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Officials Require Progress on Land Concessions

Land Concessions

The government will begin to firmly regulate concession projects by withdrawing land if no advancement is made on the proposed project, urging authorities to participate in the process.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, set forth the new regulation in response to the National Assembly’s (NA) concerns regarding land concessions.

The PM stated, “if an investor who has been given a concession is found not to proceed with the stated project in the timeframe agreed, I ask local authorities to actively investigate and report their findings to the government.”

Officials acknowledge that several concession projects have been granted, but investors seldom fulfil their end of the bargain, neglecting the contract and relevant laws. In most cases, people applying for these concessions acquire the land for the purpose of transferring it to other investors, thereby making a profit.

Relevant ministries are requested to urgently take action when they receive a report indicating possible misconduct.

NA members also touched on the issue of investors refusing to obey the requests of local authorities. Prime Minister Thongloun explained that local authorities would be required to sign off on all concession deals and other development project agreements made at the central or local level.

The Prime Minister also addressed the subject of encroachment onto state land by investors with, “in this case, local authorities have the right to use measures directly to prevent encroachment at the first stage before it continues any further. The authorities should not wait for orders from the government. If local authorities are unable to influence the situation, please inform the related sector or ministry so they can deal with the matter.”

Acquiring land without further advancing it, not only delays the country’s development but denies other developers the opportunity to use the land effectively.

Clarifying that the government would not allow a monopoly in investment, but supported competition he added, “Effective investment and the implementation of development projects that follow the law will help to strengthen the economy.”

According the Prime Minister, the government is revising its policies before submitting them to the Politburo, which is expected to propose a resolution by the Party Central Committee in order to appropriately address the issues regarding land use.

Ministry Emphasizes Importance on Copyright Protection

copyright-dvds-laos

The issue of copyright protection, or lack thereof, has persisted throughout Laos for a number of years. Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property, Dr Khanlasy Keobounphanh, explained that most people in the country do not have an adequate understanding of the concept of a copyright.  

The director stated that after so many copyright violations, the owners of copyright have pleaded with the department to address the issue.

There have been a multitude of copyright violations indicated by the sale of certain goods in markets and various shops. However, since they have not been registered with the Department of Intellectual Property, the Ministry of Science and Technology are powerless.

The protection of intellectual property applies to industrial designs, the layout of integrated circuits, trademarks, geographical indications, new plant varieties, copyright and related rights and traditional knowledge- just to name a few.

The purpose of registering is to protect intellectual property rights, create justice in society and contribute to a sustainable socio-economic and cultural development.

All commodities produced in Laos will include copyright protection under the Property Law, after it was discovered that continuous products have been copied and sold due to not being registered.

The ministry will not only protect goods that have been registered for copyright, but will protect all commodities and all Lao products for the benefit and well-being of the Lao people.

According to Dr Khanlasy, resolving the problem of copyright violation is important in the development of Laos as a civilised country, about 80 percent of people who are violating copyright laws in Vientiane are unaware of the rules governing intellectual property.

“I think it is obvious that nowadays cultural content is rapidly and globally distributed via the internet. The protection and use of copyright and related rights is a common concern not only to copyright holders but to ordinary people throughout the world,” she added.

Copyright protection enables innovator’s creativities to further the development of society, promote research and pass on technical knowledge to the public.

The ministry hopes to create awareness of copyright and related rights and promote a clear understanding of the role of copyright in enhancing cultural and economic development and encouraging creativity.

According to the ministry, in recent years 38,000 trademarks have been registered, 400 patents applied for, 400 industry design applications filed, 448 copyright information items recorded, and 92 cases of intellectual property disputes have been resolved.

Put on Your Stretchy Pants; 6th Annual European Food Festival on May 6th

european food festival
european food festival

With more than 30 European food vendors and restaurants scheduled to partake at the European Food Festival this year, festival goers in the capital won’t be asking each other ‘what should we eat?’ on Saturday, May 6th.

Celebrating the 67th Anniversary of the European Union Foundation Day, the 6th European Food Festival will be held in the parking area of the National Cultural Hall in Vientiane Capital.

The European Union Delegation, the European Chamber of Commerce and Annam Fine Food will be jointly organizing the culinary extravaganza and will aim to showcase the diverse, flavorful and well-esteemed cuisine of various European countries.

EU Ambassador to Laos, Mr Leo Faber, praised that the 6th European Food Festival is anticipated to be a  continuation of success, with more than 2000 people attending last year, the response from the public has been excellent.

The festival will continue to promote cultural cooperation and tourism, and will highlight the multitude of European cuisines that can be found right here in Vientiane. The event will include various activities, with select food stalls designed to mirror each country’s most notable characteristics.

