Strengthening responsible business and sustainable practices in Lao enterprises

Vientiane (ILO News)- Promoting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) is increasingly important for businesses in Laos as the country integrates into regional and global value chains and prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.                                                                                                                                                                                         The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) plays a key role in equipping Lao enterprises with the knowledge and tools needed to operate responsibly, enhance their reputation, and access new market opportunities.  To this end a two-day workshop (27-28 August 2025) conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) to train a pool of LNCCI ESG trainers. These master trainers will lead three roll-out sessions in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Savannakhet, ensuring wider outreach and sustainability.

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Opening the event, Mr. Vanthong Sithikoun, Vice-President of LNCCI, said: 

This workshop is an important opportunity to strengthen the understanding of responsible business practices and ESG and to prepare a pool of trainers in this field. We hope that the principles from this workshop will benefit the business community and create an enabling environment for shared responsibility. 

Mr. Gary Rynhart, ILO Senior Specialist on Employers’ Activities, said:

For Lao enterprises, embracing ESG and RBC is not only about meeting international expectations – it is about building competitiveness, improving access to finance and export opportunities, and ensuring long-term sustainability. By promoting better labour standards, responsible use of natural resources, transparent governance, and respect for communities, Lao businesses can reduce risks, attract responsible investment, and enhance their reputation. 

Over the course of two days, participants strengthened their knowledge on responsible business conduct, human rights due diligence, and ESG with focus on its labour dimensions. The training introduced localized materials, case studies, and delivery tools to support facilitators in leading training sessions for Lao enterprises during and beyond the project period.   

The seminar was held as part of the ILO’s project “Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia through the Promotion of Decent Work in Business Operations (Phase II)”, funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. The project supports efforts in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to promote the labour dimension of responsible business conduct and enhance enterprises’ compliance with national laws and the principles of international labour standards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

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