USAID supports inaugural LNCCI Policy Talk on Tax Identification Number and Cyber Security and Privacy Issues

Vientiane, April 7, 2021. The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), with support from the USAID Laos Business Environment Project, organized a Policy Talk workshop on Tax Identification Number and Cyber Security and Privacy Issues at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The workshop was co-chaired by Ms. Valy Vetsaphong of LNCCI and Mr. Cullen Hughes, USAID’s Director of the Office of Economic Growth, Education and Energy. Workshop participants included representatives from relevant ministries, LNCCI, the private sector and key economic research institutions.

The objective of this workshop was to provide a venue for the private and public sectors to exchange views on important policy and regulatory issues related to the business environment. It seeks to raise awareness of key issues – especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) – who are generally not engaged in consultative platforms with policy makers.

“One of LNCCI’s roles and responsibilities is to support private sector in the policy and regulatory reform process. To do so, LNCCI have adopted a number of different approaches and mechanisms namely the Private Sector Working Group, Public-Private Dialogue, and the Lao Business Forum. On top of this, LNCCI is now implementing Policy Talk as a way to increase Public-Private Dialogue focusing on different policy issues and topics”, said Ms. Valy Vetsaphong, Vice President of LNCCI.

“It is very important that business owners/entrepreneurs – especially SMEs – understand what policies, procedures, rules and regulations are in place to help them run their businesses. The Policy Talk platform will enable SMEs to increase their understanding of these issues as well as provide their perspective to key policy makers,” Said Mr. Cullen Hughes during the opening of the workshop.

The workshop was divided into two sessions. The first session focused on the notification of new Tax ID Regulation No.0831/MoF, dated 10 February 202 which was presented by a representative from Tax Department, followed by Q&A session. The second session included a panel discussion on Cybersecurity and Privacy Issues. Panelists included representatives from the Bank of Lao PDR; the Ministry of Technology and Communication, BCEL and Unitel. The session was moderated by a representative from the Lao ICT Commerce Association.

The USAID Laos Business Environment Project assists the Government of Laos to enhance the competitiveness of Lao SMEs while strengthening the business environment in Laos.