26-3-2024 (JAKARTA) The Finance Ministry of Indonesia and Indonesian AID have joined forces with Laos’ Ministry of Finance to conduct a comprehensive training program in preparation for the upcoming 11th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Bank Governors (11th AFMGM) meeting scheduled for April 2024.
The training, held on March 25, was designed to enhance the capabilities and readiness of Liaison Officers (LOs) and Voluntary Officers (VOs) who will play crucial roles during the event.
Endang Larasati, Head of the Public Information and Communication Section of the Fiscal Policy Agency (BKF) at the Indonesian Finance Ministry, emphasized that the training was part of the Grant Cooperation Agreement between Indonesia and Laos, demonstrating Indonesia’s commitment to supporting Laos’ Chairmanship.
Facilitated by senior diplomats from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the sessions focused on imparting essential knowledge and skills necessary for the effective performance of LOs. Larasati highlighted that 35 participants benefited from insights into LOs’ responsibilities, diplomatic protocol, etiquette, and effective communication strategies.
Furthermore, attendees had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of Indonesian Ministry of Finance employees who previously served as LOs during significant international events, such as the 2022 G20 Presidency and the 2023 Indonesia’s Chairmanship in ASEAN.
Angkhansada Mouangkham, Deputy Director General of the External Finance Department at the Ministry of Finance of Laos, commended the collaborative effort in conducting the training. Mouangkham stressed the importance of the capacity-building program in equipping LOs and VOs with essential skills and knowledge for their roles during the AFMGM.
Looking ahead, Laos’ Finance Ministry anticipates further collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Finance and Indonesian AID, particularly in hosting the ASEAN Treasury Forum (ATF) in April and the ASEAN Finance and Health Ministers’ Meeting (AFHMM) in June 2024.