MOIC’s Licensing Reform Taskforce Organized Review Meeting 2023

Vientiane, Laos – September 19, 2023 – The Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s (MOIC) Licensing Reform Taskforce held a crucial review meeting, aligning with the directives set forth in Prime Minister Order 03. The meeting was convened to assess the progress and accomplishments of each licensing authority, deliberate on pending issues, and reach a consensus on the list of licenses slated for completion by the year 2023.

Chaired by the Deputy Chief of MOIC’s Permanent Secretary Office Ms. Khamphat Phounsouk, who also leads the coordinating committee within MOIC, the meeting convened representatives from all licensing authorities within MOIC. The gathering emphasized the paramount significance of reviewing the strides made within MOIC and highlighted the critical role of licensing agencies in streamlining business operating licenses to bolster the ongoing reform efforts.

During her address, the Chair underscored the need for licensing agencies to take bold steps in simplifying the regulatory landscape. She encouraged a risk-based approach to curtail the list of business activities requiring licenses, ultimately striving for a more streamlined and efficient environment. “Our aim is to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and foster a business-friendly atmosphere,” she stated.

In a noteworthy achievement, four operating licenses have already been streamlined as part of the ongoing reform initiative. These include licenses for factory operation, the import and export of valuable items (jewelry), domestic distribution of valuable items, and e-commerce businesses. MOIC has set its sights on streamlining three additional licenses by the end of 2023, focusing on cooking businesses, wholesale and retail businesses, and intellectual property services businesses.

This meeting marks a significant step forward in MOIC’s mission to create a conducive and business-friendly environment for enterprises in Laos, aligning with Prime Minister Order 03 and contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.

The meeting was supported by the Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade Project (LCT), which is implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, with technical and financial support from the World Bank and additional financial contributions from Australia, Ireland, and the United States. The project aims to eliminate barriers to private sector-led growth by improving the regulatory environment, lowering trade costs and raising firm-level competitiveness.

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
Legislation Division, Permanent Secretary Office, Ministry of Industry and Commerce
Email: legisdivision.moic@gmail.com, Phone Number: +856-21 412014

About MOIC’s Taskforce:
The MOIC’s Licensing Reform Taskforce is a key initiative aimed at streamlining licensing procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for businesses operating Lao PDR in alignment with Prime Minister Order No.03 on the Improvement of Services Related to Investment and Business Operating Licenses in Lao PDR.