“Business Matching for Laos-Thailand-Vietnam” was organized on October 25, 2015 in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. Over 80 participants joined the event which aimed to provide opportunities for business cooperation, networking and business expansion among the SME groups and the prospective investors from Thailand, Vietnam and Lao PDR. 

During the business matching, Thailand and Vietnam participants expressed their interest in purchasing Lao rice. A consultation for silk and cotton market was discussed and advised among the interested parties. Moreover, Thai and Lao representatives from the tourism sector discussed the potential joint venture activities. It was suggested that the Special and Specific Economic Zones (SEZs) development and management issues are to be addressed through dialogue, forums and trainings. 

The event was organised in three parts: i.) presentation of projects’ activities including GMS business tools for inter and intra business networking on North – South and East – West Economic Corridors, Product Market Identification Databases and e-Platform, potential investments and business in Khammouane and Nakhon Pranom, Thailand; ii.) Business matching with respective business representatives from Thailand, Vietnam and Lao PDR, and iii.) Trade fair and product exhibition. 

The business matching was part of the action plan implementations funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Participants are from the government agencies, Chambers of Commerce and Industry and business owners representing rice mills, pottery, wickerwork, sausage, pickle vegetable paste, wood processing, hotel & restaurant, silk and cotton fabric, import-expert trading companies, Special and Specific Economic Zone (SEZ) and Tourism Industry Association.