Decree on farmer group and cooperatives.

This Lao government Decree is related to enterprises, specifically focusing on the establishment and operation of groups and associations in agricultural and forestry sectors.
The Decree defines the principles, regulations, and measures regarding the establishment, operation, management, and monitoring of Groups and Associations to promote and develop production, services, and business operations, enabling them to grow, expand, and become stable. It aims to alleviate poverty and improve the living standards of the multi-ethnic Lao people, contributing to the nation's socio-economic development. A Group is an organization formed by Lao citizens engaged in agriculture, handicrafts, commerce, services, or other professions, established voluntarily for the purpose of mutual cooperation and assistance among members and their families in production and/or service activities. An Association is a collective business organization of individuals engaged in agriculture, handicrafts, commerce, services, or other professions, established voluntarily for the purpose of mutual cooperation in capital, experience, and technique for conducting business, production, trade, or service activities. Furthermore, the Decree details the requirements for their formation, internal governance structures including boards and committees, and the rights and duties of their members. In addition, it establishes supervision mechanisms, stipulates penalties for violations.