On 8 October 2026, EuroCham Laos joined ProFEB and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) at the ProFEB office, GIZ Laos, for the kick-off of the project "Strengthening Forest-Based Value Chains through Capacity Development in Laos".
EuroCham Laos is proud to have been chosen by GIZ, supported by the European Union, to carry out this initiative. It offers a meaningful chance for us to apply our expertise and assist the numerous network members involved in forest-based value chains.
The project aims to raise productivity, quality and standards among forest-based value chain actors across targeted provinces, in line with EU trade regulations. It will provide capacity building for SMEs across multiple value chains, reflecting both traditional livelihoods and emerging market opportunities in Laos. It will reach the bamboo, timber and rubber, furniture and wood processing, handicraft and beekeeping sectors. Training will cover business writing, market access, marketing and export readiness, among other topics.
The LNCCI SME Service Center will collaborate on the initiative, working side by side with ECCIL to deliver the activities. Its Provincial Chambers and their networks across the provinces will help bring the training closer to the producers and enterprises it is meant for.
EU trade regulations set increasingly demanding requirements for product quality and standards. By helping Lao producers and enterprises meet them, the project supports more reliable, compliant supply chains and stronger business links between Laos and Europe.
ECCIL members active in forest-based value chains will be among the direct beneficiaries, with access to training and support tailored to their needs. At the same time, the Chamber will engage with other members, drawing on their expertise and experience to help deliver the capacity-building activities.