World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR CAR COS FY17 Report (Final).docx FY 2021 Lao PDR Country Opinion Survey Report THE WORLD BANK GROUP Public Opinion Research Group 1 March 2022 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR Acknowledgements The Lao PDR Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Strategic Insights Group (SI), led by Sharon Felzer (Senior Communications Officer, Head of SI). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Aditi Routh oversaw design, reporting, and analysis. Dania Mendoza, Noreen Wambui, and Irina Popova provided data support. SI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Lao PDR country team and independent fielding agency Indochina Research (Laos) Ltd. In particular, Strategic Insights Group is grateful for the support from Viengsamay Srithirath (Nou) (Senior Country Officer) and Aiden Benedict Glendinning (External Affairs Officer), who coordinated the survey related activities from Vientiane, Lao PDR. 1 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR Table of Contents I. Objectives ...................................................................................3 II. Methodology ...............................................................................3 III. Demographics of the Sample.......................................................5 IV. Overall Context ...........................................................................9 V. Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group ......................15 VI. World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas .................19 VII. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground .....22 VIII. World Bank Group’s Knowledge and Instruments .....................25 IX. The Future Role of the WBG in Lao PDR ....................................29 X. Communication and Outreach ................................................. 32 XI. Appendices ................................................................................35 XII. Appendices ................................................................................37 LAO PDR 2 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR I. Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in Lao PDR perceive the WBG. The survey explored: ▪ Overall Context ▪ Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group ▪ World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground ▪ World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas ▪ World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities ▪ The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Lao PDR ▪ Communication and Information Sharing ▪ Background Information II. Methodology From March to June 2021, 780 stakeholders of the WBG in Lao PDR were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work in the country by participating in a Country Opinion Survey. Participants were drawn from the Office of the President/Prime Minister; offices of Ministers; offices of Parliamentarians; employees of ministries/ministerial departments/implementation agencies; Project Management Units (PMUs) overseeing implementation of WBG projects; consultants/contractors working on WBG-supported projects/programs; local governments; independent government institutions; the judiciary; state-owned enterprises; bilateral and multilateral agencies; private sector organizations; the financial sector and private banks; private foundations; NGOs and community-based organizations; faith-based groups; youth groups; academia/research institutes/think tanks; and the media. A total of 527 stakeholders participated in the survey (67% response rate). Respondents received the questionnaire via a courier or via email and returned it accordingly, some completed the questionnaire with a representative of the fielding agency, and some completed the questionnaire via the online platform (Qualtrics). Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions that will be aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard. These questions are identified throughout the survey report. Note that the body of the report presents data on selected questions of the survey. Please refer to Appendix A for data on all survey questions. Appendices B and C present data on selected questions. Additional data breakdowns are available upon request. 3 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR II. Methodology (continued) The results in this year’s Country Survey were compared to those in the Country Survey conducted in FY’18 (response rate was 40%, N=360). Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflect changes in attitudes over time, but also changes in respondent samples and changes to the survey instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar response scales/options were analyzed. To reduce the influence of the former, the samples from FY 2018 and FY 2021 would normally be weighted to have equivalent stakeholder groupings, allowing for more statistically reliable comparisons. However, in this case, more than half of the sample in both the years are respondents from government institutions, mainly employees of ministries, such that weighting the other groups to be equivalent would result in less statistical reliability. Hence, the year comparisons for FY 2018 and FY 2021 Country Surveys used the original respondent samples. Percentage of Respondents FY18 FY21 Office of the President/Prime Minister/Minister 9.2% 1.7% Government Institutions (National Assembly, Employee of Ministry, PMUs for WBG project/Consultant/Contractor on WBG project, Independent Government Institution, State-Owned Enterprise) 51.7% 50.5% Local Government 0.3% 4.6% Bilateral/Multilateral Agency 6.3% 10.6% Civil Society (Not-for-Profit Association, NGOs, Mass Organizations - Lao Youth Union, Lao Women Union, Lao Front, Trades Union) 8.9% 7.0% Private Sector (Private Sector Organizations, Financial Sector, Private Banks) 4.7% 12.9% Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 8.6% 6.6% Media 6.3% 2.7% Other 3.1% 1.7% Did not answer to the stakeholder question 0.8% 1.7% Total Number of Respondents 360 527 4 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR III. Demographics of the Sample Current Position ▪ Note that for subsequent analyses, some respondent groups were combined1. 1 Respondents from the office of the President, Prime Minister were combined with those from National Assembly; respondents from bilateral agencies were combined with those from multilateral agencies; respondents from the financial sector/private banks were combined with those from private sector organizations; respondents from independent government institutions and state-owned enterprises were combined to create a “Other Government Institutions” category; and respondents from Not-for-Profit Association, NGOs, and mass organizations were combined into a “CSO” (civil society) category. There were no respondents from the judicial system. 5 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR III. Demographics of the Sample (continued) Area of Primary Specialization 6 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR III. Demographics of the Sample (continued) Geographic Locations Exposure to Agencies within the World Bank Group 7 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR III. Demographics of the Sample (continued) Familiarity with the World Bank2 ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey had statistically similar levels of familiarity with the WB compared to respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey (mean in FY ’21 = 6.1; mean in FY ’18 = 5.8). ▪ Collaboration: Respondents who reported that they collaborate with the WBG had significantly higher levels of familiarity with the WBG compared to respondents who do not collaborate (mean rating of collaborators = 6.9; mean rating non-collaborators = 5.4). ▪ Impact of familiarity: Respondents’ ratings of familiarity with the WBG were significantly, moderately correlated with their ratings of the WBG’s overall effectiveness in Lao PDR3, with the ratings of their agreement that the WBG plays a relevant role in Lao PDR’s development, and with their ratings of the extent to which the WBG’s work helps achieve development results in Lao PDR. 2 In FY21, the question about familiarity was asked separately about the World Bank (IDA) and the IFC. Only ratings of familiarity for the World Bank (IDA) were used in these analyses. 3 In FY21, the question about effectiveness was asked separately about the World Bank (IDA) and the IFC. Only ratings of effectiveness for the World Bank (IDA) were used in these analyses. 8 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR IV. Overall Context Headed in the Right Direction Perceptions of Economic Opportunity 9 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR IV. Overall Context (continued) Development Priority ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey indicated that the most important development priority in Lao PDR was “education” (54%) and “public sector governance/reform” (42%), followed by “agriculture and rural development” (28%), “poverty reduction” (28%), and “anti-corruption” (17%). Of note, respondents were much more likely to indicate “job creation/employment” in FY ’21 (28%) compared to respondents in FY ’18 (14%). ▪ Specialization: Respondents who identified their primary specialization of work as “education” (15% of the sample) were significantly more likely to indicate that “education” was the most important development priority in Lao PDR, compared to the rest of the respondents (education specialists = 71%; others = 32%).4 4When more than 10% of the sample are respondents from a particular sector (see the full list of specialized areas in question H2 in Appendix D), analyses are done to see these respondents’ views about the development priorities in the country. 10 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR IV. Overall Context (continued) What Would Contribute Most to Reducing Poverty ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey indicated that the biggest contributors to poverty reduction in Lao PDR were “agriculture and rural development” (48%), “education” (40%), and “job creation/employment” (39%). ▪ Specialization: Respondents who identified their primary specialization of work as “education” (15% of the sample) were significantly more likely to indicate that “education” was the most important development priority in Lao PDR, compared to the rest of the respondents (education specialists = 63%; others = 34%).5 5When more than 10% of the sample are respondents from a particular sector (see the full list of specialized areas in question H2 in Appendix D), analyses are done to see these respondents’ views about the development priorities in the country. 11 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR IV. Overall Context (continued) Trust in Institutions 12 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR IV. Overall Context (continued) Attributing Failed/Slow Reform Efforts 13 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR IV. Overall Context (continued) Preferred Areas for Government Focus during COVID-19 Pandemic 14 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR V. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group The World Bank’s Overall Effectiveness6 (Indicator Question) Achieving Development Results (Indicator Question) Influence on Lao PDR’s Development Agenda (Indicator Question) 6 In FY21, the question about effectiveness was asked separately about the World Bank (IDA) and the IFC. Only ratings of effectiveness for the World Bank (IDA) were used in these analyses. 15 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR V. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) Overall Ratings for Indicator Questions by Stakeholder Groups ▪ Collaboration: Respondents who reported that they collaborate with the WBG had significantly higher mean ratings for the aggregated responses to the twenty-nine COS indicator questions (mean rating = 7.8) compared to respondents who reported that they do not collaborate with the WBG (mean rating = 7.5). ▪ Stakeholder groups: The respondents from media and PMUs/Consultants working on the WBG projects had the highest mean ratings for the aggregated responses to the twenty-nine COS indicator questions whereas respondents from private sector/financial sector/private banks and civil society organizations had significantly lower mean ratings. Responses for individual indicator questions by stakeholder groups can be found in Appendix B (page 54). Mean Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 All Stakeholder Groups 7.7 Media 8.2 PMU/Consultant on WBG project 8.2 Local Government Office or Staff 8.1 Office of the President/Prime Minister/Minister 7.9 Employee of Ministry/Ministerial 7.9 Department/Implementation Agency Academia 7.8 Other Government Institutions 7.6 Other 7.5 Bilateral/Multilateral Agency 7.5 Private Sector/Financial Sector/Private Bank 7.0 Civil Society ( CSO) 6.8 Mean Ratings for All Indicator Questions by Stakeholder Groups on a Scale from 1 to 10 16 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR V. