On March 28, 2023, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, MI Executive Director, and MI senior staff, received a visit from the Lao PDR’s Department of Trade Promotion (DTP), Ministry of Industry (MoIC) and Commerce, the Department of Economic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI). The Lao delegation was led by Mr. Xaysomphet Norasingh, Director General of DTP, MoIC, Mr. Souliya Chanvixay of the Economic Affairs Department, MoFA, Director Division, and Mr. Phuthasone Phomvixay, Head of SMEs Center, LNCCI.  

The visit’s main objective was to learn from and discuss with MI how to organize trade events and exhibitions and develop community products for outbound trade to China, Japan and Europe.

During the meeting, MI shared its past experience in organizing and preparing for trade events. This ranged from event preparation, tools and methods used to improve event performance, provide business profile information, prepare marketing materials, and arrange business matching, business recruitment, and boosting participation mechanism of exhibitors in the event. Interest also focused on how to create E-trade registration and conduct event follow-up.

Potential collaboration areas were identified. Mr. Suriyan suggested that MI involve Lao officials in the Business Forum preparation and/or promote secondment at MI. From the DG side, he proposed designing and developing a “Trade Event Promotion” standard model and curriculum, including establishing an entrepreneur’s incubator center to facilitate and train the Laos exhibitors and exporters, targeting both the experienced and the inexperienced to raise their awareness on the importance of trade event preparation.