Ambassador Seeks to Strengthen Laos's Sustainable Development Through Cooperation
France's Ambassador to Laos, Florence Jeanblanc-Risler, has addressed her compatriots through an editorial letter published on the official state institution website.
France's Ambassador to Laos, Florence Jeanblanc-Risler, has addressed her compatriots through an editorial letter published on the official state institution website. She has expressed her positive impressions of the country since her arrival last September and outlined the key priorities for work in 2019.
When Florence Jeanblanc-Risler arrived in Vientiane from Wellington in September 2018, she made herself a promise. To fulfill her diplomatic role, but not to confine herself solely to the Lao capital. To cover the entire territory. « True to this commitment, I have traveled to Luang Prabang and subsequently to the provinces of Champasak and Attapeu. There I encountered a different Laos—one distinguished by its architecture, landscapes, and level of development, but also by its resilience, as exemplified in Attapeu province. Everywhere I found the same smiles and warm welcome, along with an expectation that our country will remain engaged », she writes. She was sure to highlight concrete examples of work accomplished, such as the restoration of Vat Phu, conducted in cooperation with the French School of the Far East, or support for coffee producers in the Bolovens Plateau. This commitment, which she wants to instill and sustain, follows a strong guiding principle: the country's sustainable and responsible development.
Florence Jeanblanc-Risler visiting the Bolovens coffee greenhouses. ©Embassy of France in Laos
The Plan for 2019
This approach inevitably encompasses environmental considerations, but according to her, it extends far beyond that. « It also applies to priority sectors including agriculture, tourism, and heritage preservation, she elaborates before noting, Laos also requires improvements in its population's educational levels. »
The ambassador also wants to reaffirm France's presence in Laos and improve « the business environment. » She aims to maintain dialogue both with this "young" country's government—one experiencing strong economic growth today—so as not to overlook French expertise. But also with other major stakeholders: « businesses, civil society, and young people », she specifies.
She concluded her statement by emphasizing the importance of cooperation within ASEAN and sustaining this strong economic momentum to which « Laos is now an active participant. » The question of the Mekong and the Greater Mekong Subregion will inevitably resurface this year. The river has been the region's lifeblood for centuries, yet the current era appears increasingly troubling in terms of respecting its resources.
Frequently asked questions
Florence Jeanblanc-Risler has served as France's Ambassador to Laos since September 2018. She arrived in Vientiane from Wellington, New Zealand, and has committed to covering all Lao territory, particularly the provinces of Champasak and Attapeu as well as the city of Luang Prabang.
According to the ambassador, Franco-Laotian cooperation in 2019 focuses on sustainable development, agriculture, responsible tourism, preservation of cultural heritage, and improving educational standards. France's presence within ASEAN and dialogue with businesses and civil society are also priorities.
The French School of the Far East (EFEO) collaborates with the French Embassy on enhancing Lao historical heritage, notably at the site of Vat Phu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This cooperation reflects France's commitment to cultural preservation policy.
The Mekong is Southeast Asia's central river and has been the region's economic and ecological engine for centuries. In Laos, it supports agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. However, dam construction and unsustainable resource exploitation threaten environmental balance and food security for riverside populations.
The Bolovens Plateau, located in southern Laos, is a fertile agricultural region renowned for quality coffee production. It exemplifies Franco-Laotian cooperation, with the French Embassy supporting local producers in developing sustainable and responsible agriculture.
