USAID LAOS BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ANNUAL REPORT FY2021

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 geographic focus is Lao PDR, and the reporting period is October 2020 to September 2021. The program's main purpose is to improve the business environment in Lao PDR by enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promoting public-private sector collaboration. The program has two main components: Component 1, SME Competitiveness Improved, and Component 2, Public-Private Sector Collaboration More Inclusive. Under Component 1, the program has achieved several key milestones, including the completion of an ecotourism value chain assessment, submission of an eco-tourism SMEs action plan, and convening of two informational workshops on eco-tourism quality standards for SMEs. The program has also finalized the SME Service Center Assessment of four service centers and launched an online SME digital skills educational platform, SMART UP. Under Component 2, the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in implementation delays for several activities. However, the Component 2 team has applied a hybrid model to ensure that activities remained on track. Key achievements under Component 2 include the completion of the LPPD concept note, creation of the Champasak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI)-Local Public-Private Dialogue (LPPD) Secretariat, and finalization of the Policy Pulse Concept Note for Lao PDR. The program has also made significant progress in promoting public-private sector collaboration, including the creation of the LPPD Secretariat and the recruitment of LPPD focal points from the private and public sectors. The program has also finalized content for the policy inventory that will be used for the Policy Watch app and prepared a draft decree on public-private sector collaboration. The program's key stakeholders include the Government of Lao PDR, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), and the private sector. The program has also collaborated with other implementing partners, including the World Bank's Business Assistance Facility II (BAF II) grant scheme. The program's future directions and upcoming activities include the launch of the Policy Watch app, the implementation of the LPPD concept note, and the finalization of the concept note and design for the proposed grant scheme. The program will also continue to promote public-private sector collaboration and enhance the competitiveness of SMEs in Lao PDR. The program's geographic focus is Lao PDR, and the reporting period is October 2020 to September 2021. The program's budget is funded by USAID, and the program's staff includes a team of experts from IBI and other implementing partners. The program's progress is monitored and evaluated through regular reporting and evaluation exercises. The program's key achievements and lessons learned include the importance of collaboration with other implementing partners, the need for innovative approaches to implementation, and the importance of promoting public-private sector collaboration. The program's future directions and upcoming activities will build on these lessons learned and continue to promote the program's objectives of improving the business environment in Lao PDR. The program's impact is expected to be significant, with the potential to improve the competitiveness of SMEs, promote public-private sector collaboration, and enhance the business environment in Lao PDR. The program's success will depend on the continued collaboration and support of the Government of Lao PDR, the private sector, and other implementing partners.