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) Greatest Value ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey indicated that the WBG’s greatest values to Lao PDR were “capacity development” (37%), “policy advice studies, analyses” (37%), “technical assistance” (29%), and “financial resources” (27%). 17 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR V. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) Greatest Weakness ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey indicated that the WBG’s greatest weaknesses in its work in Lao PDR were “not willing to honestly criticize policies and reform efforts in the country” (21%), “don’t know” (21%), and “WBG’s processes too complex” (21%). 18 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VI. World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas Effectiveness of WBG’s Support in Sectoral Areas 19 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VI. WBG’s Support in Development Areas (continued) Helping the Poorest Percentage of Respondents (FY 2021 N=494; FY 2018 N=354) 6% To a fully sufficient degree 3% 49% To a somewhat sufficient degree 31% 31% To a somewhat insufficient degree 43% 6% To a very insufficient degree 10% FY 2021 9% Don’t know FY 2018 14% "To what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s work and support help the poorest in Lao PDR?" (Respondents chose from a list.) (Significantly different between FY 2021 and FY 2018) 20 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VI. WBG’s Support in Development Areas (continued) Fast Track COVID-19 Support 21 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VII. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground The World Bank Group’s Work in Lao PDR 22 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VII. WBG’s Work and Engagement on the Ground (continued) Overall Perceptions 23 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VII. WBG’s Work and Engagement on the Ground (continued) The WBG as an Effective Development Partner 24 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VIII. World Bank Group’s Knowledge and Instruments Frequency of Consulting WBG Knowledge Work and Activities Meeting Lao PDR’s Knowledge Needs (Indicator Question) 25 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VIII. World Bank Group’s Knowledge and Instruments (continued) Contribution of the WBG’s Knowledge Work and Activities (Indicator Question) Technical Quality of the WBG’s Knowledge Work and Activities (Indicator Question) 26 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VIII. World Bank Group’s Knowledge and Instruments (continued) Qualities of the WBG’s Knowledge Work and Activities Mean Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Are source of relevant information on global good 8.1 practices* 7.8 7.7 Are timely* 7.1 Include appropriate level of stakeholder 7.7 involvement during preparation* 7.1 Are adaptable to Lao PDR’s specific development 7.6 challenges and country circumstances*¹ 7.0 7.6 Lead to practical solutions 7.3 Are adequately disseminated* 6.6 FY 2021 6.8 Are translated enough into local language* FY 2018 6.3 "In Lao PDR, to what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities:" (1-"To no degree at all", 10-"To a very significant degree") (*Significantly different between FY 2021 and FY 2018) ¹Indicator Question 27 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR VIII. World Bank Group’s Knowledge and Instruments (continued) Usefulness of real time advice and guidance since the COVID-19 outbreak Mean Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 All Respondents 7.8 "The World Bank Group has provided real time advice and guidance to the government and policy makers, since the COVID-19 outbreak occurred. Please rate the usefulness of this informal advice and guidance to the Lao government’s efforts to support citizens throughout this crisis? (1-Not useful at all, 10-Very useful) " Meeting Lao PDR’s Needs for Financial Instruments (Indicator Question) WBG’s Global Advocacy Role (Indicator Question) 28 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR IX. The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Lao PDR Making the World Bank Group of Greater Value ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey indicated that the WBG should “collaborate more effectively with Government clients” (39%), “be more adaptive to the country context” (24%), “increase the level of capacity development in the country” (21%) to make itself of greater value in Lao PDR. Of note, respondents were much more likely to indicate that the WBG should “improve the relevance/quality of its experts as related to Lao PDR’s specific challenges” in FY ’21 (26%) compared to respondents in FY ’18 (10%). 29 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR IX. The Future Role of the WBG in Lao PDR (continued) The World Bank Group Should Collaborate More with … ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with “academia/think tanks/research institutes” (47%), “local government” (37%), “development partner community” (25%), “private sector” (18%) and “youth/university groups” (17%) to ensure better development results in Lao PDR. 30 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR IX. The Future Role of the WBG in Lao PDR (continued) Where the World Bank Group Should Focus its Resources ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey indicated that the WBG should focus its resources on “education” (46%), “public sector governance/reform” (31%), “agriculture and rural development” (27%), “job creation/employment” (21%), “poverty reduction” (18%), and “economic growth” (17%). ▪ Specialization: Respondents who identified their primary specialization of work as “education” (15% of the sample) were significantly more likely to indicate that “education” was the most important development priority in Lao PDR, compared to the rest of the respondents (education specialists = 79%; others = 25%).7 7When more than 10% of the sample are respondents from a particular sector (see the full list of specialized areas in question H2 in Appendix D), analyses are done to see these respondents’ views about the development priorities in the country. 31 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR X. Communication and Outreach Note: When considering the World Bank Group’s future outreach with key constituencies, please see Appendix B (page 54) for selected responses by stakeholder groups. Information Sources for Economic and Social Development Issues ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey indicated that they got most of their information about economic and social development issues through the “local newspapers” (46%), “Internet” (43%), and “social media” (42%), followed by “local television” (22%). 32 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR X. Communication and Outreach (continued) Note: When considering communication methods for the World Bank Group’s future outreach, please see Appendix A (page 36) for reported frequency of interactions with key forms of World Bank Group communications. Preferred Information Sources ▪ Year comparison: Respondents in the FY ’18 Country Survey indicated that they would prefer to receive information from the WBG through “WBG’s publications and other written materials” (39%), “WBG’s seminars/workshops/ conferences” (39%), and “WBG’s website” (37%), followed by “social media” (29%) and “direct contact with WBG” (25%). 33 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR X. Communication and Outreach (continued) WBG Interaction Frequency Devices used to access WBG website 34 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR XI. Appendices A. Responses to All Questions Across All Respondents ..................... 36 B. Responses to Selected Questions by Stakeholder Groups ............ 54 C. Responses to Indicator Questions by Collaboration with the WBG ............................................................................... 67 D. Lao PDR FY 2021 COS Questionnaire ............................................ 68 LAO PDR 35 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR Appendix A: Responses to All Questions across All Respondents (N=527) All rating scale questions are presented with the total number of respondents that provided a rating (N), the number of respondents who indicated that they “Don’t know” (DK), the mean rating across all respondents (Mean), and the standard deviation of this mean (SD). Indicator questions are noted with an asterisk (*). A. Overall Context Percentage of Respondents In general, would you say that Lao PDR is headed in ... ? (N=518) The right direction 79.0% The wrong direction 3.3% Not sure 17.8% Percentage of Respondents Do you think that economic opportunity for citizens in Lao PDR is … ? (N=520) Increasing 66.7% Decreasing 16.2% Staying about the same 17.1% 36 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR A. Overall Context (continued) 3. Listed below are a number of development priorities in Lao PDR. Please identify which of the following you consider the most important development Percentage of Respondents priorities in Lao PDR. (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=523) Education 37.9% Public sector governance/reform 34.8% Job creation/employment 28.3% Poverty reduction 25.6% Anti-corruption 23.1% Agriculture and rural development 16.3% Natural resource management 13.0% National debt 12.6% Global pandemics 10.7% Trade and exports 9.2% Economic growth 9.0% Health 8.6% Food security 8.4% Private sector development 7.8% Information and communications technology 6.1% Transport 5.4% Law and justice 4.6% Global/regional integration 4.4% Climate change 4.2% Equal opportunity 3.4% Energy 3.4% Social protection 3.3% Gender equity 3.3% Urban development 1.9% Financial markets 1.9% Disaster risk management 1.7% Pollution 1.5% Water and sanitation 1.0% Disease: TB, HIV, dengue 0.0% 37 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR A. Overall Context (continued) 4. Poverty reduction is a broad term that encompasses work in many different areas. Which 3 areas of development listed below do you believe would Percentage of Respondents contribute most to reducing poverty in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=519) Job creation/employment 43.0% Agriculture and rural development 39.9% Education 38.7% Public sector governance/reform 22.7% Economic growth 20.0% Anti-corruption 20.0% Private sector development 12.5% Trade and exports 11.6% Food security 11.6% Equality of opportunity 10.4% Transport 9.1% Natural resource management 8.5% Health 7.9% National debt 5.2% Global pandemics 4.8% Information and communications technology 3.9% Global/regional integration 3.5% Law and justice 3.3% Disaster risk management 3.1% Gender equity 3.1% Energy 2.9% Urban development 2.9% Social protection 2.3% Climate change 2.1% Water and sanitation 1.9% Financial markets 0.8% Pollution 0.4% Disease: TB, HIV, dengue 0.2% 38 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR A. Overall Context (continued) 5. The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed many aspects of Lao PDR’s growth and development. In which areas would you like to see the Lao PDR’s government focus most of its efforts related to the impact of COVID-19 over the next six Percentage of Respondents months to a year? (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=515) Fair and equal distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine if, and when, a safe one is 49.9% approved Ensuring sustainable business growth and job creation 44.3% Healthcare 33.2% Providing direct non-financial support to citizens 31.1% Public service delivery 24.7% Providing direct financial support to businesses 22.3% Poverty and inequality 21.4% Education 19.0% Economic growth 18.3% Nutrition/food security 15.7% Ensuring that girls and women have equal access to health care/health services 5.0% Ensuring that girls and women have equal access to job opportunities 4.7% Other 2.9% 6. When economic and/or social reform efforts fail or are slow to take place in Lao PDR, which of the following would you attribute this to? Percentage of Respondents (Choose no more than 2) (Responses Combined; N=473) Corruption 49.0% Inadequate level of citizen/civil society participation 28.3% Inadequate level of capacity in the government 27.9% Inadequate level of private sector participation 23.5% Inadequate level of government accountability 23.5% Reforms do not match country requirements 18.6% Inadequate level of donor coordination 9.5% Political pressures and obstacles 7.2% Pressure from outside interest groups 3.8% Other 2.1% 39 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR A. Overall Context (continued) 7. To what extent do you trust each of the following groups to do what is right? Degree (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) N DK Mean SD 1. The national/central government 453 34 7.65 2.06 2. Bilateral organizations (e.g. JICA, GIZ, USAID, AusAID) 418 60 7.74 1.67 3. The World Bank Group* 433 46 7.95 1.58 4. The International Monetary Fund 367 103 7.34 1.82 5. The United Nations (UN) 419 51 7.73 1.77 6. The World Health Organization (WHO) 412 56 7.96 1.60 7. Asian Development Bank (ADB) 413 55 7.83 1.52 8. Bank of the Lao PDR 411 59 7.43 1.95 9. International private sector 364 103 6.65 1.63 10. Domestic private sector 398 70 6.46 1.75 11. International civil society (e.g., NGOs) 384 83 6.75 1.85 12. Lao non-profit associations 359 104 6.58 1.77 13. Religious institutions 345 119 5.83 2.11 14. Lao media and their web presence: newspapers, TV, radio 421 46 6.71 2.12 15. International media and their web presence 387 79 6.47 1.79 16. Web based media 391 73 6.26 1.82 B. