Rajah & Tann Regional Round-Up your snapshot of key legal developments in Asia Issue 2 - Apr/May/Jun 2016

	Many Rural Communities Oblivious of Fisheries Law Rural people's difficulty in accessing information in relation to the Law on Fisheries is one of the reasons for the continued use in many provinces of illegal fishing techniques such as using electric shock equipment. This prompted the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ("Ministry") to develop a plan to encourage people to conserve fisheries in the target provinces of Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Saravan, Xekong, Attapeu, Champassak and the Vientiane capital. The Ministry intends to publicize correct information about the fisheries law, and strengthen local leadership and communities in pointing the people to the right fishing techniques while fostering fishery conservation.  The Law on Fisheries focuses on reducing illegal fishing in the country. It specifies the principles, regulations and measures governing: (i) the organisation, implementation, management, and inspection of fisheries work; (ii) the promotion of aquaculture; and (iii) the conservation, protection, development and sustainable exploitation of aquatic fauna to ensure the provision of fish and other aquatic fauna as a food source for all Lao people. Please note that whilst the information in this Update is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing, it is only intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be treated as a substitute for specific professional advice.	Rajah & Tann (Laos) Co., Ltd Anou Village, Samsenthai Road Unit 17, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. http://la.rajahtannasia.com Contacts: Khanti Syackhaphom Legal Advisor D +856 21 454 239 F +856 21 285 261 khanti.syackhaphom@rajahtann.com Desmond Wee Director D +65 62320474 desmond.wee@rajahtann.com Rajah & Tann Asia is a network of legal practices based in Asia. Member firms are independently constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local legal requirements. Services provided by a member firm are governed by the terms of engagement between the member firm and the client. This update is solely intended to provide general information and does not provide any advice or create any relationship, whether legally binding or otherwise. Rajah & Tann Asia and its member firms do not accept, and fully disclaim, responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from accessing or relying on this update.