Regional Trade for Development (RT4D)

We’re live! 🎉 Follow @RegTrade4Dev for updates on RT4D, supporting @ASEAN to implement and maximise the benefits of #AANZFTA & #RCEP Free Trade Agreements. Join us in driving impactful change! 🌏✨ #economicgrowth #trade @DFAT @DFAT_TradeTalk @MFATNZ @AusAmbASEAN @NZinASEAN

🇱🇦🌿 Fostering inclusive One District One Product (ODOP) development in Lao PDR 📅 31 March 2026 — The Institute for Industry, Commerce and Energy (IICE), Ministry of Industry and Commerce, together with Regional Trade for Development (RT4D), launched the project “Empowering Women and People with Disability through ODOP Development, Packaging Design, and E-Commerce” in Vientiane Capital. 🌱✨ By improving product quality, certification pathways, and safe e-commerce practices, the project aims to help women, people with disability, and micro & small enterprises grow businesses, increase incomes and build resilience across Lao PDR. 🏛️🤝 Over 60 participants from government, development partners, private sector, GEDSI representatives, and producer groups joined the launch. The event created a strong platform for dialogue to refine policy recommendations and strengthen collaboration. 🔄📈 This project moves research into action. It will strengthen the ODOP framework, build the capacity of IICE and SME Service Centers, and equip women-led and people with disability–inclusive MSMEs with skills in product development, packaging, certification, and e-commerce. 🛍️🌏 Through assessments, provincial training, policy dialogue and knowledge-sharing, the initiative will expand market access, strengthen producer networks and support inclusive participation in digital and regional trade under frameworks such as RCEP. #RT4D #RCEP #InclusiveTrade #WomensEconomicEmpowerment #LaoPDR @AusAmbLaos @AusAmbASEAN @DFAT_TradeTalk

Shaping the future of gender-responsive and inclusive trade in Lao PDR 🇱🇦 RT4D’s Trade and Gender Equality Incubator supported the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) to progress its 2026-2035 gender mainstreaming strategy and 2026-2030 action plan. A key step towards more inclusive trade and business systems in Laos, informing MOIC’s long-term vision and priorities for gender mainstreaming in trade facilitation and private sector engagement. #InclusiveTrade #GenderEquality #WEE #RT4D #TGEI #DFAT @AusAmbLaos @AusAmbASEAN @DFAT_TradeTalk

🇱🇦 National SPS Committee established — a step change for inclusive RCEP implementation in Laos 🖋️ In November 2025 the Minister of Agriculture and Environment signed the Agreement to establish the National Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures, formalising cross‑ministerial coordination on SPS issues. ⚖️ ✅ The Committee strengthens Laos’ capacity to implement the RCEP SPS Chapter, protect animal, plant and human health, and secure sustainable market access for Lao producers. 📌 Why it matters: the Committee provides the institutional roles, contact points and coordination required under WTO, AANZFTA and RCEP — enabling consistent SPS policy, joint monitoring and faster responses to trade barriers. 🔍 🤝 RISP support — workshops and national consultations — strengthened coordination between the Food & Drug Department (Ministry of Health) and the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), built a shared understanding of SPS challenges, and enabled firms to engage more effectively with import authorities. 📦 🔗 This significant milestone builds government capacity, improves FTA implementation coordination, and helps MSMEs — including women‑led and disability‑inclusive businesses — access markets under RCEP. #RT4D #Laos #SPS #RCEP #Trade @AusAmbLaos @AusAmbASEAN @DFAT_TradeTalk

🇰🇭 Strengthening Cambodia’s National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) 📅 17–20 March 2026 — RT4D and the Institute of Standards of Cambodia (ISC) launched the STRACAP Roadmap and delivered practical trainings for public and private stakeholders to put it into action. 🤝 75+ participants from government, standards bodies and development partners took part. 🎯 The STRACAP Roadmap sets clear steps, timelines and responsibilities to raise standards, cut trade barriers and help businesses sell more easily in regional markets. 🧭 🏭 Private‑sector sessions helped firms understand market rules, improve export readiness and learn from practical sector examples. 🏛️ Public‑sector sessions built officials’ skills on standard setting, quality checks, digital tools and inclusive design, with group work to agree next steps. 👩‍🏫 Sessions emphasised GEDSI to ensure benefits reach women, people with disabilities and underserved communities. The project strengthens Cambodia’s ability to meet regional and international standards, expand market access for businesses, and support inclusive economic growth. 📈🌍 #RT4D #STRACAP #Cambodia #NQI #Standards #TradeCompetitiveness @AusAmbASEAN @NZinASEAN @DFAT_TradeTalk

