NA members request govt to resolve financial crisis

National Assembly (NA) members representing their constituencies have voiced their opinions on the government’s rollout of the socio-economic development plan and use of the state budget.
People’s representatives are convening in Vientiane for the three-week 8th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly.

A National Assembly member addresses a parliamentary session on Tuesday.

Debates taking place this week, chaired by the Vice President of the National Assembly, Mrs Sounthone Xayachack, saw NA members urge the government to resolve the many pressing issues currently facing society.
Mr Saythong Sayavong, representing Champassak province, said enhanced productivity is needed to reduce imports and boost exports.
This is an essential and urgent issue that requires both short-term and long-term solutions because, in the past, productivity has been low, both in industry and agriculture, he said.
It has become necessary to grow more crops and breed more livestock to replace imports and produce more for export, especially coffee, vegetables, rubber, and other commercial crops, Mr Saythong said.
He also asked the government to consider growing lentils in the southern provinces such as Champassak, where soil and climate conditions are favourable for this crop.
He suggested that the government encourage businesses with the necessary experience, capital, technology and expertise to invest in the crop, believing that it would yield worthwhile results.
Mr Phonesarn Vilaymeng, representing Savannakhet province, asked the government to focus on the management of civil servants, especially those who are lax in attending to their duties and arrive at work late and leave early.
If the government does not ensure discipline among its employees, their standard of work will suffer and they will not perform at the expected level, he said.
He also pointed out that the proposed increase in the minimum salary paid to civil servants, from 1,850,000 kip to 2,200,000 kip, in 2025 does not come close to matching the high cost of living.
Some government employees attend work irregularly for various reasons, especially in relation to income earned, but there are many people who want to work for the government and have a bright future, Mr Phonesarn said.
On these grounds, he strongly advised the government to increase the salary further, to match the current cost of living.
Mr Phonesarn also asked the government to do more to resolve common problems faced by many households in relation to education, production, clean water, etc., with services and assistance in these fields lacking in some localities. The government should spend more money on these essential areas, he suggested.
Mrs Minaphone Xaysomphu, representing Attapeu province, commented on the problem of inflation, saying that although currency exchange rates are becoming more favourable, the price of goods and services is still rising.
She attributed this to a lack of political willpower and the fact that transition to new and improved financial and production systems has not been as efficient as desired. Management is weak and the production base and production systems fall short of acceptable standards, she said. Although the necessary revenue for the budget has been amassed, some sources of revenue have not been tapped in line with the set plan, she added.
Mr Saychai Kommasith, NA member for Bokeo province, said the amount of revenue amassed from mining operations was less than that accrued in 2023.
He asked the government to report on the figures since some mining operations were suspended and also called for urgent measures to resolve the issue of improperly imported vehicles in the five northern provinces.
Other NA members asked the government to urgently tackle problems in the education, tourism, health and transport sectors.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 21, 2024)