The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on promoting regional business partnerships, strengthening ties between the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance and the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network, and exploring the possibility of establishing a representative office of the Alliance in Laos.
Mr. Maithong, who also serves as a Standing Member of the Steering Committee for Economic Diplomacy of the Lao PDR, welcomed the delegation on its working visit and acknowledged its planned participation in the BRICS-ASEAN Business Forum, scheduled for October 29–30, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand.
He welcomed the growing cooperation between the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance and the Lao Women’s Business Association and expressed support for further collaboration and joint initiatives.

Ms. Nesterova thanked the Lao side for its hospitality and briefed the Deputy Minister on the Alliance’s activities and achievements since its establishment at the 12th BRICS Summit in 2020. She highlighted its role in promoting cooperation among BRICS countries and expanding business opportunities for women entrepreneurs through multilateral initiatives and projects.
The Alliance has established representative offices in several countries, including Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, and has participated in international business forums held alongside BRICS summits. It has also engaged with international financial institutions and senior officials from BRICS member countries.
The proposed representative office in Laos is expected to create further opportunities to connect business networks, support women entrepreneurs and expand economic cooperation between Laos, BRICS and ASEAN.