Project

A. General Information

1. Title

Lao PDR eCO system

2. Status of the project
Operating
3. Implementation period of the project/service:
From
2024
To
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4. Website
https://www.usaid.gov/laos/press-releases/jul-31-2024-lao-pdr-unveils-electroni…
5. Geographical coverage
Bilateral
Participating countries: Lao People’s Democratic Republic, United States of America
Hub Point: United States of America
6. Participating agencies/entities of the project/service:
a. Development stage
Lead agencies/entities
Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Lao PDR), USAID (USA).
Other participating agencies/entities
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b. Operational stage
Lead agencies/entities (op)
Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Lao PDR).
Other participating agencies/entities (op)
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7. Main stakeholders/beneficiaries of the project
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8. Business process category of the project
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B. Lessons Learned

9. Summary description of the project/service
Brief Summary

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) of Lao PDR, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the enhanced Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) Issuing System.

United States Agency for International Development - Wikipedia

 

a. Objective(s)

e-CO provides a convenient and fully digital way for businesses to obtain Preferential Certificates of Origin for their exports, saving them time and money. It simplifies export procedures, streamlines customs procedures, reduces delays and costs associated with documentation and facilitates the movement of goods. 

b. Business need for the project (background)

Electronic certificates of origin allow to streamline trade and customs processes, thus reducing associated cost and time.

c. Business process covered*

Exchange of certificate of origin

d. Overall architecture and functionalities*
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e. Relevant document/figure
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10. Documents and data exchanged via the project

Certificates of origin

11. Data models/databases, proprietary solutions, hybrid approaches
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12. Main challenges faced during the project
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13. Lessons learned from the project

The enhanced e-CO system offers a multitude of benefits for Laos’s businesses.  By enabling them to export eligible goods at reduced or exempt tariffs, the system enhances the competitiveness of companies in the Lao PDR in the global market.  Additionally, it streamlines customs procedures, reducing delays and costs associated with obtaining documentation.  This, in turn, facilitates the swift movement of goods, fostering smoother trade flows.  Ultimately, it will unlock new opportunities for businesses, leading to increased investment, job creation, and overall economic prosperity for Lao PDR. In recent years, the United States, through the USAID Laos Business Environment project, has collaborated closely with MOIC to facilitate trade and foster a more conducive environment for investment, trade, and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.  This partnership has led to the development and amendment of several regulations and procedures, including the enhancement of systems and platforms.

14. Main benefit(s) of the project
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14A. Elaborations/detailed description on benefits gained
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15. Technical/financial/capacity building/other assistance

Assistance from USAID.

16. Future plan for expansion of the project
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17. Other information or relevant references on the project
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18. Relevant document regarding the project
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C. Relevant Standards

19. Name(s) of any international, national legal instrument underpinning the project
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20. Electronic message standard
20A. Electronic message standard supporting the project
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20B. Type of standard for electronic message applied for the project
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21. Technical communication standard
21A. Technical communication standard supporting the project
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21B. Type of technical communication standard applied for the project
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22. Security-related standards*
22A. Security-related standard supporting the project
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22B. Type of security-related standard applied for the project
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23. Other Technical Information
23A. Interface developed for data exchange with an internal system
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23B. Other technical implementation information
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