On October 9, 2025, the Permanent Secretary Office (PSO) of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) convened the Annual Technical Level Meeting for the Trade and Private Sector Working Group (TPSWG).

Chaired by Ms. Lattanaphone Vongsouthi, Deputy Permanent Secretary (PSO-MOIC), and co-chaired by Mrs. Veerle Smet, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Lao PDR, the meeting brought together public and private sector representatives and development partners. The objective was to discuss policies and issues related to trade and private sector development and to prepare for the 2025 Roundtable Meeting scheduled for mid-November.

   In her opening, Ms. Lattanaphone Vongsouthi stressed the importance of the consultation as an opportunity to exchange views, strengthen cooperation on trade and investment, and identify swift solutions to complex challenges. She noted that significant progress in policy and institutional frameworks, supported by development partners, helps the MOIC understand and eliminate obstacles to business operations, international trade, and competitiveness.

Ms. Lattanaphone Vongsouthi explained that the TPSWG, established within the Roundtable Process, links with other dialogues, including the Macroeconomic Sector Working Group, the Lao Business Forum’s Public-Private Dialogue, and the National Transport and Trade Facilitation Committee. The TPSWG thus serves as a strategic platform for discussions on Trade, Private Sector, and SME Development policies and their implementation.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Lattanaphone confirmed the discussions directly support the three strategic areas of the draft MOIC Five-Year Plan: advancing industrial competitiveness, increasing trade and improving market access, and promoting private sector development. She left the group with a strong call for unity: “A strong, trade-driven private sector is essential for sustainable growth and economic development. I am confident that with a concerted effort from government agencies, the private sector, and our Development Partners, we can maximize opportunities and minimize challenges for the benefit of our country.”

Documentation:
The full meeting report and related documents are available for download at:

Final-Eng-PR on Annual TPSWG Technical Level-09102025 [ENG]
ບົດ​ຂ່າວ ກອງປະຊຸມປຶກສາຫາລືລະດັບວິຊາການຂອງໜ່ວຍງານຂະແໜງການຄ້າ ປັບ​ປຸງ 10102025 [LAO]
NTTFC Roadmap 2025-2030 [ENG]
Second Draft MOIC FYP and Support Initiatives-03102025 [ENG]
PPT 03- Progress Updates on TPSWG Priorities for 2025_20251008 [ENG]
TTFS roadmap 2025-30 [ENG]
MOIC FYP Second Draft September_07_[ENG]

For more information:
Contact: Mr. Santi Songnavong
Director of International Organization Division
International Finance and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Finance
Tel: +856 20 2222 3989
Email: songnavong@gmail.com/rtpsecretariat@gmail.com