Preparing a business plan and feasibility study of a business are important tasks before starting any business. Similarly important is studying about existing legal document and regulations related to business. The entrepreneur will find Internet is a very useful tool for communicating and information seeking.

Business planning

A business plan includes defining your business idea, carrying out market research, finding a suitable location, estimating sales, estimating investment cost and preparing a budget, etc. A useful guide for this is found in the ILO workbook "Start Your Own Business" (SYB). Click on the right to download this workbook.

Feasibility study

If you intend to seek external funding for your enterprise/business project such as from banks or other money lenders, a feasibility study of your business is often required. Click here and you will find a template for a feasibility study .

Different legal forms of business

The Business Law (No. 005/NA) and its Implementing Regulations (Decree No. 31/PM) define different forms that can be choosen for a business as well as the procedures for application of a business license with the Ministry of Commerce.

Business/factory registration and licensing

In order to establish a business there are a number of steps to be followed. They are described in the Business Registration Procedures and Factory establishment and Operations Procedures .

If your business concerns different sectors, you need to approach the concerned government agencies such as Department of Domestic and Foreign Investment, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industry and Handicraft, and Ministry of Agriculture, etc. Required registration forms and other document to be filled are available with pre stamp-ed at registration sections of those relevant organizations.

More details on registration and licensing are found in the Law on Promotion of Domestic Investment (No. 03/NA) , and its Implementing regulations (No. 01/99/NA) , Law on Manufacturing Industry Law (No. 01-/99/NA) , and Decree on Factory Establishment (No.104/MIH) .

Registration for tax purpose

The final step of registration procedures is to register for tax purpose. Tax registration forms are available at the Tax Registration Section in your province. Tax Law (No. 006/NA and Custom Law (No. 04/NA) provide useful information concerning business tax and customs.

Internet and E-mail

Internet and Email become very useful communication tools. There are at least 4 companies Internet and Website service providers in Vientiane Capital where you can approach to get services. Due to increasing high competition, the enterprises may find it more affordable and accessible. Click here to find list of Internet and Website service providers.

Those who want to get email address the easiest way to register at www.hotmail.com or www.yahoo.com or www.etllao.com or www.laotel.com . For Internet connection to your home or enterprise, you can visit www.etllao.com , planet.laopdr.com, or www.laotel.com that detail options and costs involved.