Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong and Mr Koizumi Tsutomu chair the Laos-Japan Public and Private Sectors Joint Dialogue 19th Meeting on Thursday.

Japan proposes four agendas at Laos-Japan Dialogue

Japan has presented four major proposals at the 19th meeting of the Laos-Japan Public and Private Sectors Joint Dialogue, aimed at improving the business and investment environment in Laos.
The first proposal concerns reviewing the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported raw materials. Japan has called for faster VAT refunds, solutions to unresolved VAT refund cases, and improvements in the issuance of tax invoices, an issue that has continued from previous years.
The second proposal addresses the improvement of regulations related to foreign currency exchange policies, and the third proposal highlights the need to create a supportive environment for achieving 100 percent renewable energy procurement and promoting the wider use of solar energy.
The fourth proposal covers several additional issues requiring further review and discussion, including easing restrictions on foreign investment, particularly regarding the list of conditional business sectors for foreign investors, providing sufficient preparation periods before enforcing new laws and government notifications,
addressing issues related to the improper importation of vehicles, supporting labour recruitment and improving workers’ basic skills, reducing electricity costs, and upgrading transportation infrastructure.
A report on these issues was presented at the meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Minister and Vice Chair, Standing Member of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong, and the Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Koizumi Tsutomu.
The meeting was convened to discuss opinions, proposals and issues related to business operations and investment by Japanese enterprises operating in Laos to highlight the problems, achievements, progress, and difficulties encountered in business operations, in order to enhance mutual understanding and find ways to improve solutions. Meetings of this kind are usually held every year.
Mrs Phonevanh said the countries that have invested the most in the past five years (2021-2026) are China, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Japan’s investment in control and concession activities is proceeding at a steady pace, with 91 projects with a total investment value of over US$134 million, covering the agriculture, services, education, industry, and handicraft sectors. This ranks Japan 14th among all foreign investors in Laos.
The dialogue reflects continued cooperation between Laos and Japan in strengthening economic ties, improving investment conditions, and promoting sustainable development.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 22, 2026)