🇻🇳 Strengthening regulatory quality: regional workshop advances GRP & RIA in Vietnam 📅 26 March 2026 — The Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality of Viet Nam (STAMEQ) and RT4D convened a hands‑on regional workshop in Hanoi to strengthen practical skills in Good Regulatory Practice (GRP) and Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA). 🤝 100+ participants from Vietnamese agencies, ASEAN Member States, regional experts and development partners attended. 🎯 The workshop taught structured tools and methods to identify regulatory problems, assess options and estimate likely impacts — ensuring technical regulations are better designed, easier to implement and less likely to create unnecessary trade barriers. 🔎 🏭 Practical sessions helped businesses and regulators apply these tools to improve competitiveness and secure more predictable market access. 🏛️ Officials and experts worked through case studies and shared methods to align regulations with RCEP commitments and strengthen regional cooperation. 👩‍🏫 Peer learning and expert guidance built concrete skills for drafting fit‑for‑purpose technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures. ✅ The workshop delivered clear next steps and practical actions to improve regulatory quality, enhance agency coordination and support fairer, more predictable trade for businesses and consumers. #RT4D #GRP #RIA #Vietnam #RCEP #RegulatoryQuality @NZinASEAN @AusAmbASEAN

🇱🇦 Advancing public–private engagement for stronger competition & consumer protection in Lao PDR 📅 16 March 2026 — The Department of Internal Trade and RT4D co‑hosted an RISP launch and stakeholder meeting to set a coordinated reform framework that improves market fairness and consumer rights in Laos. ⚖️📊 🤝 60+ participants reviewed State of Play findings to identify practical barriers and opportunities that will benefit consumers and competitive businesses. 🗺️ Participants validated a roadmap and defined roles for the Public‑Private Advisory Group, setting priorities for amendments to competition and consumer protection laws to support MSMEs and fair markets. 👩‍💼♿ Sessions produced actionable recommendations to include women‑led, rural and disability‑inclusive enterprises in reforms and boost market confidence. The workshop delivered concrete next steps to build capacity and accelerate reform, driving better outcomes for businesses, consumers and inclusive growth in Lao PDR. #RT4D #RCEP #LaoPDR #CompetitionPolicy #ConsumerProtection @AusAmbLaos @AusAmbASEAN @DFAT_TradeTalk

🇻🇳 Building capacity: Launch advances RCEP use for inclusive digital trade 📅 23 March — RT4D and Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade launched a project in Hanoi to facilitate use of RCEP for micro and small enterprises, prioritising digital trade and inclusion. 📈 🤝 50+ stakeholders attended, including government, industry, business support organisations and embassies. 🗺️ Participants agreed on a clear roadmap to raise RCEP awareness and reduce barriers for small businesses. 👩‍💼♿ The workshop captured inputs from women‑led, rural and disability‑inclusive enterprises to inform next steps. The project will strengthen MSMEs’ capacity of small businesses to access digital trade and regional markets under RCEP. #MSMEs #DigitalTrade #InclusiveGrowth #Vietnam @NZinASEAN @AusAmbASEAN @DFAT_TradeTalk @MFATNZ

🇱🇦 Opportunity — Event Organiser (Lao PDR) RT4D seeks an Event Organiser to plan and deliver a two‑day hybrid regional workshop on national policies and laws for genetic resources, traditional knowledge and community benefit‑sharing (GRTKTCE). The workshop will be held 6–7 May 2026 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The EO will manage registration (in‑person and virtual), speaker coordination, materials, virtual participation tech, attendance and feedback, and ensure GEDSI‑inclusive participation. For full details and requirements, visit: regional-trade4dev.org/participate/rf… 📅 Closing: Sunday, 29 March 2026 #RT4D #EventManagement #LaoPDR

🌏 🇦🇺 🇳🇿 Opportunity — General Design Principles for Digital Exchange Frameworks RT4D invites consultancies or consortiums to lead the development and delivery of General Design Principles for Digital Exchange Frameworks across ASEAN. The role includes technical drafting, stakeholder consultations, multi‑stakeholder workshops, and event delivery, with a focus on inclusive, practical toolkits for AANZFTA Parties — especially ASEAN LDEs. 📅 Closing: 07 March 2026 🔗 Visit the Website to Apply: regional-trade4dev.org/participate/rf…

🇮🇩 Opportunity: Event Organiser (Indonesia) RT4D seeks an Event Organiser in Indonesia to manage event organisation and logistics for an on‑site regional workshop and business matching event. This role will support smooth delivery and local coordination to ensure strong participant engagement and successful outcomes. 📅 Closing: 07 March 2026 🔗 Visit the Website to Apply: regional-trade4dev.org/participate/rf…

