Standardisation law takes Laos closer to WTO membership
Standardisation law takes Laos closer to WTO membership
As Laos nears the completion of the required procedures for membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), implementation of the Standardisation Law is expected soon.
The law was approved by the government in December 2007 and now the Prime Minister is almost ready to approve a decree that will see it enforced.
Acting Director General of the Ministry of Science and Technology's Department of Standardisation and Metrology, Mr Sisomphet Nhoybuakong, advised that implementation is expected to be very soon.
He made the comment during last week's meeting on ‘Steps to implement legislation related to WTO and ASEAN requirements for standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment.'
The department hosted the meeting, which was attended by officials from many related ministries, to discuss the implementation of the law. The meeting was supported by USAID/LUNA-Lao project.
Enforcement of the Standardisation Law is one more step on the path to integration for Laos, regionally and globally.
Mr Sisomphet said the department's mission is to provide a host of credible technical services ranging from the development of national standards and their implementation to promoting Lao innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that will enhance economic security and improve the quality of life of Lao people.
The department also announced a strategic plan for the implementation of National Quality Infrastructure saying it was committed to tackling the technical challenges of developing infrastructure based on international standards, and to following certification procedures.
The department plans to promote the adoption and implementation of international standards in order to take advantage of export opportunities within Asean countries in the short and medium term, and WTO member countries in the longer term, while supporting domestic industry.
This plan includes steps to implement legislation related to WTO and Asean requirements for standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment.
Laos applied for WTO membership in 1997 and has since been improving laws and regulations to meet international requirements. This has had the effect of encouraging the country to improve socio-economic development as well as regional and international integration. So far 37 laws have been passed or improved and about 50 decrees and agreements issued.
To be a member of WTO, Laos needs to sign bilateral trade agreements with nine countries. Agreements have been signed with eight countries and Laos is currently in discussions with Ukraine.
WTO membership is considered to be very important for Laos as its economy needs to be in line with the international community. The Lao government has paid close attention to this issue as it will be a main contributing factor to reducing poverty by 2020.
vientiane times
