The Public-Private Consultative Meeting on the Strengthening Business Association Issue under the mechanism of the Lao Business Forum 2023
On the morning of September 22nd 2023, at the meeting room of the Corwne Plaza Hotel, the Lao Business Forum (LBF) Secretariat held a Public-Private Consultative Meeting on the Strengthening Business Association Issue under the LBF mechanism. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Chansouk Sengphachanh, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), Mr. Nisith Keopanya, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (MoHA), and Ms. Valy Vetsaphhong Ph.D., Vice-President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI). Many representatives from various associations in Lao PDR took part in the meeting such as Thai Business Association of the Lao PDR, British Business Group Lao PDR, Lao Insurance Association, Lao Gold, Gem & Jewelry Trader Association, Lao Furniture Association, Lao Handicraft Association, Lao International Truckers And Freight Forwarders Association (LITFA), Lao Fuel and Gas Association (LFGA), Lao Rubber Association (LRA), and Vientiane Chamber of Commece and Industry (VCCI).
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and consult with the relevant public sector on challenges that the private sector has encountered regarding the Decree on Association No. 238/Gov dated 11/08/2017 and Decree on the establishment and Operation of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry No. 237/PM.
The next step of the LBF mechanism will be to follow up with the MoIC, whom will review and work with the relevant ministries to work out on the desired outcome. Any changes to the decree will be updated to the private sector via LNCCI’s website and Facebook page.
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.