🚨Opportunity Alert (Retender)! RT4D seeks a consultant (consultancy firm or consortium) to implement a project on the Development of the ASEAN Guideline on the Verification of Weigh-In-Motion Instruments 📅 Closing: 17 February 2026 Details: regional-trade4dev.org/participate/rf…

🚨Opportunity Alert! RT4D seeks a consultant (consultancy firm or consortium partner) to implement a project on the Electronic Licensing and Authorisation Process Among AANZFTA Members 📅 Closing: 15 February 2026 Details regional-trade4dev.org/participate/ca…

🇱🇦👩‍🎨 Australia is supporting women’s economic empowerment in Lao PDR through advancing skills, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting inclusive trade. 📅🏛️ On 9 Dec 2025, Ambassador for Gender Equality Michelle O’Byrne visited the Phonmee Handicraft Training Centre with MOIC, MSMEPA, and RT4D. 👥🤝 The visit brought together officials and 25+ women artisans and entrepreneurs with disabilities supported by RT4D. 🙏✨ A traditional baci ceremony welcomed the delegation, followed by artisan showcases and a hands-on weaving experience. 🍽️💃 A friendship lunch and Lam Vong dance celebrated partnership and cultural exchange. 🌏🤝 The engagement reaffirms Australia’s commitment to gender equality, women-led MSMEs, and inclusive trade under #AANZFTA and #RCEP. #RT4D #InclusiveTrade #GenderEquality #LaoPDR @ausmissionasean @MFATNZ

🚨Opportunity Alert! RT4D seeks a consultant (consulting firm or consortium) to implement a project on Development of the ASEAN Guideline on the Verification of Weigh-In-Motion Instruments 📅 Closing: 𝟴 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 Details 👉 regional-trade4dev.org

🚨Opportunity Alert! RT4D seeks a consultant (technical consultant or firm) to implement a project on Cooperation Programme on the Use of Certification with Respect to Recognition of Safe Commodities, Product Treatments and Zones 📅 Closing: 𝟱 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 Details 👉 regional-trade4dev.org

🇰🇭📘 Cambodia is advancing its Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures (STRACAP) system to unlock new trade opportunities and boost global competitiveness for local businesses. 📅🏛️ On 4 December 2025, the Institute of Standards of Cambodia (ISC) under MISTI, in collaboration with RT4D, hosted the Consultation Workshop on the STRACAP Roadmap to Inclusive Growth in Phnom Penh. 👥🤝 The event brought together 100 participants from government agencies, the private sector, consumer groups, development partners, and higher learning institutions. 💁‍♀️♿✨ With strong participation from women, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged groups, the workshop highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to inclusive and equitable growth in trade. ⚙️🌐 Supported by the RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP), the STRACAP Roadmap will support Cambodia in aligning its national systems with regional and international frameworks such as #RCEP and #AANZFTA — paving the way for freer, more transparent, and sustainable trade. #RT4D #InclusiveTrade #AANZFTA #RCEP #TradeForDevelopment #Cambodia #DFAT_TradeTalk @ausmissionasean @MFATNZ

🚨Opportunity Alert! RT4D seeks a consultant (consulting firm/organisation) to implement a project on Enhancing Gender Responsive Trade in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR. 📅 Closing: 𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 Details 👉 regional-trade4dev.org

🚨Opportunity Alert! RT4D seeks a consultant (consulting firm/consortium) to implement a project on Development of ASEAN Guidelines on AI-Generated and Digital Trademarks 📅 Closing: 𝟮𝟭 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 Details 👉 regional-trade4dev.org

🇻🇳📘 Viet Nam is strengthening the quality and effectiveness of its technical standards! On 27 and 28 November, the Directorate for Standards, Metrology, and Quality of Vietnam (STAMEQ) and RT4D brought together over 50 government officials in Ninh Binh for a national workshop focused on applying Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) to develop smarter, more transparent, and evidence-based regulations. 👩‍💼🔍 Through hands-on discussions and practical exercises, participants explored how RIA can improve the design of technical regulations, enhance regulatory coherence and support better decision-making across sectors. ⚙️📊 By embedding stronger analytical tools into rule-making processes, Viet Nam continues its progress toward safer products, clearer rules and a more competitive business environment. #STAMEQ #RT4D #RIA #QCVN #MOST #RegulatoryReform #QualityInfrastructure #TradeForDevelopment #AANZFTA #RCEP @asean #DFAT_TradeTalk @AusAmbASEAN @NZinASEAN