Throughout 2024, the USAID LBE project achieved key milestones that contribute to Laos’ economic growth and development. The project awarded several partnership grants to support handicraft groups, enhance the competitiveness of the tourism sector, and equip Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with business and financial skills needed for improving their performance. Key achievements include organizing the 2nd Champasak Business Annual Forum and successfully establishing and implementing the Local Public-Private Dialogue process in Savannakhet. Finalizing the Lao PDR’s Smooth Least Developed Country Transition Roadmap for Priority Actions in Trade and Trade-Related Areas from 2024 to 2030 and improvement of trade facilitation systems, such as the e-Certificate of Origin system, were other notable achievements.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Manothong stated that “the project has been making important contributions to the implementation of our national post-pandemic SME/Private Sector development priorities. I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the U.S. Government and USAID for its commitments to enhancing trade and private sector development in Laos.”

Mr. McCord acknowledged the leadership and collaboration of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and other key stakeholders in shaping the project success. “As the LBE project enters its final year in 2025, I encourage us all to not only focus on achieving the project’s objectives, but also to think strategically about sustainability and long-term impact beyond the project’s conclusion,” emphasized Mr. McCord.

The MSME Promotion Agency, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Department of Trade Negotiation and Economic Cooperation presented the LBE project’s progress report for 2024. In addition, the priorities for 2025 were presented during the meeting.

The USAID Laos Business Environment Project is a six-year program that aims to assist the Lao government in improving the climate for investment and trade and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

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The launching ceremony was attended by Mr. Daovone Phachanthavong, Vice President of LNCCI, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, USAID, GIZ, and over 60 participants from the government, private sectors, and development partners.

The newly upgraded SSC website, accessible at https://laossc.la/en/, serves as a central hub for SSC services and regulatory information. The platform offers easy access to resources on import/export, trade, investment, business establishment, access to markets, business to business (B2B) in the region, SME funds, grants, and more. With its user-friendly interface, improved navigation, and modern design, the website makes it easier for SMEs to find the information they need to support their business growth.

Mr. Daovone Phachanthavong, Vice President of LNCCI, stated, “The SSC website is a valuable tool for Lao SMEs. It provides up-to-date and relevant information to help businesses thrive. We encourage all SMEs to take full advantage of this resource.”

Since its establishment in 2017, the SSC has been a key resource for Lao SMEs, with 7 centers in Vientiane capital, Luang Prabang, Champasack, Savannaketh, Oudomxay, Borikhamxay, and Luang Namtha, offering services for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and cluster development. To enhance its effectiveness, the website was upgraded with the support of USAID’s Laos Business Environment Project (LBE) and GIZ’s Regional Economic Integration of Laos into ASEAN, Trade and Entrepreneurship Development (RELATED) Project.

Mr. Matt Curtis, USAID Laos’s Economic Growth, Education and Energy Office Director, highlighted the expanding partnership with MOIC and LNCCI to support businesses, particularly SMEs in Laos. Mr. Curtis said, “the launch of the upgraded website reflects our joint efforts and USAID’s commitment to supporting the growth of Lao SMEs. This platform will be crucial in helping businesses access the resources they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace.”

The launch of the upgraded SSC website marks a major milestone in USAID’s ongoing efforts to support the development of the Lao private sector. By providing businesses with the tools and information they need in an accessible and efficient way, the SSC website will contribute to creating a more vibrant and competitive business environment in Laos and the region.

The USAID has collaborated closely with MOIC and LNCCI to facilitate trade and foster a more conducive environment for investment, trade, and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

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Vice Minister Dr. Vongsay emphasized the importance of proactive preparation: “LDC graduation is a testament to our progress, but it also brings challenges. This roadmap ensures we’re ready to navigate the changes ahead, particularly in trade and investment.”

