Non-Equity Modes of Trade in ASEAN PAPER 4 Promoting New Forms of Trade Between MARCH Japan and ASEAN 2020
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2018 Transport Costs and Prices in Lao
Transport Costs and Prices in Lao PDR Unlocking the Potential of an Idle Fleet 2018 Transport Costs and Prices in Lao PDR Unlocking the Potential of an Idle Fleet Transport Costs and Prices in Lao PDR: Unlocking the Potential of an Idle Fleet Final report September 2018 Report No: AUS0000443 iii Table of Contents Table of Contents Acknowledgements vi Acronyms and Abbreviations vii Exchange rates vii Executive Summary 1 1 Background 4 2 Scope and methodology 6 Scope 6 Methodology 6 Limitations 8 3 Findings and Results 10 Transport market 10 Vehicle utilization in comparison 16 Contracts and price setting 34 4 Policy options and regional trade 36 Annex I Technical notes on the variables used in the models 40 Annex II Axle load limits in Lao PDR 44 References 45 iv Transport Costs and Prices in Lao PDR Unlocking the Potential of an Idle Fleet List of Boxes Box 1 Common trucks used in Lao PDR 13 Box 2 Using bus services for freight transportation 14 Box 3 Comparing transport costs with the findings of other studies 21 Box 4 Overstated profits 31 Box 5 The transshipment model 38 List of Figures Figure 1 Topographical map of Lao PDR 15 Figure 2 Average truck mileage in selected developing countries in 2007 17 Figure 3 Total cost per ton-km by cargo carried per wheel per year (all observations) 17 Figure 4 Breakdown of variable costs 19 Figure 5 Variable and total costs for selected routes (LAK per ton-km) 20 Figure 6 Operating costs (LAK per ton-km) by vehicle size 25 Figure 7 Variable costs (LAK per ton-km) by vehicle size and route direction 25 Figure 8 Volume vs. -
Simulation of Supply/Demand Balance
The Study on Power Network System Master Plan in Lao PDR Draft Final Report (Stage 3) Simulation of Supply/Demand Balance 17.1. Options for Power Development Plan up to 2030 In order to examine supply reliability and supply-demand balance based on the Lao PDR’s development situation, and considering the development status of the country’s power supply facilities and transmission facilities, a simulation is conducted for 2030. Laos’s power system is examined up to 2030 considering the demand situation in the domestic system and the expansion plans for transmission lines. The northern and central 1 areas are put together to form a Laos NC system, the central 2 a Laos C system, and the southern part an S system. Based on the results of the supply/demand balance simulations, we make recommendations for power plant expansion plans and transmission lines, and for interconnections with neighboring countries. Power Development Plan for Laos’ domestic system up to 2030 1. Power plants for analysis of supply/demand balance in Laos In examining the supply/demand balance for domestic demand in Laos up to 2030, we use the power plan approved by the MEM Minister (see Table 17.1-1). Table 17.1-1 Power Development Plan approved by minister of MEM, including existing plants No Power Plant MW Type COD Province Region 1 Nam Dong 1.00 Run of river 1970 Luangprabang NC 2 Nam Ngum 1 155.00 Reservoir 1971 Vientiane Pro NC 3 Nam Ko 1.50 Run of river 1996 Oudomxay NC 4 Nam Luek 60.00 Reservoir 2000 Saysomboun NC 5 Nam Mang 3 40.00 Reservoir 2004 Vientiane Pro -
8Th FIVE-YEAR NATIONAL SOCIO- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Unity Prosperity 8th FIVE-YEAR NATIONAL SOCIO- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2016–2020) (Officially approved at the VIIIth National Assembly’s Inaugural Session, 20–23 April 2016, Vientiane) Ministry of Planning and Investment June 2016 8th FIVE-YEAR NATIONAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2016–2020) (Officially approved at the VIIIth National Assembly’s Inaugural Session, 20–23 April 2016, Vientiane) Ministry of Planning and Investment June 2016 FOREWORD The 8th Five-Year National Socio-economic Development Plan (2016–2020) “8th NSEDP” is a mean to implement the resolutions of the 10th Party Conference that also emphasizes the areas from the previous plan implementation that still need to be achieved. The Plan also reflects the Socio-economic Development Strategy until 2025 and Vision 2030 with an aim to build a new foundation for graduating from LDC status by 2020 to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030. Therefore, the 8th NSEDP is an important tool central to the assurance of the national defence and development of the party’s new directions. Furthermore, the 8th NSEDP is a result of the Government’s breakthrough in mindset. It is an outcome- based plan that resulted from close research and, thus, it is constructed with the clear development outcomes and outputs corresponding to the sector and provincial development plans that should be able to ensure harmonization in the Plan performance within provided sources of funding, including a government budget, grants and loans, -
Laos Tax Profile
