Offices/Departments

Economic/Commercial Office

The Economic/Commercial Office, part of the combined Political-Economic Section, analyzes the macro and microaspects of the economy of Laos, particularly in relation to its several larger neighbors, and responds to the Ambassador's economic priorities. The section reports to the State Department and a range of other U.S. government agencies on Lao economic conditions and development trends, raises issues of interest to the U.S. government with the Lao government, advises potential investors, does advocacy on behalf of American business interests, monitors and reports on environmental issues, and represents the United States among international donors in the country. The Office takes responsibility for administering U.S. humanitarian assistance to Laos, for managing the Embassy's assistance to the unexploded ordnance (UXO) sector, and works in concert with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to monitor and respond to Avian Influenza (AI) developments. The Office maintains contacts with other foreign missions, international financial institutions, and international NGOs working across a wide range of sectors in Laos.