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MEKONG PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT FACILITY. Lao Business Forum Public-Private Dialogue Workshop Paris, 1-2 February 2006. Overview – Lao Business Forum (LBF). Established in March 2005 Three-way partnership between Government of Lao PDR (CPI), IFC-MPDF, and Lao Business Community - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Lao Business Forum Lao Business Forum
Public-Private Dialogue WorkshopPublic-Private Dialogue Workshop Paris, 1-2 February 2006Paris, 1-2 February 2006
MEKONG PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT FACILITY
Overview – Lao Business Forum (LBF)Overview – Lao Business Forum (LBF)
• Established in March 2005• Three-way partnership between
Government of Lao PDR (CPI), IFC-MPDF, and Lao Business Community
• Draws on lessons from IFC-managed Vietnam Business Forum and Cambodia Private Sector Forum
• Formal Dialogue mechanism designed to • Improve the business enabling environment by
providing platform for effective dialogue between the business community and the Government
• Facilitate information-sharing with potential investors
Objectives Objectives
• Facilitate dialogue between the goverment of Lao PDR and the private sector, which incudes the broadest private sector participation possible
• Promote consistent enforcement and non-discretionary interpretation of laws and regulations
• Remove the barriers that businesses face with regard to entry and exit
• Provide feedback on various Government policies affecting the private sector
• Provide feedback on draft Government laws and regulations that could affect the private sector
• Assist the Lao government in developing the private sector
StructureStructure
Manufacturing WG Service & Trading WG Tourism WG Energy & Mining WG
Inter ministerial Committee
WG Representatives
Secretariat – IFC MPDF
Lao Business Forum
Donors Government LNCCI, BMOs, WGs
ProcessProcess
PSWG –PS meets and identifies issues
Formal bi-annual Forum - Status updates on priority issues by PS and Govt
PSWG – Leaders develop issues, recommend solutions, prepare position papers
Formal WG – PS and IMT meet to discuss and work on high priority issues
Govt agencies decide on solutions
Tools – Issues MatrixTools – Issues Matrix
SECTION :1 AVIATION, AIR TRANSPORT & CONNECTIONS
Private Sector Issues PS / Recommendations Progress at / WG meeting Forum / Current status A ch ieved
1.1 Transportation Policy
Air transport (both international and domestic) is this PSWG's main worry. There are no direct international flights from/ to Europe, the US or Japan. The number of domestic flights per year is unsatisfactory (i.e. 53,000 seats VTE-LPQ or 6,500 seats VTE-PKZ). Increasing air traffic is not only crucial to tourism, but to other industries as well.
Businesses would like more information regarding the government's current policy and planning for the aviation sector. For example, what is being undertaken to increase the seating capacity of the airlines?
1) Lao Airlines development and policy must be a priority. Government should consider forming a joint venture or cooperating in other ways with an international carrier (Japan Airlines, Air France). Establishing a second domestic carrier could also be a solution
2) An "Open Skies Policy" will greatly benefit national tourism and business development by increasing competition for air travel, lowering ticket prices, and encouraging more international airlines to fly to Lao PDR. Ultimately it will help make the country a more affordable destination for travelers (as compared to other destinations in the region)
SECTION : 2 LAND TRANSPORTATION AND SECURITY
Private Sector Issues PS / Recommendations Progress at / WG meeting Forum / Current status A ch ieved
2.2 Speedboats and Noise
Speedboats are a major problem (especially between Bokéo and LPQ). They are unsafe, extremely noisy and pollute the Mekong River. Not only do they negatively impact the ecosystem but ultimately, they are reflect badly on the image the country wishes to project to tourists (peaceful contemplation, traditional culture, abundant wildlife).
Implement strict regulation of speedboat traffic on the Mekong River, including regulation of owners to ensure passenger safety.
SECTION : 3 ACCOMMODATION / INFRASTRUCTURE (North & South)
Private Sector Issues PS / Recommendations Progress at / WG meeting Forum / Current status A ch ieved
3.1 Hotel Classification
In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of hotel and guesthouse rooms available in Lao PDR. Their quality varies from first-class to basic, there are no set standards, and occupancy rates vary considerably from place to place.
1) The development of a classification system for accommodation, such as an international star rating scheme, would help to raise industry standards and assist tour operators in their efforts to develop packages and itineraries
Tools – Research and Advocacy Tools – Research and Advocacy
Business Issues Bulletins
Private Sector Position Papers
Current StatusCurrent Status
• Three of four Private Sector Working Groups established (Manufacturing, Service & Trade, Tourism)
• Each PSWG has met 2-3 times to raise priority issues and develop Issues Matrix
• First round of formal WG meetings between PS and IMT completed in January 2006
• Issues Matrix being updated, position papers being prepared
• First Forum scheduled for late February 2006
Contact InformationContact Information
Lao Businss Forum SecretariatMekong Private Sector Development Facility
(MPDF)International Finance Corporation (IFC)P.O.Box 9690 Vientiane, Lao PDRTel: (856 21) 450 017-9 Fax: (856 21) 450 020
Pascale Rouzies
LBF Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Viengsam Soinxay
Program Assistant
Emaill: [email protected]