USAID and Savannakhet Partners Seek Solutions to Enhance Business Environment

Savannakhet, Savannakhet Province – September 26, 2024 – The Savannakhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SVK CCI) and the Department of Industry and Commerce of Savannakhet (SVK DOIC), with support from USAID’s Laos Business Environment Project organised a Public-Private Consultation (PPC) meeting on September 26th in Savannakhet Province. The meeting brought together approximately 50 representatives from public and private sectors to discuss and address key challenges hindering the business environment in the province.

This meeting, co-chaired by Mr.Khamphao Phanthoulak, Vice President of SVK CCI, and Mr. Sitho Thorlatha, Deputy Director of SVK DOIC, builds upon the successful Private Sector Working Group (PSWG) meeting held in May 2024. It aims to foster open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving between government and private sector leaders.

The Public-Private Consultation will prioritize discussions and consensus-building on actionable recommendations to address critical issues affecting various sectors in Savannakhet. Key topics include enhancing the reliability of the power supply, addressing the shortage of skilled labor, improving productivity in the rice and cassava sectors, and streamlining customs clearance procedures.

“This Public-Private Consultation provides a vital platform for us to voice the concerns of the private sector and work hand-in-hand with the government to find practical solutions that will stimulate economic growth and create a more favorable business climate in Savannakhet,” said Mr.Khamphao Phanthoulak, Vice President of the Savannakhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Chief of Party of the USAID Laos Business Environment Project, added, “We believe that by bringing together key stakeholders and fostering open dialogue, we can pave the way for effective policy reforms and create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Savannakhet.”
The PPC meeting will be preceded by a preparatory meeting with the co-chairs and issue leaders to align expectations and ensure a productive consultation.

The USAID Laos Business Environment Activity aims to improve the business environment in Laos by strengthening the capacity of the private sector and government to work together to identify and address constraints to business growth.