INTRODUCTION
1. This assessment of accounting and auditing practices in Lao PDR is part of a
joint initiative of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to
prepare Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC). The assessment
focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the accounting and auditing environment that
influence the quality of corporate financial reporting and involves a review of both
mandatory requirements and actual practice. It uses International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS)1 and International Standards on Auditing (ISA)2 as benchmarks and
draws on international experience and good practices in the field of accounting and audit
regulation. The assessment uses a diagnostic template developed by the World Bank to
facilitate collection of data. The data is complemented by the findings of a due diligence
exercise based on a series of meetings with key stakeholders conducted by World Bank
staff. The intended audience of the ROSC includes national and international market
participants with an interest in the corporate financial reporting regime of Lao PDR. An
overview of the ROSC Accounting and Auditing and the detailed presentation of
methodologies are available in the World Bank Group website.3