Development Strategies and Policies: Economic and Political Impact of
Foreign Aid in the Lao People's Democratic Republic
International Convention of Lao Experts in Economics, Education, Health, and Related Fields
MARCH 26, 2005
Waterfront Activities Center, University of Washington
Seattle, Washington U.S.A.
SPEAKERS & TOPICS:
Baramy Mithivong, Contract Specialist, DC, USA.
Topic: Foreign aid, political development
Paper title: "LPDR: Impact of foreign aid on political development."
Abstract
Presentation
Baramy Mitthivong is Human Resources Analyst with a consulting firm in Washington, DC, and an active
member of the United Lao Action Center, which promotes democracy in Laos. Baramy has attended the
2004 World Democracy Movement Conference in S. Africa to increase global awareness of civil and human
rights oppression in Laos. Baramy graduated with a BA & BBA in Political Science and Finance from the
Middle Tennessee State University in 1993 & 2001.
Bolyvong Tanovan, PhD, Engineering, OR, USA.
Topic: Resource exploitation and environment
Paper title: "Challenges of Dams Building in the Lao PDR."
Abstract
Presentation
Dr. Tanovan is a Licensed Professional Engineer. Currently, as Chief of Power Branch, Water Management
Division, US Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division, Portland, Oregon, he is responsible for hydropower
operational planning for the 33 Corps of Engineers reservoirs in the Federal Columbia River Power System
in accordance with the Columbia River Treaty with Canada, regional coordination agreements, and the
Corps’multi-purpose mission. He manages the Corps of Engineers’ Hydro Power Analysis and Economic
Evaluation Center of Expertise working on project rehabilitation or upgrade of hydro projects in the US and
overseas. After completing his Masters degree in Engineering, Bolyvong worked as Manager of Civil Works
at the Electricity Authority of Laos, Vientiane, Laos (1963-1965), and as System Planner/Program Officer,
Mekong Committee Secretariat, Bangkok, Thailand (1968-1976). He then earned a PhD degree in 1975
from the Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr. Tanovan relocated to Oregon, USA
since 1976, and continued to be active in Lao community affairs and self-help programs under various
capacities, including Past President of the non-profit Lao Association of Oregon (10 one-year terms) and
Advisor to the Lao Senior Association of Oregon and the Wat Lao Buddhathammaram Council of Portland,
Oregon Metro Area.
Bounlieng Phommasouvanh, PhD, Education, MN, USA.
Topic: Education, development
Paper title: "The Dynamics of Education in Lao National Development."
Abstract
Presentation
Dr. Bounlieng Phommasouvanh currently works in the English Language Learners (ELL) Education
Program within the Federal NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Consolidated Programs at the Minnesota
Department of Education. His duties include managing federal education grants and providing training and
technical assistance to school districts regarding the services for English language learners, in particular,
and closing the academic achievement gap for students of color, in general. His work interest includes
working with ESL and bilingual teachers and paraprofessionals and helping families of language
minorities to actively involve the education of their children. His work experiences span K-12 education,
adult basic education and higher education in Laos and in the United States.
Mana K. Southichack, PhD, Economic Development, HI, USA.
Topic: Economic growth, barriers, foreign aid, development
Paper title 1: "Barriers to Growth and Foreign Aid Impacts on Economic and Political Development in the
Lao PDR."
Abstract
Presentation
Paper title 2: "An Overview: Economic development in the Lao PDR since 1975"
Abstract
Presentation
Dr. Mana Southichack is an economist at the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Development Division, regular commentator for Radio Free Asia’s Lao economic program, and part-time
Economic Consultant for international organizations and businesses in Laos. Mana earned a PhD degree
in economics in 1998 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, with fields of specialty in economic
development. His research and consulting experience focused on economic development, regional and
international economics, rural- and microfinance, and agriculture. He has lived and worked in Laos as
consultant between August 1998 and June 2002. His experience there involved rural development,
agricultural development, income diversification and rural finance development, and small business
development with international aid agencies, including UNDP, UNCDF, UNDCP, UNIFAD, several NGOs
and private companies. Mana has continually been active in research on the economic, political and social
developments in Laos, as well as a regular volunteer in the Lao-American community in education and
professional development. He co-found and directs the LaoEcon Organization, born out of the www.
laoeconomy.org.
Manisakhone Sinhbandith, Social Activist, WA, USA.
