The Bank of the Lao published a note on a technical workshop it hosted with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on preparing the move from a “Positive List” to a “Negative List” approach under the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA), with a focus on the financial and banking sector. The half-day session brought together more than 40 participants from relevant technical departments within the Bank of the Lao, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Finance. Discussions covered how the Negative List mechanism would be applied under ATISA, practical considerations for preparing a draft Negative List, and the expected advantages and challenges of the approach. The workshop also reviewed a forward work plan for the Bank of the Lao and relevant ministries through 2027 to enable timely submission of an action plan linked to the Negative List commitments.
Bank of the Lao 2026-01-27
Bank of the Lao holds workshop on preparing a shift from a Positive List to a Negative List approach under ATISA
The Bank of the Lao hosted a workshop with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on transitioning from a "Positive List" to a "Negative List" under the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA), focusing on the financial sector. The session addressed the Negative List mechanism, drafting considerations, and its benefits and challenges. A work plan through 2027 was reviewed to ensure timely submission of an action plan related to Negative List commitments.