2019-2024

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The USAID/Laos Business Environment Activity seeks to improve the economic development of Laos through increasing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

 

A key Government of Lao priority is the promotion of continuous, inclusive, and sustainable growth. The Laos Business Environment Activity will support these goals using a three-pronged approach in two target provinces, Champasak and Vientiane. 

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• Improving the competitiveness of SMEs. This is being achieved through improving the managerial capacity of SMEs, increasing their knowledge of rules and regulations, expanding their access to domestic and international markets, and improving their access to the digital economy.  

• Making public-private dialogue (PPD) more inclusive. The project works with established PPD platforms and organizations, such as the Lao Business Forum (LBF), the Laos National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), and the Lao Businesswomen’s Association (LBWA), and supports initiatives for smaller and less well-connected businesses to advocate for their priorities.  

• Improving the business enabling environment. This requires working directly with the GoL to enhance the trade-related services they provide to SMEs; developing and implementing commercial regulations; and strengthening mechanisms for dispute resolution. 

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Throughout these components the Laos Business Environment Activity’s flexible approach will enabling the project to include sectors that are increasingly significant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.