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Laos government approves 6 amended laws to bolster growth
A monthly meeting of the government held from 20-12 October under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong has approved six drafts of amended laws and other strategic policies in response to development needs and the pursuit of global integration.
The laws relate to customs, pharmaceutical and medical products, intellectual property, mining, electricity, and hygiene, disease prevention and health promotion.
The laws will be submitted for debate at the upcoming session of the National Assembly scheduled for the end of November or early December.
The amendment to the customs law aim to bring it in line with other laws related to investment promotion and value added tax. It is expected the amendment will promote productivity and attract foreign investment to Laos through greater transparency in the import-export process.
The amendment to the law on pharmaceutical and medical products responds to the growing number of businesses related to these products. The law sets out measures to regulate pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products and medical equipment in the interests of consumer safety.
The intellectual property law will promote innovation and creativity as a channel to greater prosperity.
The amendment to the mining law aims to ensure the sustainable use of resources to benefit future generations.
The electricity law amendment covers principles related to investment in the electricity sector, concession procedures, duration of concession, project size, and the obligations of investors.
The amendment to the hygiene, disease prevention and health promotion law aims to protect the health of the population and encourages entrepreneurs to offer better services.
The government's meeting also approved a draft national strategy from now until 2020 presented by the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
The strategy will act as a guideline for government sectors to formulate plans and projects to lift Laos from the list of least developed countries by 2020.
In addition, the government approved a draft strategy for the management of civil servants, to ensure that all civil servants work effectively for the benefit of the Lao people and the nation.
During the meeting, the government discussed its plans for November, highlighting the main task of maintaining security to facilitate economic growth. Also high on the list was relieving the hardship of people affected by flooding as they prepare to plant their dry season crops.
The government will also focus on improving its structure and ensuring it has sufficient personnel in place to carry out all government projects and plans.
Mr. Thongsing urged all government officials to shoulder more responsibility in their work in order to realise the Resolution of the 9th Party Congress which was approved in March this year.
kpl laos news agency
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