ASEAN Korea Centre : Workshop enhances product competitiveness o...

Workshop enhances product competitiveness of Laotian food MSMEs

- ASEAN-Korea Centre to hold Product Development Workshop in Lao PDR (Jan. 9-11, Vientiane, Lao PDR) -

Vientiane, Lao PDR - The Product Development Workshop for MSMEs in food industry of Lao PDR will be held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 9-11 January 2017. Organized by the ASEAN-Korea Centre (Secretary General Kim Young-sun) and Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, the Workshop aims to provide an opportunity for food MSMEs to enhance competitiveness and develop market strategies targeting domestic and overseas markets through lectures and consultations on branding, marketing, and packaging of food products.

Kim Young-sun, Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre noted, 'With an aim to graduate from the least development country by 2020, Laotian government recently established its 8th National Social Economic Development Plan for 2016-2020, of which one of the key sectors is the food industry. Despite great potential with rich natural resources, strategic location bordering 5 major markets, and competitive labor force, food industry of the nation remains underdeveloped mainly due to lack of infrastructure and packaging and processing technologies. I hope this Workshop would provide an opportunity to equip Laotian MSMEs in food industry with viable technologies and strategies, thus to contribute to mutually beneficial partnership between Lao PDR and Korea.'

During the two-day workshop, Korean food experts will give lectures on branding, marketing, and packaging strategies targeting domestic market and overseas market. On the first day, lectures will first enhance capacity of local businessmen through sharing basic packaging technologies and marketing strategies. Packaging simulation exercises will be also followed, where participants can receive feedback and consultations from the experts. On the next day, lectures on branding, marketing, and packaging strategies targeting overseas market will be conducted, through which participants can enhance knowledge on relevant strategies and regulations. Korean experts will also visit local companies for on-site consultations and market research.

Recognizing the importance of MSMEs as a backbone of ASEAN economy, accounting for 95-99% of all business establishments in the region, the ASEAN-Korea Centre has carried out Product Development Workshop in 10 ASEAN Member States. Based upon demands and needs of Laotian government, Workshop in Lao PDR has focused on enhancing competitiveness of Laotian food industry since 2012.

[Attachment]

- Press Release file

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