BAF Clients Case Studies
Champahom Company (LAO Version) (ENG Version)
Her Works (LAO Version) (ENG Version)

The case of 'tokyobike' and unified commerce: https://www.shopify.com/blog/unified-commerce

International directory of BDS providers (with reviews):
https://clutch.co

Search engine of freelance service providers for business:
https://www.fiverr.com

Survey Monkey Enterprise (a survey platform):
https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/enterprise/

International standards and certifications:
ACT (Organic Agriculture Certification Thailand): http://actorganic-cert.or.th
Alliance for Water Stewardship: https://a4ws.org/the-aws-standard-2-0/
Aquaculture Stewardship Council: https://www.asc-aqua.org
ASEAN Standard for Organic Agriculture (ASOA): https://www.asean.org/wp-content/uploads/images/Community/AEC/AMAF/OtherDocuments/ASEAN%20STANDARD%20FOR%20ORGANIC%20AGRICULTURE%20(ASOA).pdf
Asia Regional Organic Standard (AROS): http://www.fao.org/3/an765e/an765e00.pdf
B-Corporation (social and environmental performance): https://bcorporation.net/certification
Better Buying: https://betterbuying.org
BGCI (Botanic Gardens Conservation International): https://www.bgci.org
Biosphere Responsible Tourism: https://www.biospheretourism.com/en/biosphere-certification/83
BRCGS (food safety): https://www.brcgs.com
Business Social Compliance Initiative (code of conduct): https://www.amfori.org/content/amfori-bsci-platform
Canadian Organic Standards: https://www.cog.ca/home/resources/standard-guide/?platform=hootsuite and https://ioas.org/services/organic-agriculture/canada-organic-regime/
Carbon Neutral: https://carbonneutral.com
Certified Naturally Grown: http://www.naturallygrown.org
China organic rules: https://www.organicexport.info/china.html
EnPlus (wood pellets): https://www.enplus-pellets.eu/en-in/certifications-en-in/producer-en-in.html
Ethical Tea Partnership: http://www.ethicalteapartnership.org
Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing (BRCGS): https://www.brcgs.com/brcgs/ethical-trade-and-responsible-sourcing/core-standard/
Ethical Trading Initiative: https://www.ethicaltrade.org
EU FLEGT: http://www.euflegt.efi.int/home
EU FLEGT in Laos: https://www.flegtlaos.com
EU FLEGT Voluntary Partnerships Agreement (in Lao): http://www.vpaunpacked.org/documents/10180/410553/Lao-VPAUN-June2017/6a9cf950-f8ec-ea90-2108-726ce3e453e0
EU organic legislation and regulations: https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/farming/organic-farming/legislation_en and https://www.ifoam.bio/en/organic-regulations/list-eu-organic-regulations and https://ioas.org/services/organic-agriculture/european-recognition-programme/
EU organic regulation change (from January 2021): https://www.ifoam-eu.org/en/organic-regulations/new-eu-organic-regulation-what-will-change
EU regulation 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products (valid from 1 January 2021): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2018.150.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2018:150:TOC
EU-wide list of accreditation bodies in member countries: https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/system/files/ged/list_of_eidas_accredited_cabs-2019-0823.pdf
EU Timber Regulation: http://www.euflegt.efi.int/eutr
Fair for Life: http://www.fairforlife.org
Fair Wild: https://www.fairwild.org
Fairtrade (non-USA): http://www.fairtrade.net
Fairtrade for contract production: https://www.fairtrade.net/standard/cp
Fairtrade for small-scale producers: https://www.fairtrade.net/standard/spo
Fairtrade for hired labour: https://www.fairtrade.net/standard/hl
Fairtrade for textiles: https://www.fairtrade.net/standard/textile
Fairtrade USA: http://www.fairtradecertified.org
Fair Wear: https://www.fairwear.org
Florverde Sustainable Flowers: https://florverde.org
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): https://fsc.org/en
Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody (COC): https://fsc.org/en/page/chain-custody-certification
Forest Stewardship Council Forest Management Certification: https://fsc.org/en/page/forest-management-certification
France organic rules: https://www.organicexport.info/france.html
FSSC 22000 (food safety): https://www.fssc22000.com and http://isoupdate.com/standards/fssc-22000/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Food_Safety_Initiative
Garment and textile standards and certification: https://www.textilestandards.com
GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative for the Improvement of Food Safety Management Systems): http://isoupdate.com/standards/gfsi/

