New quarantine law to regulate crop movements

National Assembly members yesterday agreed to impose stricter inspections on agricultural imports to ensure agricultural crops in Laos are protected from diseases and pests.

Mr Sitaheng Latsaphon.

The assembly debated a new plant quarantine law that aims to regulate customs procedures, offer guidance on the development of quarantine practices, and educate the public about the risks associated with agricultural pests and diseases.

It will also protect the agricultural sector by minimising the risk that foreign pests and diseases will enter the country and destroy local crops.

A member of the law drafting sub-committee, Mr Latsanivong Amarathithada, said the new law would formalise the current activities of authorities and encourage them to closely scrutinise agricultural imports and exports.

“The new law aims to show foreign countries that we are serious about this issue and we can guarantee the quality of Lao agricultural products, while also protecting Lao farmers,” he said.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Sitaheng Latsaphon, said the government placed great importance on the development of the agriculture sector in ensuring food security and boosting export trade, but there was currently a lack of legislation to facilitate growth of the sector.

He said the new law was an important step for Laos in its preparations to join the World Trade Organisation.

Officials currently follow a decree issued in 1993 to manage agricultural imports and exports. But these regulations are not comprehensive and do not match recent socio-economic development in the country.

The new law consists of nine parts and 69 articles. It was first drafted in 2007 and is a collaborative effort involving numerous ministries and organisations.

By Somsack Pongkhao