MICT creates awareness of sign law to address non-compliant signs, boost revenues

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) has announced plans for the management of unauthorised signs, following the promulgation of the Law on Sign Management.

The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignakhet, reviews past achievements and outlines plans for management of signs at the ongoing National Assembly session.

The new measures aim to maintain social order and address revenue losses caused by non-compliant signage.
In Vientiane, authorities recently tackled the issue of illegal signs that failed to comply with regulations, affecting the beauty of the city and reducing government revenues.
During the ongoing National Assembly session, the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignakhet, informed members that the ministry is actively disseminating information on the provisions of the law through various channels, and working in collaboration with the public and private sectors as well as public administration agencies.
The minister reported that more than 2,000 copies of the Law on Sign Management have been printed and distributed to relevant public governance units responsible for regulating signs, other ministries and local authorities overseeing signage across Laos.
Additionally, the law has been published on the ministry’s website to ensure public access.
“Through this implementation, sign management units, businesses involved in signage, and sign owners have gained a deeper understanding of the law and are better equipped to comply with its guidelines,” she said.
She emphasised that the law’s primary goals are improving the efficiency of sign administration, ensuring orderliness and lawful signage, and providing a framework for enforcement to inspect and remove illegal signs.
“Signage businesses have the potential to generate significant technical revenues for the government’s budget while contributing to socio-economic development,” Mrs Suanesavanh added.
Earlier this year, Vientiane authorities formed a task force to inspect signage in various parts of the capital. They found that many shopfronts displayed business names and descriptions inconsistently, with discrepancies in style, colour and size.
Some signs misused both Lao and foreign languages, while many others had been erected without proper authorisation or payment of fees, resulting in an unattractive and chaotic display.
The government, in collaboration with local authorities, will continue to address these issues by cracking down on non-compliant signage, ensuring that proper procedures are followed, and fees are paid in accordance with the law.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 26, 2024)