenues for collaborative development initiatives between NEDA and ADB.This discussion took place during the 57th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank in Tbilisi, Georgia, during 2 - 4 May 2024.

Mr. Rapipit Promnart, Director of Policy and Planning Bureau representing the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), recently convened with Mrs. Saymonekham Mangnomek, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), to delve into policy discussions.The primary focus of the meeting was to explore avenues for enhancing the reception and utilization of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the Lao PDR. Additionally, both parties engaged in dialogues regarding the alignment of ODA project proposals with the National Socio-Economic Development Plan of the Lao PDR for the upcoming period. The discussions aimed to furnish insights crucial for shaping the ODA strategy of NEDA. The meeting took place in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, on April 23, 2024.

Mr. Rapipit Promnart, Director of Policy and Planning Bureau representing the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), has a series of discussion with Development Partners in Lao PDR. Among them were: 1) Ms. Sonomi Tanaka, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank Lao Resident Mission; 2) Mr. SHIBATA RISA, Representative of the JICA Laos office; and 3) Mr. Alex Kremer, Country Manager of the World Bank Laos office. The discussions aimed to gather insights from various Development Partners regarding the economic stability and financial landscape of Lao PDR, both presently and in future projections. These insights will serve as vital guidelines for devising cooperative strategies to support the development goals of the NEDA in Lao PDR. The meetings took place in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, during 22 - 23 April 2024

Mr. Rapipit Promnart, Director of Policy and Planning Bureau representing the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), met with Mr. Kawin Viriyapanich, Minister Counsellor (Commercial), Office of Commercial Affairs, Vientiane, regarding the economic landscape of Lao PDR. During the meeting, both parties delved into the potential and constraints surrounding trade and investment between Thailand and Lao PDR. They also explored avenues to streamline trade facilitation through collaborative development mechanisms. A key focus of the discussion was on leveraging Official Development Assistance (ODA) provided by the NEDA to bolster future business endeavors of the Thai private sector in Lao PDR. The meeting took place in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, on April 22, 2024.

Colonel (Ret.) Saranyu Viriyavejakul, D.Sc., Vice President of NEDA, chaired the inspection committee overseeing the contracting and construction management for the detailed design phase of the Road 68 improvement project. Representatives from the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) and the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transport convened in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to discuss and gather feedback on the project to upgrade Road 68. The meeting aimed to enhance the transportation link between Klauranh and O Smach/Chong Chom Border Crossing at the Surin border, covering approximately 120 kilometers. On April 10, 2024, the committee, which includes representatives from the highway department and NEDA officials, along with the project designers, surveyed the route from Klauranh to the Osmach/Chom border in Surin Province. The following day, an interim report was presented, and feedback was solicited during a meeting with Cambodian transport officials and project designers in Siem Reap, marking a crucial step in the cross-border infrastructure initiative.