USAID Supports Training on Intellectual Property for Public and Private Sector Stakeholders in the Handicraft Sector

Champasak, May 24, 2022 -The Department of Intellectual Property and the Department of Industry and Handicraft, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Laos Business Environment Project, convened a training workshop on intellectual property for public and private sector stakeholders in the handicraft sector on May 24, 2022.

The training focused on providing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with resources to increase their knowledge of the different types of intellectual property (IP) rights, and incorporate IP into their business strategies.

The event was co-chaired by Mr. Santisouk Phounesavath, Director of the Intellectual Property Department, Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Mr. Aphivat Sombounkhan, Deputy Director, Industry and Commerce, Champasak Province. More than 90 representatives from relevant government agencies, the Champasak Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the handicraft business community participated in the event.
During his opening remarks, Mr. Santisouk Phounesavath, Director of the Intellectual Property Department, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, expressed his appreciation for USAID’s ongoing support to help Laos improve its business environment. He noted that “the industry and handicraft sector has been gradually developed in recent years. The number of start-ups or small and medium businesses in the industrial and handicraft sectors has been growing. However, not many businesses are aware of the benefits of intellectual property rights and the value-added to their businesses. Therefore, applying intellectual property is the key to improving businesses and most importantly helping them to attract foreign investment and increase trade activities.”
Mr. Aphivat Sombounkhan, Deputy Director, Industry and Commerce, Champasak Province, stated that the Champasak handicraft sector has been growing in recent years; however, most local handicraft businesses have not been registered for IPRs due to the lack of knowledge and awareness of the benefits of IP to their businesses. “Today’s training workshop was an important step for both public and private stakeholders to understand the different types of IPRs and the benefits in protecting the business and increasing the value,” said Mr. Aphivat.
During the workshop, handicraft SMEs learned how intellectual property can protect their businesses and creative outputs and how to register their products and designs. In addition, a panel discussion with handicraft SMEs addressed the benefits and value of IP registration.

Ms. Phanmany Khamphilavong, Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Laos Business Environment Project, emphasized the importance of promoting the handicraft sector in Laos to support the development of the Lao economy. She stated that “Increasing IP awareness across handicraft SMEs and encouraging them to use Lao PDR’s existing IP system will help them increase their market competitiveness, stimulate innovation and expand trade.” She noted that Lao handicrafts provide a significant source of income for women and their families, particularly those in remote areas and it represents the unique culture and beautiful traditions of the people of Laos.

USAID, through the Laos Business Environment Project, assists the Government of Lao PDR to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises and improve the climate for investment and trade.