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samakomlao


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Laos will grant provincial administrators unlimited power to approve business investments !
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Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Vientiane Times
Publication Date: 03-09-2008



Laos will grant provincial administrators unlimited power to approve business investments, provided they are not subject to environmental concerns, according to an investment policy maker.

Ministry of planning and investment's investment promotion department deputy director general, Manothong Vongxay, yesterday said the Lao government had amended decrees regarding domestic and foreign investment promotion at a meeting in Vientiane last week.

“But it will be some time before the amendments are implemented,” he said.

Manothong said the modified decrees allowed provincial investment officials to approve unlimited investments in one of three business categories; namely enterprises that do not use raw materials sourced from natural resources.

Under previous decrees authorities in the four major provinces of Luang Prabang, Champassak, Savannakhet and Vientiane could only approve investments of less than 43 billion kip (US$5 million), with the remaining provinces having the power to approve Investments of up to 25 billion kip ($3 million).

“Provinces used to have limited power in terms of what investments they could approve and investors had to seek permission from the government before investing. But once the amended decrees are enforced, all provincial administrations will have equal and unlimited power to approve investments in this category,” Manothong said.

He said provincial authorities would also have the power to grant tax reductions or exemptions as defined in the law to promote investments.

“Different provinces will have their own way of promoting investment, but they must comply with all relevant laws,” he said.

“We will organise a number of training courses for provincial officials to ensure they can effectively approve and manage investments in accordance with national laws.”

He said the amended decrees would also encourage investors to visit local areas.

“Local and foreign investors will no longer have to travel to Vientiane to ask for investment permission,” he said.

He dismissed doubts over concerns that provincial officials lack adequate skills and knowledge to handle the investment process.

Manothong said the government would still continue to hold power over investment approvals for the second and third business categories, which cover businesses such as banks, insurance companies, furniture production, and mining and hydropower projects.


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BruceLao4LIfe


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This is actually good news from business’ point of view. By empowering provincial authority to exercise its own discretions with limited interference from central government would ensure the speedy process of badly needed investments and eliminate other extravagant delay in decision making. Moreover, it would also minimize the chances of corruptions among federal and state officials when the need to seek license or approval is no longer required. Having said this, I strongly hope Laotian government to gradually undertake any necessary steps toward democracy even if at a snail’s pace because without democratic reform, the risk of widespread resentment among citizens could grow stronger in due time especially the inequality distribution of income is inevitable as the country is heading to a developing status . Though, Laos had somewhat, already loosened up civil control and allowed greater freedom for its people, but without freedom of the press, makes it harder to fight corruptions in any case. If there were a heavy involvement in the media by state, none would dare to point a finger at them so corruptions in local and provincial levels would be no doubt intensified. I also fathom the party delegates to have more say in the country’s affairs, but with the creations of checks and balances will lead to greater efficiency and better decision-making. Judicial reform is urgently needed in Laos with proper funding. This is a long overdue process. If judges are appointed by the state and the judiciary as a whole does not have its own budget, this would exacerbate the existing problems such as corruptions within ranks and the abuse of administrative power. At the end, only a small handful of low-rank perpetrators would be subject to prosecution, but the high elites and those who have some sorts of connection would surreptitiously gain the immunity. Furthermore, the constitution should grant the judiciary department the maximum power to ensure that no one is above the law and everyone should be subject to taxation according to law including those with money in the foreign banks.

 

 

 

 

 




-- Edited by BruceLao4LIfe at 18:47, 2008-09-04

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Anonymous

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The first comment by the guy in here is just show off. He should use simple English language for Lao people to understand, but here he arrogantly wants to show that he can write the most complicated English language for Lao people. This type of communication is useless and ineffective, not to say very bad propaganda. Remember, if you want to have the most effective tool for communication, try to use the simple language. Hope you are smarter.

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Lan_Xang


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Crap! I can only dream of writing like Bruce. I think my writing skills need a huge improvement. But I don't write for living.

btw...Bruce, please try to make a smaller paragraph or break it into smaller section. Reading a 1 page paragraph is a huge headache.

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Anonymous

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Go Bruce goes! Laos prime minister is not stupid. He understands very well. If you have difficult time to understand. Go back to school. Do not insult people who has high degree. My english is bad as your. But I know he is good.

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