(KPL) More than 200 representatives from various sectors of
government, businesses, development partners and experts gathered in Vientiane
at an annual forum on international law on 12 March, to share ideas on the
concept of corporate social responsibility and its relevance to the Lao PDR.
The meeting is aimed at raising awareness and understanding of
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Lao PDR. This is vital as the
country opens up in the process of economic integration in the region and the
world, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alounkeo Kittikhoun at the
opening ceremony of the forum.
The event was co-chaired by UN Resident Coordinator Minh Pham, Charge
d' Affaire of European Union to the Lao PDR, Mr Michel Goffin. Both of
organizations are main sponsors of the international law project and
accelerated capacity development for Lao PDR in international law.
"I am optimistic that we can use this forum to explore for
direction and the way forward to improve and consolidate CSR in the Lao PDR,
said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alounkeo, adding that �today,
CSR is one of the most important topics discussed at all levels of policy
making: at the UN, at the regional level and at national policy levels."
"As the regional grouping moves firmly towards the building of an
ASEAN Community by 2015, the issue of CSR has become very much relevant to the ASEAN
Economic Community," he pointed out.
A central element of CSR is the well-being of people. Therefore the
ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights has initiated a thematic
study on Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights among its different
thematic studies in its the 5th year work plan.
For the Lao PDR these developments concerning CSR are very important.
Rich in natural resources, the Lao PDR pursues its economic development based
on its national potential and comparative advantage with due regards to the
country' s obligations and commitments under treaties and general international
law. In this process, the Lao government attaches importance to environment;
protection, social justice and human development among others. Under international
human rights law and environmental law, the state has the primary
responsibility to promote and protect human rights and to protect the
environment. The private sector has a role to play in this regard. CSR provides
an avenue for private sector to contribute.
The private sector is vital to the implementation of the 7th NSEDP
achieve the target of 8% economic growth per annum to support achieving the
MDGs, which stresses the need to ensure sustainable development by balancing
economic development with social and cultural development, and the protection
of the natural environment. In pursuance of this the Lao PDR has policies in
place to promote CSRE in the country, although CSR may sound new in Laos.
The existing national policies relating to CSR consist of the national
Constitution and several laws adopted by the National Assembly; and the
sub-laws, decrees and policies adopted by the government. The laws have been
approved so far including environment protection, mining, electricity, forestry,
agriculture, water and water resources, labour, enterprises and the Prime
Minister' s decree No 192 on compensation for the affected people by
development projects.
In addition, the Lao PDR is a party to several treaties in the field of
environmental protection, biodiversity, human rights, and labour standards.
Furthermore Laos has signed agreements on promotion and mutually protection of
investments, which have due regard to the protection of environment.
Furthermore, development projects and concession agreements signed by the
government investors include terms and conditions relating to mitigation of
environmental and social impacts.
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