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group 1. How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Lao PDR? Familiarity (1-Not familiar at all, 10-Extremely familiar) N DK Mean SD 1. The World Bank (IDA) 487 - 6.11 2.77 2. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private 478 - 5.30 2.76 sector arm To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the Level of Agreement World Bank Group’s work in Lao PDR? (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) N DK Mean SD 2. Overall the World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development 465 27 7.94 1.73 in Lao PDR* 3. The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the 448 31 7.86 1.66 development priorities for Lao PDR* 4. Overall, please rate your impression of the effectiveness of these Effectiveness organizations in Lao PDR. (1-Not effective at all, 10-Very effective) N DK Mean SD 1. The World Bank (IDA)* 434 60 7.70 1.61 2. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private 367 117 7.25 1.78 sector arm* 40 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR B. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) N DK Mean SD 5. To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work help to achieve development results in Lao PDR?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant 236 35 6.56 3.11 degree) N DK Mean SD 6. To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development 272 24 6.49 3.26 agenda in Lao PDR?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) 7. To what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s work and Percentage of Respondents support help the poorest in Lao PDR? (Select only 1 response) (N=494) To a fully sufficient degree 5.7% To a somewhat sufficient degree 48.8% To a somewhat insufficient degree 30.8% To a very insufficient degree 6.1% Don’t know 8.7% 8. When thinking about the World Bank Group’s role in Lao PDR, which activity Percentage of Respondents do you VALUE the most? (Choose no more than 2) (Responses Combined; N=496) Technical assistance 31.7% Formal policy advice, studies, analyses 28.2% Capacity development related to World Bank Group supported projects 27.8% Financial resources 24.0% Data and statistics 18.1% Implementation support 16.9% Bringing together different groups of stakeholders 15.5% Mobilizing third party financial resources 11.1% Donor coordination 9.3% Promoting knowledge sharing 7.3% Informal advice that World Bank Group’s staff provides 3.4% Other 1.0% 41 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR B. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) 9. Which of the following do you identify as the World Bank Group’s greatest Percentage of Respondents WEAKNESSES in its work in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 2) (Responses Combined; N=491) World Bank Group’s processes too slow and complex 25.1% Inadequate level of real-time advice and guidance 15.3% Don’t know 13.4% Not collaborating enough with private sector 12.6% Not adequately sensitive to political/social realities in Lao PDR 11.8% Not sufficiently focused on sustainable results 11.2% Not willing to honestly criticize policies and reform efforts in the country 10.4% Not enough public disclosure of its work 10.2% Too influenced by developed countries 10.0% Inadequate number of innovative financial products and services 8.6% Not adequately flexible in changing country circumstances 8.4% Inadequate number of innovative knowledge products and services 6.9% Not collaborating enough with civil society 6.9% Staff too inaccessible 5.9% Inadequate World Bank Group’s staffing in Lao PDR 5.7% Not collaborating enough with partners such as bilaterals, multilaterals, trust 5.3% funds, UN Arrogant in its approach 3.3% Not aligned with country priorities 2.2% Other 2.0% 42 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR B. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) 10. When thinking about how the World Bank Group can have the most impact on development results in Lao PDR, which sectors do you believe the World Bank Group should prioritize with its resources (financial and knowledge Percentage of Respondents services) in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=496) Education 33.3% Poverty reduction 26.6% Job creation/employment 25.2% Public sector governance/reform 24.4% Agriculture and rural development 23.4% Anti-corruption 15.5% Economic growth 14.9% Natural resource management 12.5% Private sector development 12.1% National debt 10.7% Trade and exports 8.9% Transport 7.7% Health 7.1% Food security 7.1% Global/regional integration 5.8% Information and communications technology 5.6% Global pandemics 5.4% Equality of opportunity 5.0% Climate change 4.6% Gender equity 4.2% Law and justice 3.4% Disaster risk management 3.2% Urban development 3.0% Social protection 3.0% Energy 2.8% Water and sanitation 2.6% Financial markets 2.6% Pollution 2.2% Disease: TB, HIV, dengue 0.4% 43 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR B. Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group (continued) 11. What do you immediately think of when you hear about the IFC? Percentage of Respondents (Choose no more than THREE) (Responses Combined; N=490) World Bank 36.5% Financial Advisory Solutions 31.8% Multi-lateral financial institution 26.3% Development institution 24.3% Public-private partnerships 24.1% Investment Bank 23.7% Don’t know 12.9% Private Sector Solutions 12.2% Impact Investor 7.8% Venture Capital 4.5% Innovation and Entrepreneurship 4.1% Thought leader 3.3% Asset Manager 2.2% Other 1.4% None of the above 0.6% 44 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR C. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Degree Lao PDR, in terms of each of the following? (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) N DK Mean SD 1. Responsiveness to needs* 426 58 7.53 1.59 2. Flexibility (in terms of the institution’s products and services) * 387 85 7.03 1.66 3. Flexibility (in terms of changing country circumstances) * 385 81 7.15 1.59 4. Being inclusive* 417 49 7.38 1.66 5. Openness* 424 45 7.46 1.75 6. Collaboration with the Government* 438 33 8.11 1.48 7. The speed in which it gets things accomplished on the ground* 407 61 7.34 1.76 8. Helping to bring discipline/effective supervision to implementation of 411 55 7.72 1.62 investment projects* 9. Collaboration with civil society* 386 82 7.31 1.78 10. Staff accessibility* 401 63 7.17 1.78 11. Collaboration with other donors and development partners* 402 65 7.67 1.62 12. Collaboration with the private sector* 347 119 7.01 1.79 13. Straightforwardness and honesty* 388 77 7.97 1.64 14. Treating clients and stakeholders in Lao PDR with respect* 404 61 8.02 1.46 15. Being a long-term partner* 424 40 8.49 1.51 To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Level of Agreement (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) N DK Mean SD 16. The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly 360 120 6.95 1.92 17. The World Bank Group effectively monitors and evaluates the projects and 419 57 7.86 1.57 programs it supports 18. The World Bank Group’s approvals and reviews are done in a timely fashion 392 83 7.46 1.68 19. The World Bank Group’s Environmental and Social Framework requirements 379 92 7.67 1.63 are reasonable 20. The World Bank Group’s conditions on its lending are reasonable 366 104 7.63 1.66 21. The World Bank Group takes decisions quickly in Lao PDR* 358 111 7.29 1.78 22. Working with the World Bank Group increases Lao PDR’s institutional 422 48 7.92 1.58 capacity To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the World Bank Group in Lao PDR? (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) N DK Mean SD 23. The World Bank Group’s financial instruments meet the needs of Lao PDR* 402 85 7.45 1.79 24. The World Bank Group meets Lao PDR’s needs for knowledge services * 427 50 7.78 1.62 45 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR C. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground (continued) N DK Mean SD 25. The World Bank Group has provided real time advice and guidance to the government and policy makers, since the COVID-19 outbreak occurred. Please rate the usefulness of this informal advice and guidance to the Lao 364 121 7.75 1.66 government’s efforts to support citizens throughout this crisis? (1-Not useful at all, 10-Very useful) N DK Mean SD 26. How important is it for the World Bank Group to focus resources on its global advocacy role, to help promote policies related to its work in areas 429 51 8.28 1.62 including climate, health, gender, and debt?* (1-Not important at all, 10-Very important) 46 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR D. World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas 1. How EFFECTIVE do you believe the World Bank Group is in terms of the work Effectiveness it does in the following areas of development in Lao PDR? (1-Not effective at all, 10-Very effective) N DK Mean SD 1. Social protection 190 288 7.04 2.01 2. Gender equity 293 178 7.71 1.64 3. Private sector development 270 196 7.05 1.88 4. Education 333 133 7.91 1.56 5. Public sector governance/reform 303 161 7.56 1.63 6. Global/regional integration 289 173 7.78 1.60 7. Food security 267 197 7.57 1.56 8. Energy 269 197 7.53 1.64 9. Water and sanitation 282 182 7.63 1.61 10. Pollution 256 212 7.27 1.77 11. Job creation/employment 266 200 7.27 1.71 12. Health 295 168 7.72 1.56 13. Financial markets 228 230 7.04 1.83 14. Transport 262 198 7.47 1.70 15. Agriculture and rural development 310 156 7.75 1.59 16. Trade and exports 255 209 7.25 1.66 17. Natural resource management 283 182 7.53 1.74 18. Climate change 273 189 7.39 1.76 19. Poverty reduction 333 130 7.80 1.64 20. Anti-corruption 243 219 6.89 2.10 21. Law and justice 237 222 7.33 1.83 22. Economic growth 321 140 7.68 1.59 23. Disaster risk management 266 192 7.41 1.62 24. Equality of opportunity 270 194 7.29 1.70 25. Disease 220 241 7.48 1.71 26. Information and communications technology 257 206 7.42 1.69 47 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR D. World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas (continued) 2. The World Bank Group has provided fast track support to Lao PDR Effectiveness related to the outbreak of COVID-19 since early 2020. Please rate the World Bank Group’s effectiveness when considering this fast track support, if and as it applies to your country, in the following areas: (1-Not effective at all, 10-Very effective) N NA DK Mean SD 1. Supporting health interventions for saving lives 327 25 124 7.93 1.69 2. Education 314 22 132 7.74 1.74 3. Protecting poor people 281 28 157 7.41 1.80 4. Ensuring sustainable business growth and job creation 298 29 139 7.42 1.79 5. Strengthening policies, institutions and investments for rebuilding 318 23 128 7.49 1.77 better 6. Macroeconomic stability and transparent debt management 302 29 135 7.67 1.73 E. World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities 1. How frequently do you consult World Bank Group’s knowledge work and Percentage of Respondents activities in the work you do? (N=478) Weekly 6.1% Monthly 25.3% A few times a year 44.8% Rarely 14.6% Never 9.2% In Lao PDR, to what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’ s Degree knowledge work and activities: (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) N DK Mean SD 2. Are timely 379 87 7.65 1.65 3. Include appropriate level of stakeholder involvement during preparation 375 87 7.65 1.52 4. Lead to practical solutions 392 70 7.58 1.61 5. Are source of relevant information on global good practices 405 60 8.09 1.54 6. Are adequately disseminated 393 71 7.25 1.73 7. Are translated enough into local language 366 97 6.81 1.91 8. Are adaptable to Lao PDR’s specific development challenges and country 392 72 7.59 1.61 circumstances* Overall Evaluations N DK Mean SD 9. Overall, how significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your 433 42 8.00 1.5 country?* (1-Not significant at all, 10-Very significant) 10. Overall, how would you rate the technical quality of the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities?* (1-Very low technical quality, 10-Very high 425 43 8.04 1.4 technical quality) 48 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR F. The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Lao PDR 1. Which of the following SHOULD the World Bank Group do to make itself of Percentage of Respondents greater value in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 2) (Responses Combined; N=478) Improve the relevance of its experts as related to Lao PDR’s specific challenges 25.7% Collaborate more effectively with Government clients 23.6% Increase the level of capacity development in the country 23.4% Reduce the complexity of obtaining World Bank Group financing 22.8% Offer more innovative financial products and services 15.3% Provide more adequate data/knowledge/statistics/figures on Lao PDR’s economy 14.2% Engage more effectively with partners such as bilaterals, multilaterals, trust 13.6% funds, UN Offer more real-time advice and guidance 10.3% Engage more directly with beneficiaries 10.0% Engage more effectively with private sector 9.0% Help to bring discipline/effective supervision to implementation of World Bank 8.4% Group projects Offer more innovative knowledge products and services 7.3% Engage more effectively with civil society 6.9% Work faster 4.4% Other 0.6% 2. In addition to the regular relations with the national government, which TWO of the following groups should the World Bank Group collaborate with Percentage of Respondents more in your country? (Choose no more than 2) (Responses Combined; N=477) Academia/think tanks/research institutes 44.7% Local government 43.0% Private sector 30.2% Beneficiaries 17.2% Donor community 14.3% National Assembly 12.2% NGOs/Non-Profit Associations 10.5% Mass organizations 9.4% Media 7.8% Don’t know 2.1% Other 1.0% G. Communication and Information Sharing Percentage of Respondents 1. How frequently do you interact with the World Bank Group now in Lao PDR? (N=480) Rarely 20.4% Less than once a year 16.9% Once a year to a few times a year 31.5% Less than once a month 12.3% At least once a month 14.0% At least once a week 5.0% 49 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR G. Communication and Information Sharing (continued) 2. How do you get most of your information about economic and social Percentage of Respondents development issues in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 2) (Responses Combined; N=471) Social media (e.g., blogs, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) 64.1% Local newspapers 48.0% Local television 20.8% Local radio 14.6% Magazines 11.7% International newspapers 10.6% Other 8.1% International television 3.8% International radio 0.8% 3. How would you prefer to receive information from the World Bank Group? Percentage of Respondents (Choose no more than 3) (Responses Combined; N=471) Social media (e.g., blogs, Facebook, YouTube) 48.4% World Bank Group’s publications and other written materials 48.0% World Bank Group’s seminars/workshops/ conferences 44.8% World Bank Group’s website 38.4% Direct contact with World Bank Group (i.e., face to face meetings/discussions) 28.2% e-Newsletters 23.6% Webinars or online events hosted by the World Bank Group 10.6% Interviews and press conferences for the Lao media 9.1% 4. What do you use primarily when visiting a World Bank Group website? Percentage of Respondents (Select only 1 response) (N=447) Computer/laptop 58.2% Phone 28.2% I never visit the WBG websites 11.9% Tablet 1.8% 50 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR G. Communication and Information Sharing (continued) 5. Over the past SIX MONTHS, on average how Percentage of Respondents often did you do any of the following related to the Every few Every few Every few World Bank Group (WBG)? N days weeks months Not at all Read, viewed or heard a story about the WBG in 475 6.5% 23.2% 42.7% 27.6% local media Read, viewed or heard a story about the WBG in 461 5.6% 21.3% 42.5% 30.6% global media Interacted with the WBG on Social Media 459 3.7% 11.3% 19.8% 65.1% Visited a WBG website 450 2.9% 16.2% 41.3% 39.6% Attended an event/conference hosted by the WBG 452 1.3% 9.3% 42.3% 47.1% Watched a webinar or online event hosted by the 453 0.9% 5.5% 23.0% 70.6% WBG Read some or all of a WBG research paper or 452 1.1% 11.3% 53.5% 34.1% publication Met professionally with WBG staff 455 2.2% 9.0% 38.9% 49.9% Read a WBG e-newsletter 452 1.5% 8.8% 33.0% 56.6% H. Background Information 1. Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? Percentage of Respondents (Select only ONE response) (N=518) Employee of Ministry, ministerial implementation agency 40.5% Bilateral Agency 7.1% Financial Sector/Private Bank 6.9% Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 6.8% Private Sector Organization 6.2% Project Management Unit for WBG project/Consultant/Contractor on WBG 5.2% project/program Not-for-Profit Association / NGO 4.8% Local Government Office or Staff 4.6% Multilateral Agency 3.7% Media 2.7% Independent Government Institution 2.5% State-Owned Enterprise 2.3% Mass Organizations 2.3% Office of the President, Prime Minister 1.7% Other 1.7% National Assembly 0.8% Judicial System 0.0% 51 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR H. Background Information (continued) 2. Please identify the primary specialization of your work. Percentage of Respondents (Select only ONE response) (N=517) Education 15.5% Macroeconomics, fiscal management 9.7% Environment, natural resources 9.7% Other 7.9% Governance, anti-corruption 7.5% Finance and markets 7.4% Generalist (specialized in multiple sectors) 6.0% Agriculture, rural development 5.4% Trade and competitiveness 5.4% Energy 4.4% Communications, public affairs 4.3% Digital development and technology (ICT) 3.7% Health, nutrition 2.3% Poverty 2.1% Social protection 1.9% Gender 1.9% Urban development 1.2% Transport 1.2% Water, sanitation 0.8% Tourism 0.8% Climate change 0.6% Demographics, migration 0.4% 3. Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Percentage of Respondents Group (IDA, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) in your country? (N=503) Yes 52.1% No 47.9% 4. If yes, which of the following agencies of the World Bank Group do you Percentage of Respondents primarily collaborate/work with in Lao PDR? (Select only 1 response) (N=247) The World Bank (IDA) 81.4% The International Finance Corporation (IFC) 18.6% The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) 0.0% International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) 0.0% Percentage of Respondents 5. Do your projects involve both the World Bank and the IFC? (N=282) Yes 63.5% No 36.5% 52 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR H. Background Information (continued) 6. Which of the following describes most of your exposure to the World Bank Percentage of Respondents Group in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than TWO) (Responses Combined; N=503) Engage in World Bank Group related/sponsored events/activities 42.9% Collaborate as part of my professional duties 40.6% Use World Bank Group reports/data 28.8% Use World Bank Group website for information, data, research, etc. 20.1% Observer 18.1% Percentage of Respondents 7. What’s your gender? (N=514) Female 33.5% Male 66.5% Percentage of Respondents 8. What’s your age? (N=519) 25 and under 0.8% 26-35 19.5% 36-45 30.4% 46-55 25.4% 56 and above 23.9% Percentage of Respondents 9. Which best represents your geographic location? (N=516) Vientiane Capital 90.5% Central Provinces 5.6% Northern Provinces 2.3% Southern Provinces 1.6% 53 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR Appendix B: Responses to Selected Questions by Stakeholder Groups8 □ Office of President/Prime Minister/Minister N=13 □ Employee of a Ministry/Ministerial Department/Implementation Agency N=210 □ Project Management Units (PMU)/Consultant on WBG Project N=27 □ Local Government Office or Staff N=24 □ Other Government Institutions9 N=25 □ Bilateral/Multilateral Agency N=56 □ Private Sector/Financial Sector/Private Bank N=68 □ Civil Society (CSO) 10 N=37 □ Academia N=35 □ Media N=14 □ Other N=9 A. Overall Context In general, would you say that Lao PDR is headed in ... ? Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private Percentage of Respondents PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other The right direction* 92.3% 90.4% 81.5% 91.7% 76.0% 46.3% 66.2% 58.3% 88.6% 92.9% 77.8% The wrong direction 0.0% 1.9% 3.7% 0.0% 4.0% 5.6% 3.1% 11.1% 5.7% 0.0% 0.0% Not sure * 7.7% 7.7% 14.8% 8.3% 20.0% 48.1% 30.8% 30.6% 5.7% 7.1% 22.2% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 8 518 respondents answered this question, therefore, only these respondents were included in the across-stakeholder analysis presented in this appendix. 9 Includes respondents from independent government institutions and state-owned enterprises. There were no respondents from the judicial system. 10 Includes respondents from Not-for-Profit Association/NGOs, and mass organizations. 54 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR A. Overall Context (continued) Listed below are a number of development priorities in Lao PDR. Please identify which of the following you consider the most important development priorities in Lao PDR. (Choose no more than 3) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ Percentage of Respondents President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private (Responses combined) PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Job creation/employment* 15.4% 34.4% 22.2% 16.7% 16.0% 19.6% 22.1% 22.2% 57.1% 14.3% 22.2% Food security* 30.8% 7.7% 14.8% 12.5% 16.0% 1.8% 5.9% 5.6% 11.4% 7.1% 0.0% National debt* 15.4% 12.9% 7.4% 0.0% 20.0% 25.0% 14.7% 2.8% 8.6% 7.1% 0.0% Private sector development 15.4% 6.7% 11.1% 8.3% 0.0% 8.9% 16.2% 5.6% 2.9% 7.1% 0.0% Education 46.2% 35.9% 40.7% 33.3% 32.0% 41.1% 38.2% 25.0% 51.4% 57.1% 44.4% Public sector governance/reform 38.5% 35.9% 25.9% 29.2% 48.0% 42.9% 33.8% 30.6% 20.0% 50.0% 22.2% Global/regional integration 7.7% 5.7% 3.7% 0.0% 4.0% 0.0% 5.9% 5.6% 0.0% 14.3% 0.0% Social protection* 0.0% 1.9% 7.4% 0.0% 0.0% 3.6% 1.5% 16.7% 2.9% 0.0% 11.1% Urban development 0.0% 1.0% 0.0% 4.2% 0.0% 3.6% 1.5% 2.8% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0% Information and communications 7.7% 7.7% 3.7% 4.2% 4.0% 0.0% 13.2% 2.8% 0.0% 7.1% 11.1% technology Gender equity* 0.0% 2.9% 0.0% 12.5% 4.0% 3.6% 0.0% 13.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Pollution 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.8% 1.5% 5.6% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0% Water and sanitation 0.0% 1.0% 3.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.5% 0.0% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0% Financial markets* 0.0% 1.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 8.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Global pandemics 7.7% 11.0% 11.1% 20.8% 8.0% 8.9% 13.2% 8.3% 8.6% 0.0% 22.2% Disease: TB, HIV, dengue 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Anti-corruption 15.4% 19.1% 22.2% 20.8% 28.0% 21.4% 33.8% 22.2% 40.0% 7.1% 22.2% Health* 0.0% 7.7% 3.7% 8.3% 20.0% 19.6% 5.9% 11.1% 2.9% 7.1% 0.0% Trade and exports* 23.1% 8.6% 3.7% 8.3% 4.0% 5.4% 19.1% 0.0% 11.4% 14.3% 0.0% Natural resource management * 7.7% 12.0% 29.6% 25.0% 4.0% 12.5% 5.9% 11.1% 22.9% 0.0% 33.3% Climate change* 0.0% 2.9% 7.4% 4.2% 0.0% 8.9% 0.0% 13.9% 2.9% 0.0% 22.2% Poverty reduction 23.1% 31.1% 25.9% 37.5% 16.0% 12.5% 20.6% 16.7% 22.9% 42.9% 22.2% Transport 0.0% 6.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 10.7% 4.4% 2.8% 2.9% 14.3% 22.2% Law and justice 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% 0.0% 8.0% 5.4% 7.4% 8.3% 2.9% 7.1% 0.0% Economic growth 7.7% 7.2% 7.4% 8.3% 16.0% 8.9% 10.3% 13.9% 2.9% 7.1% 22.2% Agriculture and rural development 23.1% 17.7% 29.6% 20.8% 20.0% 12.5% 4.4% 19.4% 11.4% 21.4% 22.2% Equal opportunity* 7.7% 1.9% 0.0% 8.3% 0.0% 5.4% 1.5% 16.7% 0.0% 7.1% 0.0% Disaster risk management* 0.0% 0.0% 11.1% 8.3% 0.0% 1.8% 0.0% 5.6% 0.0% 7.1% 0.0% Energy 0.0% 6.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 5.4% 1.5% 0.0% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 55 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR A. Overall Context (continued) When economic and/or social reform efforts fail or are slow to take place in Lao PDR, which of the following would you attribute this to? (Choose no more than 2) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ Percentage of Respondents President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private (Responses combined) PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Political pressures and obstacles* 9.1% 1.6% 19.2% 0.0% 8.0% 16.1% 9.8% 6.1% 11.1% 0.0% 25.0% Corruption* 63.6% 44.6% 57.7% 42.9% 52.0% 35.7% 54.1% 57.6% 81.5% 42.9% 37.5% Inadequate level of private sector 36.4% 25.3% 15.4% 52.4% 24.0% 16.1% 23.0% 24.2% 3.7% 35.7% 0.0% participation* Inadequate level of donor coordination 9.1% 13.4% 0.0% 14.3% 4.0% 3.6% 8.2% 12.1% 7.4% 14.3% 0.0% Inadequate level of citizen/civil society 18.2% 32.8% 30.8% 38.1% 20.0% 10.7% 24.6% 39.4% 29.6% 28.6% 25.0% participation Inadequate level of government 0.0% 20.4% 26.9% 4.8% 24.0% 44.6% 32.8% 27.3% 11.1% 14.3% 0.0% accountability* Inadequate level of capacity in the 18.2% 22.6% 38.5% 23.8% 40.0% 53.6% 24.6% 18.2% 14.8% 21.4% 50.0% government* Reforms do not match country 27.3% 25.8% 11.5% 14.3% 12.0% 5.4% 11.5% 9.1% 22.2% 35.7% 37.5% requirements* Pressure from outside interest groups 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% 4.8% 4.0% 7.1% 6.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Other 9.1% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 4.0% 1.8% 1.6% 3.0% 3.7% 0.0% 12.5% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean To what extent do you trust the World Bank Group 9 7.56 173 8.22 25 8.32 17.00 8.59 20 7.30 51 7.84 55 7.82 30 6.97 30 7.93 11 8.00 7 7.29 to do what is right?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 56 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR B. Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Lao PDR? (1-Not familiar at all, 10-Extremely familiar) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean The World Bank (IDA)* 11 6.73 198 5.97 27 7.93 21.00 5.33 25 7.00 52 6.83 62 5.90 32 5.47 33 5.70 13 5.54 8 5.13 The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the 11 6.27 193 5.07 25 5.28 20.00 4.50 25 7.32 53 5.45 60 6.00 33 4.61 32 4.88 13 5.92 8 3.38 World Bank Group’s private sector arm* *Significantly different between stakeholder groups To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the World Bank Group’s work in Lao PDR? (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean Overall the World Bank Group currently plays a 10 8.00 190 8.28 27 8.70 17.00 7.41 24 7.83 52 7.88 62 7.29 30 7.37 31 7.65 12 7.83 6 7.83 relevant role in development in Lao PDR* The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I 10 8.10 182 8.10 26 8.73 16.00 8.31 24 7.79 51 7.76 60 7.33 30 6.87 29 7.59 11 8.27 5 7.60 consider the development priorities for Lao PDR* *Significantly different between stakeholder groups Overall, please rate your impression of the effectiveness of these organizations in Lao PDR. (1-Not effective at all, 10-Very effective) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean The World Bank (IDA)* 9 7.78 172 7.94 27 8.11 17.00 8.24 22 7.95 50 7.48 57 7.19 28 6.50 31 7.74 13 8.31 5 7.40 The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the 9 7.89 149 7.41 20 7.50 14.00 7.50 22 7.86 33 7.33 55 6.78 21 6.00 25 6.88 13 8.00 3 6.67 World Bank Group’s private sector arm* *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 57 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR B. Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group (continued) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work 10 7.70 176 8.03 25 8.08 15.00 8.53 23 7.43 51 7.43 60 7.23 27 6.70 27 7.78 11 8.73 6 7.83 help to achieve development results in Lao PDR?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) *Significantly different between stakeholder groups Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean To what extent does the World Bank Group 10 7.80 180 7.97 27 8.48 17.00 8.53 23 7.30 49 7.55 59 7.15 29 6.62 25 7.44 12 8.75 6 7.50 influence the development agenda in Lao PDR?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 58 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR B. Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group (continued) When thinking about how the World Bank Group can have the most impact on development results in Lao PDR, which sectors do you believe the World Bank Group should prioritize with its resources (financial and knowledge services) in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 3) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ Percentage of Respondents President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private (Responses combined) PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Gender equity 0.0% 4.9% 3.7% 9.5% 4.0% 1.9% 0.0% 11.8% 0.0% 0.0% 12.5% Private sector development* 27.3% 9.4% 7.4% 14.3% 16.0% 9.4% 21.7% 26.5% 5.9% 0.0% 0.0% Water and sanitation 0.0% 3.0% 7.4% 0.0% 0.0% 1.9% 1.7% 0.0% 2.9% 7.1% 0.0% Pollution 0.0% 1.5% 0.0% 9.5% 4.0% 0.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5.9% 0.0% 0.0% Job creation/employment 36.4% 28.1% 25.9% 14.3% 32.0% 20.8% 11.7% 26.5% 32.4% 35.7% 25.0% Health 9.1% 6.4% 3.7% 4.8% 12.0% 11.3% 3.3% 11.8% 2.9% 14.3% 12.5% Financial markets 0.0% 2.5% 0.0% 0.0% 8.0% 0.0% 3.3% 0.0% 5.9% 14.3% 0.0% Anti-corruption 18.2% 13.3% 14.8% 14.3% 12.0% 13.2% 26.7% 8.8% 29.4% 7.1% 0.0% Food security 0.0% 8.9% 11.1% 9.5% 4.0% 3.8% 5.0% 5.9% 8.8% 0.0% 0.0% Energy 0.0% 3.9% 3.7% 0.0% 0.0% 1.9% 3.3% 5.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Education* 18.2% 36.5% 29.6% 28.6% 28.0% 20.8% 36.7% 20.6% 61.8% 35.7% 25.0% Public sector governance/reform* 45.5% 21.7% 22.2% 14.3% 24.0% 49.1% 28.3% 17.6% 11.8% 21.4% 12.5% Global/regional integration* 0.0% 6.9% 3.7% 9.5% 4.0% 1.9% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 28.6% 12.5% Urban development* 9.1% 2.0% 14.8% 0.0% 4.0% 3.8% 1.7% 0.0% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0% Global pandemics 0.0% 8.4% 3.7% 0.0% 0.0% 3.8% 3.3% 8.8% 5.9% 0.0% 0.0% Agriculture and rural development 18.2% 26.6% 29.6% 33.3% 36.0% 9.4% 11.7% 23.5% 20.6% 28.6% 37.5% Trade and exports 9.1% 9.4% 3.7% 9.5% 12.0% 5.7% 13.3% 0.0% 11.8% 14.3% 0.0% Economic growth 0.0% 15.8% 11.1% 19.0% 16.0% 18.9% 20.0% 8.8% 8.8% 0.0% 25.0% Disaster risk management 0.0% 3.4% 3.7% 9.5% 0.0% 3.8% 0.0% 5.9% 2.9% 7.1% 0.0% Equality of opportunity* 9.1% 3.0% 3.7% 0.0% 0.0% 9.4% 1.7% 11.8% 14.7% 0.0% 12.5% Disease: TB, HIV, dengue 0.0% 1.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Information and communications 9.1% 7.4% 0.0% 4.8% 8.0% 3.8% 5.0% 2.9% 2.9% 14.3% 0.0% technology Transport 27.3% 9.4% 3.7% 4.8% 8.0% 9.4% 3.3% 8.8% 5.9% 0.0% 0.0% National debt* 9.1% 8.9% 11.1% 9.5% 0.0% 18.9% 21.7% 5.9% 0.0% 7.1% 25.0% Law and justice 0.0% 3.9% 3.7% 0.0% 4.0% 1.9% 5.0% 8.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Natural resource management 0.0% 10.3% 22.2% 23.8% 4.0% 17.0% 8.3% 14.7% 14.7% 21.4% 12.5% Climate change 0.0% 4.4% 0.0% 4.8% 0.0% 9.4% 5.0% 8.8% 0.0% 7.1% 12.5% Poverty reduction 27.3% 27.6% 37.0% 28.6% 36.0% 17.0% 20.0% 23.5% 29.4% 21.4% 50.0% Social protection* 0.0% 1.0% 3.7% 0.0% 4.0% 11.3% 1.7% 11.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 59 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR C. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Lao PDR, in terms of each of the following? (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean Responsiveness to needs* 9 7.44 159 7.65 24 8.08 14.00 8.00 21 7.67 47 7.15 50 6.84 25 6.88 24 7.88 11 8.36 6 6.83 Flexibility (in terms of the institution’s products and 7 6.71 146 7.30 26 7.42 14.00 7.21 22 7.18 46 6.70 49 6.27 22 6.05 26 7.54 11 7.91 4 7.25 services)* Flexibility (in terms of changing country 7 7.14 146 7.42 27 7.78 15.00 7.13 21 7.19 48 6.98 52 6.33 24 5.96 26 7.73 11 8.09 5 7.00 circumstances)* Being inclusive* 8 7.50 167 7.54 26 8.23 15.00 7.80 24 7.54 47 7.21 56 6.84 26 6.27 28 7.57 11 7.55 6 7.50 Being inclusive* 6 7.67 172 7.56 26 7.73 15.00 8.00 23 7.57 52 7.37 55 6.95 27 6.81 28 7.57 11 8.27 6 7.67 Collaboration with the Government* 9 8.22 181 8.41 26 8.69 16.00 8.38 22 8.05 48 7.54 56 7.61 30 7.80 29 8.00 11 8.64 7 7.29 The speed in which it gets things accomplished on 8 7.63 172 7.72 26 7.58 17.00 8.18 19 7.21 44 6.66 53 6.49 25 6.20 25 7.56 10 8.10 5 7.40 the ground* Helping to bring discipline/effective supervision to 9 7.89 169 8.08 26 8.69 15.00 8.00 21 7.67 47 7.11 54 6.94 23 6.74 27 7.63 10 8.50 7 7.29 implementation of investment projects* Collaboration with civil society* 8 7.50 158 7.78 25 7.96 14.00 7.50 19 7.21 43 6.28 50 6.70 23 5.61 27 7.59 11 8.55 5 7.00 Staff accessibility* 8 7.13 167 7.58 26 7.73 13.00 7.00 21 7.19 46 6.65 53 6.38 22 5.82 27 7.41 10 8.00 5 7.40 Collaboration with other donors and development 8 7.75 166 7.91 24 7.92 14.00 7.93 22 8.27 51 7.20 53 7.26 21 6.43 25 7.88 10 8.60 5 7.20 partners* Collaboration with the private sector* 5 7.00 135 7.33 21 7.24 13.00 6.92 18 6.83 37 7.08 57 6.39 18 5.83 25 7.00 9 8.67 6 6.67 Straightforwardness and honesty* 7 8.14 159 8.14 25 8.80 16.00 8.06 18 7.83 47 7.62 52 7.42 22 7.14 23 8.09 10 8.90 6 8.17 Treating clients and stakeholders in Lao PDR with 7 8.00 168 8.14 26 8.62 15.00 8.27 20 8.25 47 7.83 52 7.71 22 7.00 27 8.00 10 8.70 7 7.43 respect* Being a long-term partner* 8 8.75 176 8.85 25 8.96 16.00 8.63 23 8.39 50 8.24 55 7.78 24 7.29 26 8.23 11 9.27 7 8.57 *Significantly different between stakeholder groups To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statement? (1- Strongly disagree, 10- Strongly agree) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean The World Bank Group takes decisions quickly in 6 6.83 156 7.69 24 7.88 14.00 7.50 21 6.76 34 6.91 48 6.50 17 6.41 25 7.60 7 6.57 4 6.50 Lao PDR* *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 60 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR C. World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground (continued) To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the World Bank Group in Lao PDR? (1- Strongly disagree, 10- Strongly agree) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean The World Bank Group’s financial instruments meet 11 7.45 167 7.72 25 7.96 17.00 7.88 21 6.76 40 7.40 53 6.51 23 6.83 28 8.00 9 7.89 6 6.67 the needs of Lao PDR* The World Bank Group meets Lao PDR’s needs for 10 8.10 179 8.02 25 7.72 16.00 8.44 23 7.74 46 7.54 54 7.15 25 7.16 31 8.10 10 7.90 6 7.50 knowledge services* *Significantly different between stakeholder groups Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean How important is it for the World Bank Group to focus resources on its global advocacy role, to help 11 8.64 175 8.42 25 8.68 18.00 8.39 23 7.96 51 8.47 53 7.68 24 7.71 30 8.30 10 8.90 7 7.86 promote policies related to its work in areas including climate, health, gender, and debt? (1- Not important at all, 10-Very important) E. World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities (continued) How frequently do you consult World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities in the work you do? Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private Percentage of Respondents PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Weekly 9.1% 7.1% 3.7% 10.0% 9.5% 9.4% 1.8% 0.0% 3.0% 14.3% 0.0% Monthly 27.3% 26.3% 48.1% 20.0% 33.3% 24.5% 22.8% 12.5% 21.2% 21.4% 14.3% A few times a year 45.5% 43.4% 44.4% 40.0% 47.6% 56.6% 49.1% 40.6% 39.4% 35.7% 42.9% Rarely* 18.2% 12.6% 0.0% 20.0% 9.5% 5.7% 15.8% 28.1% 24.2% 28.6% 14.3% Never 0.0% 10.6% 3.7% 10.0% 0.0% 3.8% 10.5% 18.8% 12.1% 0.0% 28.6% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 61 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR E. World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities (continued) In Lao PDR, to what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities: (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean Are adaptable to Lao PDR’s specific development 9 8.11 162 7.74 26 7.81 14.00 8.07 22 7.45 49 7.51 47 7.15 21 6.71 28 7.64 8 8.38 3 6.67 challenges and country circumstances Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private PM/ Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean N Mean Overall, how significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work 11 8.55 184 8.21 26 8.50 16.00 8.75 23 7.39 49 7.65 51 7.47 24 7.42 30 7.90 11 8.73 5 7.60 and activities make to development results in your country?* Overall, how would you rate the technical quality of the World Bank Group's knowledge work and 11 8.27 181 8.18 26 8.62 14.00 8.36 22 7.05 51 8.18 50 7.40 22 7.45 29 8.28 11 8.82 5 7.40 activities?* (1-Not significant at all, 10-Very significant; 1-Very low technical quality, 10-Very high technical quality) *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 62 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR F. The Future Role of The World Bank Group in Lao PDR Which of the following SHOULD the World Bank Group do to make itself of greater value in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 2) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ Percentage of Respondents President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private (Responses combined) PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Improve the relevance of its experts as 45.5% 33.3% 25.9% 15.8% 34.8% 15.1% 10.7% 12.9% 39.4% 7.1% 14.3% related to Lao PDR’s specific challenges* Offer more innovative financial products and 36.4% 15.7% 7.4% 26.3% 13.0% 1.9% 19.6% 16.1% 24.2% 14.3% 14.3% services Collaborate more effectively with 27.3% 27.8% 22.2% 36.8% 21.7% 17.0% 7.1% 22.6% 30.3% 21.4% 28.6% Government clients Work faster 9.1% 5.6% 7.4% 0.0% 8.7% 5.7% 3.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Reduce the complexity of obtaining World 36.4% 27.8% 25.9% 31.6% 34.8% 7.5% 14.3% 16.1% 18.2% 14.3% 14.3% Bank Group financing* Offer more real-time advice and guidance 18.2% 13.1% 7.4% 0.0% 17.4% 13.2% 7.1% 0.0% 3.0% 14.3% 14.3% Help to bring discipline/effective supervision to implementation of World Bank Group 0.0% 6.6% 18.5% 15.8% 13.0% 3.8% 8.9% 9.7% 6.1% 14.3% 14.3% projects Engage more effectively with partners such 0.0% 11.6% 18.5% 10.5% 8.7% 30.2% 8.9% 16.1% 9.1% 7.1% 14.3% as bilaterals, multilaterals, trust funds, UN* Offer more innovative knowledge products 9.1% 5.1% 3.7% 10.5% 4.3% 11.3% 14.3% 6.5% 6.1% 7.1% 0.0% and services Provide more adequate data/knowledge/statistics/figures on Lao 9.1% 12.6% 7.4% 15.8% 8.7% 26.4% 17.9% 6.5% 6.1% 42.9% 14.3% PDR’s economy* Engage more effectively with civil society* 0.0% 3.0% 7.4% 0.0% 8.7% 5.7% 8.9% 38.7% 9.1% 0.0% 0.0% Engage more directly with beneficiaries 9.1% 6.1% 18.5% 10.5% 8.7% 13.2% 10.7% 16.1% 9.1% 21.4% 28.6% Increase the level of capacity development 0.0% 26.8% 29.6% 15.8% 8.7% 30.2% 23.2% 12.9% 27.3% 21.4% 14.3% in the country Engage more effectively with private sector* 0.0% 1.5% 0.0% 0.0% 8.7% 15.1% 37.5% 16.1% 3.0% 14.3% 14.3% Other 0.0% 0.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.8% 3.