It should be borne in mind that as yet comparatively few Lao cultural organisations have staff who are fluent in English. For this reason, when making initial contact with a view to investigating or setting up cultural exchange activities, foreign artists and arts organisations may initially find it easier to work through their embassy or seek the assistance of their resident cultural mission. However, there is ultimately no substitute for a personal visit to the country to set up an exchange.

A contractual agreement between the Lao government and the overseas partner is required for all international projects organised outside the framework of official bilateral or inter-ASEAN exchange. If the project involves a foreign expert or researcher working in Laos for more than six months, the appropriate permits and licences - including a Foreign Expert ID Card - must be issued in order to facilitate their work in country. Since such procedures can take time, relevant information should be sent to the International Relations Section of the Ministry of Information and Culture at least six months prior to the proposed exchange or project activity. This office will then make all necessary arrangements.

It should also be noted by organisations considering the establishment of cultural exchange programmes with Laos that the country is very poor, with the result that extremely limited resources are available for cultural development - see Cultural funding.

While the Lao cultural sector incorporates many high-calibre staff, the conditions under which personnel work often leaves much to be desired. Comparatively few cultural organisations have computers and even in the Ministry of Information and Culture their usage is limited and only a very small number of individuals have (personal) E-mail addresses. Arts training colleges are housed in inappropriate buildings with no air-conditioning, and lack all but the most basic equipment and teaching materials. Against this background, office equipment, musical instruments and teaching materials donated by overseas organisations as part of a cultural exchange programme can make a tremendous difference to the work of the Lao cultural sector; assistance with training and development can make an even greater impact.