Govt, private sector meet to boost business environs
Govt, private sector meet to boost business environs
The improvement of the business environment related to sectors such as hydropower, tourism, banking, finance and insurance, mines and ICT was up for discussion at the 9th Lao Business Forum in Vientiane yesterday.
The discussions were aimed at building an environment that facilitates national social and economic development as well as pushing the growth of trade and investment by the private sector, both locally and overseas.
The meeting of the business sector, including both local and foreign investors in Laos, marked a significant conclusion over the previous proposed issues that have been raised by the business sectors to the government.
Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad co-chaired the meeting along with Minister of Industry and Commerce Ms Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Planning and Investment Mr Somdy Duangdy, President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) Mr Sisavath Thiravong, and World Bank Country Manager Ms Sally Burningham.
In his opening remarks, Mr Somsavat said the forum was an essential business platform between the government and the business sector in order to seek solutions to the unsolved issues together.
“Many issues related to improvements to government policy and the overall business environment to facilitate commercial operations and investment in Laos were put on the agenda,” he said.
Laos is still actively preparing for the Asean Economic Community integration by the end of next year; therefore the discussion at the forum was part of these essential preparations.
Mr Somsavat noted that the gathering between the public and the private sectors allowed participants to discuss and share ideas and exchange experiences with each other.
In addition, the dialogue participants also heard reports about the investment climate in Laos by the chambers of commerce from China, Japan and the European Chamber of Commerce in Laos.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Ms Khemmani Pholsena also said that some issues have been explained and resolved at a recent technical meeting between the relevant government sectors.
“Today we will hear more ideas and proposals from the three major chambers of commerce from China, Japan and the European Chamber of Commerce in Laos,” she said.
She also hoped that the dialogue will be an important factor to boost the climate for business operations in Laos as well as providing facilitation and integrity to the business sector.
“It is hoped that the improvements to the business environment will be able to back up the strength for business competition with regional and international parties.”
“It is also expected to become part of the single production base and single window under the AEC by 2015,” Ms Khemmani said.
Meanwhile the LNCCI President Mr Sisavath Thiravong also highlighted several important issues which have been successfully resolved following the 8th Lao Business Forum.
I n addition, he unveiled the results of the recent meeting between the Prime Minister and the business sector this year.
“We appreciate the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, ministers, deputy ministers and all guests to further hear about the outcomes of the 9th Lao Business Forum,” he said.
The meeting was attended by local and foreign businesses and officials from ministries, embassies and international organisations.