Laos Tax Profile Produced in conjunction with the KPMG Asia Pacific Tax Centre Updated: May 2016 Contents 1 Corporate Income Tax 1 2 Income Tax Treaties for the Avoidance of Double Taxation 5 3 Indirect Tax 6 4 Personal Taxation 7 5 Other Taxes 9 6 Free Trade Agreements 10 7 Tax Authority 11 © 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”). KPMG International provides no client services and is a Swiss entity with which the independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated. All rights reserved 1 Corporate Income Tax Corporate income tax Profit tax Small and medium enterprises that are not registered under the Value Added Tax (VAT) system are subject to lump-sum tax instead of profit tax. This applies to enterprises which have annual revenue of less than LAK12 million. Tax rate A 24 percent profit tax rate applies to both domestic and foreign businesses, except for companies registered in the Lao Stock Exchange, which benefit from a five percent reduction of the normal rate for a period of four years from the date of registration in the Stock Exchange. After this period, the normal profit tax rate applies. A 26 percent profit tax rate applies to companies whose business is to produce, import, and supply tobacco products. Two percent of the tax paid by tobacco companies shall contribute to the Cigarette Control Fund (Article 46 of the Law on Tobacco Control). Small and medium enterprises that are not registered under the VAT system pay lump-sum tax at progressive rates between three percent and seven percent, depending on the nature of the business and its revenue. -
Laos Tax Profile
Laos Tax Profile Produced in conjunction with the KPMG Asia Pacific Tax Centre August 2018 Table of Contents 1 Corporate Income Tax 3 1.1 General Information 3 1.2 Determination of taxable income and deductible expenses 6 1.2.1 Income 6 1.2.2 Expenses 6 1.3 Tax Compliance 8 1.4 Financial Statements/Accounting 10 1.5 Incentives 12 1.6 International Taxation 13 2 Transfer Pricing 16 3 Indirect Tax 16 4 Personal Taxation 18 5 Other Taxes 20 6 Trade & Customs 21 6.1 Customs 21 6.2 Free Trade Agreements (FTA) 21 7 Tax Authority 22 1 Corporate Income Tax 1.1 General Information Tax Rate Profit tax is levied on income. Small and medium enterprises that are not registered under the Value Added Tax (VAT) system are subject to lump-sum tax instead of profit tax. This applies to enterprises which have annual revenue of less than LAK 12 million. A 24% profit tax rate applies to both domestic and foreign businesses, except for companies registered on the Lao Stock Exchange, which benefit from a 5% reduction of the normal rate for a period of 4 years from the date of registration on the Stock Exchange. After this period, the normal profit tax rate applies. A 26% profit tax rate applies to companies whose business is to produce, import, and supply tobacco products. 2% of the tax paid by tobacco companies shall be contributed to the Cigarette Control Fund (Article 46 of the Law on Tobacco Control). Small and medium enterprises that are not registered under the VAT system pay lump-sum tax at progressive rates between 3%-7%, depending on the nature of the business and its revenue. -
Doing Business in Lao PDR: 2014 Country Commercial Guide for US
Doing Business in Lao PDR: 2014 Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2010. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES. • Chapter 1: Doing Business In Lao PDR • Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment • Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services • Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment • Chapter 5: Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards • Chapter 6: Investment Climate • Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing • Chapter 8: Business Travel • Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research and Trade Events • Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services Return to table of contents Chapter 1: Doing Business in Lao PDR • Market Overview • Market Challenges • Market Opportunities • Market Entry Strategy • Market Fact Sheet link Market Overview Return to top • The Lao market economy has grown at a nearly 7% clip for the last decade and is heading into a new phase of regional and global integration. After acceding to the World Trade Organization in 2013, Laos looks to the ASEAN Economic Community as a marker for its next set of economic policy and trade development goals. • The Lao government suffered through a fiscal and monetary crisis in 2013 and into 2014, brought about by poor budgetary processes, uncontrolled investment in infrastructure, and a large raise for civil servants. Government fiscal and budgetary policy formulation and implementation remain weak but the government is taking steps to address some deficiencies. • Laos is one of five remaining communist countries in the world and this legacy continues to weigh on both governance and the economy. -
Exploring Local Leadership in Lao-Based Ingos Thongdeuane Nanthanavone
