Information about Lao PDR chairmanship of ASEAN concerning their priorities, incentives and related events are successfully highlighted in the business mission arranged by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) from Dec 14-19. Several strategic partners that are aligned with Lao’s interests were connected and exchanged views with the delegate, leading to a high potential for collaboration between Japan and Lao during their essential year.
The Lao PDR Innovation & Investment Forum concluded the mission on December 18. It was a joint effort between the AJC, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) of Lao PDR, and JETRO. This event coincided with the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, celebrating the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
The successful investment forum gathered a total of 127 participants, including 102 Japanese businesses and investors and 25 Lao PDR business representatives, who expressed their appreciation for the valuable information about Lao investment policies, opportunities, and business landscape. The robust turnout foregrounds the possibilities for the 48% of the participants who have indicated their plans of investing in Laos within the next 1-3 years. The event culminated with a highly dynamic networking session, prompting potential partnerships among various business sectors and the government.
Working towards the Lao PDR ASEAN chairmanship in 2024, the ASEAN-Japan Centre aims to maximise this intense reception by continuing the collaborative efforts in promoting Laos as a country of tourism, investment, and other opportunities.
Materials for the day:
- Presentation by DG Vanthana, Ministry of Planning, and Investment, about Lao Investment Landscape
- Presentation materials by Mr. Kikuchi, Chief Representative of JETRO Vientiane, providing insights of local business environment from perspective of Japanese
- Presentation by DDG Lattana, SEZ Promotion and Management Office, regarding incentives and benefits in investing to Special Economic Zones of Lao
- Presentations by representatives of SEZ representatives:
a. Savan Park
b. Saysettha Development Zone
c. Amata - Presentation by Mr. Oudet, President of Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, about the vision, direction, and activity of Lao under its chairmanship
Additional Materials:
7. Investment handbook for each province of Lao
Distinguished potential collaborations in support of Lao’s development priorities under the Lao PDR chairmanship 2024
Through a business mission that included targeted meetings, seminars and facility tours, we effectively addressed Lao’s development priorities under the 2024 chairmanship by engaging with relevant Japanese entities, resulting in the exploration and establishment of potential collaborations in various sectors, including logistics, smart cities, Net Zero initiatives, sustainable businesses, waste treatment and waste-to-energy initiatives. These sectors effectively align with Lao’s development priorities, which focus on connectivity and resilience. The active engagement of all the sectors invited during this event strengthened the support towards Lao’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.
Reaffirmed interests of Japanese companies in the investment potential of Laos
The high participant turnout during the Investment Forum demonstrates the substantial interest from both Japanese investors and professionals, as well as the Laos delegation, in understanding Laos’s investment landscape. The participants evaluated the event positively, finding the information provided by MPI and local insights from the JETRO Vientanne office helpful. After the event, we received requests to offer more seminars about the political, economic, and investment landscape of Laos. This event served as our impactful launchpad for generating Japanese interest in Lao’s 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship.
Solidified AJC’s reputation as a trusted partner
The AJC’s initiative in assembling a multistakeholder business meeting and forum demonstrates its fervent goals of supporting Lao’s development policies and its ASEAN chairmanship in 2024. The events held garnered the participation of esteemed dignitaries from the Laos government, the support of the JETRO Chairman, and the high participation turnout of the investment forum.
The Lao PDR Innovation & Investment Forum
Date: 18, December 2023
Venue: JETRO / 5F Exhibition hall
Participants: 127
