system of oversight of auditors or accountants practicing in Lao PDR. The LICPA does operate a CPA certification scheme, but this program falls short of compliance with IFAC International Education Standards. No university in Lao PDR provides a specific accountancy degree program. In effect, there is a lack of provision of required accountancy training and skilled local professionals. The audits of public interest entities are primarily carried out by representatives of the major international networks. The lack of senior local staff and lack of understanding of the local environment within those organizations is of concern particularly as regulators lack any capacity to monitor the quality of financial reporting. A significant strengthening exercise is required if Lao PDR is to create a strong corporate financial reporting infrastructure. The policy recommendations are aimed at Lao PDR authorities for consideration. These principle based policy recommendations include strengthening the statutory framework, strengthening monitoring and enforcement
mechanism, upgrading academic and professional education and training, instituting an arrangement for
independent oversight of auditing profession, capacity building of regulators and the professional body, adopting full IFRS and ISA, upgrading the licensing procedures for accountants and auditors in practice, introducing a Lao PDR professional qualification examination with focus on adequate level of practical training, issuing and disseminating implementation guidance on applicable standards, enhancing the delivery of continuing professional education, and ensuring adherence to code of ethics. Considering the limited capacity of Lao PDR institutions, the recommendations are premise to require the support of international partners, to help promote a gradual and continuing process of improvement.