Government Cabinet Meeting discussed issues to better facilitate private businesses in the country

For the first time, on the 20th of January 2022 Lao National Chamber of Commerce (LNCCI) was invited to the Cabinet Meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office to report the obstacles of doing business in Lao PDR. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Mr. Phankham Viphavanh.

The invitation, resulting from the LNCCI’s proposal to improve the effectiveness of the Lao Business Forum (LBF), and from the Government and Private Sector Meeting, held on 16th-17th December, 2021, was considered one of the biggest achievements for the private sector. According to the Prime Minister Office’s Notice No.24, dated 7th January 2022, the government agrees to have LNCCI participate in the Cabinet’s monthly meetings to discuss business environment issues. This cooperation between the public and private sectors shows the commitment of the government to improve the business environment of Lao PDR.

At the Cabinet’s meeting of January 2022, LNCCI President proposed the Government to implement a number of specific measures aimed to simplify business entry (including adoption of risk based approach in business licensing, removal of investment licenses for general business activities), improve trade facilitation by introducing joint risk based inspection regime at borders, expansion of the Lao National Single Window’s coverage, and other specific issues related to procedures for approving the entry of potential investors, necessary technical experts as well as proposals to leverage the newly opened Lao China Railway to promote exports and transit.