On the afternoon of 9 October 2024, at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane Capital, His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, presided over the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) under the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship theme: “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”

The meeting acknowledged the substantial progress made in implementing the business sector’s priority areas for 2024, which include transforming for the digital future, sustainable development, health resilience, food security, trade and investment facilitation, connectivity and supply chains, and particularly, creating a conducive environment for business. These initiatives aim to enhance and promote regional economic development, foster competitiveness, and build a more connected and integrated regional economy linked to other regions worldwide.

The meeting highlighted the need for ASEAN to further strengthen cooperation and collaboration between the public and business sectors, specifically in addressing challenges to reduce trade barriers and leverage digital transformation. This cooperation is essential for ensuring smooth, efficient, and high-quality business operations that maximize benefits for the region as a whole.

On this occasion, the meeting encouraged the ASEAN Business Advisory Council to continue coordinating with relevant ASEAN entities to implement business priorities, develop an Action Plan of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and enhance the efficiency of coordination mechanisms between the public and business sectors. This will help create an environment conducive to trade and investment in ASEAN, fostering a robust and ever-growing economy in the future.