Annual Progress Report: Laos Microenterprise Supported by USAID FY19

The Activity's purpose is to strengthen the competitiveness of microenterprises (MEs) in Laos by expanding access to and adoption of business skills, modern technologies and practices, finance, market linkages, and public-private dialogue. The Activity's support will benefit at least 8,000 MEs, leading to 25 percent higher revenues and $1.3 million new investments. During the reporting period, The Activity team worked with USAID and the Government of Laos (GoL), along with partners Helvetas, and World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), to establish a platform for a sustainable partnership. The team progressed on several milestones, including administrative and operational start-up processes, submitting eleven report deliverables and nearly completing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) approval process. This included completing nine of ten MOU steps with the only one remaining being the MOU signing ceremony scheduled for October 4th, 2019. Under the leadership of Chief of Party, the focus of the activity team in year one was to receive approval for the MOU involving several phases in collaboration with partners, relevant GOL ministries and departments, and the Implementation Management Committee (IMC). The Activity team closely coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and Department of Planning and Finance to confirm Xiengkhouang province as the project location. During further discussions, the Department of Planning and Finance identified the Department of Technical Extension and Agricultural Processing (DTEAP) as the most appropriate partner within MAF. The MOU signing ceremony has been confirmed to take place on October 4, 2019. His Excellency Dr., Vice Minister of MAF, and His Excellency U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Laos will witness the ceremony. Mr., Director General, will sign on behalf of DTEAP and , COP will sign on behalf of ACDI/VOCA. The Activity could not start direct implementation activities under the Intermediate Results (IRs) until the MOU process concluded but were able to complete several deliverables and reports in preparation of project implementation. EMC conducted the baseline data collection and analysis, with considerable input from , ACDI/VOCA’s Regional Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Specialist and , COP. The baseline study set benchmarks at the beneficiary level for project performance indicators as one of the key steps towards establishing a robust monitoring, evaluation and learning system for The Activity. The study team collected data in March and April 2019 in all seven districts of Xiengkhouang province where The Activity will be implemented. In addition, the team began preparing tools and technical resources to ensure a rapid start-up of project activities. The Activity's progress in FY2019 demonstrates its commitment to establishing a sustainable partnership with the Government of Laos and its stakeholders. The team's efforts to complete the MOU approval process and conduct the baseline study have laid the foundation for the project's implementation. The Activity is poised to make significant contributions to the competitiveness of microenterprises in Laos, leading to increased revenues and investments.