Global Coffee Platform (code of conduct): https://www.globalcoffeeplatform.org/latest/2015/new-4c-code-of-conduct
Global Compact: https://www.unglobalcompact.org
Global Food Safety Initiative: https://mygfsi.com/how-to-implement/certification/
Global GAP: https://www.globalgap.org/uk_en/
Global GAP Aquaculture: https://www.aquaculturealliance.org/
Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS): https://www.global-standard.org/certification.html
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC): https://www.gstcouncil.org
Gluten Free Certification Organization: https://gfco.org
Gluten Free Certification (BRCGS): https://www.brcgs.com/brcgs/gluten-free-certification-program/
GMP+ certification: https://www.gmpplus.org/en and http://isoupdate.com/standards/gmp/
Green Globe (for tourism): https://greenglobe.com/green-globe-certification/
Green Key (for tourism): https://www.greenkey.global
GRI Standards: https://www.globalreporting.org/standards
HACCP: http://isoupdate.com/standards/haccp/
Humane Certified: https://certifiedhumane.org
ICO (International Coffee Organisation): http://www.ico.org
India organic rules: https://www.organicexport.info/india.html
International Butterfly Breeders Association: https://www.internationalbutterflybreeders.org
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM): https://www.ifoam.bio
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): https://www.ifrs.org
International Financial Reporting Standards for SMEs: https://www.ifrs.org/issued-standards/ifrs-for-smes/
International Labour Standards (ILO): https://www.ilo.org/global/standards/introduction-to-international-labour-standards/lang--en/index.htm
International Tropical Timber Organisation: https://www.itto.int
IOAS (International Organic Accreditation Service): https://ioas.org/
(ISC)² (cyber-security): https://www.isc2.org
ISCC, ISSC EU and ISCC+ (sustainability): https://www.iscc-system.org
ISO: http://www.iso.org
ISO9000: https://www.iso.org/iso-9001-quality-management.html
ISO9001: https://www.iso.org/standard/62085.html and http://isoupdate.com/resources/what-is-iso-9001/
ISO9004: https://www.iso.org/standard/70397.html
ISO10001 (quality management and customer satisfaction): https://www.iso.org/standard/71579.html
ISO14001: https://www.iso.org/iso-14001-environmental-management.html and http://isoupdate.com/general/iso-14001-explained/
ISO14004: (environmental management system): https://www.iso.org/standard/60856.html
ISO17021 (requirements for certification bodies): https://www.iso.org/standard/61651.html and http://isoupdate.com/standards/iso17021/
ISO20000: https://www.iso.org/standard/70636.html
ISO20400 (sustainable procurement): https://www.iso.org/standard/63026.html
ISO22000: https://www.iso.org/iso-22000-food-safety-management.html and http://isoupdate.com/standards/iso22000/
ISO22301 (business continuity): https://www.iso.org/standard/75106.html
ISO22483 (tourism and related services): https://www.iso.org/standard/73315.html
ISO26000: https://www.iso.org/iso-26000-social-responsibility.html and http://isoupdate.com/standards/iso-26000/
ISO27001: https://www.iso.org/isoiec-27001-information-security.html and http://isoupdate.com/standards/iso-27001/
ISO37001 (anti-bribery management systems): https://www.iso.org/iso-37001-anti-bribery-management.html
ISO44001 (collaborative business relationships): https://www.iso.org/standard/72798.html
ISO45001: https://www.iso.org/iso-45001-occupational-health-and-safety.html and http://isoupdate.com/resources/iso-45001-differ-ohsas-18001/
ISO50001: https://www.iso.org/iso-50001-energy-management.html
ISO56000 (innovation management): https://www.iso.org/news/ref2414.html
Japan organic rules: https://www.organicexport.info/japan.html
Korean agri-food standards: http://www.naqs.go.kr/eng/contents/contents.do?menuId=MN10420
Korea organic rules: https://www.organicexport.info/korea.html
Kosher: http://www.ok.org
Laos Organic: https://www.gmswga.org/standard/laos-organic
Natrue (International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association): https://www.natrue.org
Netherlands organic rules: https://www.organicexport.info/netherlands.html
Non-GMO Project: https://www.nongmoproject.org
Oeko-Tex: https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/
OHSAS 18001: http://isoupdate.com/standards/ohsas18001/
PCI Security Standards: https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org
PEFC: https://www.pefc.org
Peta-approved Vegan: https://www.peta.org.uk/living/peta-approved-vegan/
Planet Proof: https://www.planetproof-international.eu/527/home.html
Plant-based Global Standard (BRCGS): https://www.brcgs.com/brcgs/plant-based-global-standard/
Primus GFS (food safety): http://primusgfs.com
Primus Standard GMP and GAP: https://primusauditingops.com
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification: https://www.pefc.org
Rainforest Alliance: http://www.rainforest-alliance.org
Recycled Claim Standard: https://certifications.controlunion.com/en/certification-programs/certification-programs/rcs-100-recycled-claim-standard
Responsible Jewellery Council: https://www.responsiblejewellery.com/rjc-certification/
Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB): https://rsb.org/news-innovation/certification-news/
SA8000: http://www.sa-intl.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&pageId=1689
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA): https://www.sedex.com/our-services/smeta-audit/
Soil Association certification: https://www.soilassociation.org/certification/
Soil Association standards for food and drink: https://www.soilassociation.org/our-standards/read-our-organic-standards/
Soil Association organic certification for fashion and textiles: https://www.soilassociation.org/certification/fashion-textiles/
Soil Association certification for forestry: https://www.soilassociation.org/certification/forestry/about-our-certification-services/forest-management-fm/
SQF (Safe Quality Food): https://www.sqfi.com and http://isoupdate.com/standards/sqf/
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board: https://www.sasb.org
Sustainable Biomass Program (wood pellets and woodchips): https://sbp-cert.org
Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI): https://www.forests.org
Sustainable Green Printing Partnership: http://sgppartnership.org
Sustainable Travel and Tourism Initiative: https://www.wttc.org/priorities/sustainable-growth/sustainable-travel-tourism-partners/
Sustainably Grown: https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/sustainably-grown-certification
Thailand's Organic Agriculture Certification (ACT): http://actorganic-cert.or.th
Triple Bottom Line (TBL): https://sa-intl.org/programs/tbl/
USA organic rules: https://www.organicexport.info/usa.html
UTZ (now part of Rainforest Alliance): https://utz.org
Veriflora: https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/veriflora-certified-sustainably-grown
World Coffee Research: https://worldcoffeeresearch.org
World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO): https://wfto.com
World Travel and Tourism Council: https://wttc.org
World Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP): http://www.wrapcompliance.org

