NA debates standard trading law

National Assembly members turned their attention to substandard drinking water factories and faulty measurements in markets during the 16 th day of the NA's 4 th session on Friday.

The main topic of discussion was whether the draft standardisation law under consideration should stipulate stricter inspections of the country's products and production processes.

Members agreed that a strict inspection process would minimise the problem of customers being taken advantage of by traders.

The Health Ministry ordered the closure of a substandard drinking-water factory in Vientiane in November, and issued warnings to three other factories after carrying out inspections in the capital's five districts.

“If we don't have clear guidelines for standard inspections, our customers will be taken advantage of by traders, such as through the use of inaccurate scales or measuring devices,” said NA member for Vientiane, Mr Ounheuan Phothilath.

Minister and Head of the Science, Technology and Environment Agency (STEA) Prof Dr Bountiem Phissamay talked of the significance of the new standardisation law for the country's development.

He said the new law would translate the Party's directive and the management role of the government to promote the quality of products, trade, services and environmental protection, ensuring transparency and fairness for all customers.

“We are preparing to accede to the Asean free trade pact and the World Trade Organisation, and the new law will minimise trade barriers and ensure the quality of the country's products, as well as increasing the country's competitive power,” he said.

The draft law, which will consist of 10 parts and 100 articles, is based on international conventions, lessons from other countries and ISO guidelines, which have been adapted to suit the country's current situation.

The law will cover three areas, including productivity, services and environmental standards.

Standards for the service sector will cover hotels, restaurants, tourism, communication, transport, education and health standards, while the environmental section will aim to regulate the amounts of waste water released by factories and exhaust fumes emitted by city vehicles.

Dr Bountiem said that to date, Laos has 60 standard products matching international guidelines, and he believes the new law will ensure the enhancement of more Lao products matching international standards.

In 1995, the Lao Prime Minister issued a decree on standard management and product quality, and also determined national standards for construction materials, oil and food, to promote the production of quality products for local consumption and for export.  (Vientiane times)