Digital management work and the use of the Internet in Laos

National Assembly leaders say that digital management work and efficient use of the Internet in Laos remain challenging for both the government and society as a whole.
For several years, the government has attempted to introduce more widespread use of digital systems and improve technological, communication and information systems so they are faster and more efficiently used.

Officials gather at a meeting on Digital Governance and Internet Use between National Sovereignty and Globalisation on Thursday.

Vice President of the National Assembly, Mrs Sounthone Xayyachack, addressed the topic when speaking at a meeting on Digital Governance and Internet Use between National Sovereignty and Globalisation organised on Thursday by the Foreign Affairs Commission and the Assemblee Parlementaire de la Francophonie (French-speaking Parliamentary Assembly).
She said the government considers digital management and use of the Internet, including computer usage and communication and information technology, as a priority area for the development of public administration, social management, and research.
Laos has introduced the Law on Combating and Suppressing Computer Crime, the Law on Protection of Electronic Information and a Prime Minister’s Decree on Internet Information Centres and other forms of legislation to regulate the development of these kinds of technology, Mrs Sounthone said.
The National Assembly, as an entity that represents the rights and interests of the Lao people, began using information and communication technology systems for the first time in 2001, under the National Assembly Library and Information Centre construction project, she added.
The National Assembly, as a member of the Assemblee Parlementaire de la Francophonie, has received assistance from the PARDOC Project together with the French Language Centre in Vientiane by adding French to the National Assembly’s website, which now appears in three languages - Lao, French and English.
The government considers this area of work to be a priority for the enhancement of administration, state and social management, research, and overall development.
The National Assembly uses digital systems to disseminate policies, laws and socio-economic development plans.
It acts to ensure that all members of the public are informed about developments in all areas of government, as well as getting public feedback on various issues.
The meeting was an important platform for Parliament to discuss the management of digital affairs, and the tools and regulations used at the international level to control digital work proposed by a delegation from the French-speaking Parliament and representatives of Laos’ National Assembly, Mrs Sounthone said.
Meeting delegates discussed various topics in a direct and creative manner, raising awareness and understanding about the benefits and challenges of digitalisation, including ways to manage digital systems and use the Internet more efficiently and effectively.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update June 12, 2023)