Initially supported by the Regional Economic Integration of Laos into ASEAN – Trade and Entrepreneurship Development (RELATED) Project the German Development Cooperation through GIZ established the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Service Centers in Laos with the objective to strengthen local SMEs by providing services like information sharing and trainings. On 2 September 2022, the Support of Regional Economic Cooperation in Asia (SRECA) Project in cooperation with the Strengthening Regional Structures for Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion in ASEAN (ASEAN SME) Project together with the Lao partner organisations: the Department of Foreign Trade Policy and the Department of SME Promotion at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce as well as the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry opened a new SME Service Center in Oudomaxy Province in the Lao PDR.
Oudomxay province has a direct border to the People’s Republic of China and cross-border trade with agricultural products plays an important role in Oudomxay’s economy. Therefore, there will be a high demand from SMEs in Oudomxay for services to support their business in general and related to trade with China in particular, assuming that the new established SME Service Center in Oudomxay will meet the needs of local SMEs.
The SME Service Center in Oudomxay has been opened by his excellency Mr. Bounkhong Lachiamphone, Governor of Oudomxay, his excellency Mr. Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Oudeth Souvannavong, the President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Sonethanou Singdala, Director of the Department of Industry and Commerce in Oudomxay, Mr. Thongin Khamsompong, President of the Oudomxay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
