Laos Business Environment Activity FY21 Q1 Progress Report

The program is implemented by International Business Initiatives (IBI) and has a contract period of October 3, 2019, to October 2, 2024. The program's main objective is to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promote public-private sector collaboration, and facilitate a more effective market economy. During the first quarter of Year 2, the program implemented various activities across its three components. Component 1 focused on improving SME competitiveness, with a workshop on digital solutions for Lao PDR SMEs in the COVID-19 era held on October 28, 2020. A gender-lens analysis of the Vientiane SME Service Center was also conducted in November 2020, and a completion of ICT value chain assessment and business ecosystem mapping was completed in December 2020. Component 2 aimed to promote public-private sector collaboration, with a workshop on strengthening local public-private dialogue platforms in Lao PDR held on October 12, 2020. The finalization of the policy pulse concept document and related implementation plan was completed in December 2020. Component 3 focused on facilitating a more effective market economy, with the establishment of a SME ICT trade focus group and SME tourism focus group on October 2, 2020. Initial SME ICT trade focus group meetings were held on October 21, 2020, and consultation meetings on technical regulations for motor vehicles under the US-Lao PDR Trade and Investment Framework Agreement were held on October 16, 2020. In addition to these component-specific activities, the program also implemented cross-cutting activities, including a workshop on women-owned SMEs in Lao PDR on October 27, 2020. Ad hoc activities, such as support for the Lao Handicraft Festival on October 15, 2020, and the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo (ASTSE) 2020 workshop on November 6-7, 2020, were also conducted. The program's quarterly report highlights the key accomplishments of the first quarter of Year 2, including the successful implementation of various activities across its components. The report also notes that the program has adjusted its activities to respond to the new needs and challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as reiterated by USAID. The program's activities have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for Year 2, with a successful Project Review Committee (PRC) meeting held on December 8, 2020. The program's upcoming quarter is expected to be even busier, with a focus on implementing the activities outlined in the workplan. The program's geographic coverage is Lao PDR, with a focus on improving the business environment and promoting economic growth. The program's timeframes are from October 3, 2019, to October 2, 2024, with a quarterly reporting period. The program's implementation is led by IBI, with subcontractors Adam Smith International (ASI) and DAI Global. The program's prime implementing partner is IBI, with a contract number of No. 72048619F00004. The program's geographic coverage is Lao PDR, with a focus on improving the business environment and promoting economic growth. The program's activities have been instrumental in promoting economic growth and improving the business environment in Lao PDR. The program's quarterly report highlights the key accomplishments of the first quarter of Year 2, including the successful implementation of various activities across its components. The program's upcoming quarter is expected to be even busier, with a focus on implementing the activities outlined in the workplan.