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No casino in new special economic zones
The upcoming development of special and specific economic zones in the Lao PDR is not authorised to operate casino, said Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad at a workshop held at Vientiane?s Lao Plaza Hotel last Friday.
The workshop on the development of special and specific economic zones in Laos has discussed on a new Prime Minister?s decree on management of special and specific economic zones, which is a new legal tool to cap on all activities in the special and specific economic zones.
The decree will facilitate the construction and control of the special and specific economic zones, he continued. He also urged all participants to brainstorm on the decree because it will be a new legal tool.
The special economic zones in Laos have been solely invested by foreign investors, which are different from the cases in neighbouring countries such as China. But in the future the Lao government will invest in the infrastructure construction in the special economic zones, added Mr Somsavat.
Also noteworthy, the building of special economic zones in provinces will differ from province to province, which will be in accordance with the features of each province.
Now there have been three special economic zones of Dork Ngoui Kham in northern Bokeo province, Boten in northern Luang Namtha province, Lao Bao and Savanh-Seno in central Savannakhet province, said Minister of Commerce, Mr Nam Viyaketh.
The government has planned to build Nonthong industrial zone in Vientiane Capital, a stone throw from Km 21. A construction contract for the development of Nonthong industrial zone was signed with a Taiwanese company, he went on.
He continued that the construction of special economic development zones helped boost economic growth and job creation for local people, which is in line with the Party and government?s policy on poverty reduction. The two main supporters for special economic development of Laos, the UNDP and the ADB, have pledged to support the construction of special economic zones, particularly the drafting of legislations. Taking part in the workshop were high-ranking officials from ministries and non-governmental organisations in Laos.
kpl Lao news agency
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