Covid-19, support for business startups on cabinet agenda

Action to contain the Covid-19 outbreak along with further measures and policies to support start-up businesses are among the hot topics being debated by the government cabinet.
Chaired by Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh, the cabinet began its monthly meeting for August on Monday, opening the floor for authorities in charge to report on the steps taken to control the Covid-19 outbreak.
Cabinet members are expected to discuss further measures to stem the tide of infections.
Laos has been battling second wave of outbreak of Covid-19 since the middle April, but the infection rate is escalating.

The number of infection cases is skyrocketing, largely as a result of increasing numbers of Lao migrant workers returning from Thailand, which is experiencing a widespread outbreak of the virus, and testing positive on entry into Laos.
The influx has resulted in treatment and quarantine facilities being overwhelmed, forcing authorities to expand these facilities.
As of Monday morning, the total number of cases recorded in Laos stood at 12,621 after 152 new cases were reported that day. Eleven people have died from the virus and 4,305 people are under observation or treatment in hospitals.
During their two-day meeting, cabinet members will also review progress of the Laos-China railway and discuss preparations to officially open the railway in December.
It was reported recently that construction of the railway, which will link the Vientiane and to the Chinese border, will be finished according to plan and will open for public use on December 2. Authorities say the official opening of the railway will mark the 46th Lao National Day on December 2.
The project developer and authorities in charge plan to bring in locomotives, electric multiple unit trains and other equipment to conduct the first trial run of the railway in October.
In addition, the cabinet will discuss a draft master plan to promote and develop start-up businesses.
The cabinet is also scheduled to debate a draft development plan on the processing industry and handicrafts for 2021-2025.
Also on the agenda are a report on the construction unit price and a report on the progress made in attempts by state departments to become financially self-sufficient.
The cabinet will also debate amendments to three laws and a newly-drafted law. The three draft amendments relate to the Law on the Government, Law on Telecommunications, and Law on Budget. The newly-drafted law on advanced technology will also be debated. 
The four drafts will be submitted to the second ordinary session of the National Assembly’s ninth legislature for approval.
The cabinet meeting will also discuss a draft decree on casino management. Prime Minister Phankham called on cabinet members to give close consideration to these documents to ensure proper outcomes.

By Times Reporters
  (Latest Update August 24, 2021)