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Laos has been finding it difficult to implement health and legal policies to reduce smoking in the country. To address this, several measures have been adopted by the Government. One such measure is to require tobacco companies (the "Companies") to display health warnings on cigarette packets that they produce and distribute to the market. Commencing in October this year, the Companies must include in cigarette packets information on the dangers of smoking. Moreover, all cigarette packs sold in the country must have 75% photographic health warnings ("PHWs") on both sides of the all cigarette packs.
To convey health warnings to people who cannot read, the Companies are also mandated to include graphic health warnings ("GWHs") on all cigarette packets. This will aid people who cannot read to understand the dangers of smoking.
In addition, the Ministry of Health (the "Ministry") will designate more smoke-free areas in the airports, bars and pubs, coffee shops, government offices, health venues, hotels, restaurants, religious sites, public transport, shopping malls, universities, and workplaces. The newly-designated smoke-free areas must display "No Smoking" signs within their premises.
According to the Ministry, up until recently, almost 40% of the Lao population smoked. However, recent surveys show that the percentage of people who smoke has dropped down to 29%. The decrease in the smoking population indicates that more Lao people are starting to understand the dangers of tobacco smoking. The Government considers tobacco control a top priority, given its significant effect in preventing non-communicable diseases and the promotion of health.
Laos is rich in forest resources, but it was observed that the country has lost more than it gained from timber exports in the past years. As it is, the country lacks modern machines and technical skills to improve the quality of its wood products.
To address this, the Okawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Japan signed an agreement with the Department of Industry and Handicrafts under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in relation to a human development project for Lao wood processing. Pursuant to this agreement, Lao students and technical staff are sent to train in Japan so they will be able to enhance their skills and bring knowledge and lessons to use in Laos. The Okawa Chamber is coordinating with a local skills development centre to implement the project. Okawa city has many years of experience in producing wooden furniture and its technical team has been trained to teach workers in China, Vietnam and Thailand to produce better products before coming to teach students in Laos.
It is expected that the project will significantly boost the competitiveness of the Lao timber processing industry in line with other countries in the region.
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.
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Rajah & Tann (Laos) Co., Ltd
Anou Village,
Samsenthai Road Unit 17,
Chanthabouly District,
Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR.
http://la.rajahtannasia.com
Contacts: Khanti SyackhaphomLegal AdvisorD +856 21 454 239F +856 21 285 261khanti.syackhaphom@rajahtann.comDesmond WeeDirectorD +65 62320474desmond.wee@rajahtann.com| Rajah & Tann Asia is a network of legal practices based in Asia. |
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