IFC and Bank of Lao PDR join to discuss the benefits of Green Credit Policy

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Bank of Lao PDR introduced concepts on green credit policy at a workshop in Vientiane, subsequently aiming to contribute to the advancement of sustainable financing across Lao PDR. Adopting sustainable financing policies would help the country improve environmental and social standards in high-risk sectors such as hydropower. Such policies would also help developers adhering to good international practices gain access to financing.

With support from the Australian Government, about 40 officials from the Bank of Lao PDR took part in the IFC training to learn from the experiences of IFC’s SBN and the China Green Finance Committee – a non-for-profit organization coordinating green finance initiatives in China since 2015.

“IFC shared how other emerging markets approach sustainable financing. Drawing lessons from these experiences could help contribute to Lao PDR’s Green Growth Strategy, and gradually integrate green credit policies and guidelines into our banking system,” said Phongsavanh Phomkong, IFC Head of Office based in Vientiane. “To ensure the success of sustainable financing, relevant capacities should be built among officials and decision makers so that they are confident to implement green credit policies and regulations.”

Integrating sustainable finance policy into the 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP 2016-2020) is a priority for Lao PDR. It will help the country better manage its natural resources and protect the environment. It will further help attract public and private investment in green growth activities. Currently, the government of Lao PDR is preparing a Green Growth Strategy — led by the Ministry of Planning and Investment — and revising a Commercial Bank Law led by the Bank of Lao PDR.

“Sustainable financing addresses long-term environmental and social impacts of development projects,” said Kate Lazarus, Senior Operation Officer and Team leader, Hydro-Environmental and Social Advisory Project, IFC. “The hydropower sector is one key area in Lao PDR that can benefit from green financing to ensure that high environmental and social standards are met.”

Original source: IFC
Published on 05 June 2018