“Laos is a new frontier for U.S. companies,” said Coca-Cola General Manager for Laos and Thailand Jorge Garduno. “At the Coca-Cola Company, we’re excited about the possibilities for Laos that ASEAN integration and the growing market here offers.”

The five companies which participated in the delegation all rank in the Fortune 500’s Top 75 of the largest companies in the world. The delegation included The Coca-Cola Company, Chevron, ExxonMobil, GE, and Johnson & Johnson.

“Laos has made real progress on a number of challenges,” said Frances Zwenig of the Council. “Our aim for this mission is to continue building momentum for stronger economic ties.”

The companies participating aim to use the mission to continue to develop and broaden the U.S.-Lao business relationship, and offer their support for the work Laos has done towards becoming a member of the World Trade Organization. As keen supporters of ASEAN integration, the Council members also discussed areas where they could be of assistance in building capacity to help Laos reach the ASEAN Economic Communities ambitious goals. 

The delegation met with Deputy Prime Minister Somsawad Lengsawat, Minister of Planning and Investment Somdy Douangdy, Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr. Nam Viyaketh, Director General of Energy Promotion and Development from the Ministry of Energy and Mines Xaypaseuth Phomsoupha,  and President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kissana Vongsay. The delegation also met with  U.S. Ambassador to Laos Karen Stewart.

###############################

The US-ASEAN Business Council represents over 100 major U.S. Corporations, ranging from those who have been active in Southeast Asia for over 100 years to newcomers looking to expand their presence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. The Council’s sectoral working groups, including Customs, Defense & Security, Energy, Financial Services, Food and Agriculture, Health & Life Sciences, Information & Communications Technology, and Infrastructure, bring together the pre-eminent companies in their fields to enable high-level dialogues that help resolve issues and drive innovation and investment. With long-established personal and professional relationships in ASEAN and Washington, the Council is the most effective conduit between decision-makers on both sides of the Pacific.

Learn how we are connecting American business to Southeast Asia at www.usasean.org.

Become a Fan of the Council on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

For Further Information Please contact Anthony Nelson at anelson@usasean.org.