Laos Removes Some Inspection Checkpoints to Improve Cargo Flow

Laos removed inspection checkpoints along main roads from its largest province to “expedite the movement of freight transport,” according to an Oct. 3 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The checkpoints, removed from the Savannakhet province, were slowing down cargo movement, serving as “an additional layer of red tape” and were used by local officials to impose “informal fees” on freight companies, businesses told the Laos government, HKTDC said. Although “general inspections” have been eliminated, certain Laotian officials can still inspect freight transport vehicles if they suspect illegal activity, the report said.