USAID Supports ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network Laos Program
Vientiane Capital, March 13, 2023. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) and 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, announced the official launch of the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN) Laos Program. The program, which will run for 12 weeks, will provide mentorship to 30 highly-promising small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lao PDR.
AMEN is a modules-based training program designed for MSMEs and facilitated by accredited mentors. It was first piloted in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines in 2019 and is now being implemented as an ASEAN-wide program in 2023.
The event was co-chaired by Mr. Sa Siriphong, Deputy Director of the Department of SME Promotion of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Thanousone Phonamad, Vice President of LNCCI, and Ms. Phanmany Khamphilavong, Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Laos Business Environment Project.
During the event, Mr. Sa Siriphong thanked USAID for its support in enhancing SMEs’ knowledge and skills to thrive in the regional economy, while Mr. Thanousone PhonAmath expressed his appreciation for the program’s potential to boost SME competitiveness. Ms. Phanmany Khamphilavong reassured the continued support from USAID Laos Business Environment Project to improve SME competitiveness in Vientiane Capital and Champasak.
USAID, through the Laos Business Environment Project, assists the Government in improving the climate for investment and trade and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
