The National League for Democracy government has brought remarkable reforms to Myanmar’s legal, social, and economic commitments over the past year. The government has specifically focused on the liberalization of the market and the promotion of foreign direct investment—highlighted by the Myanmar Investment Law (2016) in October 2016, and the new Myanmar Companies Law (2017) in December 2017.

Surrounded by economic powerhouses and other growing economies, Laos is often overlooked by foreign direct investors in ASEAN. However, Laos’ geographical location, situated comfortably between Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China, paves the way for its strong potential to be a massive trading center, bridging China to the rest of the ASEAN countries.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has become increasingly more attractive in Cambodia for the better half of a decade due to consistent, robust growth rates, increased purchasing power of the population, and diversification of the economy. In addition, the Cambodian government has been steadfast in maintaining an open market for investment, and has put forth great effort in expanding the tax regime and implementing reforms to encourage corporate compliance.

On August 16, 2018, the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) issued a circular regarding the obligations of patent holders, and their proxies, to pay outstanding annual patent fees. This letter was sent to all patent owners who still have outstanding annuity fees according to articles 88 and 115 of the old patent law, Law No. 14 of 2011.

Women are very well represented in the Thai labor force, and benefit from certain protective measures, under Thai law. It is imperative to ensure that female employees in Thailand are aware of their legal rights and privileges to enable them to address any issues of concern that may arise in the workplace.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) has introduced two new Prakas (implementing guidelines), one of which seeks to clarify recent amendments to the country’s Labor Law pertaining to seniority payments, and the other establishes a new requirement to make salary payments twice per month. Below we set out full details of the changes.Prakas No. 443 on Seniority Payments

Article 20 of Indonesia’s Patent Law requires patent owners to either manufacture their patented products in Indonesia or use their patented processes in the country.  Although controversial, the purpose of this working requirement is to drive foreign technology transfer, investment and stimulate local employment opportunities within the country.If an invention is not worked within 36 months of grant, a third party can file an application for a compulsory license pursuant to Article 82, which is reproduced below:

Myanmar is an attractive destination for foreign investors due to its low labor costs and growing economy. While M&A activities have thus far been limited, they are expected to increase in the near future as the country continues to modernize its commercial legal framework.