US companies expand relations with Laos on Asean chairmanship
US companies expand relations with Laos on Asean chairmanship
A delegation of four leading US companies organised by the US-Asean Business Council visited Laos last week to meet with various government agencies.
The meetings aimed to explore how US companies can support Laos' Chairmanship of Asean, as well as discuss how Laos can harness the benefits of the Asean Economic Community (AEC), according to the US Embassy in Vientiane.
The delegation was led by Ambassador Michael Michalak, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of the US-Asean Business Council, and Desarack Teso, Director, Corporate, External & Legal Affairs for Microsoft, Chair of the Council's Laos Committee.
“We are excited to return to Vientiane during this important year for Laos as Asean Chair,” said Ambassador Michalak.
“This mission aims to continue to strengthen the relationship between the Lao government and the US business community, and explore further areas for collaboration to promote international investment, build competitiveness within the AEC, and grow Lao small and medium enterprises.”
The visit began with a capacity building programme for Lao entrepreneurs on Utilizing Digital Tools for Smarter Business. The programme was organised by the US-Asean Business Alliance for Competitive SMEs, a partnership between the Council and USAID.
The event, held at the American Centre, was supported by both the US Embassy and the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce's Department for SME Promotion. Experts from Microsoft and Visa offered training on cloud computing, communication and marketing tools, and electronic payments to 50 Lao entrepreneurs.
“Digital literacy and the use of modern technology tools such as cloud computing are vital for businesses to compete in today's digital economy, and such knowledge and skills can empower SMEs to compete with larger businesses. Microsoft is committed to help empowered SMEs to achieve more through various global programmes including Microsoft YouthSpark,” said Desarack Teso.
The delegation also met with government officials including Minister of Industry and Commerce Ms Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Energy and Mines Dr Khammany Inthirath, and Minister of Posts and Telecommuications Mr Hiem Phommachanh. The US companies participating in the delegation include Microsoft, the Coca-Cola Company, Ford Motor Company and Visa.
