The entry of Laos into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1997 naturally brought an expansion of economic exchange with other ASEAN member nations. In these circumstances, it was vital to bring administrators, business leaders, and researchers in Laos up to speed on ASEAN, and particularly on the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). Recognizing that need, this project held two workshops, in Pakse and Luang Prabang, to explain to central and local government officials, representatives of chambers of commerce and industry and other business leaders, academics, and researchers the situation with regard to economic cooperation as it affects trade and investment in the ASEAN region. Through these workshops, the project contributed to a deeper understanding in Laos of the realities and structures of ASEAN economic cooperation.