Exchange of Diplomatic Notes for the Entry into Force of the Agreement between Japan and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for the Liberalisation, Promotion and Protection of Investment Agreement

July 4, 2008

Diplomatic Notes for the Entry into Force of the Agreement between Japan and the Lao People's Democratic Republic for the Liberalisation, Promotion, and Protection of Investment (Japan-Laos Investment Agreement) were exchanged in Tokyo on July 4 (Fri) between Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Somsavat Lengsavad, Standing Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. With this exchange, the agreement will enter into force on August 3 (Sun), 2008.
Like other investment agreements and the investment chapters in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that Japan has concluded in recent years, this agreement has high-level contents, stipulating comprehensive and detailed provisions concerning the liberalisation, promotion, and protection of investment.
It is expected that the entry into force of this agreement will improve the investment environment in Laos and further strengthen the economic relations between the two countries.

(END)