International Guide to Fair Trade Labels (2020 edition): https://fairworldproject.org/choose-fair/certifier-analysis/international-guide/
Fair World Project: https://fairworldproject.org

International quality standards and certification bodies and companies:
Abcert: https://www.abcert.de/en/
Agrizert: https://www.agrizert.de
APMG International: https://apmg-international.com
Asian EcoTourism (for GSTC training and certification): https://www.asianecotourism.org/gstc-training
Aspirata: http://aspirata.co.za
AsureQuality: http://www.asurequality.com
BSI: http://www.bsigroup.com
Bureau Veritas: http://group.bureauveritas.com / www.bvqi.fr
China Quality Certification Centre: https://www.cqc.com.cn
Common Objective (garments sector): https://www.commonobjective.co/#eff
Control Union: http://certifications.controlunion.com/en
CQC (China Quality Certification Centre): https://www.cqc.com.cn/www/english/
CQM (China Quality Mark Centre): http://www.cqm.com.cn/english/
EarthCheck: https://earthcheck.org/products-services/certification/benchmarking-and-certification
Ecocert: https://www.ecocert-imo.ch/
Eurofins: http://www.eurofins.com
Flocert: http://www.flocert.net
GFA: www.gfa-cert.com
Green Destinations: https://greendestinations.org/awards-certification/
IFOAM: https://www.ifoam.bio
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM): https://www.ifoam.bio
Institute of Global Certification (South Korea): https://www.igcert.org
JICQA (Japan): https://www.jicqa.co.jp/en/
Jlag: http://jlageurope.com
Kiwa: https://www.kiwa.com/en/
Lacon Institut: https://www.lacon-institut.com/en/
Lean Six Sigma Institute: https://www.leansixsigmainstitute.org
Merieux Nutrisciences: https://www.merieuxnutrisciences.com
NSF Certification: https://www.nsf.org
Qima: https://www.qima.com
Quality Assurance International: https://www.qai-inc.com/index.php
SAI Global: https://www.saiglobal.com
SAP Certification: https://www.sap.com/training-certification/certificate.html
SCS Global Services: https://www.scsglobalservices.com
Sedex: https://www.sedexglobal.com
SGS: http://www.sgs.co.th / www.sgs.com / www.sgs.ch
Social Accountability International (SAI): https://sa-intl.org
Toklai Tea Research Association: https://www.tocklai.org
TrainingAid (tourism and travel sector): https://www.trainingaid.org
Travellife: https://www.travelife.info/index_new.php?menu=certification&lang=en
TUV Nord: https://www.tuv-nord.com
TUV Sud: https://www.tuvsud.com/en-in
Verite: https://www.verite.org
Verra: https://verra.org/verra-standards-and-programs/
Vireo (environmental): https://www.vireosrl.it/en
Certification bodies registered in Thailand: https://www.tisi.go.th/onsc-cb-units-branch/en
Certification bodies registered in Vietnam: http://www.boa.gov.vn/en/tim-kiem-chung-nhan