Exploring local leadership in Lao-based INGOs Thongdeuane Nanthanavone Master of Development Practice (adv) A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Queensland in 2014 School of Social Work and Human Services i Abstract The aim of this study is to understand how local leadership development is operationalised in the INGO sector in the social context of Laos. Until recently, leadership has been studied academically from a psychological paradigm. This paradigm sees leadership from the Western individual attribute perspective. A growing body of research addresses the sociocultural context of leadership. The sociocultural view is derived from a container model-a Nation-state perspective- which pays limited attention to the external social forces that come with globalisation. In practice, organisational research shows that leadership development initiatives often take the form of “fill-the-gap” approach emphasising mechanical fixes for intra-personal competency deficits through the provision of training. This study transcends the individual attribute approach. The focus of this study is to explore local leadership development in INGOs from a glocalisation perspective: seeing the social context of leadership from a combination of domestic and international guiding norms. Informed by a bricolage approach, this study adopts the epistemological perspective of social constructionism, which sees social reality as relative and contextually constructed (Crotty 1998). The bricolage suggests researchers use the tools at hands to generate data about social reality which involves using multiple methods and logic to understand that social world. Therefore, this study combines multiple data-collection methods to ensure greater depth and validity. The four mutually reinforcing methods selected included: in- depth interview, informal conversational interview, participant observation and document analysis. -
Logistics Development and Trade Facilitation in Lao Pdr
Public Disclosure Authorized LOGISTICS DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE FACILITATION IN LAO PDR Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Prepared by John Arnold With Assistance from Dr. Ruth Banomyong and Nipawis Ritthironk Public Disclosure Authorized EDITED MAY 2003 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS AFTA ASEAN Free Trade Area APB Agricultural Promotion Bank BCEL Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao BOL Bank of Laos CAS Country Assistance Strategy CEPT Common Effective Preferential Tariff DOF Department of Forestry ETO Express Transport Organization FDI Foreign Direct Investment FIMC Foreign Investment Management Committee GMS Greater Mekong Sub-region ICD Inland Clearance Depot LFF Lao Freight Forwarder MRC Mekong River Commission ODA Official Development Assistance RCL Regional Container Line SRT State Railway of Thailand THC Terminal Handling Charge i 1. Economic Situtation.....................................................................................................................1 Background ..................................................................................................................................1 Trade and FDI..........................................................................................................................2 2. Agriculture...................................................................................................................................6 Rice ..............................................................................................................................................7 -
Environmental and Social Monitoring Report
Independent Advisory Panel Report Project Number: 41924 June 2014 Document Stage: Final Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Project (Lao People’s Democratic Republic) Report Number 3 on the Third Site Visit, 4-11 May 2014 Prepared by Mr. Anthony M. Zola, Resettlement Specialist and Chairman of the Independent Advisory Panel for the Asian Development Bank The final report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “Terms of Use” section of this website. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Report Number 3 of the Independent Advisory Panel on the Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Project, Lao PDR Third Site Visit, 4-11 May 2014 5 June 2014 1 Table of Contents Page no. List of acronyms and abbreviations 3 Introduction 4 Part 1: Independent Advisory Panel Actions 4 Part 2: Summary of IAP issues, requirements, and recommendations 7 • Summary of Resettlement Issues 7 • Summary of Social Issues 12 • Summary of Environmental Issues 16 • Summary of Biodiversity Issues 24 List of Annexes Annex 1: Resettlement Issues 30 Annex 2: Social and Indigenous Peoples’ Issues 37 Annex 3: Environmental Issues 39 Annex 4: Biodiversity Issues 43 Photos Resettlement -
Mekong Integrated Water Resource Management (M-IWRM) Project
Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity Public Disclosure Authorized Mekong Integrated Water Resource Management (M-IWRM) Project Public Disclosure Authorized ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF) Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized March 9, 2017 (Revised March 12, 2021) PREFACE This Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for Lao PDR is being applied to all activities financed by the World Bank (WB) for technical and/or financial support from the Mekong Integrated Water Resource Management (M-IWRM) Project. This updated version of the ESMF applies to both ongoing activities funded under the additional financing (AF) and new activities to be funded under the Project restructuring. The restructuring extends the Project duration by another eleven months. The national Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Department of Water Resources (DWR), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), is responsible for overall coordination of Lao PDR activities. The respective PMUs of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) and the Department of Irrigation (DOI) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) are responsible for implementation of specific subcomponents and for ensuring compliance with the Ethnic Group Planning Framework (EGPF), including keeping proper documentation in the project file for possible review by the WB. This ESMF has been progressively revised to reflect the scope of Project activities under the original project, the AF, and the restructuring. Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) 1 Mekong-Integrated Water Resource Management (M-IWRM) Project Mekong Integrated Water Resource Management (M-IWRM) Project Table of Contents PREFACE......................................................................................................................... 1 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms .................................................................................... -
Transport and Logistics in Lao PDR: Impact of the ASEAN Economic Community
On behalf of GIZ Transport and Logistics in Lao PDR: Impact of the ASEAN Economic Community Final Report Published by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Registered offices Bonn and Eschborn, Germany Regional Economic Integration of Laos into ASEAN, Trade and Entrepreneurship Development (RELATED) 5th floor, Premier Building, opposite Simeuang Temple, Setthathirath Road, Unit 10, Piawat Village, Sisattanak District; Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR T +856 21 226 000 – 3 Ext: 124 F +856 21 226 004 [email protected] www.giz.de/laos As at December 2014 Printed by Kaoyord Image 014 Ban Phiavat, Vientiane Lao PDR Tel/Fax +856 21 216655, 218949 P.O. Box 8147 E-mail: [email protected] www.kaoyordimage.com Design and layout Cover page: PR unit of GIZ Office Vientiane Pankham Jampa Co.,Ltd Photo credits Paul Apthorp photo a. page 10 photo b. page 11 photo c. page 12 photo d. page 61 Christian Ksoll photo cover page Text Paul Apthorp Christian Ksoll John Quarmby Contributions of the contractor, Greater Mekong Transportation, do not necessarily represent the position of GIZ. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) 1 Transport and Logistics in Lao PDR: Impact of the ASEAN Economic Community Greater Mekong Transportation Table of Contents Abbreviations......................................................................................................................................4 Exchange Rates ..................................................................................................................................5 -
UXO Sector Annual Report 2015
2015 ANNUAL REPORT This document acts as Annual Report of the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action in Lao PDR. For further information, please contact the: National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector in Lao PDR (NRA) Sisangvone Village, P.O. Box 7621, Unit 19, Saysettha District, Vientiane, Lao PDR Website: www.nra.gov.la Telephone: (856-21) 262386 Donation for UXO victims: your support can make a difference. Your contribution to the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action in Lao PDR can support for families and children whose lives have been suffered by the UXO from the Indo-China War. For how to give, please contact Victim Assistance Unit of the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action in Lao PDR, Mr. Bountao Chanthavongsa via email: [email protected] Compiled and designed by: Vilavong SYSAVATH, Olivier BAUDUIN and Harry GIBBS Photos: Photos that appear in the Operator Reports, unless individually credited, were taken by and are the property of that Operator. All other photos in this report, unless individually creditied, have been taken by NRA The NRA would like to thank all UXO/Mine Action Sector Operators who provided images and information on their projects and activities in 2015 for this report. The NRA would like also to thank UNDP for the support provided throughout 2015 to both NRA and UXO Lao, as well as the input to this report. The NRA Programme and Public Relations Unit would also like to acknowledge the support and effort put in by all Members of the NRA team in helping to compile the UXO Sector Annual Report 2015.