The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) organised an awareness-raising workshop on November 24 in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR.

The workshop aimed to introduce target participants to the Lao PDR Quality for Trade Platform and provided step-by-step guidance on how to use the platform as well as the registration process.

Lack of access to quality-related information is a frequent barrier that prevents SMEs from successfully exporting to foreign markets. Having to comply with constantly evolving technical regulations,standards and buyer requirements can be a challenge, particularly for producers and exporters in developing countries.

The Lao PDR Quality for Trade Platform is a one-stop-shop where users can discover relevant quality requirements for priority products in targeted markets, receive guidance on quality-related topics, share best practices, network with institutions or individuals who can offer assistance, and gain insight from people who have already achieved success in the field. Additionally, it serves as a tool for public outreach, supporting SMEs, national experts and institutions.

In line with ITC’s Quality Champions (QCs) Programme, the platform provides information and increases outreach for Quality Champions and service providers, as well as opportunities to share successes. The platform consists of four integrated and complementary tools, including Quality Compass, Quality Connect, Quality Insights and Quality Success.

Participants of the workshop varied from representatives of government institutions, the private sector, Lao SME Association, and food and drugs testing laboratories/centres. They were guided by an ITC quality expert to help them understand the platform better, guidance on profile building, and to better connect with other quality experts in the country.

“This platform is a great tool to reinforce the connection between institutions and the business community. What happens next is we will develop a Lao language option to ensure that the platform is accessible to all quality-related service providers and businesses in Lao PDR”. Joshua Olson, Associate Programme Officer, Quality for Trade, ITC.

The Lao Quality for Trade Platform is implemented by ITC through the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU Plus – Lao PDR and funded by the European Union. LNCCI is a national focal point for the platform in addition to the Quality Champions Programme.

One may access the platform at: https://qualityfortrade.intracen.org/laopdr

About ITC – The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transitioning economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Find us online: https://www.intracen.org/arise-plus-laos/

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