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Mekong Memo Laos Weekly: Business, politics, finance, trade & legal news.

Jan 24, 2024

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Headlines:

Crackdown on Mining Violations

Vientiane Braces for Fuel Shortage

Laos Sets Stage for ASEAN Tourism Growth

An Inside Look at an Infamous Criminal Hotspot

Navigating the ASEAN Chairmanship Part 1

Navigating the ASEAN Chairmanship Part 2

Migrant Workers' Rights and Contributions

New Online Registration System for Business

Anti-Corruption Measures and Prisoner Amnesty

Thai PM Touts Unified SEA Tourism Strategy

Laos-China Railway Expands Services to Support Tourism

Crackdown on Mining Violations

The government is imposing heavy fines on mining companies violating the rules in the hopes of curbing illicit activities and protecting resources. Starting on April 1, fines up to 2 billion kip ($96,816) will target unlawful operations in excavation, processing, and trade of minerals. The decision to crack down comes on the heels of a comprehensive review of mining operations, revealing detrimental impacts on the industry and environment. The decree comes as civil society becomes more involved in concerns over the economic and environmental effects of these activities.

Read more: VietnamPlus Decree), Radio Free Asia (Impact)

Vientiane Braces for Fuel Shortage

Vientiane is witnessing a surge in vehicles queuing at petrol stations due to fears of an impending fuel shortage. This has arisen as a result of a temporary halt of production lines in oil refineries in neighboring countries, notably Thailand, a major fuel supplier to Laos. The Lao State Fuel Company has acknowledged the issue, citing increased fuel consumption and potential shortages, especially in diesel. Efforts are underway to normalize the situation by the end of January, with assurances of manageable current supplies but concerns over meeting rising demand.

Laos Sets Stage for ASEAN Tourism Growth

Laos is hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 and the 59th meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organizations, focusing on sustainable and responsible tourism to improve the region's future. The forum, themed "Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future," is intended to ease access to ASEAN tourism products and attract international tourists. Concurrently, Laos has launched the "Visit Laos Year 2024," targeting 2.7 million foreign tourists. The meetings will discuss the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025, infrastructure enhancement, tourism product diversification, and service quality improvement to market Laos as a prime tourist destination.

Read more: The Star (Forum Kickoff), The Star (59th Meeting), Travel and Tour World (Global Travel Market)

An Inside Look at an Infamous Criminal Hotspot

The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos, allegedly overseen by a Chinese crime boss, is a hub for illegal activities including money laundering, human trafficking, and wildlife trafficking. A 2023 visit by Crisis Group revealed a city-scale development built around these criminal enterprises. Despite sanctions and regional crackdowns, activities like online scamming and wildlife trafficking persist. The zone appears to operates with minimal local authority interference, raising questions about its impact on regional peace, security, and law enforcement.

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