National accreditation bodies (typically responsible for determining the technical competence of organisations offering testing, calibration and certification services):
Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation: https://www.apac-accreditation.org
Australia and New Zealand (joint): https://www.jas-anz.org
Austria: https://www.bmdw.gv.at
Belgium: https://economie.fgov.be/belac
Cambodia: http://www.mih.gov.kh and https://www.iso.org/member/537437.html
Canada: https://www.scc.ca
China: https://www.cnas.org.cn/english/
Europe: https://european-accreditation.org
France: https://www.cofrac.fr
Germany: https://www.dakks.de
Hong Kong: https://www.itc.gov.hk/en/quality/hkas/index.html
India: https://www.qcin.org and http://nabcb.qci.org.in
Indonesia: http://kan.or.id
Ireland: https://www.inab.ie
Italy: https://www.accredia.it
Japan: https://www.jab.or.jp
Malaysia: http://www.jsm.gov.my
Netherlands: https://www.rva.nl
Philippines: https://www.dti.gov.ph/pab/
Russia: https://en.fsa.gov.ru
Singapore: https://www.sac-accreditation.gov.sg
South Korea: https://www.kab.or.kr/English/kab/kab_greeting.html
Sweden: https://www.swedac.se
Switzerland: https://www.sas.admin.ch/sas/en/home.html
Taiwan: https://www.taftw.org.tw
Thailand: https://www.tisi.go.th/home/en
UK: https://www.ukas.com
USA: https://anab.ansi.org
USA (international): https://www.iasonline.org
Vietnam: http://www.boa.gov.vn/en and (STAMEQ) https://tcvn.gov.vn
Global (IAF): https://www.iaf.nu

List of accreditation bodies, by country: https://www.iaf.nu//articles/IAF_MEMBERS_SIGNATORIES/4
List of national standards bodies, by country: https://www.iso.org/members.html

World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO): https://www.wipo.int/portal/en/
Dispute resolution: https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/
Domain names: https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/
Geographical indications: https://www.wipo.int/lisbon/en/
Industrial design: https://www.wipo.int/hague/en/
Patents: https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/
Trademarks: https://www.wipo.int/madrid/en/
WIPO's IP Portal: https://ipportal.wipo.int

WIPO's Competent International Searching Authority and Preliminary Examining Authorities for nationals and residents of Lao PDR:
China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA): http://english.sipo.gov.cn
European Patent Office: https://www.epo.org
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore: https://www.ipos.gov.sg
Japan Patent Office (JPO): https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/
Korean Intellectual Property Office: https://www.kipo.go.kr/en

Others:
International Training Centre (ILO): https://www.itcilo.org
Cost of ISO Certification: http://isoupdate.com/general/the-cost-of-iso-certification/
Information on organic standards for various export markets: https://www.organicexport.info/about.html
A good primer on BDS for inclusive businesses: http://www.inclusivebusiness.net/sites/default/files/wp/Inclusive-Business-Development-Services-Series-from-The-Practitioner-Hub.pdf
DCED's Guiding Principles on BDS: http://www.enterprise-development.org/dced-guidance/business-development-services-dced-guiding-principles
BDS sector analysis: http://www.bibalex.org/Search4Dev/files/371995/209966.pdf
Guide to various vegan labels: http://vegan-labels.info

Resources provided by Skills Commons (https://www.skillscommons.org):
Browse all by topic / industry: https://www.skillscommons.org/browse?type=industry
Browse accommodation and food services topics: https://www.skillscommons.org/discover?query=industry%3A+%22Accommodation+and+Food+Services%22
Browse educational services topics: https://www.skillscommons.org/discover?query=industry%3A+%22Educational+Services%22
Browse management of companies and enterprises topics: https://www.skillscommons.org/discover?query=industry%3A+%22Management+of+Companies+and+Enterprises%22
Browse wholesale trading topics: https://www.skillscommons.org/discover?query=industry%3A+%22Wholesale+Trade%22

Also, check out the links to a wide range of technology-driven software, apps and e-platforms designed for businesses, available on our Covid-19 resources page.

Publications and PSD websites:
BEAM Evidence Review: https://beamexchange.org/resources/1226/
Financial service providers: https://nexusfordevelopment.org/lift/finance-solutions-map/
Lao garment sector case study: https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/casestudies_e/case22_e.htm
BEAM Exchange: https://beamexchange.org
Donor Committee for Enterprise Development: http://www.enterprise-development.org

The ILO on:
Women's entrepreneurship development: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_emp/@emp_ent/@ifp_seed/documents/publication/wcms_175471.pdf
Entrepreneurship and SME management training: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_emp/@emp_ent/@ifp_seed/documents/publication/wcms_175474.pdf
Responsible workplace practices: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_emp/@emp_ent/@ifp_seed/documents/publication/wcms_175472.pdf

ILO's 'Improve Your Business' materials:
Generate your business idea:
https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/start-and-improve-your-business/WCMS_436192/lang--en/index.htm
Start your business:
https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/start-and-improve-your-business/WCMS_436201/lang--en/index.htm

