The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has become the 18th WTO Member to formally accept the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Mrs. Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce, submitted Lao PDR’s instrument of acceptance of the TFA to WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo on 29 September.

In their meeting, DG Azevêdo and Minister Pholsena highlighted the importance of the TFA in reducing trade costs. Lao PDR is the second Least Developed Country (LDC) to ratify the TFA; its acceptance is a significant achievement, given the country's status as a landlocked LDC.