Locus Economica deepened its advisory work for Lao PDR in 2017 by advising on a parliamentary brief for the SEZ Bill for The Asia Foundation. We supplied inputs on:

The nature and purpose of SEZs
The rationale for giving SEZ businesses advantages over non-SEZ businesses
Best practices and key concerns with the management of Lao SEZs.
Recommended provisions to add to the bill on:
- Land concession rules
- Recourse and sanctions for non-performance by SEZ developers or the state
- Termination of concession agreements
- Compensation for former landowners who have had property seized
- Socially responsible labor regulation
- One-stop shops
Taxation benchmarks from other East Asian SEZs
Customs documentary requirements
Necessary provisions for developer and operator agreements and concessions