Business planning:
https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/start-and-improve-your-business/WCMS_584176/lang--en/index.htm
Costing:
https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/start-and-improve-your-business/WCMS_436203/lang--en/index.htm
Marketing:
https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/start-and-improve-your-business/WCMS_436204/lang--en/index.htm
Buying and stock control:
https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/start-and-improve-your-business/WCMS_436202/lang--en/index.htm
Record keeping:
https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/start-and-improve-your-business/WCMS_436207/lang--en/index.htm
Planning:
https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/start-and-improve-your-business/WCMS_436206/lang--en/index.htm
People and productivity:
https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/start-and-improve-your-business/WCMS_436205/lang--en/index.htm

PSD and gender issues:
Empowering women entrepreneurs in developing countries: https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Empowering-women-entreprenuers-in-developing-countries-190215.pdf
Enhancing the productivity of women-owned enterprises: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308609965_Enhancing_the_productivity_of_women-owned_enterprises_the_evidence_on_what_works_and_a_research_agenda/link/57e8871408ae9227da9f09a0/download
How to grow women-owned businesses: https://idl-bnc-idrc.dspacedirect.org/bitstream/handle/10625/56366/IDL-56366.pdf
Supporting Growth-Oriented Women Entrepreneurs: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/301891468327585460/pdf/92210-REPLACEMENT-Supporting-Growth-Oriented-Women-Entrepreneurs-A-Review-of-the-Evidence-and-Key-Challenge.pdf
Women, Business and the Law 2020: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/32639/9781464815324.pdf

Website resources and downloadable guides:
The essential guide to selling on eBay: https://www.shopify.com/guides/sell-on-ebay
How to sell your products on Amazon: https://www.shopify.com/guides/sell-on-amazon
Advertising your products on Facebook: https://www.shopify.com/blog/facebook-ads
Guide to Dropshipping: https://www.shopify.com/guides/dropshipping
Beginner's guide to e-commerce shipping and fulfilment: https://www.shopify.com/blog/shipping-and-fulfillment
How to build, launch and grow an online store: https://www.shopify.com/blog/ecommerce-business-blueprint
Search engine optimisation (SEO) guide: https://www.shopify.com/academy/courses/seo

EU-FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade):
http://www.euflegt.efi.int/home

Information for Lao companies seeking to export to Europe:
www.cbi.eu
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tradehelp/

EU's key regulations on organic products:
834: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32007R0834
889: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32008R0889
1235: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32008R1235

Information for Lao companies seeking to export coffee and food products to the US:

International Coffee Organisation:
http://www.ico.org
Monthly international coffee market reports: http://www.ico.org/Market-Report-19-20-e.asp
Daily coffee prices: http://www.ico.org/coffee_prices.asp
Trade statistics for coffee: http://www.ico.org/trade_statistics.asp
Vuna Consulting: https://www.vunaoriginconsulting.com/

ITC:
International Trade Centre: http://www.intracen.org
Global market price information in real time: https://mpi.intracen.org
Global trade map: https://www.trademap.org/Index.aspx
Market access map: https://macmap.org
Market analysis tools portal: https://marketanalysis.intracen.org/en
Rules of origin facilitator: https://findrulesoforigin.org
SME Trade Academy: https://learning.intracen.org/?redirect=0

Lao PDR trade portal:
https://www.laotradeportal.gov.la

Lao PDR trade in services portal:
http://www.laoservicesportal.gov.la/index.php

Voluntary standards in Laos:
https://www.laotradeportal.gov.la/index.php?r=SearchMeasures/standard

Third country trade portals and information repositories:
ASEAN: https://atr.asean.org
Myanmar: https://myanmartradeportal.gov.mm/en
Thailand: http://www.thailandntr.com/en
Vietnam: https://www.vietnamtradeportal.gov.vn

Laos and the World Trade Organisation (WTO):
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/lao_e.htm
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/daily_update_e/trade_profiles/LA_e.pdf
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/devel_e/a4t_e/profiles_e/LAO_e.pdf

Laos and ASEAN:
https://asean.org/asean-economic-community/
https://asean.org/asean-economic-community/asean-free-trade-area-afta-council/
https://asean.org/asean-economic-community/asean-investment-area-aia-council/
https://asean.org/asean-economic-community/free-trade-agreements-with-dialogue-partners/
https://tariff-finder.asean.org/index.php?page=atiga

Purchasing managers' indices (monthly) for a range of export markets:
https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Release/PressReleases

Some providers of trade finance in Laos:
http://www.acledabank.com.la/la/eng/ps_tradefinance
https://www.bcel.com.la/bcel/product.html?prid=tf&lang=en
https://www.bfl-bred.com/corporate/trade-finance
https://www.krungsri.com/bank/en/international-branches/laos/finance.html
https://www.bangkokbank.com/en/International-Banking/Asean/Laos-Business-Banking

