The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 will be of great relevance for the economic development of Laos. It will create a single market with 600 million consumers. For a small and landlocked country like Laos, the AEC offers great potential for economic development by improving its access to this regional market. Its single production base increases the opportunities to become part of regional value chains. ASEAN member states already account for more than half of Laos’ total foreign trade.