National Assembly passes seven laws

National Assembly members yesterday approved seven out of eight laws after debating and amending the laws for almost two weeks at the 8th ordinary session of the 6th legislature, which ends today.

A law on family registration is scheduled to be debated and voted on today.

The laws approved are four new laws on tobacco control, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Committee, construction and state investment, as well as three amended laws on notary offices, the People’s Court, and prosecution.

The session was chaired by Assembly President Thongsing Thammavong. The laws approved will stimulate the government’s efforts to make Laos a state governed by the rule of law.

The Law on Tobacco Control was one of four new laws approved in the morning session with 84 votes out of a total of 98, four votes against and one abstention.

Once promulgated, the newly approved law aims to reduce the number of smokers, particularly among the younger generation, with vendors prohibited from selling cigarettes to individuals under 18.

The new law stipulates no smoking and selling areas, such as around health and education facilities and state offices, while public venues like restaurants and hotels are obliged to set up smoking zones to prevent non-smokers from being harmed by toxic smoke. The law recommends an increased import tariff on tobacco products so as to force a price increase for cigarettes, in turn reducing the number of smokers.

Research conducted by the World Bank has shown that a 10 percent increase in cigarette prices reduces the number of smokers by four percent in developed countries and eight percent in developing and least developed countries, according to a member of the law’s drafting committee, Dr Khamhoung Heuangvongsy, who is also Deputy Minister of Health.

The law will be an important tool in managing the tobacco industry in Laos after it was learnt the country charges only a 15 percent tariff on tobacco products, much lower than some Asean member countries who charge as high as 69 percent.

“Cheaper cigarette prices can encourage people to smoke because they can afford to,” Dr Khamhoung said.

Similarly, the other laws passed in the session will serve as references to manage work under new guidelines.

At today’s session, members will review the working activities and achievements of the assembly’s standing committee since the last session, held in June.

By Vientiane Times Reporters
November 27, 2009