International timber trade portal:
https://www.timbertradeportal.com/en/

Thailand's Food and Drug Administration:
http://www.fda.moph.go.th/sites/fda_en/Pages/Main.aspx
Food department: http://www.fda.moph.go.th/sites/FDA_EN/SitePages/Food.aspx?IDitem=CB
Registered certifying bodies for Thailand FDA: http://www.fda.moph.go.th/sites/food/SitePages/Unit.aspx
Organic regulation (Nov. 2019): http://actorganic-cert.or.th/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CertAll_Std_v-1.0.pdf

Tourism in the Mekong:
https://www.mekongtourism.org

Premier international and regional trade fairs and expos:
All Things Organic (US): https://ota.com/programs-and-events/ota-expo-east
Anuga (food tech): http://www.anugafoodtec.com
Anuga (food and beverages): http://www.anuga.com
Asia Fruit Logistia (Singapore): https://www.asiafruitlogistica.com
Biofach (organic): https://www.biofach.de/en
Drinktec: https://www.drinktec.com/en/
Fair Friends (sustainable business): https://www.fair-friends.de/en/home/
Fine Food Australia: https://finefoodaustralia.com.au
Food and Hotel Asia (Singapore): http://www.foodnhotelasia.com
Food and Hotel China: http://www.fhcchina.com/cn/
Food and Hotel Hanoi: https://foodnhotelhanoi.com/en-us/
Foodex Japan: https://www.jma.or.jp/foodex/en/
Food Ingredients China: http://www.cfaa.cn/lxweb/toIndex.action?type=fic.en
Fruit Logistica: https://www.fruitlogistica.com
Heimtextil (home and contract textiles): https://heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html
Have Events (various): https://hyve.group/Home
Health Ingredients (Frankfurt, food ingredients): https://www.figlobal.com/hieurope/en/home.html
Informa Markets (various events): https://www.informamarkets.com/en/home.html
IPM International Plant Show (horticulture): https://www.ipm-essen.de/world-trade-fair/
ISM (sweets and snacks): https://www.ism-cologne.com
MADE (Paris, private label, A-brand, and customised products): https://www.madeparis.com
Natural Products Expo-East (US): https://www.expoeast.com/en/home.html
Natural Products Expo-West (US): https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html
Private Label trade show (US): https://www.plma.com
Reed Exhibitions (various events): https://www.reedexhibitions.com
Seoul Food and Hotel: http://www.seoulfood.or.kr/m/eng/index.asp
SIAL (Paris, food): https://www.sialparis.com
SIAL China (Shanghai, food): https://event.sialchina.com
SIRHA (Lyon, hospitality and food): https://www.sirha.com/en
Snackex (Hamburg, savoury snacks): https://www.snackex.com
Specialty Coffee Expo (US): https://coffeeexpo.org
Supermarket Trade Show (Japan): http://www.smts.jp/en/index.html
Thaifex Anuga Asia (food and beverage): https://thaifex-anuga.com/en/
Veganfach (vegan products): https://www.veganfach.com
Veggie & frei von (vegetarian products): https://www.messe-stuttgart.de/veggie/
World Dairy Expo (US): https://worlddairyexpo.com
World Tea Expo: https://www.worldteaexpo.com

Trade finance explained:
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/trade-finance-explained-5-facts-you-need-to-know-3953592

UNCTAD's BioTrade Initiative:
https://unctad.org/en/Pages/DITC/Trade-and-Environment/BioTrade/BT-Initiative-Linking-programme.aspx
EU's Non-tariff measures (NTMs) applicable to biodiversity and BioTrade products: Personal care, food and phytopharma sectors: https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ditcted2018d8_en.pdf
Japan's Non-tariff measures (NTMs) applicable to biodiversity and BioTrade products: Personal care, food and phytopharma sectors: https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ditcted2018d7_en.pdf
USA's Non-tariff measures (NTMs) applicable to biodiversity and BioTrade products: Personal care, food and phytopharma sectors: https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ditcted2018d10_en.pdf

World Customs Organisation:
http://www.wcoomd.org

Food and drug administrations for select export markets:
China: http://www.nmpa.gov.cn
Japan: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/foodsafety/
South Korea: https://www.mfds.go.kr/eng/index.do
Thailand: http://www.fda.moph.go.th/Pages/HomeP_D2.aspx
USA: https://www.fda.gov/home / https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/home
Vietnam (food only): https://vfa.gov.vn

Importing animal and plant products into the US:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport

WTO publications:
Lao PDR Trade Policy Review (Nov. 2019): https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp494_e.htm
Trade Profiles 2019: https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/trade_profiles19_e.htm
World Trade Statistical Review 2019: https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/wts2019_e/wts19_toc_e.htm
Aid for Trade at a Glance 2019: https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/aid4trade19_e.htm
World Tariff Profiles 2019: https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/world_tariff_profiles19_e.htm
Trade and Food Standards: https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/tradefoodfao17_e.htm

