The National Quality Infrastructure component assists Lao PDR in building the national standardization system, developing a national metrology system to ensure the uniformity and traceability of measurements, building technical infrastructure for accreditation; achieving mutual recognition of accreditation and certification results, and creating private sector awareness of the importance and benefits of implementing international quality standards.

 The industrial statistics component will be useful for researchers, analysts, observers, policy makers, development planners, potential investors, and business persons dealing with industrial development in Lao PDR. Manufacturers will also benefit greatly from reliable statistical information.

 Results

National Quality Infrastructure

• 50 people from line ministries, government agencies, industry and the Department of Standardization and Metrology (DSM) participated in a training course in Vientiane in October 2015 focusing on the international requirements for standardization and the role of the National Standards Council in the development of standards.
• The procurement and calibration of lab equipment for the Metrology Center began in 2015.
• 48 participants in the Xiengkhounag province attended a training on internal audit to ensure that the labs are conformant to international standards.
• 25 people who would be assigned by the DSM as Assessors of Accreditation participated in the following courses: Internal Calibration Course (2 days), Uncertainty Calibration Course (2 days), Lead Assessor Course (5 days).
• 169 participants learned the role and importance of standardization and metrology during three workshops in Xaysomboon province, Sekong province and Xiengkhouang province in 2015.
• 5 people have been appointed to the Lao Quality Center , whose work is to establish the conformance of products or services against specifications, regulations, performance requirements, and the like. 
• 11 delegates from the DSM participated in a study visit to Thailand in May 2015. The Lao PDR Delegation had an opportunity to learn about Personnel Development on Laboratory Accreditation and Standards, and observe the practices of the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand).

 Industrial Statistics

• All the equipment for the Vientiane and provincial statistical offices of the Department of Industry and Handicrafts (DoIH), Ministry of Industry and Commerce, were procured. This will support the capacity building of the country in hardware for industrial statistics.
• 10 participants went on a study tour to Thailand to learn from industrial statisticians about their practices and experiences.
• Training provided to provincial statisticians both in May 2015 on input data system design with tabulation with MS for DoIH statisticians.
• 40 participants (DoIH teams and provincial statisticians) participated in a two‑day training in June 2015 covering basic statistics, industrial statistics, and industrial index field enumeration, data collection and data input.