The “Guidance for Lao PDR’s Smooth LDC Transition: Priority Action in Trade and Trade Related Areas” outlines concrete actions to strengthen the economy, diversify exports, and attract investment. It focuses on building resilience and ensuring a sustainable path forward as the Lao PDR graduates in 2026. The document proposes an operational roadmap for stakeholders to prepare for the LDC transition in trade and related areas. It focuses on feasible actions aligned with the Lao PDR’s development goals, aiming to increase exports, attract foreign investment, and improve trade relations. Ultimately, the goal is to pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous future by diversifying the economy and promoting sustainable development.

Ambassador Variava congratulated the Ministry and the Government of Lao PDR on this important milestone and drew attention to the significance of this transition, stating, “The Lao PDR’s LDC graduation will be a significant milestone, symbolizing the country’s economic development, social advancement, and institutional strengthening. To ensure a smooth transition, the Lao PDR must continue its reform efforts, diversify its economy, and build resilience to external shocks.”

USAID, through its Laos Business Environment project, provided technical assistance to MOIC in developing this Guidance document.

The USAID has collaborated closely with MOIC to facilitate trade and foster a more conducive environment for investment, trade, and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. This partnership has led to the development and amendment of several regulations and procedures, including the enhancement of systems and platforms, further demonstrating the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting the Lao PDR’s economic growth and successful transition.

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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.

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As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the Champasak Local Public-Private Dialogue (LPPD) Mechanism, USAID is fostering open communication between public and private stakeholders to address critical barriers to tourism growth. These include the absence of clear local tourism promotion strategies and a shortage of skilled labor.

“This meeting gave us the opportunity to identify specific challenges, such as outdated regulations and infrastructure gaps, that have been holding back our tourism and agriculture sector,” said the President of the Champasak Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “By collaborating with the government, we are confident we can implement solutions that will attract more visitors and create sustainable economic opportunities for our community.”

Beyond tourism, the consultations also addressed pressing issues in the agriculture sector, with a focus on the coffee and cassava subsectors. Participants discussed challenges such as low productivity at the farm level, the absence of minimum quality standards for coffee exports, land rights for coffee producers, inconsistent taxation for coffee exporters, and membership in the International Coffee Organization.

“A strong and unified private sector is essential to the success of Visit Laos Year 2024, the long-term growth of our tourism industry, and the sustainable development of our agriculture sector,” emphasized the Chief of Party of the Laos Business Environment Project. “We believe today’s discussions, along with the election of new leadership, will lead to greater collaboration, improved infrastructure, enhanced policies, and ultimately, more vibrant and sustainable tourism and agriculture sectors in Champasak.”

The USAID Laos Business Environment Project remains committed to supporting the Government of Laos in creating a conducive environment for business growth. By promoting public-private dialogue and empowering local stakeholders, USAID is helping unlock the potential of the tourism and agriculture sectors, driving economic growth in Champasak Province.

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In Savannakhet, the workshop was chaired by Mr. Chansamone Sisaath, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade and Handicraft Promotion(DTHP), and Mr. Sitho Tholatha, Deputy Director General of the Department of Industry and Commerce, Savannakhet Province. Over 40 representatives from handicraft cooperative groups, businesses, and government agencies at the provincial and district levels participated.

The Champasack workshop was similarly led by Mr. Chansamone Sisaath, and Dr. Phetsakhone Khorsisavath, Deputy Director General of the Department of Industry and Commerce, Champasack Province.

These workshops build on the official launch of the Lao National Handicraft Branding and related training in March 2024. They provided detailed information on essential aspects of the branding initiative, including communications, market access, and application procedures. This knowledge equips stakeholders to effectively utilize the Lao National Handicraft Branding and enables provincial officials to process branding applications.

Mr. Chansamone Sisaath, emphasized the training’s significance, stating, “This training is instrumental in helping handicraft businesses understand how the Lao National Handicraft Branding can add value to their operations. Using the branding will help boost the export of Lao handicraft products to international markets.”

Dr. Phetsakhone Khorsisavath said that “The Lao National Handicraft Branding is not just a symbol; it is a catalyst for economic growth. By empowering artisans and promoting their unique crafts on the global stage, we are creating opportunities for increased exports, sustainable livelihoods, and a thriving handicraft sector in Laos.”

