Standards for Lao products to be upgraded for export
Standards for Lao products to be upgraded for export
The Ministry of Science and Technology is drafting a strategy related to national standards for Lao products, aiming to further boost commercial productivity and production for export.
The long-term strategy will serve as a guideline for the promotion and development of product standards in Laos so that more Lao products can be competitive with the introduction of regional integration.
At a meeting held in Vientiane last week, officials from the relevant sectors and businesspeople gave inputs to the strategy before submitting it to the government for consideration and approval.
The meeting also opened an opportunity for both the public and private sectors to discuss how to develop Lao products to a higher standard which will be accepted regionally and internationally.
Acting Director General of the Department of Standards and Metrology Mr Bounpone Buapheng told Vientiane Times yesterday that the strategy identified work plans and activities for the management and promotion of the standards of Lao people.
“The national standard certified by the Ministry of Science and Technology is critical for Lao products to export and create confidence for consumers,” he said.
Currently 44 Lao products have been certified to national standards including those related to construction materials, food items and other agriculture products.
Mr Bounpone said his department would focus on encouraging products in potential sectors to receive national standards including agriculture and industrial products as well as tourism related products.
He said the national standards of Laos are in harmony with regional and international requirements which should enhance the reputation of Lao products to be accepted by external markets.
The Lao economy is still considered a high growth economy compared to other countries in the region, projected to grow at 7.5 percent this year.
The remarkable growth was mainly driven by the inflow of foreign direct investment to a number of sectors including agriculture, industry and services. Many more new Lao products have arisen and been upgraded in the terms of quality, especially those for export, since the government has a policy to promote commercial production.
As Laos became a member of the World Trade Organisation in February 2013 and will become part of the Asean Economic Community at the end of this year, the task related to the standards of Lao products are even more significant when it comes to enhancing product profiles.
Mr Bounpone said one of the main challenges for Laos at the moment was that some entrepreneurs still don't understand the significance of the standards certified for their products and how they contribute to sales and production growth.
He said his department will continue to improve the quality of export products while focusing more on human resource development in the sector.