Lao government agencies and resources:
Laos: Department of Standardization & Metrology (DoSM), Ministry of Science & Technology: https://www.iso.org/member/537437.html
Laos: Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Science & Technology: https://dip.gov.la/ and https://www.wipo.int/directory/en/contact.jsp?country_id=98&type=ADMIN
National industrial design collection: https://www3.wipo.int/designdb/en/?q=%7B%22filters%22:[%7B%22fi%22:%22SOURCE%22,%22te%22:%22LAID%22%7D]%7D
National patent collection: https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/result.jsf?query=CTR:LA
National trademark collection: https://www3.wipo.int/branddb/en/?q=%7B%22filters%22:[%7B%22fi%22:%22SOURCE%22,%22te%22:%22LATM%22%7D]%7D
Office of origin (trademarks): https://www3.wipo.int/branddb/en/?q=%7B%22searches%22:[%7B%22co%22:%22AND%22,%22fi%22:%22OO%22,%22te%22:%22LA%22%7D]%7D

Relevant laws and regulations:
Law on intellectual property (2018): https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/legislation/details/18024
Decree on import and export management (2001): https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/legislation/details/6028
Decree on patents and industrial design (2002): https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/legislation/details/5787
Decree on trademark registration (1995): https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/legislation/details/5785
Decree on trade competition (2004): https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/legislation/details/5788
Regulation on the Implementation of Decree on Patent, Petty Patent and Industrial Designs (2003): https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/legislation/details/5926
Regulation on the Registration of Trademarks (2002): https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/legislation/details/5930

Publications:
Entrepreneur Eco-system in Laos (2019) in Lao language: https://english.dggf.nl/publications/publications/2019/4/30/ctg-regional-report-mekong-in-laotian
Entrepreneur Eco-system in Laos (2019) in English language: https://english.dggf.nl/publications/publications/2019/4/30/ctg-laos
Export potential in Lao PDR for processed wood and specialty agriculture: https://umbraco.exportpotential.intracen.org/media/1148/lao-report_final.pdf
Laos Enterprise Survey (2016): http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/214641482731818886/pdf/111256-WP-PUBLIC-Lao-PDR-2016.pdf
Laos Enterprise Survey (2018): https://www.enterprisesurveys.org/en/data/exploreeconomies/2018/lao-pdr
Lao Labour Force Survey 2017: www.lsb.gov.la/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Labor-force_report-22-june_ENG.pdf
Laos in the 'Doing Business' global survey (summary): http://www.doingbusiness.org/en/data/exploreeconomies/lao-pdr
Laos in the 'Doing Business' global survey (full report): http://www.doingbusiness.org/content/dam/doingBusiness/country/l/lao-pdr/LAO.pdf
Laos Logistics Capacity Assessment: https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/DLCA/Lao+People%27s+Democratic+Republic
Laos Logistics Performance Index (World Bank): https://lpi.worldbank.org/international/scorecard/radar/254/C/LAO/2018#chartarea
Laos Statistical Yearbook 2018: http://www.lsb.gov.la/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Statistical-Yearbook-2018.pdf
Laos Trade and Private Sector Development Roadmap: https://www.enhancedif.org/en/country-profile/lao-pdr
OECD Investment Policy Review: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/9789264276055-en.pdf
Socio-economic atlas of Laos: https://laos.opendevelopmentmekong.net/announcements/socio-economic-atlas-of-the-lao-pdr-2015-launched
Standards measurement in Laos: https://trade4devnews.enhancedif.org/en/impact-story/better-business-making-standard-measurements-work-lao-pdr
Statistical Report on Tourism in Laos (2018): https://www.tourismlaos.org/files/files/Statistical%20Report%20on%20Tourism%20in%20Laos/2018%20Statistical%20Report%20on%20Tourism.pdf
Trade in Laos: https://trade4devnews.enhancedif.org/en/qa/phouvieng-phongsa-examining-lao-pdrs-trade-journey
Various business laws (Ministry of Planning and Investment): http://www.investlaos.gov.la/index.php/start-up/laws-and-regulations

