On November 12, 2024, the “Think Tank Talk: Building Resilience for the Lao Economy” the seminar took place at the Muong Thanh Luxury Vientiane Hotel, gathering over 150
influential stakeholders from various sectors. Organized by the SME Service Center of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. in collaboration with The Asia Foundation and supported
by the Australian Embassy, the event was chaired by Mr. Daovone Phachanthavong, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ms. Benita Sommerville, Deputy Ambassador of the Australian Embassy to Laos; and Mr. Todd Wassel, Country Representative to Laos from The Asia Foundation. The event brought together over 150 participants, including economists, policymakers, researchers, business leaders, academics, and representatives from international development organizations.
The seminar provided a collaborative platform to explore strategies for enhancing Laos’ economic resilience and fostering cross-sector partnerships in areas such as tourism, agriculture, transport, logistics, and renewable energy. Attendees participated in engaging presentations, expert discussions, and a moderated panel session focused on developing actionable strategies.
The event’s Think Tank Talks featured presentations from experts on key topics, including strengthening the investment climate through public-private partnerships, the role of tax policy in economic stability, the impact of intellectual property rights on development, and frameworks for attracting foreign direct investment. A moderated panel discussion following the talks allowed for in-depth exploration of resilience-building strategies, focusing on prioritized economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, transportation, logistics, and renewable energy. This exchange generated actionable recommendations aimed at guiding
policymakers, business leaders, and academic institutions toward a stronger economic future for Laos.
The Think Tank Talk seminar was successful in advancing knowledge sharing, fostering meaningful discussions, and generating practical solutions that will contribute to a resilient and inclusive Lao economy.