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 63 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR F. The Future Role of The World Bank Group in Lao PDR (continued) In addition to the regular relations with the national government, which TWO of the following groups should the World Bank Group collaborate with more in your country? (Choose no more than 2) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ Percentage of Respondents President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private (Responses combined) PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Local government* 20.0% 57.5% 37.0% 57.9% 31.8% 37.7% 14.3% 22.6% 40.6% 28.6% 57.1% Private sector* 60.0% 24.5% 14.8% 5.3% 18.2% 41.5% 58.9% 32.3% 31.3% 14.3% 42.9% Beneficiaries 10.0% 14.0% 37.0% 26.3% 18.2% 22.6% 23.2% 9.7% 12.5% 7.1% 14.3% Donor community* 10.0% 13.0% 14.8% 31.6% 27.3% 26.4% 10.7% 9.7% 0.0% 7.1% 0.0% NGOs/Non-Profit Associations* 10.0% 3.5% 3.7% 0.0% 9.1% 20.8% 10.7% 58.1% 6.3% 7.1% 0.0% National Assembly 20.0% 11.0% 18.5% 15.8% 27.3% 15.1% 12.5% 3.2% 6.3% 0.0% 14.3% Mass organizations* 10.0% 7.0% 14.8% 5.3% 9.1% 5.7% 8.9% 38.7% 0.0% 7.1% 14.3% Academia/think tanks/research institutes* 40.0% 50.5% 51.9% 47.4% 50.0% 13.2% 44.6% 19.4% 84.4% 50.0% 14.3% Media* 0.0% 6.5% 3.7% 0.0% 4.5% 1.9% 7.1% 6.5% 9.4% 78.6% 14.3% Other 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 14.3% Don’t know 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 14.3% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups G. Communication and Information Sharing How frequently do you interact with the World Bank Group now in Lao PDR? Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private Percentage of Respondents PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Never 36.4% 23.0% 11.1% 10.5% 17.4% 9.6% 15.8% 28.1% 36.4% 7.1% 28.6% Less than once a year * 18.2% 12.0% 3.7% 42.1% 26.1% 1.9% 26.3% 15.6% 27.3% 28.6% 28.6% Once a year to a few times a year 18.2% 28.0% 25.9% 26.3% 21.7% 44.2% 40.4% 37.5% 27.3% 50.0% 28.6% Less than once a month 18.2% 12.5% 18.5% 15.8% 13.0% 15.4% 10.5% 9.4% 3.0% 14.3% 14.3% At least once a month* 9.1% 17.5% 37.0% 0.0% 13.0% 21.2% 7.0% 9.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% At least once a week 0.0% 7.0% 3.7% 5.3% 8.7% 7.7% 0.0% 0.0% 6.1% 0.0% 0.0% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 64 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR G. Communication and Information Sharing (continued) How do you get most of your information about economic and social development issues in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 2) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ Percentage of Respondents President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private (Responses combined) PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Local radio* 18.2% 16.7% 23.1% 41.2% 13.0% 1.9% 7.3% 10.0% 25.0% 14.3% 0.0% International radio 0.0% 1.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% 1.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Local newspapers* 18.2% 48.5% 53.8% 23.5% 47.8% 69.8% 40.0% 56.7% 28.1% 57.1% 42.9% International newspapers* 18.2% 4.5% 11.5% 0.0% 13.0% 35.8% 9.1% 6.7% 6.3% 21.4% 14.3% Local television* 0.0% 29.3% 26.9% 5.9% 8.7% 1.9% 14.5% 20.0% 25.0% 21.4% 28.6% International television 9.1% 3.0% 3.8% 5.9% 4.3% 0.0% 7.3% 3.3% 9.4% 0.0% 0.0% Magazines* 36.4% 14.6% 3.8% 23.5% 21.7% 1.9% 9.1% 3.3% 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% Social media 36.4% 63.1% 65.4% 76.5% 60.9% 52.8% 74.5% 70.0% 68.8% 64.3% 71.4% Other* 36.4% 5.1% 0.0% 5.9% 8.7% 13.2% 10.9% 3.3% 12.5% 7.1% 28.6% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups How would you prefer to receive information from the World Bank Group? (Choose no more than 3) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ Percentage of Respondents President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private (Responses combined) PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other World Bank Group’s publications and other 63.6% 50.0% 44.4% 60.0% 40.9% 46.2% 39.6% 46.9% 40.6% 78.6% 42.9% written materials e-Newsletters 36.4% 17.3% 29.6% 25.0% 22.7% 36.5% 26.4% 37.5% 21.9% 21.4% 0.0% World Bank Group’s seminars/workshops/ 18.2% 55.1% 63.0% 15.0% 36.4% 30.8% 39.6% 40.6% 46.9% 21.4% 42.9% conferences* Social media 36.4% 46.9% 51.9% 50.0% 45.5% 30.8% 60.4% 56.3% 62.5% 35.7% 57.1% Direct contact with World Bank Group 45.5% 29.6% 37.0% 15.0% 31.8% 36.5% 24.5% 18.8% 21.9% 14.3% 14.3% World Bank Group’s website 54.5% 35.2% 37.0% 50.0% 45.5% 50.0% 37.7% 25.0% 40.6% 42.9% 28.6% Webinars or online events hosted by the 0.0% 8.7% 0.0% 10.0% 22.7% 26.9% 15.1% 6.3% 3.1% 0.0% 14.3% World Bank Group* Interviews and press conferences for the Lao 9.1% 7.1% 7.4% 10.0% 9.1% 1.9% 11.3% 12.5% 9.4% 50.0% 0.0% media* *Significantly different between stakeholder groups What do you use primarily when visiting a World Bank Group website? * (Select only 1 response) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private Percentage of Respondents PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Phone 20.0% 28.8% 33.3% 64.7% 36.4% 15.4% 28.0% 16.1% 28.1% 30.8% 14.3% Tablet 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.9% 4.0% 3.2% 6.3% 0.0% 0.0% Computer/laptop 50.0% 57.1% 62.5% 23.5% 59.1% 80.8% 62.0% 58.1% 50.0% 53.8% 42.9% I never visit the WBG websites 10.0% 14.1% 4.2% 11.8% 4.5% 1.9% 6.0% 22.6% 15.6% 15.4% 42.9% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 65 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR H. Background Information Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Group (IDA, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) in your country?* Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private Percentage of Respondents PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Yes 33.3% 56.7% 80.0% 50.0% 50.0% 58.9% 56.7% 29.4% 26.5% 42.9% 33.3% No 66.7% 43.3% 20.0% 50.0% 50.0% 41.1% 43.3% 70.6% 73.5% 57.1% 66.7% *Significantly different between stakeholder groups If yes, which of the following agencies of the World Bank Group do you primarily collaborate/work with in Lao PDR?* Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private Percentage of Respondents PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other The World Bank (IDA) 50.0% 82.4% 100.0% 87.5% 60.0% 90.6% 62.2% 90.0% 100.0% 66.7% 100.0% The International Finance Corporation (IFC) 50.0% 17.6% 0.0% 12.5% 40.0% 9.4% 37.8% 10.0% 0.0% 33.3% 0.0% The Multilateral Investment Guarantee 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Agency (MIGA) International Centre for Settlement of 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Investment Disputes (ICSID) *Significantly different between stakeholder groups Which of the following describes most of your exposure to the World Bank Group in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than TWO) Office of the Other Gov-t Bilateral/ Percentage of Respondents President/ Employee of PMU/ Local Institutions/ Multilateral Private (Responses combined) PM/Minister Ministry Consultant Government Organizations Agency Sector CSO Academia Media Other Observer 25.0% 16.6% 7.4% 17.4% 12.5% 12.7% 20.0% 32.4% 24.2% 28.6% 12.5% Use World Bank Group reports/data* 41.7% 22.0% 25.9% 17.4% 33.3% 49.1% 32.3% 29.4% 36.4% 28.6% 25.0% Engage in World Bank Group 33.3% 58.5% 59.3% 52.2% 20.8% 27.3% 30.8% 20.6% 36.4% 7.1% 37.5% related/sponsored events/activities* Collaborate as part of my professional 33.3% 38.5% 59.3% 26.1% 41.7% 65.5% 38.5% 41.2% 18.2% 21.4% 37.5% duties* Use World Bank Group website for 16.7% 15.6% 3.7% 21.7% 33.3% 18.2% 26.2% 11.8% 39.4% 57.1% 12.5% information, data, research, etc. * *Significantly different between stakeholder groups 66 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR Appendix C: Indicator Questions as a Function of Exposure to the World Bank Group Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Indicator Question Group in your country? Not collaborating with Collaborating with the the WBG WBG To what extent do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right? 7.84 8.06 Overall the World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in 7.81 8.05 development in Lao PDR The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the 7.62 8.07 development priorities for Lao PDR Overall, please rate your impression of the World Bank’s effectiveness in 7.46 7.88 Lao PDR. Overall, please rate your impression of the IFC’s effectiveness in Lao PDR. 6.92 7.54 To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work help to achieve 7.51 7.94 development results in Lao PDR? To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development 7.51 7.89 agenda in Lao PDR? Responsiveness to needs 7.41 7.61 Flexibility (in terms of the institution’s products and services) 6.90 7.11 Flexibility (in terms of changing country circumstances) 6.95 7.27 Being inclusive 7.30 7.44 Openness (sharing data and other information) 7.33 7.56 Collaboration with the Government 7.95 8.24 The speed in which it gets things accomplished on the ground 7.24 7.38 Helping to bring discipline/effective supervision to implementation of 7.57 7.82 investment projects Collaboration with civil society 7.30 7.29 Staff accessibility 6.84 7.42 Collaboration with other donors and development partners 7.54 7.79 Collaboration with the private sector 6.74 7.25 Straightforwardness and honesty 7.83 8.06 Treating clients and stakeholders in Lao PDR with respect 7.88 8.11 Being a long-term partner 8.38 8.56 The World Bank Group takes decisions quickly in Lao PDR 6.91 7.59 The World Bank Group’s financial instruments meet the needs of Lao PDR 7.25 7.58 The World Bank Group meets Lao PDR’s needs for knowledge services 7.66 7.90 How important is it for the World Bank Group to focus resources on its global advocacy role, to help promote policies related to its work in a 8.19 8.37 range of areas including climate, health, gender, and debt? In Lao PDR, to what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities are adaptable to Lao PDR’s specific 7.41 7.74 development challenges and country circumstances Overall, how significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in 7.88 8.08 your country? Overall, how would you rate the technical quality of the World Bank 7.91 8.15 Group's knowledge work and activities? Yellow highlight indicates significant difference between Yes and No means. 67 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR Appendix D: Lao PDR FY21 COS Questionnaire World Bank Group Country Survey FY 2021 – Lao PDR The World Bank Group is interested in gauging the views of clients and partners who are either involved in development in Lao PDR or who observe activities related to social and economic development. The following survey will give the World Bank Group’s team that works in Lao PDR, greater insight into how the Bank’s work is perceived. This is one tool the World Bank Group uses to assess the views of its stakeholders, and to develop more effective strategies that support development in Lao PDR. A local independent firm has been hired to oversee the logistics of this survey. This ensures anonymity and confidentiality. We hope you’ll be candid. Finally, the survey relates to the World Bank Group’s work. The World Bank Group consists of IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID. When responding to the survey, please consider the area of the World Bank Group with which you are most familiar. To complete the survey, please circle/check the response that most accurately reflects your opinion. If you prefer not to answer a question, please leave it blank. If you feel that you do not have an adequate amount of information on a subject, please check “Don’t know”. PLEASE NOTE: IN SOME CASES THE SURVEY WILL ASK FOR A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF RESPONSES. PLEASE DO NOT CHOOSE ANY MORE THAN REQUESTED. IF MORE RESPONSES ARE CHOSEN, DATA CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN ANALYSIS. 68 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION A: OVERALL CONTEXT A1. In general, would you say that Lao PDR is headed in ... ? 1 The right direction 2 The wrong direction 3 Not sure A2. Do you think that economic opportunity for citizens in Lao PDR is … ? 