Financial

Structural and nonstructural interventions require cohesive and integrated approaches, necessitating long-term planning and consultative processes. For example under this project, safeguard readiness including securing design approval from pertinent agencies should have been pursued more effectively. Project readiness for physical works should be adequately considered in drawing up implementation schedules. Accurate and realistic cost estimates based on detailed technical design can reduce the risk of loan cancellations.

A rational tariff policy is essential for improving the financial viability of a distribution utility. Two tariff revisions (in 2016 and 2021) helped improve the financial viability of Azerishiq's distribution-strengthening projects. Although the upgrade of distribution systems is still not fully financially viable, an improving financial internal rate of return (into positive territory) illustrates the benefits of lifting tariffs toward full cost recovery.

The cost categories required to be reported in the audited program financial statements (APFS) need to align with the categorization at appraisal so as not to cause problems in reporting. PLN faced difficulty in estimating the financing charges during implementation at appraisal stage. In addition, PLN raised a concern on the disclosure provision regarding APFS due to confidentiality requirements. The cost categories reported in the APFS were not aligned with the categorization used at appraisal, due to which changes to reporting formats were needed.

Shifts in the types of projects can affect the financing products that may be supported under the clean energy financing (CEFP) platform. At project design, the CEFP was planned to provide three types of financing products: entrusted loans, guarantee funds, and lease financing facilities. During implementation, only entrusted loans were utilized. The other two financing products were not used because of shifts in the types of projects which did not require guarantees and lease financing.

The mobilization of students has been a major factor that contributed to effective capacity utilization and to the success of the program. Mobilization is usually hindered by (i) the perception that skills training is inferior to general upper secondary and tertiary education, and (ii) the view that skills development is a pathway for the academically less-performing students. SImilarly, there is a huge need for training of trainers, and qualified trainers must be recruited to ensure the quality of training and to maintain the supply of competent technical trainers.

Stakeholder expectations and reliance on concessional financing have a negative effect on the market upon completion of the project. Until the loan is fully used up, the market seldom finds innovative methods to improve viability without such concessional conditions. Therefore, by design, the project shall encourage the market to evolve and innovate to sustain without any concessional financing.

Despite the market already being available to cater to the project, the TA intervention resulted in a much smoother implementation that may have been difficult without a TA. Such TA components could improve project effectiveness and the good practices introduced would better the overall market. Thus, similar TA projects are encouraged for greenfield projects of this nature.

As the government continues the reform program with assistance from other development partners and the private sector, detailed ongoing assessments of government budget commitments and financing needs, and capacity development are required, with related work plans. This support needs to include working with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a key partner, expanding the SME Service Centers and outreach, and enhancing access to finance. It will also require government decisions on legal, regulatory, and financial aspects, to fully operationalize an e-commerce platform.

The experience and knowledge gained by the PFIs—especially Davr Bank and the UzbekLeasing International A.O., which subsequently attracted other development partners—added value to the project. The areas that were particularly beneficial across the PFIs were project analysis, formulation, and

Project costing at design stage should realiably estimate the costs of all civil and other engineering costs and provide allowance for foreign currency fluctuations. The actual cost of one irrigation scheme turned out some $10 million greater than estimated at approval. This resulted in significant revision to the subproject design. The revision also incorporated the appreciation in special drawing rights against the US dollar and the domestic and international inflation that pushed down the real value of project resources.