Govt to improve working methods towards greater efficiency

The government will improve its working methods nationwide, in the belief that this will speed up the implementation of Party and government policies, according to Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. 
Speaking at the National Assembly last week, Mr Thongloun said improvement of the government’s working methods aimed to ensure that government policies were put into practice effectively and efficiently. 
“I believe that the initiatives which the government introduced in the past were in line with Party resolutions as well as taking us in the right directions. Although the implementation of these initiatives did not reach the targets endorsed by the National Assembly, we will continue to walk along this correct path,” he said.
To ensure effectiveness and efficiency as well as speed up the implementation of Party and government policies, it is necessary for the government to improve its working methods, Mr Thongloun told lawmakers.
As part of this mission, the government will improve the job descriptions of administrators and officials nationwide so that they carry out their duties in accordance with their given assignments.
Working methods that are deemed to be ineffective, lack self-motivation, initiative and a positive attitude on the part of government officials, as well as not undergoing regular checks and evaluation will be improved, the prime minister said.     
In addition, Mr Thongloun said it was necessary for the government to improve coordination between different sectors, between central and local administrations, between government and party organisations, the National Assembly, judiciary bodies, the Lao Front for National Development, and mass organisations.
He also said the roles and duties of some state organisations would be improved to ensure that jobs did not overlap and that job descriptions were relevant.
One of the key features of the government’s proposed new working methods is to appoint officials who have the necessary qualifications, knowledge and capability required by their positions and their given assignments.
The government has introduced several initiatives to improve the business climate and attract knowledge-based business operators. These aim to ensure the sustainability of the economy, which at present is too reliant on natural resources.
Over the past few years, the government has worked to raise its ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index. But its ranking has remained unchanged, which has persuaded the government to review and improve upon its working methods.  

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
(Latest Update November 13, 2019)