1 Increasing 2 Decreasing 3 Staying about the same A3. Listed below are a number of development priorities in Lao PDR. Please identify which of the following you consider the most important development priorities in Lao PDR. (Choose no more than 3) 1 Job creation/employment 16 Disease: TB, HIV, dengue 2 Food security 17 Anti-corruption 3 National debt 18 Health 4 Private sector development 19 Trade and exports 5 Education 20 Natural resource management Public sector governance/reform (i.e., government 6 effectiveness, public financial management, public 21 Climate change (e.g. mitigation, adaptation) expenditure, fiscal system reform) 7 Global/regional integration 22 Poverty reduction Social protection (e.g. pensions, targeted social 8 23 Transport (e.g. roads, bridges, railway) assistance) 9 Urban development 24 Law and justice 10 Information and communications technology 25 Economic growth Gender equity (closing the gap between women and 11 26 Agriculture and rural development men, and boys and girls) 12 Pollution 27 Equal opportunity (i.e., social inclusion) 13 Water and sanitation 28 Disaster risk management 14 Financial markets (e.g. stock market) 29 Energy 15 Global pandemics (e.g. COVID-19) 69 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION A: OVERALL CONTEXT A4. Poverty reduction is a broad term that encompasses work in many different areas. Which 3 areas of development listed below do you believe would contribute most to reducing poverty in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 3) 1 Economic growth 15 Pollution 2 Water and sanitation 16 Global pandemics (e.g. COVID-19) 3 Disaster risk management 17 Job creation/employment 4 Disease: TB, HIV, dengue 18 Financial markets (e.g. stock market) 5 Equality of opportunity (i.e., social inclusion) 19 Health Social protection (e.g. pensions, targeted social Gender equity (closing the gap between women and 6 20 assistance) men, and boys and girls) 7 Agriculture and rural development 21 Private sector development Public sector governance/reform (i.e., government 8 Information and communications technology 22 effectiveness, public financial management, public expenditure, fiscal system reform) 9 Climate change (e.g. mitigation, adaptation) 23 Global/regional integration 10 Transport (e.g. roads, bridges, railway) 24 Food security 11 Energy 25 Urban development 12 Trade and exports 26 Education 13 Law and justice 27 National debt 14 Anti-corruption 28 Natural resource management 70 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION A: OVERALL CONTEXT A5. The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed many aspects of Lao PDR’s growth and development. In which areas would you like to see the Lao PDR’s government focus most of its efforts related to the impact of COVID-19 over the next six months to a year? (Choose no more than 3) 1 Providing direct non-financial (e.g. food, healthcare supplies, etc.) support to citizens 2 Healthcare 3 Economic growth 4 Poverty and inequality (e.g. strengthening the social safety net, social assistance) 5 Nutrition/food security 6 Providing direct financial support to businesses (business support packages) 7 Ensuring sustainable business growth and job creation 8 Ensuring that girls and women have equal access to job opportunities 9 Education 10 Ensuring that girls and women have equal access to health care/health services 11 Public service delivery (e.g. strengthening policies, institutions) 12 Fair and equal distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine if, and when, a safe one is approved 13 Other (please specify): ________________________________________ A6. When economic and/or social reform efforts fail or are slow to take place in Lao PDR, which of the following would you attribute this to? (Choose no more than 2) 1 Political pressures and obstacles 2 Corruption 3 Inadequate level of private sector participation 4 Inadequate level of donor coordination 5 Inadequate level of citizen/civil society participation 6 Inadequate level of government accountability 7 Inadequate level of capacity in the government 8 Reforms do not match country requirements 9 Pressure from outside interest groups (e.g. neighboring countries) 10 Other (please specify): ________________________________________ 71 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION A: OVERALL CONTEXT A7. To what extent do you trust each of the following groups to do what is right? To no degree To a very significant Don't at all degree know 1 The national/central government 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  2 Bilateral organizations (e.g. JICA, GIZ, USAID, AusAID) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  3 The World Bank Group 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  4 The International Monetary Fund 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  5 The United Nations (UN) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  6 The World Health Organization (WHO) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  7 Asian Development Bank (ADB) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  8 Bank of the Lao PDR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  9 International private sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  10 Domestic private sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  11 International civil society (e.g., NGOs) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  12 Lao non-profit associations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  13 Religious institutions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Lao media and their web presence: newspapers, TV, 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  radio 15 International media and their web presence 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Web based media (i.e., blogs, social media, other web- 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  based news and information sources) 72 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION B: OVERALL ATTITUDES TOWARD THE WORLD BANK GROUP B1. How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Lao PDR? Not familiar Extremely at all familiar 1 The World Bank (IDA) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bank Group’s private sector arm To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the World Bank Group’s work in Lao PDR? Strongly Strongly Don't disagree agree know Overall the World Bank Group currently plays a B2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  relevant role in development in Lao PDR The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I B3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  consider the development priorities for Lao PDR B4. Overall, please rate your impression of the effectiveness of these organizations in Lao PDR. Not effective Very Don't at all effective know 1 The World Bank (IDA) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Bank Group’s private sector arm B5. To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work help to achieve development results in Lao PDR? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  To no degree at To a very Don't know all significant degree B6. To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in Lao PDR? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  To no degree at To a very Don't know all significant degree B7. To what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s work and support help the poorest in Lao PDR? (Select only 1 response) 1 To a fully sufficient degree 2 To a somewhat sufficient degree 3 To a somewhat insufficient degree 4 To a very insufficient degree 5 Don’t know 73 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION B: OVERALL ATTITUDES TOWARD THE WORLD BANK GROUP B8. When thinking about the World Bank Group’s role in Lao PDR, which activity do you VALUE the most? (Choose no more than 2) 1 Bringing together different groups of stakeholders 2 Data and statistics 3 Capacity development related to World Bank Group supported projects 4 Technical assistance 5 Donor coordination Informal advice that World Bank Group’s staff provides (e.g., memos, short evidence notes, informal 6 discussions and emails) 7 Financial resources 8 Formal policy advice, studies, analyses 9 Promoting knowledge sharing 10 Implementation support 11 Mobilizing third party financial resources 12 Other (please specify): ________________________ 74 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION B: OVERALL ATTITUDES TOWARD THE WORLD BANK GROUP B9. Which of the following do you identify as the World Bank Group’s greatest WEAKNESSES in its work in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 2) 1 Too influenced by developed countries 2 World Bank Group’s processes too slow and complex 3 Staff too inaccessible 4 Not collaborating enough with private sector 5 Not collaborating enough with partners such as bilaterals, multilaterals, trust funds, UN 6 Inadequate number of innovative knowledge products and services 7 Not adequately sensitive to political/social realities in Lao PDR 8 Not aligned with country priorities 9 Not willing to honestly criticize policies and reform efforts in the country 10 Not adequately flexible in changing country circumstances 11 Not collaborating enough with civil society (e.g., NGOs) 12 Inadequate World Bank Group’s staffing in Lao PDR 13 Arrogant in its approach 14 Not sufficiently focused on sustainable results 15 Inadequate level of real-time advice and guidance 16 Not enough public disclosure of its work 17 Inadequate number of innovative financial products and services 18 Other (please specify): __________________________________________________ 19 Don’t know 75 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION B: OVERALL ATTITUDES TOWARD THE WORLD BANK GROUP B10. When thinking about how the World Bank Group can have the most impact on development results in Lao PDR, which sectors do you believe the World Bank Group should prioritize with its resources (financial and knowledge services) in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 3) Gender equity (closing the gap between women 1 16 Agriculture and rural development and men, and boys and girls) 2 Private sector development 17 Trade and exports 3 Water and sanitation 18 Economic growth 4 Pollution 19 Disaster risk management 5 Job creation/employment 20 Equality of opportunity (i.e., social inclusion) 6 Health 21 Disease: TB, HIV, dengue 7 Financial markets (e.g. stock market) 22 Information and communications technology 8 Anti-corruption 23 Transport (e.g. roads, bridges, railway) 9 Food security 24 National debt 10 Energy 25 Law and justice 11 Education 26 Natural resource management Public sector governance/reform (i.e., government 12 effectiveness, public financial management, public 27 Climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation) expenditure, fiscal system reform) 13 Global/regional integration 28 Poverty reduction 14 Urban development Social protection (e.g., pensions, targeted social 29 15 Global pandemics (e.g., COVID-19) assistance) B11. What do you immediately think of when you hear about the IFC? (Choose no more than 3) 1 Multi-lateral financial institution 9 Public-private partnerships 2 Investment Bank 10 Venture Capital 3 Asset Manager 11 Innovation and Entrepreneurship 4 Development institution 12 Impact Investor 5 Private Sector Solutions 13 None of the above 6 World Bank 14 Don’t know 7 Financial Advisory Solutions 15 Other (please specify): ____________________ 8 Thought leader 76 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION C: WORLD BANK GROUP’S WORK AND ENGAGEMENT ON THE GROUND To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Lao PDR, in terms of each of the following? To no degree To a very significant Don't at all degree know C1 Responsiveness to needs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Flexibility (in terms of the institution’s products and C2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  services) C3 Flexibility (in terms of changing country circumstances) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C4 Being inclusive 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C5 Openness (sharing data and other information) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C6 Collaboration with the Government 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  The speed in which it gets things accomplished on the C7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  ground Helping to bring discipline/effective supervision to C8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  implementation of investment projects C9 Collaboration with civil society 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C10 Staff accessibility 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Collaboration with other donors and development C11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  partners C12 Collaboration with the private sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  C13 Straightforwardness and honesty 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Treating clients and stakeholders in Lao PDR with C14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  respect C15 Being a long-term partner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  77 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION C: WORLD BANK GROUP’S WORK AND ENGAGEMENT ON THE GROUND To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Strongly Strongly Don't disagree agree know C16 The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  The World Bank Group effectively monitors and C17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  evaluates the projects and programs it supports The World Bank Group’s approvals and reviews are C18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  done in a timely fashion The World Bank Group’s Environmental and Social C19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Framework requirements are reasonable The World Bank Group’s conditions on its lending are C20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  reasonable The World Bank Group takes decisions quickly in Lao C21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  PDR Working with the World Bank Group increases Lao C22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  PDR’s institutional capacity To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the World Bank Group in Lao PDR? Strongly Strongly Don't disagree agree know The World Bank Group’s financial instruments (i.e., C23 investment lending, Development Policy Loan, Trust 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Funds, guarantee, etc.) meet the needs of Lao PDR The World Bank Group meets Lao PDR’s needs for C24 knowledge services (e.g., research, analysis, data, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  technical assistance) C25. The World Bank Group has provided real time advice and guidance to the government and policy makers, since the COVID-19 outbreak occurred. Please rate the usefulness of this informal advice and guidance (e.g., informal discussions, memos, informal working papers) to the Lao government’s efforts to support citizens throughout this crisis? