Participants gather for a seminar in Vientiane on Friday about the criteria companies must meet to list on the stock exchange.

LSX, LNCCI seek companies for listing on Lao stock market

The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) is trying to persuade more companies to list on the Lao Securities Exchange (LSX) this year and next, and is explaining the benefits of participating in the capital market.
“We expect that three to five companies will list on the LSX by the end of this year and in 2023. We are encouraging member and non-member companies of the LNCCI to do so and several enterprises have discussed the possibility of registering,” LNCCI Executive Vice President Mr Daovone Phachanthavong told reporters on Friday.
He talked to reporters on the sidelines of a seminar held at the Lao Securities Commission Office about the steps companies must take to list on the stock market and the way in which they can raise funds through the capital market.
The event was attended by representatives of several companies, businesspeople and students, who were keen to learn about the benefits of listing on the stock market.
“I think it is important for the government to provide businesses with incentives and more favourable policies, such as lowering the value-added tax (VAT) they must pay, as this would garner more interest among companies,” Mr Daovone said, adding that the LSX would disseminate more information to companies and the public concerning the stock market.
The Chamber will arrange a special social gathering in Vientiane next month to discuss ways that businesses can familiarise themselves with the incentives and policies offered by the government to encourage companies to raise funds through the capital market, as well as other important topics, with the participation of senior government officials.
“Along with promoting the capital market, the government will seek more effective ways to promote micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as part of efforts to support the contribution by this sector, which currently plays a significant role in economic growth,” Mr Daovone said.
There are currently 11 companies listed on the LSX, including four securities firms, three custodian banks and four accountancy firms.
The Lao Securities Commission Office is continuing to inform and educate members of the public about the workings of the stock market and the potential it offers for investment.
Numerous topics such as ways to benefit from stock investments, a fundamental analysis of stocks, and other issues were included in a panel discussion by professionals from Thailand and securities companies based in Laos.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 26, 2022)