US-ASEAN Business Council Brings American Business Delegation to Laos ahead of its ASEAN Chairmanship Year

(Vientiane) On June 1-2, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) brought a delegation of senior executives on its annual business mission to Laos. The delegation was led by Nuntivat Thamhatai, Public Affairs and Communications Director at Coca-Cola (Thailand) Limited and Chair of USABC’s Laos Committee, and Amb. Michael Michalak, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of USABC. 

"Our delegation is delighted to be back in Laos, as we strongly reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the U.S. private sector to Laos and its people," said Nuntivat Thamhatai, Public Affairs and Communications Director at Coca-Cola (Thailand) Limited and Chair of the US-ASEAN Business Council's Laos Committee. "As Coca-Cola celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Lao market this year, we anticipate a future filled with fruitful interactions and long-lasting partnerships."

The USABC delegation had productive engagements with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith and senior Lao cabinet officials covering line ministries including Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health; Dr. Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports; and Mr. Bounleua Sinxayvoravong, the recently-appointed Governor of the Bank of Lao PDR. The delegation also had a consultation with U.S. Ambassador to Laos Peter Haymond and was hosted to an evening reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, which was well attended by representatives from the Laos government and the private sector alike.

During the mission, the delegation touched on ways to collaborate with the Government of Laos on the development of its healthcare, financial services, and sustainability sectors. The delegation was also able to directly address institutional and operational challenges they are facing with key Lao decision makers to further improve the business environment for U.S. companies invested in Laos. 

“USABC is proud to position ourselves as a resource and partner to Laos in its economic liberalization and development efforts”, said Amb. Michael Michalak, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of the US-ASEAN Business Council. “Our meetings this week were encouraging, we remain bullish on the potential of Laos’ development trajectory, and look forward to exploring opportunities to support Laos ahead of its Chairmanship year of ASEAN in 2024.”