Topic: Human rights, women, human trafficking
Paper title: "Human Trafficking: Economic and Human Rights Problems of Young Lao Women."
Abstract
Presentation
Manisakhone Sinhbandith has a Bachelor of Art in Hospitality Administration, graduated in 1993 from the
Georgia State University at Atlanta, Georgia. Mani is a busy political and community activist for democracy in
Laos, an active member of the United Lao Action Center, and one of the founders of Laos Funds. She
wishes to contribute to the advancement of Laos as a modern, progressive, and democratic society in
which its citizens enjoy freedoms and protection by an effective system of justice.
Phoumy R. Bounkeua, PhD, Health Science, WA, USA.
Topic: Health care
Paper title: "An Overview of Health Care System in Laos."
Abstract
Presentation
Dr. Phoumy Robert Bounkeua, PA-C, PhD, is a first generation Laotian immigrant. He is a medical provider
of the inpatient substance abuse at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. He is also a primary care
provider at the International Community Health Services. He completed his undergraduate degree from the
University of Washington and Physician Assistant Diploma from the UW School of Medicine. He earned his
graduate degree from Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School and Doctor of
Philosophy in Health Sciences degree from the Medical University of the Americas. Dr. Bounkeua has a
clinical faculty appointment as a clinical instructor with the UW School of Medicine. He is active within his
professional both state and national level. He was the president of the Washington State Academy of
Physician Assistants, co-Founder and President of the Asian and Pacific Islander PA Caucus of the
American Academy of Physician Assistants. The Asian Pacific Partners selected him as a Fellow in the
leadership program for Empowerment and Leadership. He serves on numerous community and academic
committees. He received numerous awards for his strong leadership, community services and clinical
teaching. He is also a medical volunteer, where he participated as a team member and team leader with
the prestige Aloha Medical Mission, where he provided free medical care to the poor people of Lao People
Democratic Republic. He is married to Kathy Lay Tchong, a first generation Chinese – Thai Dam Lao and
has three beautiful children, Kaylin age 13, Phillip age 11 and Katie 10. Dr. Bounkeua enjoyed travel and
lending hands to those in need.
Sin Vilay, PhD, Economic Development, AZ, USA.
Topic: Development landscape and policy implications
Paper title: “Political, Social and Environmental Perspectives of Economic Development in Laos.”
Abstract
Presentation
Dr. Vilay is a former United Nations official in the Department of International Economic and Social Affairs
(DIESA). His career began in the UN Commission for Asia and Far East, Thailand, where, as economist,
he was part of the initial multi-disciplinary team that prepared studies as a substantive basis and
background for the governments concerned in their deliberation on the establishment of A.S.E.A.N. He later
joined DIESA in New York which serviced the various committees concerned in the General Assembly with
research and analysis of trends and policy issues on trade and development at the global, regional and
national levels. He served as Assistant-Secretary of the prestigious Committee for Development Planning
which, besides planning issues, dealt with a broad range of issues including multilateral financial
assistance to low-income countries and identification of the ten least developed countries. Dr.Vilay was
appointed Special Assistant to the Assistant-Secretary-General for Development Research Policy Analysis
and was responsible for reports, policy statements, position papers, speeches, conferences, symposia
and workshops. The last post he held was Senior Program Officer and Chief of Central Evaluation Unit
which conducted evaluations of the whole range of UN programs for their effectiveness and impact.
Currently, Dr. Vilay is the Executive Director of United Laos Action Center. His mission: advocacy of human
and civil rights of Laotians and promotion of their political and economic development both in and out of
Laos. His community affiliations include: Board Director, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Arizona ; Member,
Chinese Chamber of Commerce; former Board Director, Arizona Asian American Association; Co-founder,
Asian Hispanic Alliance; Advisor, Pacific Rim Advisory Council; Senior Advisor, Laotian Association of
Arizona.
LaoEcon Organization
(LaoEconomy.org)
in cooperation with
SE Asian Center
University of Washington
Organizing Committee
Dr. Sin Vilay, Advisor
Mr. Vanlang Khamsouk, Advisor
Dr. Mana Southichack, Chair &
Coordinator
Ms. Mani Sinbandith, Local
Coordinator.
Ms. Chanthalom Puangmaly, Public
Relations
Mr. Baramy Mithivong, Public
Relations
Mr. Steve Khamkhosey, Media
Director