The Lao National Handicraft Branding, developed with support from USAID, is poised to play a crucial role in showcasing Laos’ unique cultural heritage through its handicrafts. By promoting these crafts globally, the branding initiative will raise awareness of the country’s rich cultural traditions and foster tourism, leading to positive economic outcomes at the local level.

USAID, through the Laos Business Environment Project, is committed to supporting the Government of Lao PDR in improving the investment and trade climate and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

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This newly updated IP Portal, developed with USAID support and hosted on dip.gov.la serves as a one-stop shop, providing clear and easy-to-understand guidance on the intellectual property landscape. Streamlined application processes enable entrepreneurs to efficiently safeguard their ideas, while comprehensive explanations of IP rights encourage a culture of innovation and research, and development investment. This, in turn, will fuel the creation of new products and services, empowering Lao businesses to compete in the global market.

“The launch of the IP Portal is a major step forward for Lao PDR’s intellectual property ecosystem. By fostering an environment that supports innovation, creativity, and attracts foreign investment, this portal provides businesses with the legal tools to protect their intellectual property. We are confident that this portal will undoubtedly drive a culture of ingenuity and propel Lao businesses onto the global stage,” said Saybandith Sayavongkhamdy, Deputy Director of the Department of Intellectual Property

Acting Country Representative Chambers congratulated the Government of Lao PDR, particularly MOIC, for its leadership in strengthening the IP framework and tools. “Proper IP management and protection help Lao businesses to safeguard their unique products, processes, and brands, which can be critical in boosting their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.” She added, “USAID is proud to partner with MOIC to improve the business environment, foster innovation, and advance investment in Laos, creating jobs and rebuilding Laos’s economy.”

A robust IP framework not only empowers Lao businesses but also attracts foreign investment. This, in turn, fosters job creation, technology transfer, and overall economic prosperity. The IP Portal will play a key role in securing intellectual property rights, encouraging innovation, attracting investment, and spurring economic development.

In recent years, the United States, through the USAID Laos Business Environment project, has collaborated closely with MOIC to facilitate trade and foster a more conducive environment for investment, trade and the competitiveness of the private sector. Particularly, USAID has provided ongoing support to the Department of Intellectual Property, MOIC, in the formulation of Ministerial Decisions on trademarks, industrial designs, patents, copyrights, and intellectual property agents; the Ministerial Decisions on administrative remedies for IP disputes; and the modern online portal for intellectual property rights in Lao PDR.

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e-CO provides a convenient way for businesses to obtain Preferential Certificates of Origin for their exports, saving them time and cost in accordance with Lao PDR and international regulations. The system can be accessed at https://www.ecolao.gov.la/.

The e-CO Issuing System, governed by the Department of Foreign Trade, MOIC, provides a service where businesses, including small and medium enterprises, can file official requests for Certificates of Origin online. The CO plays a crucial role in international trade by providing evidence of a product’s origin, allowing it to be eligible for preferential treatment across international borders.

Deputy Minister Vongsay highlighted USAID’s support to advance Laos’s national strategy to improve the enabling business environment and facilitate cross border trade. “The launch of the enhanced e-CO system is a significant step forward for Lao businesses. By simplifying export procedures, we are empowering them to reach new markets and contribute to the growth of our export sector,” said Deputy Minister Vongsay.

Ambassador Variava congratulated the Government of Lao PDR, particularly MOIC, for its leadership in strengthening private sector competitiveness through this enhancement of the e-CO issuing system. “The e-CO system is a testament to the joint effort between the Lao PDR and the United States to foster private sector growth,” stated Ambassador Variava. “Today we celebrate our collective efforts and call for all stakeholders both in the public and private sectors to use this platform to enhance the Lao PDR’s regional and international market integration.”

