Workshop on Trade in Goods Agreement and Border Trade of Lao PDR and Workshop on Guidebook and Curriculum on Laos Economic Integration into Global and Regional Economy, during 14 – 15 February 2019, at Department of Industry and Commerce, Savannakhet Province.

Workshop on Trade in Goods Agreement and Border Trade of Lao PDR and Workshop on Guidebook and Curriculum on Laos Economic Integration into Global and Regional Economy, during 14 - 15 February 2019, at Department of Industry and Commerce, Savannakhet Province.

Workshop on Trade in Goods Agreement and Border Trade of Lao PDR took place on 14 February 2019, at Department of Industry and Commerce, Savannakhet Province. The workshop was co-chaired by Mr. Santisouk Phounesavath, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Mr. Phonesamai Chansyma, Deputy Director General of the Department of Industry and Commerce, Savannakhet Province, and actively attended by more than 100 people from relevant sectors in four provinces, namely: Vientiane province, Borlikhamsay province, Khammaun province, and savanhnakhet province. The main purpose of the meeting was to gain a better understanding on trade in goods agreement and border trade, including the Lao PDR market access. Also, it provided an opportunity for government and private sectors to meet and discuss on the role of business sectors and the preparation for international competitiveness, prior and post accession to membership of World Trade Organization (WTO). During the workshop, there were also a demonstration on how to access Lao Services Portal, which was established to provide legal instruments and other necessary information related to trade in services of Lao PDR, as well as an introduction of website of Department of Foreign Trade Policy which has been launched recently.

Another workshop was also held on 15 February 2019. It was co-chaired by Mr. Santisouk Phounesavath, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Mr. Phavandy Savangchakkavan, Vice Dean of savannakhet University, and actively attended by more than 70 teachers and students. Through this workshop, participants were informed about the progress of the regional and international economic integration of Lao PDR, especially under the WTO framework, Asean Economic Community framework, and other trade cooperation framework relevant to trade in goods and services.

Overall, both workshops were successful implemented as planned.