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Not useful at all Very useful Don't know C26. How important is it for the World Bank Group to focus resources on its global advocacy role, to help promote policies related to its work in areas including climate, health, gender, and debt? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Not important Very important Don't know at all 78 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION D: WORLD BANK GROUP’S SUPPORT IN DEVELOPMENT AREAS D1. How EFFECTIVE do you believe the World Bank Group is in terms of the work it does in the following areas of development in Lao PDR? (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) Not effective Very Don't at all effective know Social protection (e.g., pensions, targeted social 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  assistance) Gender equity (closing the gap between women and 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  men, and boys and girls) 3 Private sector development 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  4 Education 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Public sector governance/reform (i.e., government 5 effectiveness, public financial management, public 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  expenditure, fiscal system reform) 6 Global/regional integration 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  7 Food security 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  8 Energy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  9 Water and sanitation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  10 Pollution 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  11 Job creation/employment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  12 Health 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  13 Financial markets (e.g. stock market) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  14 Transport (e.g., roads, bridges, railway) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  15 Agriculture and rural development 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  16 Trade and exports 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  17 Natural resource management 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  18 Climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  19 Poverty reduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  20 Anti-corruption 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  21 Law and justice 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  22 Economic growth 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  23 Disaster risk management 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  24 Equality of opportunity (i.e., social inclusion) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  25 Disease (TB, HIV) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  26 Information and communications technology 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  79 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION D: WORLD BANK GROUP’S SUPPORT IN DEVELOPMENT AREAS D2. The World Bank Group has provided fast track support to Lao PDR related to the outbreak of COVID-19 since early 2020. Please rate the World Bank Group’s effectiveness when considering this fast track support, if and as it applies to your country, in the following areas: Not effective Very Don't N/A at all effective know 1 Supporting health interventions for saving lives 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10   Education (e.g., transitioning to remote 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10   learning, ensuring access, etc.) Protecting poor people (social assistance/ social 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10   safety nets) Ensuring sustainable business growth and job 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10   creation Strengthening policies, institutions and 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10   investments for rebuilding better Macroeconomic stability and transparent debt 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10   management 80 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION E: WORLD BANK GROUP’S KNOWLEDGE WORK AND ACTIVITIES (i.e., analysis, studies, research, data, reports, conferences) E1. How frequently do you consult World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities in the work you do? 1 Weekly 2 Monthly 3 A few times a year 4 Rarely 5 Never In Lao PDR, to what extent do you believe that the World Bank Group’s knowledge work and activities: To no degree To a very significant Don't at all degree know E2 Are timely 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Include appropriate level of stakeholder involvement E3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  during preparation E4 Lead to practical solutions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Are source of relevant information on global good E5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  practices E6 Are adequately disseminated 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  E7 Are translated enough into local language 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Are adaptable to Lao PDR’s specific development E8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  challenges and country circumstances E9. Overall, how significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your country? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Not significant at all Very significant Don't know E10. Overall, how would you rate the technical quality of the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Very low technical Very high technical Don't know quality quality 81 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION F: THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE WORLD BANK GROUP IN LAO PDR F1. Which of the following SHOULD the World Bank Group do to make itself of greater value in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 2) 1 Improve the relevance of its experts as related to Lao PDR’s specific challenges 2 Offer more innovative financial products and services 3 Collaborate more effectively with Government clients (e.g., national, state, local) 4 Work faster 5 Reduce the complexity of obtaining World Bank Group financing 6 Offer more real-time advice and guidance 7 Help to bring discipline/effective supervision to implementation of World Bank Group projects 8 Engage more effectively with partners such as bilaterals, multilaterals, trust funds, UN 9 Offer more innovative knowledge products and services 10 Provide more adequate data/knowledge/statistics/figures on Lao PDR’s economy 11 Engage more effectively with civil society (e.g. NGOs, Non-Profit Associations) 12 Engage more directly with beneficiaries 13 Increase the level of capacity development in the country 14 Engage more effectively with private sector 15 Other (please specify): ______________________________________________ F2. In addition to the regular relations with the national government, which TWO of the following groups should the World Bank Group collaborate with more in your country? (Choose no more than 2) 1 Local government 7 Mass organizations 2 Private sector 8 Academia/think tanks/research institutes 3 Beneficiaries 9 Media 4 Donor community 10 Other (please specify): _____________________ 5 NGOs/Non-Profit Associations 11 Don’t know 6 National Assembly 82 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION G: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SHARING G1. How frequently do you interact with the World Bank Group now in Lao PDR? 1 Never 2 Less than once a year 3 Once a year to a few times a year 4 Less than once a month 5 At least once a month 6 At least once a week G2. How do you get most of your information about economic and social development issues in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 2) 1 Local radio 6 International television 2 International radio 7 Magazines 3 Local newspapers Social media (e.g., blogs, Facebook, YouTube, 8 4 International newspapers Instagram) 5 Local television 9 Other (please specify): ____________________ G3. How would you prefer to receive information from the World Bank Group? (Choose no more than 3) World Bank Group’s publications and other Direct contact with World Bank Group (i.e., face to 1 5 written materials face meetings/discussions) 2 e-Newsletters 6 World Bank Group’s website World Bank Group’s seminars/workshops/ 7 Webinars or online events hosted by the World Bank 3 conferences Group 4 Social media (e.g., blogs, Facebook, YouTube) 8 Interviews and press conferences for the Lao media G4. What do you use primarily when visiting a World Bank Group website? (Select only 1 response) 1 Phone 2 Tablet 3 Computer/laptop 4 I never visit the WBG websites 83 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION G: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SHARING G5. Over the past 6 MONTHS, on average how often did you do any of the following related to the World Bank Group (WBG)? Every few Every few Every few Not days weeks months at all Read, viewed or heard a story about the WBG in local media 1     (Website, newspaper, magazine, TV, radio) Read, viewed or heard a story about the WBG in global media 2     (Website, newspaper, magazine, TV, radio) Interacted with the WBG on Social Media (e.g., read a post or 3     tweet, liked, commented, shared, retweeted) 4 Visited a WBG website (e.g., read a blog, used data)     5 Attended an event/conference hosted by the WBG     6 Watched a webinar or online event hosted by the WBG     7 Read some or all of a WBG research paper or publication     8 Met professionally with WBG staff     9 Read a WBG e-newsletter     84 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION H: BACKGROUND INFORMATION H1. Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 response) 1 Office of the President, Prime Minister 10 Multilateral Agency (UN, ADB, etc.) 2 National Assembly 11 Private Sector Organization Employee of Ministry, ministerial implementation 3 12 Financial Sector/Private Bank agency Project Management Unit for WBG project/ 4 13 Not-for-Profit Association / NGO Consultant/Contractor on WBG project/program Mass Organizations (Lao Youth Union, Lao 5 Local Government Office or Staff 14 Women Union, Lao Front, Trades Union) Independent Government Institution (i.e., regulatory 6 15 Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank agency, central bank/supervising agency) 7 Judicial System (e.g., courts) 16 Media (press, radio, TV, web, etc.) 8 State-Owned Enterprise 17 Other (please specify): ___________________ 9 Bilateral Agency (e.g., embassy, military) H2. Please identify the primary specialization of your work. (Select only 1 response) 1 Poverty 12 Agriculture, rural development 2 Macroeconomics, fiscal management 13 Urban development 3 Governance, anti-corruption 14 Transport 4 Education 15 Digital development and technology (ICT) 5 Health, nutrition 16 Tourism 6 Social protection 17 Demographics, migration 7 Gender 18 Trade and competitiveness 8 Energy 19 Finance and markets 9 Environment, natural resources 20 Communications, public affairs 10 Climate change 21 Generalist (specialized in multiple sectors) 11 Water, sanitation 22 Other (please specify): ____________________ H3. Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Group (IDA, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) in your country? (If YES, please go to H4; if NO, please go to H6) 1 Yes 2 No 85 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION H: BACKGROUND INFORMATION H4. If yes, which of the following agencies of the World Bank Group do you primarily collaborate/work with in Lao PDR? (Select only 1 response) 1 The World Bank (IDA) 2 The International Finance Corporation (IFC) 3 The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) 4 International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) H5. Do your projects involve both the World Bank and the IFC? 1 Yes 2 No H6. Which of the following describes most of your exposure to the World Bank Group in Lao PDR? (Choose no more than 2) 1 Observer (i.e., follow in media, discuss in informal conversations, etc.) 2 Use World Bank Group reports/data 3 Engage in World Bank Group related/sponsored events/activities 4 Collaborate as part of my professional duties 5 Use World Bank Group website for information, data, research, etc. H7. What’s your gender? 1 Female 2 Male H8. What’s your age? 1 25 and under 2 26-35 3 36-45 4 46-55 5 56 and above 86 World Bank Group Country Opinion Survey 2021: Lao PDR SECTION H: BACKGROUND INFORMATION H9. Which best represents your geographic location? 1 Vientiane Capital 2 Central Provinces 3 Northern Provinces 4 Southern Provinces Thank you for completing the survey! 87