Mr Santisouk Phounsavath (right), Ms Manivone Vongxay (center) and Dr Phanpakith Onphandara (left) sign a memorandum of understanding in Vientiane.”

Govt, Sokxay Group partner to promote sale of Lao products

The government has teamed up with local retailer giant, Sokxay Group, to boost the availability and sale of locally made goods at Sokxay’s minimarts, aiming to strengthen economic self-reliance while reducing dependence on imports.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the initiative was signed in Vientiane on Monday by the Director General of the Domestic Trade Department, Mr Santisouk Phounsavath, and the Director General of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Promotion Department, Ms Manivone Vongsay, representing the government, and the Vice President of the Sokxay Group, Dr Phanpakith Onphandara.
This collaborative project between the three parties aims to promote the purchase of  Lao products, in particular at shops and minimarts owned by Sokxay Company Limited.
Under the agreement, the Department of Domestic Trade will work with the MSME Promotion Department to arrange the sale of Lao products comprising at least 10 items registered under the One District, One Product scheme, handicrafts, and other goods, at Sokxay minimarts and other stores each year.
The MOU spelled out important tasks for the three participating parties. These include providing training and strengthening the production process, including quality control, marketing, design, packaging, product quality development, and market access, to meet Sokxay store standards.
Sokxay Group will focus on distribution, consumer outreach, and building trust in Lao goods by highlighting their quality and affordability.
The initiative is a crucial step in giving Lao products greater exposure, generating jobs and income for local communities, and positioning them more competitively in both domestic and international markets.
By widening distribution channels and improving product quality, the partnership aims to inspire consumer confidence, encourage the purchase of Lao-made goods, and contribute to sustainable national growth.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Manothong Vongxay, alongside government and company representatives.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update August 20, 2025)