Lao PDR Chairs the 37th ASEAN Experts Group on Competition (AEGC) Meeting

The Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, is honored to chair and host the 37th ASEAN Experts Group on Competition (AEGC) Meeting. Held from October 5-9, 2026, and chaired by Ms. Vilayphone Xindavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Internal Trade, this marks the final competition-related meeting under Lao PDR's ASEAN Chairmanship this year.

The primary focus of the meeting is the implementation of the annual priority deliverables and the formal establishment mechanism for the ASEAN Heads of Competition Agencies (AHCA). Additionally, the meeting serves as a platform to exchange lessons and experiences in enforcing competition policies across ASEAN specifically regarding legislative development and resolving national competition issues. The session also tracks the progress of Thailand and Timor-Leste in signing the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition (AFAC). Furthermore, delegates will discuss capacity-building cooperation with development partners, including Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, the European Union, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Hosting and chairing the 8th AHCA and the 37th AEGC meetings is a significant milestone in enhancing Lao PDR's role and cooperation within the ASEAN framework. This initiative drives the development of competition policies and legal frameworks, while fostering the exchange of best practices and strengthening capacity among ASEAN competition agencies. Ultimately, it aims to promote a fair and competitive market environment that facilitates regional economic development.