Half of firms are owned by women survey reveals
Half of firms are owned by women survey reveals
A recent survey showed that the ownership of 404 businesses looked at in three provinces and Vientiane was divided almost evenly between males and females with the men having a slight advantage at 51 percent.
The business survey was carried out by Emerging Markets Consulting (EMC) in Champassak, Savannakhet and Luang Prabang provinces plus the national capital.
The work was done on behalf of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the survey results were unveiled at yesterday's validation workshop in Vientiane.
The businesses were of varying s and involved in many different fields.
The combined workforce of these businesses was around 12,800 of which 35 percent were female.
The proportion of female employees was higher in the smaller operations at around 48 percent, with this figure dropping to 45 percent in medium-d companies and down to 28 percent in the larger businesses, the survey showed.
It also indicated that the medium and large firms were seeking more skilled workers, especially in the industry sector.
Those involved in mining, construction and manufacturing were especially keen to get more employees.
This initial survey sample was carried out to help the LNCCI understand the challenges and opportunities facing business in Laos and enable it to contribute to any debate on government policies and priority areas of reform.
Government officials and representatives from business associations, business operators and government sectors took part in the workshop.
The validation workshop was co-chaired by LNCCI Vice President Mr Oudet Souvannavong and the ILO Senior Specialist on Employers Activities, Mr Gary Rynhart.
In his opening remarks Mr Oudet said the validation workshop was intended to be a forum for panel discussion between the business units, associations and government sectors regarding the shortage of skilled labourers, the requirement for additional labourers in the different business sectors, standardisation of wages and social welfare.
“The figures in the business survey will be used in a summary to be a reference for each business sector to seek solutions to the shortage of labourers and other improvements from the LNCCI in the field of labour affairs,” Mr Oudet said.
The panel discussion, suggestions, feedback and debate findings at the workshop will be shaped into a final report on the business survey.
