Govt, business sector discuss AEC readiness
Govt, business sector discuss AEC readiness
A meeting aiming was held in Vientiane yesterday to seek appropriate solutions to challenges and problems that business sectors are facing, especially in preparation of the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongloun Sisoulith.
Mr Thongloun called for the public and private sectors to intensively work together and strengthen cooperation in relation to the preparations for the AEC in 2015.
The meeting entitled ‘Enhancing preparation for the Asean Economic Community (AEC)' allowed participants to discuss what challenges Lao enterprises have been facing, along with the implementation of AEC connectivity.
“The AEC is just like a battlefield where all Asean members gather for a competition in the business sector. That's why Laos has to be in a good position and ensure that we are able to compete with our trade partners,” Mr Thongloun said.
There is just about a year remaining for many of the Asean member countries; however Laos still needs more time to improve several fields of requirement such as skilled labourers, legal systems and human resource development.
“We [the public and private sectors] gather today to openly discuss challenges and other obstacles that the business sector is currently experiencing in order to seek a proper solution,” Mr Thongloun said.
Several different sectors spoke about their current situation in their business operations, with senior government officials also present to explain about line policies, regulations and other measures to support the business sector.
The day-long meeting was co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, as well as the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Industry and Commerce Ms Khemmani Pholsena and LNCCI President Mr Sisavath Thiravong along with other senior government officials and businesspeople were present at the meeting.
“When looking at our situation, we are currently on an Asean airplane, its engine is switched on and heading to the take off area. Figuratively speaking this means that we have to be ready to fly together with other Asean members,” Mr Thongloun said.
“It is time for us to show them our strengths and uniqueness to compete with other countries,” he said, expressing his confidence that every issue and challenge the business sector was facing would be solved and its goals would be accomplished as well.
The community of Asean nations is based on three pillars, which the day-long meeting was also briefed on, including the Asean Political-Security Community, AEC and the Asean Socio-Cultural Community.
vientiane times
