Semi-Annual January-June 2012 Report: Laos-US International and ASEAN Integration (LUNA) Project

The project's objectives are to support the effective implementation of the BTA, WTO accession, and AEC commitments, with a focus on modernizing the Lao legal system and integrating the economy into regional and global markets. The project provides demand-driven support to six line ministries, including the Ministries of Industry and Commerce, Justice, Agriculture and Forestry, Health, Finance, and Science and Technology, as well as the National Assembly and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. LUNA's technical assistance includes legal and economic policy analysis, comments on draft laws and regulations, training, and support for workshops and seminars, publications, study missions, translations, research, and equipment purchases. During the first six months of 2012, LUNA was busy supporting its counterparts in developing effective legislation and institutional capacities that comply with the trade agreements and support national socio-economic development objectives. The project office and team operations continued to operate effectively, with no new information to report. The Project Steering Committee met on February 28, 2012, to review and approve LUNA's Work Plan for 2012, and the meeting agreed to organize the next meeting on July 20, 2012, in Luang Prabang. LUNA supported 29 workshops with 1,847 participants from January to June 2012, with participants from every province attending LUNA-supported workshops. The project also provided training and support for the development of effective legislation and institutional capacities, including the drafting of laws and regulations, and the establishment of institutional frameworks. The project's activities are focused on advancing the BTA, WTO, and AEC, with a focus on trade in goods and trade facilitation, transparency and dispute settlement, sanitary-phytosanitary measures, and technical barriers to trade. LUNA is working closely with its counterparts to develop effective legislation and institutional capacities that comply with the trade agreements and support national socio-economic development objectives. The project's outputs include the development of effective legislation and institutional capacities, the establishment of institutional frameworks, and the provision of training and support for the development of human resources. The project's activities are expected to have a positive impact on the Lao economy, including increased trade, investment, and economic growth, as well as improved governance and the rule of law. The project's next planned Working Party meeting is scheduled for mid-September, followed by work on a number of major draft laws leading into the December National Assembly session. LUNA will continue to provide demand-driven support to its counterparts, with a focus on advancing the BTA, WTO, and AEC, and supporting national socio-economic development objectives.