The enhanced e-CO system offers a multitude of benefits for Laos’s businesses. By enabling them to export eligible goods at reduced or exempt tariffs, the system enhances the competitiveness of companies in the Lao PDR in the global market. Additionally, it streamlines customs procedures, reducing delays and costs associated with obtaining documentation. This, in turn, facilitates the swift movement of goods, fostering smoother trade flows. Ultimately, it will unlock new opportunities for businesses, leading to increased investment, job creation, and overall economic prosperity for Lao PDR.

In recent years, the United States, through the USAID Laos Business Environment project, has collaborated closely with MOIC to facilitate trade and foster a more conducive environment for investment, trade, and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. This partnership has led to the development and amendment of several regulations and procedures, including the enhancement of systems and platforms.

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Dr. Buavanh Vilavong, Permanent Secretary, MOIC, and Mr. Cullen Hughes, Director, Office of Economic Growth, Education and Energy, USAID, co-chaired the meeting. Participants 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 the results of project implementation during January – June 2024 and discuss priorities for the project work plan for July – December 2024.

Since its inception, USAID’s LBE project has achieved several results, such as launching the National Handicraft Branding guidelines, thus establishing a standardized framework for promoting Lao handicrafts. Key achievements also include organizing the Second Champasak Annual Business Forum to showcase Local Public-Private Dialogue achievements and outline an action plan to tackle business concerns and finalizing Lao PDR’s Smooth LDC Transition Roadmap for Priority Actions in Trade and Trade-Related Areas 2024 to 2030.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Vilavong stated that “the project has been making important contributions to the implementation of our national post-pandemic SME/Private Sector development priorities. I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the U.S. Government and USAID for its commitments to trade and private sector development in Laos, particularly for providing resources to the LBE”.

Mr. Hughes highlighted the notable results of the LBE project and thanked the partnership between MOIC and USAID. “The Project has come a long way with achievements resulting from the collaboration and support of the Ministry, and key public and private sector partners,” said Mr. Hughes. “2024 is a crucial year for the project to generate tangible and impactful results and ensure the sustainability of the successes”.

The MSME Promotion Agency, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Department of Trade Negotiation and Economic Cooperation presented the LBE project’s six-month progress report. In addition, the priorities for July – December 2024 were presented during the meeting.

The USAID Laos Business Environment Project is a six-year program that aims to assist the Lao government in improving the climate for investment and trade and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

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The event gathered over 50 key stakeholders from government, industry, and the private sector to explore opportunities and challenges in fostering Lao PDR’s digital economy, with a focus on implementing the National Digital Economy Strategy. Discussions pinpointed areas for improvement, including fostering a conducive environment, simplifying regulations, and advancing digital infrastructure.

“Embracing the digital revolution is essential for Lao PDR’s continued economic growth and prosperity. This Policy Talk serves as a critical platform for collaboration as we navigate this exciting yet challenging landscape,” said LNCCI Vice President Mr. Thanousone PhonAmard in his opening remarks.

A representative from MoIC highlighted the importance of collaboration. “The digital economy presents immense potential for Lao businesses to expand their reach and compete globally. This policy talk is a crucial step in creating a supportive ecosystem that empowers our private sector to thrive in the digital age.”

The talk enhanced understanding and knowledge among participants, while policymakers received valuable feedback from SMEs and other stakeholders on the current policy landscape, identifying potential areas for improvement. The event fostered collaboration between the public and private sectors and developed potential solutions for digital business growth, contributing to a roadmap for future digital initiatives and investments.

“The private sector is a vital partner in advancing Lao PDR’s digital transformation journey. By working together, we can create an enabling environment that allows businesses to thrive in the digital age,” commented a Chief of Party from the USAID Laos Business Environment Project during the closing session.

The insights from the Policy Talk will inform an actionable policy paper to develop a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem in Lao PDR. This collaboration translates discussions into concrete steps for accelerating the nation’s digital transformation.

USAID, through the LBE Project, supports the Lao PDR government’s efforts to foster a more conducive environment for investment, trade, and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

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