Laos Plans To Issue Laws On Natural Resources

Article Insights The government of the Laos PDR, is planning to promulgate four key laws to manage and protect the country's natural resources including its forests, water and raw materials. This was disclosed during a meeting between Mr. Khamlieng Pholsena, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Viseth Svengsuksa, committee Vice-Chairman and the representative of Laos PDR at the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum on 16th January, 1996 held in Cha-am, Phetchaburi province of Thailand.

Mr. Khamlieng stated that whilst the laws on water, forestry, land and local administration should be passed by parliament by the end of February, the government may delay the promulgation of these laws as they could result in lose of revenue for the country.

Natural resources in Laos PDR are very important because they represent the only potential source of short term revenue for the country, Viseth stressed that if these laws are promulgated, the government of the Laos PDR will have to exercise caution when issuing licences to foreign investors involved in projects using natural resources.

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For further information contact Sakda Mattayasuwan, Johnson Stokes & Master, Laos