The Lao National Assembly opened its fourth ordinary session on December 5th, to consider and adopt seven new draft laws on aquatics and wildlife, intellectual property, narcotics, sports, trade unions, fire prevention, and standardization of goods and services. In taking up these legislations, the Lao legislature aims at modernizing its nation's legal system and laws to international standards , to prepare for its entry into the World Trade Organization.
During the current session, the Assembly will also consider a revised law on forestry, which has been amended to reflect the realistic situation regarding Laos' national forests which have been shrinking due to illegal loggings.
The session, which will be open to public comments by phone, will continue until December 26th.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details in Lao.