[{"bbox": [284, 151, 571, 906], "category": "Text", "text": "funded projects that had been overpriced. While the regulatory framework has seen improvements, the law enforcement and the judicial system remain weak, thus setting the conditions for impunity and corruption. The economic and social impact of COVID-19 pandemic could actually see a heightened risk of corruption and criminal phenomena in the medium term. Since September 2021, Laos is the only Southeast Asian country to officially permit and participate in crypto mining. This drive towards crypto might end up providing an outlet for illegal payments and unmonitored transactions, running against pledges by the authorities to stamp down on money laundering activities. Delayed due to COVID, Laos will undergo in Q1-2022 a mutual evaluation under the aegis of the Asia-Pacific Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which might lead ultimately to a poss"}, {"bbox": [92, 925, 252, 948], "category": "Section-header", "text": "Lessons Learnt:"}, {"bbox": [92, 968, 1161, 1140], "category": "Text", "text": "The importance of strengthening the country's PFM systems has been recognised by the Government of Lao PDR, with the launch of the Public Financial Management Strengthening Programme (PFMSP) in 2008. The PFM sector was strongly supported by development partners until the closing date of the PFMSP programme in 2013. In 2013, a number of decisions taken by the Ministry of Finance impacted progress and caused development partners to pause and review their relationship with the Government in the PFM reform area. In mid-2015, a renewed interest in PFM reform re-emerged from the Government and was accompanied by requests for assistance from development partners."}, {"bbox": [92, 1157, 835, 1184], "category": "Text", "text": "Useful lessons were captured from the PFMSP, which are still relevant for today:"}, {"bbox": [130, 1203, 1161, 1306], "category": "List-item", "text": "- The weak point from the design of the PFMSP was a serious under-estimation of both local capacity and reform commitment needed to implement a broad and very ambitious programme of institutional strengthening. Accurate assessment of the recipient's capacity and more generally, of the broader institutional environment is crucial."}, {"bbox": [130, 1310, 1161, 1363], "category": "List-item", "text": "- An adequate result framework should be formulated early on and be matched to the standard PEFA indicators to allow for tracking changes in performance."}, {"bbox": [130, 1364, 1161, 1468], "category": "List-item", "text": "- In cases where there are serious implementation and commitment (on behalf of MOF) issues, implementing international partners need to be more proactive in pushing for a satisfactory resolution, including indicating to the authorities a readiness to cancel the programme. Any extensions should be made conditional to the commitment and performance of the government in line with the agreements made."}, {"bbox": [130, 1470, 1161, 1549], "category": "List-item", "text": "- It is imperative to take into account the complexity of the governance system when formulating the interventions aimed at strengthening the capacity of public officials at all levels as well as the information system and coordination among actors."}, {"bbox": [130, 1550, 968, 1577], "category": "List-item", "text": "- There is a need for ownership, vision and sequencing of the actions by the Government."}, {"bbox": [1026, 1680, 1142, 1704], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 14 of 25"}]