Responsible Business Conduct Forum 2022

On 17 February 2022, The European Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the European Union in Laos, The Office of the Embassy of Canada to Laos, Austcham Lao PDR and the British Business Group Lao PDR co-hosted the 3rd Responsible Business Conduct Forum.

The event, which attracted more than 100 participants online, featured a series of panel discussions which illustrated the benefits of a strong commitment to CSR with business leaders members of the international and local private sector, government officials, development partners, international organizations, and civil society.

Speaking of the Forum, Peter Fodge, President of ECCIL EuroCham said “It’s exciting to see how investors and businesses in Laos, through their chambers of commerce and with strong support from several foreign embassies, now are increasing their attention to Responsible Business Conduct and sustainable business practices. Sustainability is today an integrated part of ECCIL EuroCham’s daily work with the objective of demonstrating and promoting a long tradition of European RBC values in Lao business. By setting good examples, we can hopefully foster a general appreciation of Quality Investments leading to a more sustainable development of the country.”

Ina Marčiulionytë, EU Ambassador to Laos added “During a critical period like the COVID-19 pandemic filled with uncertainty, it is important to stay strongly committed to working together in a sustainable way. As Lao PDR prepares itself to reopen for tourism and attract new investments, to support its economic recovery from the pandemic, the issue of an environmentally and socially responsible private sector has become crucial. Indeed, the private sector has a central role to play in what we call the “Build Back Better” agenda following the pandemic.”

During the forum, participants discussed how to link principles of CSR tools and standards for green and inclusive economy to business action plans where a green growth strategy is applied to promote electric vehicles and public transports to pursue the emission reduction agenda. CSR towards Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace was another key highlight discussed during the forum to understand that “diversity” is about differences, and “inclusion” is the way these differences are harnessed and brought together to reap the greatest possible value for companies and society, and for individuals.