NA session ends with endorsement of new govt policy framework
 
The National Assembly (NA) has ended its mid-year session after endorsing four resolutions that create a legal framework under which the government and relevant authorities will carry out their duties over the next six months.
Assembly President Mrs Pany Yathotou on Thursday officially closed the 9th Session of the 8th Legislature of the National Assembly, which took place from June 24 to July 2.
Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao PDR, Mr Bounnhang Vorachit, top Party and state leaders, NA members and senior officials attended the closing ceremony, which acknowledged the new resolutions.
“During the 9th Session of the 8th Legislature of the National Assembly over the past six and a half days, Assembly members as representatives of the rights and legitimate interests of the Lao ethnic people have upheld their responsibility to examine and provide feedback on all the issues presented during the session,” Mrs Pany said in her closing statement.

She noted that discussions by Assembly members on the issues proposed were based on the reality of the current situation, as well as policies, laws and information received during inspections by the NA and its members on the implementation of the constitution and laws.
The Assembly had considered and endorsed four resolutions relating to the implementation of the National Socio-economic Development Plan, budget and monetary plans over the first five months of this year, as well as the national development plan for the last six months of the year.
The NA also endorsed a government proposal to amend macro-economic, trade and investment targets for 2020, she added.
With regard to the government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak, Mrs Pany said the Assembly had expressed appreciation of the success of the Lao authorities in curbing the spread of the deadly virus, adding that they had been able to address the situation promptly and effectively.
She also said the Assembly wanted the government and relevant authorities to ensure success in the implementation of the revised national development plan which the NA had endorsed.
The Assembly also wanted the government to focus on stabilising the macro-economy, currency exchange rates and inflation, and ensure achievement of the revenue collection plan. It was also necessary to improve the business climate to support investment and in particular to improve the one-stop investment service.
In addition, the Assembly wants the government to launch a nationwide campaign to inspire citizens to love their country and support development, especially by turning crisis into opportunity as the nation faces challenging times.
The government should also continue to explore the potential for boosting domestic business operations and productivity as well as encourage people to buy more Lao-made products as the country is facing a trade deficit.
Mrs Pany noted that other outputs of the NA session included endorsement of the amended Customs Law, amended National Assembly Law, Law on Provincial People’s Council, Law on Election of NA Members and Provincial People’s Council Members, amended Law on Water and Water Resources, and amended Law on Environmental Protection.
The NA also endorsed the result of its investigation into the use of natural resources such as minerals, and the appointment of Dr Leeber Leebouapao as the new chairman of the NA’s planning, finance and audit committee.
 

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update July 3, 2020)