On the morning of 15 July 2026, in Vientiane Capital, the National Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee (NTTFC) convened its 4th Nationwide Meeting both in-person and virtual formats. The meeting was organized to present the progress report on the implementation of trade and transport facilitation activities covering the period from the second half of 2025 to the first half of 2026, determine the strategic directions and operational work plan for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, and discuss key issues related to trade and transport facilitation.
The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Santiphab Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Chair of the NTTFC. Participants included ministers, vice ministers, governors and vice governors of provinces and Vientiane Capital, representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, Provincial and Vientiane Capital Departments of Industry and Commerce, as well as representatives of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), who attended both in person and via virtuality
During the meeting, achieved implementation results and together with the proposed work plan for the 2026–2027 fiscal year were presented. Beside, number of issues relating to trade and transport facilitation were discussed including the collection of dry port service fees; the implementation of the Prime Minister's Decree No. 298/PM on Dry Ports; the collection of taxes and fees on the movement and export of agricultural products and non-timber forest products; the expansion of the National Single Window Plus (NSWA+) system; the management of freight vehicle weight limits; the collection of road user charges and fines; rail-to-rail freight transportation charges; the management of transshipment warehouses and container yards; as well as other constraints affecting trade and transport. Furthermore, the meeting provided an open commendation for participants to exchange views and engage in frank and constructive discussions on the issues raised
In his concluding remarks, the Chair emphasized that trade and transport facilitation is of critical importance to advancing the country's socio-economic development and remains one of the Government's key priorities in addressing the economic and financial challenges facing the Lao People's Democratic Republic. He further instructed the Secretariat of the National Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee to continue strengthening coordination with relevant sectors to ensure the effective resolution of outstanding issues in accordance with the agreed work plan. Particular emphasis was placed on reducing unnecessary roadside checkpoints, expanding the use of National Single Window Plus (NSWA+) system for import and export licensing, and addressing other issues related to trade and transport facilitation.
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