Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and The International Trade Centre (ITC), a United Nations agency jointly organised Awareness Workshop on
Voluntary Sustainable Standards (VSS) Tool & Project Approach on Oct 9th, at LNCCI office.

The co – chairman was Ms. Souphone Khamsannam – Deputy General Secretary of LNCCI, Ms. Niddavone Douangphonexay – T4SD Hub Laos Lead, and Mr. Thavisith Bounyasouk – VSS Lead Coach. There were 33 participants from 3 business sectors: coffee, Tea and Rice.

Highlight of the workshop:

• Brief introduction of T4SD Hub Laos services designed for Lao SMEs and Sustainability Map.
  • Introduction of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) module and scope of training program for selected SMEs
  • Exclusive opportunity for participating SMEs to fill in Application Form for the selection of Project beneficiaries to participate in VSS training program.
  The other highlight of the workshop was discussion on what kind of supports and benefits for the companies participating in VSS module of the T4SD hub Laos such as:
  • All companies participating in the module will receive free individual coaching from experts in the field of sustainability standards (Fairtrade, Organic etc.) on the following:
  – Complying with sustainability criteria of standards and analysis of gaps
  – Addressing critical environmental and social issues in production
  – Going through the certification and audit process
  – Breakeven financial analysis to understand the costs and benefits of certification against sustainability standards which will help to understand whether it is beneficial for companies to start certification process
  – The coaches will also work on developing the sustainability strategies for companies.