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Interested in doing business in Laos, one of the fastest growing economies in ASEAN? Let me personally welcome you, and assure you that for Americans and American companies there has never been a better time to explore business opportunities in Laos. Our bilateral relationship continues to grow and strengthen, and in 2016 we signed a Comprehensive Partnership agreement that provides a new basis for expanding streams of commerce between our two countries.
The United States places a high priority on free, fair, and balanced trade, and we are working hard to deepen our trade ties throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including with Laos. Laos acceded to the WTO in 2013, became part of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, and in 2016 the United States and Laos signed a Trade and Investment Framework agreement (TIFA) that establishes a forum for our countries to further deepen economic ties. Meanwhile, Laos’ economy continues to grow at 7-8 percent per year. American firms are eager to do more business with Laos, and Lao government officials at the highest level have told us they welcome American businesses in Laos.
I encourage American companies to look for opportunities to do business with Lao companies, to sell American products in Laos, and to bring to Laos the high quality and standards that make American businesses famous. As in many emerging markets, you will find obstacles. But I believe you will find today’s Laos more open to American businesses than ever before, and I can assure you that my team and I stand ready to support you in your business endeavor. Please contact our economic and commercial officers to learn more about the possibilities of doing business in Laos.
Regards,
Ambassador Rena Bitter
U.S. Embassy in Laos General Switchboard
Phone: +856-21-487-000
Embassy Vientiane is committed to supporting U.S. companies to start exporting or grow their exports to the Lao PDR. In this section, you’ll find a quick description of Lao PDR as an export market and some suggestions for getting started.
Getting Started with U.S. Commercial Service
The U.S. Commercial Service (CS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade. Companies can find assistance locally in more than 100 U.S. Commercial Service offices nationwide and in more than 70 international offices.
Getting Started with the Department of Agriculture
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security. In addition to its Washington, D.C. staff, FAS has a global network of 98 offices covering 177 countries. These offices are staffed by agricultural attachés and locally hired agricultural experts who are the eyes, ears, and voice for U.S. agriculture around the world. FAS staff identify problems, provide practical solutions, and work to advance opportunities for U.S. agriculture and support U.S. foreign policy around the globe.
These reports on market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business customs prepared at U.S. Embassies worldwide by the Department of Commerce Department, Department of State, and other U.S. agencies’ professionals.
The U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements provide country-specific information on the business climates of more than 170 countries and economies. They are prepared by economic officers stationed in embassies and posts around the world and analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses of all sizes.
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
In 1985, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), a joint venture between the Department of State and the U.S. private sector, created by then Secretary of State George P. Shultz under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to interact on overseas security problems of mutual concern. Objectives of this joint venture are: to establish a continuing liaison between security officials in both the private and public sector; to provide for regular exchanges of information concerning developments in the overseas security environment; recommend methods for planning and implementation of security programs abroad; and recommend methods to mitigate risks to American private sector interests worldwide. These objectives remain in the current OSAC Charter.
Since its inception, SelectUSA has facilitated more than $78 billion in investment, creating and/or retaining over 95,000 U.S. jobs. In fiscal year 2019 alone, SelectUSA facilitated more than $18.5 billion in investment. We work with the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and entities across government to facilitate job-creating business investment into the United States and raise awareness of the critical role that economic development plays in the U.S. economy.
Please call: +856-21-487-600 or +1 301 985-8789 ext. 7600
Outside of Office Hours, contact: +856-21-487-000
Outside of Laos: +1 301 985-8789
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