Project Background
The objective of the USAID Laos Business Environment Activity is to strengthen national-level facilitation and continuous improvement of the Laos Business Environment and enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This approach will enable SMEs to make a more significant contribution to Lao PDR’s economic growth, employment and income generation for Lao citizens. Businesses that are more competitive will influence further efforts by the government to foster a business ecosystem that allows for further innovation and growth. A healthy business environment sets the stage, in turn, for improved firm productivity and, thus, firm-level competitiveness. It is envisioned that the Government of Lao PDR (GoL), in partnership with the private sector, will be able to effectively facilitate a market economy by providing necessary support to SMEs and eliminating constraints for businesses to grow.
The project is organized under three intermediate results which also constitute the project components.
Digital Economy Framework Agreement
Digital transformation is a crucial enabler of economic growth and prosperity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. With its rapidly growing internet market, ASEAN has the potential to reap enormous economic benefits from the digital economy. In recognition of these opportunities, ASEAN Leaders called for a strategic, holistic, and coordinated approach to inclusive and accelerated digital transformation. Part of that strategy is to commence negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in 2023 and conclude it by the end of 2025, which is expected to lay the foundation for doubling the value of the ASEAN Digital Economy to USD 2 trillion by 2030. The DEFA will provide a comprehensive and harmonized framework for ASEAN cooperation on digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, cybersecurity, digital identity, digital payments, digital infrastructure, and emerging digital technologies. It will establish a rules-based environment to promote open, secure, interoperable, competitive, and inclusive digital markets in the ASEAN region. It is expected to have a significant impact on the ASEAN region, boosting trade and investment, creating jobs, and improving the lives of millions of people. It will also help ASEAN to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing digital world and maintain its position as a global economic leader.
Objectives
The USAID Laos Business Environment Activity seeks to engage an international consultant to assist the Department of Foreign Trade Policy (DFTP), Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in preparing for the DEFA negotiations based on the Framework for Negotiating ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement. The international consultant will, with assistance from the national consultant, assess and analyze Lao PDR’s current digital economy framework and landscape for its readiness in comparison to the other ASEAN Member States, draft a DEFA negotiation roadmap for Lao PDR, make recommendations to Lao PDR’s legal framework in anticipation of the negotiation results, and build capacity for the relevant negotiators.
This assignment is based in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. The consultant may work from his/her home base, and leverage digital technology to provide the necessary technical assistance.
Period of Performance: The proposed timeframe for this assignment is January through April 2024, with an estimated total input of 25 days.
Responsibilities
The International Consultant will be required to:
Draft Lao PDR’s DEFA: Summary Findings and Recommendations Report for GoL’s comments and review
Review Lao PDR’s digital economy landscape
Design and lead an assessment of Lao PDR’s current digital economy framework and landscape for its readiness in comparison to the other ASEAN Member States (AMSs) in coordination with a national consultant and relevant public officials
Make practical recommendations to Lao PDR’s legal framework to close the gaps between Lao PDR’s digital economy framework and other AMSs in anticipation of the DEFA negotiation results, including outlining the required amendments to key legislations and regulations.
Finalize Lao PDR’s DEFA: Summary Findings and Recommendations Report based on GoL’s comments
Develop DEFA negotiation roadmap for Lao PDR
Conduct a rapid assessment of the relevant public officials’ knowledge of digital economy issues and, based on the assessment, deliver a capacity-building program(s) for the relevant public officials on prioritized issues such as digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, payments and e-invoicing, digital ID and authentication, online safety and cybersecurity, cross-border data flows and data protection, competition policy, and/or talent mobility and cooperation in preparation for the DEFA negotiations
Engage with key stakeholders in the digital economy to understand the bottlenecks
Link any digital economy bottlenecks with recommendations
Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders at different stages (at least 2 occasions, before the first and after the last negotiation round on DEFA under Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship)
Validate the Lao PDR’s DEFA: Summary Findings and Recommendations Report and DEFA negotiation roadmap for Lao PDR with stakeholders
Consult with and raise awareness of stakeholders on particular areas where the recommendations are proposed and their potential impact to engage stakeholders’ buy-in
Liaise with DFTP and the Laos Business Environment Project as appropriate
Qualifications
A master’s degree in economics, law, international trade, information technology, business administration or related disciplines is required (a PhD will be considered an advantage)
Minimum 7 years of relevant experience
Good understanding of Lao PDR’s digital economy framework, ASEAN e-commerce landscape and government institutions
Previous experience in carrying out similar assignments
Excellent analytical and communication skills
Established in 1996, IBI is a woman-owned international economic development consulting firm whose main client is the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). IBI has successfully implemented some 50 projects in over 70 countries and is a winner of the USAID Small Business of the Year Award. IBI is growing rapidly, solidifying its experience in the focus areas of economic growth, governance, M&E, and information technology for governance. To learn more about IBI, please visit our website at: www.ibi-usa.com.
