The Lao government
plans to set up an electronic system that will enable businesspeople to obtain
a business and trade licence online.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Khemmani
Pholsena, yesterday presided over a meeting to consider and adopt a roadmap to
simplify and harmonise trade services in Laos, as part of efforts to facilitate
trade and improve the business and investment climate.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Khemmani said
such a system would enable businesspeople to obtain import and export
permission easier via the Internet, which would significantly improve the
business and investment climate in Laos.
At present, people who need to import and export
vehicles, rice, cement and steel must request permission from the authorities. They
then have to see trade officials before they can obtain a business licence.
The new system will make the business licence and
import and export approval process transparent and ensure the effective
collection and supply of trade data. This information is essential for
policymakers to develop appropriate business policies and to help
businesspeople make sound plans.
Some business operators complain that it is not easy
to obtain a business licence and to get import and export permission. They say
they have to give officials a financial incentive so they can get their
paperwork processed faster. Businesspeople said corruption is one of the main
barriers to doing business in Laos.
They urged the sectors concerned to address the
problem before the Asean Economic Community comes into being at the end of
2015, otherwise Laos will be at disadvantage when competing with other
countries in the region.
Khemmani said the government views the improvement of
trade services as a top priority, adding that Laos has approved a trade
facilitation strategy for the period 2011 to 2015. The strategy requires the
use of information technology systems to address trade barriers.
The improvement of import and export procedures is
also a requirement of the World Trade Organisation. Laos became a member of the
global trading body in February this year.
The government considers exports to be a driving force
of economic growth, as domestic consumption is very limited. The government is
encouraging foreign investment in agriculture so that Laos can produce food for
export to world markets.
The government is also considering engaging the
private sector as the main engine of economic growth so it is working to
improve the business climate, aiming to stimulate investment and create jobs so
that more Lao people can rise above poverty.
Vientiane Times
Business & Investment Opportunities
Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd (SBC) is incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Strategy, Investment and Management, focusing Health care and Life Science with expertise in ASEAN 's area. We are currently changing the platform of www.yourvietnamexpert.com, if any request, please, contact directly Dr Christian SIODMAK, business strategist, owner and CEO of SBC at christian.siodmak@gmail.com. Many thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment