Vision for a Sustainable Future
The Lao Green Business Forum 2025, convened on October 24, 2025, at the Amari Vientiane Hotel, marked a significant step in the Lao People's Democratic Republic's ambition to become the future Green Business Hub of ASEAN. The event brought together more than 150 participants from various sectors, including government, business, finance, academia, and development, all committed to fostering sustainable enterprise in the region.
Co-organized by XM Technovator (XMT) and the Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Forest Ecopreneurs Incubation Program, the forum emphasized the integration of innovation and environmental stewardship.
Key Addresses and Commitments
During the forum, Xaysompheng Sengkhamyong, Director of the Production Forest Management Division, underscored the government's dedication to sustainable growth, stating that 'Laos must now move from resource extraction to resource regeneration.' This statement reflects a broader policy shift aimed at leveraging the country's natural resources to fuel an inclusive, low-carbon economy.
Alexis Corblin, UNEP's Senior Technical Advisor, highlighted the critical need to align policy, finance, and innovation to unlock green value chains. Corblin remarked, 'UNEP is proud to see Laos taking proactive steps to build a green economy that aligns conservation with competitiveness,' and added that 'The Forest Ecopreneurs initiative demonstrates that protecting forests can also drive growth, create jobs, and inspire new forms of investment.'
Viboon Sithimolada, Vice President of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Laos (YEAL), affirmed YEAL's readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to position Laos as a center for sustainable business in ASEAN.
Showcasing Green Innovation
A central feature of the forum was the Forest Ecopreneurs Incubation 2025 Final Pitching Competition, which celebrated promising green innovators from 13 provinces across Laos. This initiative is part of the broader Forest Ecopreneurs Program, implemented by XMT in partnership with MAF, UNEP, and Bridge for Billions. The program successfully supported 29 early-stage enterprises this year, with 21 ventures graduating, all focused on forest-friendly and sustainable business models.
Ophakorn Kouphokham, XM Technovator's Managing Director, expressed the goal of making the Lao Green Business Forum an annual event to connect innovators, investors, and institutions, fostering the co-creation of sustainable solutions.
Broader National Green Initiatives
The forum aligns with Laos' ongoing commitment to green growth and sustainable development. The nation has been actively pursuing a National Green Growth Strategy and has launched initiatives such as the Joint Programme on Green and Climate Finance in partnership with the United Nations and Luxembourg, aimed at transforming the country's economy towards sustainability and resilience. These efforts are crucial as Laos works towards its anticipated graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.
5 Comments
KittyKat
This is fantastic news for Laos and the entire ASEAN region! A true step forward.
Africa
Conferences are easy. Implementing real change in rural areas is the hard part.
Katchuka
The ambition to become a green business hub is commendable, however, the practical challenges of transitioning away from traditional resource-based economies will be immense for many local communities. We need to see clear plans for supporting these shifts.
Muchacho
It's positive to see the focus on forest ecopreneurs and innovation, but the long-term success hinges on robust funding and market access for these small ventures. Scaling them up effectively will be a significant hurdle.
Stan Marsh
Graduating from LDC status through green growth is an admirable goal, but the transition must be managed very carefully. It's important to avoid leaving behind vulnerable communities who currently rely on existing resource-based livelihoods that might be phased out.