This Ministerial Decision defines the organizational structure, mandate, and operational principles of the Provincial and Vientiane Capital Departments of Industry and Commerce (PICO). It establishes these departments as the primary state technical authorities responsible for localized implementation of national trade, industrial, and handicraft policies. The Decision ensures that regional economic activities are managed consistently with national development plans while facilitating cross-sectoral coordination at the local government level.
Specifically, the Decision outlines the department's duties in managing business registrations, monitoring market prices, promoting domestic production, and overseeing industrial safety within their jurisdictions. The departments must conduct regular inspections, maintain reporting lines to both the Ministry and Provincial Governors, and strictly manage regional budgets and official seals to ensure administrative transparency.