Vientiane: The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) and Plan International Laos have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch the Lasting Laos Project, aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Lao tourism value chain to adopt sustainable practices.
According to Lao News Agency, the project has secured a total budget of USD2.11 million, co-funded by the European Union, the TUI Care Foundation, the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), and Plan International Germany. Building on the achievements of the SUSTOUR Laos project, this initiative will focus on promoting sustainable consumption and production practices, circular economy models, and green financing solutions among MSMEs and young entrepreneurs in Laos’ tourism sector.
Ms. Manivon Vongxay, Director General of the Department of MSME Promotion at MoIC, emphasized that supporting MSMEs through sustainable practices is a national priority under the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the MSME Development Plan 2021-2025. This project reflects the government’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Consumption and Production Roadmap by encouraging businesses to adopt greener practices, thus driving inclusive economic growth while ensuring environmental protection and social well-being.
The project, set to run until mid-2028, will benefit over 3,000 Lao entrepreneurs, employees, and young adults in the provinces of Vientiane, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, and Champasak. Mr. Mark Gallagher, Ambassador of the European Union to the Lao PDR, highlighted the importance of transforming economies and value chains to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-tourism, making Lasting Laos a significant step towards sustainable development.
Key activities of the project include the Lasting Laos Sustainability Certification, supporting MSMEs in the tourism value chain to adopt sustainability practices, and Green Finance and Innovation, providing access to green financing and grants to innovate and scale up green products, particularly in agri-food, textiles, and single-use plastic reduction.
Alexander Panczuk, Managing Director of the TUI Care Foundation, expressed pride in supporting young entrepreneurs, especially women, through the TUI Futureshapers Laos initiative. The project aims to provide access to green finance, training, and international networks to equip entrepreneurs with tools to lead meaningful change in Laos’ tourism sector.
Ms. Carol Mortensen, Country Director of Plan International Laos, emphasized that the MoU represents a shared vision for a greener economy, supporting Lao MSMEs to cultivate a profitable yet environmentally and socially responsible tourism industry.
The project will also work to strengthen policy frameworks and integrate sustainability standards into government practices. Ms. Chanthachone Vongxay, Vice President of LNCCI, reiterated the commitment to ensuring that the private sector contributes to sustainable development, advocating for sustainable practices in public and private institutions and promoting domestic tourism.