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Officials delve into WTO regulations
Knowing the basis facts about the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is vital for officials as Laos prepares for membership in the global trade body.
The National Authority of Science and Technology (NAST) held a meeting in Vientiane recently to circulate information related to the WTO to more than 60 officials from relevant sectors.
Officials came from various ministries in Vientiane, work in trade related sectors in the provinces of Vientiane and Borikhamxay, and others represented Lao businesses.
When officials have complete information on the organisation's rules and regulations, they will be able to better carry out the procedures that will facilitate the country's accession to the WTO.
According to NAST, all relevant sectors need to work harder and fulfill their duty to prepare for membership in the organisation.
After becoming a WTO member, Laos will have to set up an information site about technical barriers to trade in Laos, which will act as the main coordinator between stakeholders at the national and provincial levels.
While some progress has been made in the preparations, Laos still does not have a timeframe for membership. This is because a number of laws need to be changed and trade procedures altered or improved to comply with international standards.
The TBT agreement is an international treaty administered by the WTO, which establishes guidelines for technical regulations, standards, testing, and certification procedures so they do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade.
The agreement prohibits technical requirements created in order to limit trade, as opposed to ones created for legitimate purposes such as consumer or environmental protection.
vientiane times
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