Organized children’s activities and entertainment will also be available, and European wines and beverages will be available for adult consumers to purchase. Not to mention, visitors will have a chance to win prizes in a lucky draw.

The 1st European Food Festival was launched in 2012 with the objective to observe Europe Day. It is the anniversary of the European Union Foundation and is celebrated each year all over the world.

Laos to Raise Standards with First National Food Safety Laboratory

Laos Food Safety Lab

As of this week, Laos has launched its first official National Food Safety Laboratory in Vientiane. The much needed two-storey building boasts 25 laboratories equipped with sophisticated testing platforms, and will serve as a  reference centre for the control of food quality across the nation.

The US$1.5 million project began construction in 2015, receiving 1,200 m2 through grant assistance provided by the French not-for-profit Fondation Merieux (Merieux Nutri Sciences), as part of the organization’s commitment to protecting the global population from food-borne diseases.

Minister of Health, Associate Prof. Dr Bounkong conveyed that the laboratory was extremely important to food quality control system development in Laos, and that the spread of infectious disease by tainted food is still very much present due to the lack of a food quality control system.

According to the World Health Organisation, foodborne diseases still remains a global public health threat. In SouthEast Asia, foodborne diseases  have caused 175,000 deaths annually. The region contributes to one third of global deaths due to diarrhea in children under five years of age.

A senior official from the Ministry of Health explained that the aim of the laboratory is to shield local populations against food borne diseases by analyzing and certifying the quality of imported, exported and domestic food supplies.

Food-borne illnesses are primarily caused by contamination of harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins or chemicals. Certain risks may also emerge during processing, transportation or improper food storage and production processes through poor handling.

Microbial and chemical risks can be introduced as early as the farm stage, by being exposed to industrial waste or poultry farm waste contaminating the irrigation of crops.

Merieux Foundation delivers a vast range of testing and consulting services for food safety and nutrition, agrochemical, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries worldwide.

In past years, the food security control for Laos has heavily relied on health systems of its neighboring countries.

Laos Gains Access to Seaport in Vietnam

Laos Seaport in Vietnam

A private-state joint company has been given permission by the cabinet to develop the Vung Ang seaport project following Vietnam’s consent for Laos to utilize its’ seaport in Ha Tinh province.

Government spokesman, Prof Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher, confirmed that the agreement was created during the cabinet’s monthly meeting for April and the project’s development concept and direction was approved by officials.

The Vietnamese government has authorized a 50-year concession to Laos to establish and develop the project with the contingency to extend if desired.

With Laos  being notoriously known as the ‘only landlocked country in SouthEast Asia’, this project is considered crucial in enabling ‘landlocked’ Laos access  to a sea trade route, which will significantly decrease transport costs of imports and exports once the project becomes operational.

Prof Dr Chaleun stated that more in-depth discussions will be had by the relevant stakeholders to discuss details of the project, and that the project will be amongst the topics to be reviewed on April 16-27, during the upcoming official visit to Laos by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

A report on the management of good prices in local markets and measures to address the rising price of products were also discussed at the cabinet meeting.

Heritage Conservation Center to Showcase and Preserve Champasack History

champasack

With a new Heritage Conservation Centre on the agenda for Champasack, ancient artifacts and cultural legacies in the southern provinces will soon be on display for both locals and visitors to appreciate and admire.

With the help of the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, the Heritage Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has made plans to establish the US$1.5 million centre, aiming to improve the showcasing, preservation and storage of heritage items of Vat Phou Champasack and other surrounding areas.

Vat Phou Champasack is a Khmer-style temple built in the 5th and 6th centuries A.D. and dedicated to the Hindu deity, Shiva. It is hailed as one of the most significant architectural sites in Southeast Asia, and predates Angkor Wat located in modern day Cambodia.

Settled 800km south of Vientiane, the temple complex was the second in the country to be designated as a world heritage site by the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 2001 following the historic town of Luang Prabang, first named in 1995.

Submissions for the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang province and Hin Nam Nor National Protected Area in Khammuan province are also being prepared by officials to UNESCO for consideration, with the hope of receiving World Heritage status in the future.

Director General of the Heritage Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Thongbay Phothisane stated, “currently we have to discuss with the involved sectors especially the UNESCO to decide the location to construct the center building before we begin the relevant works”.

Construction for the new Heritage Conservation Centre is set to begin in 2018 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

Three Lao Startups Accepted for the Mekong Innovative Startup Tourism (MIST) Startup Accelerator Program

MIST

The Mekong Business Initiative (MBI) and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) have announced that three innovative tourism startups from the Lao PDR got accepted for the Mekong Innovative Startup Tourism (MIST) Startup Accelerator program.

