VIENTIANE, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of the Lao government, development partners and the private sector attending the 15th annual Lao Business Forum assessed the progress of enhancing the business environment in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone emphasized the volatile external environment at both global and regional levels caused by high inflation, trade fragmentation, low investment levels, and geopolitical tensions, Lao National Radio reported.
Sonexay encouraged all concerned agencies from the central to local level to collaborate with the business community, including domestic and foreign businesses, to identify and remove barriers to business entry.
The event served as a platform to review the progress made since the 14th Lao Business Forum and showcased broad support for structured dialogue to identify and address key issues affecting the private sector in the country.
In 2024, the private sector and concerned government agencies have prioritized 13 proposals to improve business establishment and investment procedures, trade facilitation, promotion of domestic production and services, enhancing stability in the financial sector, sustainable development in the power sector, policies and measures to promote sustainable tourism, and improving private sector access to labor.
The 15th Lao Business Forum shows a further step in the collective efforts to foster an enabling environment for business growth and economic prosperity in Laos. ■