Websites:
Access to finance (for SMEs): http://smelaos.com/access-to-finance
Arise Plus Laos: http://www.t4dlaos.org/eu-ict-project/
Dept. for Intellectual Property (MoST): https://dip.gov.la/?lang=en
ITC in Laos: http://www.intracen.org/country/lao-pdr
Lao Business Forum: http://lncci.la/about-lbf
Lao Coffee Association: https://laocoffeeproductprice.la
Lao Competitiveness and Trade project: http://www.t4dlaos.org/lct-project/
Lao e-commerce platform: http://www.plaosme.com
Lao Statistics Bureau: http://www.lsb.gov.la
Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry: http://lncci.la
Made in Laos: http://lncci.la/made-in-laos/
Ministry of Industry and Commerce: http://www.moic.gov.la
Nexus for Development: https://nexusfordevelopment.org
SME Access to Finance project (SMEA2F): http://www.t4dlaos.org/small-and-medium-enterprise-access-to-finance-smea2f-project/
SME Service Centre: http://smelaos.com
Trade for Development (T4D): http://www.t4dlaos.org
T4SD (Trade for Sustainable Development) Hub Lao: https://sustainabilitymap.org/laopdr
Women's Entrepreneurial Centre: http://www.facebook.com/laoswec/
World Bank in Laos: http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lao

Agricultural sector development and challenges in Southeast Asia:
https://www.asiafoodchallenge.com/documents/afc-report-122019.pdf

Alternative e-commerce platforms:
https://www.bigcartel.com
https://www.amazon.com/Handmade
https://www.shopify.com
https://www.squarespace.com
https://www.wix.com

Banking services for Lao women entrepreneurs:
http://www.bfl-bred.com/banking-on-women

Consumer goods trade fairs:
https://www.conzoom.solutions/en/world-map-trade-fairs

Ebay seller hub:
https://www.ebay.com/sh/landing/1

ERP:
https://news.sap.com/2019/09/what-is-erp-and-why-it-matters

Ethical Trading Initiative:
https://www.ethicaltrade.org

Floriculture Sustainability Initiative:
https://fsi2020.com

Facebook shops (helping sell businesses sell on-line):
https://about.fb.com/news/2020/05/introducing-facebook-shops/

Google adverts:
For hotels: https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/9238461

How to sell your products on Alibaba.com:
https://seller.alibaba.com/training.htm
https://seller.alibaba.com/ggs/en-US/newProductLanding.html

IFC's Food Safety Handbook:
https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/industry_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/agribusiness/resources/food+safety+handbook

Inclusive Business Toolkit:
https://www.inclusivebusiness.net/IB-training/toolkit/inclusive-business-toolkit

Leading international exhibitions and trade fairs:
Coffee and tea (Singapore): https://www.tradefairdates.com/ICT-Expo-M11500/Singapore.html
Consumer goods: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html
Food and drink (Bangkok): https://thaifex-anuga.com/en/
Furniture (Singapore): https://www.tradefairdates.com/International-Furniture-Fair-IFFS-M12913/Singapore.html
Garments and textiles (Shanghai): https://intertextile-shanghai-apparel-fabrics-spring.hk.messefrankfurt.com/shanghai/en.html#info
Home and contract textiles: heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html
Home interiors and decorations: www.maison-objet.com/en/paris
Organic food (fairs held in Nuremberg, Shanghai, Delhi and Tokyo): https://www.biofach.de/en
Tea: https://www.worldteaexpo.com/en/home.html

On-line courses relating to business, finance and management:
www.edx.org/course/subject/business-management
https://www.coursera.org/browse/business
https://www.futurelearn.com/subjects/business-and-management-courses
https://www.udemy.com/courses/business/
http://www.edx.org/professional-certificate/berkeleyx-science-of-happiness-at-work
https://www.getsmarter.com/courses/categories/entrepreneurship-management-courses
https://www.getsmarter.com/courses/categories/business-management-courses
https://www.getsmarter.com/courses/categories/finance
https://www.getsmarter.com/courses/categories/hospitality-and-events-management
https://www.getsmarter.com/courses/categories/talent-management-hr
https://www.fe.training/store/category/online-courses/

Free on-line training courses from ILO:
Disability in the workplace: https://www.itcilo.org/courses/disability-workplace
Fire safety management: https://www.itcilo.org/courses/fire-safety-management
Introduction to International Labour Standards: https://www.itcilo.org/courses/introduction-international-labour-standards
Tools for quality apprenticeships in enterprises: https://www.itcilo.org/courses/tools-quality-apprenticeships-enterprises

ITC's e-learning campus (training courses):
https://ecampus.itcilo.org

Regional Investment Support for Entrepreneurs (RISE): https://nexusfordevelopment.org/content/uploads/2019/06/NexusforDevelopment_CaseStudy_SwissContact.pdf

Risk management in tourism:
https://research.earthcheck.org/media/7635/tourism-risk-management.pdf

Sustainable Spices Initiative:
https://www.idhsustainabletrade.com/initiative/sustainable-spices-initiative

SME Trade Academy:
https://learning.intracen.org

Social Finance Academy:
https://social-finance-academy.org

Coffee:
ASEAN Coffee Federation: http://aseancoffee.org
International Coffee Organization: http://www.ico.org
World Coffee Research: https://worldcoffeeresearch.org 

Tea:
Lao Tea Appreciation Society: https://laotea.org