The 2nd edition of the LNCCI Policy Talk series

Vientiane, September 2nd, 2021. The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Laos Business Environment Project, organized the second edition of the Policy Talk series virtually.

This second edition of the Policy Talk focused on the transformation of Laos from a Landlocked to a Land-linked country, and more broadly on the principal challenges and opportunities for businesses in the tourism, agriculture, and transportation sectors.

The Policy Talk was co-chaired by Ms. Valy Vetsaphong, Vice President of LNCCI and Mr. Cullen Hughes, Office of Economic Growth, Education and Energy Director. More than 85 people participated virtually including representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport; Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism; business associations; key research institutions, and business-related sectors.

Ms. Valy Vetsaphong said during her opening remarks that “The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has organized this forum as a platform to encourage the private sector and all participants to exchange ideas and knowledge on how prepared businesses in Laos are for when the railway opens, especially in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic”.

“The Policy Talk will provide a platform whereby policymakers and the private sector can engage in an open dialogue on the steps that need to be taken to ensure that the railway can become a game-changer for the Lao business community”, said Mr. Cullen Hughes.

The Policy Talk was organized into two sessions. The first session provided an overview of the Lao PDR Strategic Plan on Rail Connectivity with a specific focus on the import-export transit strategy and logistics hubs. This session was led by a representative of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

The second session was a panel discussion on how the agriculture, tourism and transportation sectors in Laos could benefit from improved railway connectivity. Speakers for this session included representatives from the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism (MICT), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), travel-related businesses, logistics companies, and agriculture businesses.

The USAID Laos Business Environment Project assists the Government of Laos to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises while strengthening the country’s business environment.