The Ministry of Industry and Commerce Convened the 5th Project Review Committee Meeting of the USAID Laos Business Environment Project

Champasak, December 6, 2022 — The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) convened the 5th Project Review Committee Meeting of the USAID Laos Business Environment Project (LBE)in Pakse, Champasak Province. The LBE is a five-year program that supports the Government of Laos and businesses by promoting trade and investment and increasing private sector competitiveness.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr. Manothong Vongsay and USAID Country Representative to Laos Mr. Michael Ronning co-chaired the meeting. Participants – both in-person and virtual – included the Project’s key technical government and private sector focal points, project counterparts, and development partners.

The principal objectives of the meeting were to review and assess the results of project implementation for the FY 2022 timeframe as well as present and discuss the project work plan for FY 2023. To date, the USAID Laos Business Environment Project has achieved notable results, including the approval of the legal framework to establish Lao PDR’s first private mediation office signed into law by the Prime Minister, the development of the e-learning platform SMARTUP for businesses, and the pilot provincial open dialogue between the public and the private sectors in Champasak.

During his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Manothong Vongsay thanked USAID for a long standing support to improve Laos’ business environment and foster investment over the past decade. He stated, “we can see that the LBE project has been making important contributions to the implementation of our national post pandemic SME/Private Sector development priorities. Tangible results have been achieved in building capacity for SMEs in eco-tourism and handicraft sector”

Mr. Ronning highlighted the strong collaboration between USAID and the Ministry. “The Project has come a long way with achievements resulting from the support of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and private sector partners. During year 4, we look forward to generating more concrete results and impact for SMEs.” He said, “USAID is committed to assisting Lao PDR to improve business processes, increase trade and foster investment, and build back the Lao economy.”

The USAID Laos Business Environment Project’s FY 2022 progress report was presented by the project’s technical focal points, namely the Department of SME Promotion; the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and the Department of Foreign Trade Policy. In addition, the FY 2023workplan was presented during the meeting.

The USAID Laos Business Environment Project aims to assist the Lao government in improving the climate for investment and trade and enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.