Message from the Ambassador

Ambassador Karen B. Steward

It is my pleasure to invite American businesses to explore opportunities to trade and invest in the Lao PDR.  Since my first posting here in 1985, Laos has seen steady and significant change and is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with 8% growth projected in 2012.  The Lao government has undertaken commitments to reform its legal and regulatory environment in order to promote an open market economy.  It is expected that Laos will accede to the World Trade Organization in 2013.  In the coming years, regional economic integration through ASEAN will further speed reforms and provide more opportunities.

Challenges to doing business in Laos remain to be addressed, but Laos is focused on the future.  We at Embassy Vientiane are committed to helping American businesses explore the potential for success in Laos.  Please utilize the resources found here on our website, and the services of our economic and commercial officers, to research the possibilities of doing business in Laos. 

Regards,

Karen B. Stewart