EU-Laos Initiative on EUDR Readiness and Sustainable Trade

On 21 February 2025, EuroCham Laos supported the final session of the EU-Laos Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane.

This final session brought together key stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of the EUDR’s objectives and requirements. One of the highlights included the presentation of study results on supply chain traceability and legal production, followed by productive discussions on practical steps to enhance EUDR readiness in Lao PDR.

Co-hosted by H.E. Mr. Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to Laos, and H.E. Mr. Kikeo SINGNAVONG, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, the workshop welcomed participants from the Lao government, private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners. Together, they examined the regulation’s implications for Laos and explored opportunities to promote sustainable, deforestation-free supply chains.

The Vientiane workshop marked the culmination of a nationwide series of EUDR-focused events previously held in Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang and Pakse. Each session underlined the strong Laos-EU partnership and emphasized the shared commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

With EUDR adopted in June 2023 as part of the European Green Deal, the regulation requires transparency and sustainable sourcing in the supply chains of commodities such as cattle, coffee, rubber, and wood. Throughout the workshop series, EuroCham Laos has remained committed to supporting dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building to ensure Lao stakeholders are well-prepared for EUDR implementation.