EXPORT PROMOTION DIVISION (EPD)
ITS ORGANIZATION AND SERVICES

Ms. Niddavone DOUANGPHONXAY

Export Consultant, LNCCI

1. Introduction

     The Export Promotion Division (EPD) was established in May 2004 under the initiative of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce (LNCCI), with support from Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Danish Chamber of Commerce for staff training, through Asia Invest Alliance Program of EU Commission. EPD is part of LNCCI and consequently aims at supporting local exporting companies especially SMEs and promoting local products to international markets.
 

2. Objectives

     EDP's general objective is to promote and develop Lao exports by providing advisory services to Lao exporters and SMEs seeking to expand their exports volume. The services consist of providing information on overseas market opportunities and establishing trading networks.

     In its specific objective, as an integrated body of LNCCI, EDP is to strengthen the role of LNCCI in the national level of Lao PDR.
 

3. Vision of EPD

     EPD aims to become an Institution that can provide Advisory Work and Resource for the providing of information on exports and an Institution for Research and Formulation of export policy at the national level of Lao PDR.
 

4. Strategy

     In order to achieve these goals, the EPD of LNCCI needs to establish and update its existing information database on Lao exporters and local potentially exportable products, compile data about export environment and opportunities for overseas markets.

     The Division will need to:

     •  Identify companies with export potential

     •  Assist them to upgrade their skills

     These involve market investigation to define market potential, guidelines on the export process, participation in international trade fairs, trade and study missions and initiatives to develop export into key economic activity in Laos.

     To cooperate with local public, private agencies, international agencies and other Chambers of commerce and participate in projects in export promotion in order to consolidate its role within the LNCCI.
 

5. Functions

     EPD provide services (with fees and without fees) in supporting Exporters with Information on overseas market opportunities, and in establishing trading networks on particular products with overseas importers so that Exporters could make their knowledgeable decisions.

6. Services

     The EPD expects to provide advisory service to local companies willing to export:

• What Service do we offer?

1. Supplies information on overseas market opportunities and

2. Helps local companies in establishing contacts with overseas importers in promoting local products.

• Who are our potential clients?

     Our services are designed to assist local exporting companies and also the producers who are not yet active in the export. Special attention is given to small and medium-size enterprises (SME).
 

1. EDP with its information Centre can provide:

    •  Country-specific information gathered by consulate detailing market size, distribution channels, and major in-country players.

    •  Reference materials/sources for your industry, including trade journals, associations and promotional events.

     •  Reports on worldwide trends in your primary target areas.

     •  Connect facilitation: Once you have decided which markets are best for your business, you'll need to identify potential buyers, agents, distributors, or other strategic partners. We maintain numerous sources and assist you in developing a focused list of targeted companies.
 

2. EPD promote your products

1. EDP Website:

     EDP has its own website designed with the purpose of promoting Lao local products to overseas markets. Our website shed light on a variety of local products. It provides information on bilateral market access conditions across products and countries. In addition we also link with international trade websites around the world. It will connect you to valuable trade information available on internet with country information, government organization, trade promotion agencies, trade directories and listing. This business references directory will assist you in making key decision on strategic growth and market entry. This guide is a leading resource for country, documentation, communications and key contact information.

1. EPD Lao Products catalog Service:

     It is a Lao products catalog to show case your products and service literature in fast growing export markets around the world, it's an easy and inexpensive way to promote your company and test new foreign markets for potential interest, giving your company continual exposure. The buyer can search by exhibitor feature include: Catalog homepage, detailed business and product descriptions, contact information, product photos.

1. Organizing Training, workshop and Seminar on Export Issue:

     EPD organize and holds key seminars attended by export experts on a broad range of issues. These experts can provide individual counseling on export issues. These seminars and meetings may include a foreign trade missions, business or governmental delegations interested in meeting with representatives of specific industries. Present senior officials maybe helpful in preparing further seminars between government officials and company representatives. EPD provides the necessary training in understanding and applying export concepts. This includes, but is not limited to, courses on developing accurate export plans, local and foreign laws and regulations, freight forwarding procedures, cultural issues.

7. Benefits through EPD Services

      Your company will enjoy the benefits of a selection of free services and access to more advanced information and other advises.

     Using EPU services can significantly increase your export readiness and performance which can bring you several benefits:

    •  Expert training and advices on a wide range of issues from independent consultants and specially training officers

     •  Benefit from experiences shared by other companies

     •  Comprehensive and easy access to potential partners abroad, and thus, new business opportunities

     •  Enhanced situation awareness in export markets

     •  Market Opportunities