VIENTIANE, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Laos is promoting sustainable tourism and a green economy by giving tourism businesses a pathway to sustainability through the Lasting Laos project.
The Lasting Laos program targets micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) seeking a competitive edge through sustainable practices, expanded to the agri-food processing sector and the provinces of Champasak, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane, according to the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday.
The certification verifies that businesses meet strict environmental and social standards across sectors, including transport, food and beverage, handicrafts, cultural tourism, and agro-food processing.
To help MSMEs achieve these standards, the project provides technical training, expert consultancy, and small grants, enabling entrepreneurs to reduce waste, manage plastics, access sustainable markets, and upgrade services. More than just a label, the certification serves as a tool for business growth, helping young entrepreneurs improve quality, build capacity, and gain recognition as leaders of a green, environmentally friendly economy.
By 2028, the project aims to establish a robust network of certified businesses that align with the government's green growth strategy, ensuring Laos' tourism industry is both environmentally responsible and internationally competitive. ■
