The Luang Prabang Provincial and City governments, Australian Embassy in the Lao PDR, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched the Luang Prabang Smart and Integrated Urban Strategy on 5 October 2023 in Luang Prabang City. Over 40 officials, business leaders, and development partners joined the event. Luang Prabang Provincial Vice Governor Siriphone Souphanthong chaired the launch, highlighting that the strategy provides strong integration between smart technology and city development. Further, the city and provincial governments will apply it with the availability of resource that aligns with the provincial development direction. Meanwhile, Australian Embassy First Secretary Robin Flint emphasized in his remarks that the strategy will help protect heritage and environment in the province as this will attract more tourists. He also encouraged ADB to continue supporting some of the projects identified in the strategy. Luang Prabang City Mayor Viengthong Hatsachan noted that the strategy aligns with key areas that the city plans to develop. This will help investors understand more about the city’s development direction. He thanked the project team for their hard work during preparation through broad public and private sector consultations.

Preparation of the strategy is supported by the ASEAN Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund, which is financed by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, managed by the Asian Development Bank, and implemented by Ramboll.