The Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s Trade Promotion Department anticipates the 1st One District One Product (ODOP) Exhibition will allow ODOP entrepreneurs to promote their products to wider regional and international markets.
Over 3 billion kip of products are on display at the exhibition with organisers expecting the event to generate more than 300 million kip in sales. An official opening ceremony for the 1st One District One Product Exhibition was held at Lao-ITECC in Vientiane.
Speaking at the opening, Director General of the Trade Promotion Department Somvang Ninthavong said the event was a good opportunity for ODOP producers from different provinces of Laos to present their goods as well as seek markets and trade partners. “The exhibition will provide the opportunity for ODOP entrepreneurs and makers to meet with each other and exchange experience on the different aspects of product development and market research,” he said. According to the department, currently more than 130 business units have been awarded the ODOP trademarks from the Trade Department under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. A total of 484 products have been acknowledged by the department from 17 provinces and the capital. For this year’s exhibition, there are 144 booths with 67 of those exhibiting ODOP products, 44 booths are booked for Lao made products and 33 booths are reserved for local culinary products.
During the exhibition there will be demonstrations featuring handicrafts, food and woven products. In addition, there will be a scientific seminar and workshops highlighting important issues such as product promotion and access to markets.
The event is expected to attract locals and foreign visitors alike to experience the first ever Lao made products’ exhibition under the ODOP certification trademark featuring something to tempt everyone’s tastes and budgets.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr Phanthong Phitthoumma, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr Bounkhouang Khambounheuang and other senior invited guests from various international organisations were also present at the opening ceremony.
