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United States and Laos Sign Trade and Investment Framework Agreement

February 18, 2016

San Francisco– United States Trade Representative Michael Froman and Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena today signed a bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.  This agreement creates a forum for the United States and Laos to engage on bilateral trade and investment issues, such as intellectual property, labor, environment, and capacity building; as well as to coordinate on multilateral and regional issues, including related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).   

“Today’s agreement provides a vehicle for strengthening U.S.-Lao trade and investment relations,” said Ambassador Froman. “It reflects President Obama’s commitment to ASEAN and it will promote increased economic opportunities between us.”

Background

Two-way goods trade between the United States and Laos grew five-fold in the past 10 years to $70 million.  Two-way agricultural trade grew eight-fold in the same period to $8 million.