Times Reporters.
The Made in Laos Expo 2023, an exhibition of locally made goods and imported products, is taking place to boost domestic consumption
and drive up the scale of production to reach a larger volume in the future. The grand opening ceremony took place at Lao-ITECC on Wednesday in Vientiane, attended by Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone, Governor of Champassak province Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham, Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr Malaythong Kommasith, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mrs Chanthachone Vongsay, and President of the Champassak Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mrs Bounheuang Carol Litdang. Representatives of the government and international organisations, diplomats and business operators also attended the event. Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), and the main organiser of the expo, Mrs Chanthachone Vongsay, gave a report on preparations for the event, which was coorganised by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Champassak provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The first edition of the expo was held in 2011. Each year, a provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the co-host alongside the LNCCI and this year was the turn of the Champassak Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “We have seen the growth of the economy, whether in special economic zones or through tourist attractions that highlight the culture, natural beauty and other attributes that reveal the potential of Champassak province,” Mrs Chanthachone said. The expo is mainly supported by its strategic partners, namely Petroleum Tr a d i n g L a o P u b l i c Company and the Lao Brewery Company. Other companies and sponsors are also supporting the event. The main purpose of the expo is to encourage Lao people to buy and use more Lao products and at the same time to boost production at the family level so that families can produce goods that generate
a decent source of income. It also aims to raise the level of production from small to medium-scale and in the future to large-scale, turning out more and better quality goods that can compete in the domestic and export markets. Prior to the formal opening ceremony, the 10-day exhibition is being held at the Lao-ITECC from February 10 until February 19. At the same time, the expo is an opportunity for businesses that are looking for new trading partners and want to launch new products and services. Those visiting the expo, whether from Laos or other countries, can see for themselves the extent to which the range and quality of Lao-made goods has improved. Business representatives and interested parties can meet to share information and discuss ways and means to improve production and sell more goods. The event is also an occasion to showcase the rich traditions and culture of Laos, encourage trade and investment, and provide information about tourist sites and other special features of the co-hosting province to all other participating entities. The expo features a wide variety of products, all made, assembled or grown in Laos. More than 200 booths have been set up by over 140 entrepreneurs and business units, representing sectors such as the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme, Made in Laos products, handicrafts, food and
beverages, manufactured goods, and agriculture. Items were also on display representing the IT sector, transport, banking and services, wooden handicrafts, and furniture. Also on display this year are goods made in China, Thailand and Vietnam. This is the first year that the LNCCI has invited companies from these countries to participate in the expo. The expo has a varied programme of activities, including talks, business meetings, prize presentations, and various forms of entertainment throughout the event.
Source: Vientianetimes