A recent visit to Japan sparked an entrepreneurial spirit in Phonepaserth Luangsivongsa, a college senior from Laos, inspiring plans to sell local specialty goods in a "one village, one product" style.
She observed various local industries and staple goods in Hachinohe and its surrounding area in Aomori Prefecture while hearing from female entrepreneurs in the region during her one-week stay in Japan.
"I do want to start my own business," said the 22-year-old student at Rattana Business Administration College in Vientiane. "After seeing various local specialty goods sold in Aomori, I really feel like I will be able to sell local goods in Laos."