Vientiane, Lao PDR – August 29, 2025 – Twenty-one representatives from 14 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lao PDR have successfully completed a three-day intensive course designed to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools to decarbonize their operations and strengthen sustainable supply chains.

The training, held from August 27 to 29, was organized by the Mekong Institute (MI) in collaboration with the Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan), ABeam Consulting, and GX, with funding support from AMEICC under the Mekong Sustain initiative.

SME participants, primarily from the agriculture and textile sectors, were welcomed by Mr. Chen-Chung Tan, Project Manager of Mekong Sustain. The sessions were led by Prof. Dr. Somkiat Tangjitsitcharoen and Assistant Professor Noppadol Sriputtha, with onsite coordination provided by Ms. Athicha Kernsiri.

The course was structured to combine global context with practical application.

• Day 1 introduced sustainability fundamentals, climate change implications, and opportunities for decarbonization in regional supply chains.
• Day 2 featured a decarbonization readiness diagnosis and IT-based solutions, alongside practical strategies such as operational optimization, equipment upgrades, and renewable energy integration.
• Day 3 examined international trends and case studies before participants developed draft action plans tailored to their companies. The final session concluded with a feedback and assessment workshop facilitated by MI.

By the end of the course, participating enterprises produced draft decarbonization action plans and identified practical next steps to implement within their operations. These outcomes mark an important step forward in Mekong Sustain’s mission to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of SMEs across the Mekong region while contributing to global climate goals.

As emphasized by Mr. Chen-Chung Tan, Project Manager of Mekong Sustain, supporting SMEs in their decarbonization journey is a critical part of ensuring long-term business competitiveness while advancing the region’s transition toward low-carbon growth. The Vientiane course not only raised awareness but also guided companies in developing actionable pathways that align with international standards and regional priorities.

MI encourages SMEs from Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Myanmar to join the Mekong Sustain Project and access similar training and advisory support free of charge.

For more information, visit www.mekongsustain.org or contact:

• Chen-Chung Tan, Project Manager, at [email protected]
• Athipthep Boonman, Project Coordinator, at [email protected], or by phone at +66 043202411 Ext. 2110
• Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director, Trade and Investment Facilitation Department, at [email protected]