Functions of Investment Promotion and Management Committee Office (IPO)
The Investment Promotion Department (IPD), operating under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), formerly known as the Department for Promotion and Management of Domestic and Foreign Investment (DDFI) from 2004-2007, administers the foreign investment system and reviews investment applications in accordance to the Investment Promotion Law (Amendment 2016). The IPD responsible as well as the Central Investment One-Stop Service Office for screening project, coordinate, summary, report and and implement activities to attract, promote, protect and manage private sector and Public Private Partnership (PPP) in accordance with the Law on Investment Promotion to harness the country’s potential for socio-economic development.
Secretariat & Coordination
- Serve as the secretariat to the IPMC, coordinating domestic and foreign private investment, PPPs, SEZs and overseas investment.
- Implement obligations under treaties, agreements, and cooperation frameworks.
- Organize official events, negotiations, and international cooperation activities.
Policy, Legal & Strategic Development
- Research, draft, and improve strategies, policies, laws, decrees, and regulations related to investment promotion and SEZ management.
- Develop investment lists (controlled businesses, concessions activities) aligned with national development priorities.
- Provide guidance and disseminate policies, laws, and regulations to stakeholders.
Investment Approval & Oversight
- Review and process investment applications for concessions, controlled businesses, PPP projects, and oversea investment.
- Issue Investment License, Investment Incentive Certificate, Oversea Investment Certicate and other investment related certificates.
- Monitor, inspect, and evaluate approved projects at central and local levels, proposing solutions to challenges.
- Facilitate and oversee investors and their families, foreign experts, technicians, and workers in Laos.
Data, Systems & Reporting
- Establish and manage investment databases and mapping systems.
- Prepare regular reports on investment promotion, SEZ development, and PPPs for submission to the IPMC and Government.
- Consolidate investor issues and coordinate solutions with relevant sectors.
Compliance & Monitoring
- Oversee environmental and land-use management in SEZs.
- Monitor labor-force utilization in line with SEZ development plans and project demands.
- Strengthen inspection, anti-corruption, and asset declaration mechanisms.
Financial & Administrative Management
- Prepare and manage budgets, assets, vehicles, and operational equipment.
- Mobilize and utilize assistance funds and technical support from international partners.
- Summarize and consolidate operational activities for reporting to higher authorities.
- Manage organizational structure, staffing, civil servant development, and training programs.
- Promote gender equality, discipline, and compliance with the Party policies and state laws.