More than 250 travel tech and traditional tourism startups applied to the MIST program. The Travel Startups Incubator, based in the United States, screened applications based on their potential for investment and the quality of their business plans. MBI experts performed additional due diligence, considering sustainability and other socio-economic criteria.

Qualifying startups will advance to a MIST Startup Accelerator bootcamp from May 5 to 7, 2017 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, alongside 17 innovative tourism startups from Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. Market experts (including Deputy Director of TMG Cong Nguyen, Investment Director of Gobi Ventures Victor Chua and Founder of Triip.me Hai Ho) will mentor startups at the bootcamp.

Qualifiers from the Lao PDR include:

Artisan Origins by TAEC offers authentic, traditional and high quality crafts from rural ethnic communities in Lao PDR. It also includes a café and information center for traditional arts and ethnic communities.

Ma Te Sai preserves cultural heritage while developing skills and offering employment options for youth in the remote and rural areas in Lao PDR, including Nambak. It also includes a multipurpose information center and roadside café.

Passa Paa is a design and print boutique studio in Luang Prabang creating and selling innovative Hmong-inspired textiles that promote traditional textile culture with a modern appeal.

“MIST promotes sustainable tourism, giving innovative startups the potential to transform travel in one of the most dynamic regions on earth”, said Jens Threanhart, executive director of MTCO.

Dominic Mellor, head of the MBI, added, “We’re proud of this batch of startups. They are fueling the right kind of tourism growth that positively impacts the tourism experience and local communities”.

Approximately half of all Startup Accelerator finalists, selected by mentors during the Siem Riep bootcamp, will advance from the bootcamp to an investor showcase at the Mekong Tourism Forum in Luang Prabang on June 6, 2017. There, startups will present their business plans to media, investors and an expert judging panel. Ultimately, four will receive innovation grants of $7,000-$10,000 USD.

About MIST: MIST is a leading tourism accelerator for Asia’s top growth markets, giving startups everything they need to launch successfully, achieve profitability, create jobs and impact communities in the Greater Mekong Region. In addition to grants up to $10,000, the MIST startup accelerator offers exposure, connections to local stakeholders and ecosystems, individualized coaching and the chance to network with investors and global accelerator programs. MIST is a joint project of the Mekong Business Initiative (MBI) and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO). On Facebook: Mekong Innovative Startup Tourism.

About the Mekong Business Initiative (MBI)MBI is an advisory facility that promotes private sector development in Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, and Vietnam. MBI fosters development of the innovation ecosystem by supporting business advocacy, alternative finance and innovation. It is supported by the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Australia. On Facebook: Mekong Business Initiative.

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) – MTCO is a collaborative effort between Cambodia, the provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The mission of the MTCO is to help GMS National Tourism Organizations develop and promote the Mekong as a single travel destination, offering a diversity of good quality and high-yielding sub-regional products that help to distribute the benefits of tourism more widely; add to the tourism development efforts of each GMS destination; contribute to poverty reduction, gender equality and empowerment of women; and minimize any adverse impacts of tourism through the development of a sustainable industry. On social media: @TourismMekong.

Dengue Fever Cases Surge From Previous Year

dengue fever
dengue fever

With the goal to prevent and control the outbreak of dengue fever, a warning to the public has been issued by the Health Authority of possible outbreaks and awareness on the spreading disease.

According to the Director of the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Dr Phengta Vongphachanh, from January through April of this year alone, an estimated 558 dengue fever cases have been recorded nationwide, a huge jump from the 249 dengue fever cases that were reported around the same time last year.

Recent data collected has indicated that dengue fever infections have had the most impact in Vientiane compared to any other provinces in the country.

There have been 151 dengue fever cases reported in the capital so far, while no outbreaks had been reported this time in 2016.

120 dengue fever infections have been recorded in Champassak, while about 115 dengue fever cases have been reported in Attapeu and other provinces.

Last year, Champassak lost 6 people to dengue fever and reported the highest number of outbreaks across the country.

Dr Phengta Vongphachanh stated that increasing public awareness on the disease is one of the main strategies to reduce the risk of dengue transmission.

Local officials and health authorities are actively urging residents to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help tame the spread of the virus, aiming at long-term prevention rather than treatment on a case to case basis.

Dr Phengta urges all homes, schools, factories, hotels, restaurants and offices to discard any water that collects in jars, vases and dishes and should take precaution with all stagnant water in the area.