Govt set to approve seven fundamental issues
 
Cabinet members are discussing seven fundamental issues which are seen as vital for economic recovery in the post-pandemic period.
They met at the government’s April meeting which opened in Vientiane on Thursday and was chaired by Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh.

The two-day meeting takes place as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage worldwide, disrupting the Lao economy and the livelihoods of local people.
The first report discussed by cabinet members related to the implementation of projects and other work to be achieved this month and plans for May.
The second item tabled for review concerns the 20-year development of a national digital economy (2021-2040), 10-year strategy on digital economy (2021-2030), and the digital economic development plan for 2021-2025.
The third document relates to the development of high-quality human resources in response to the demands of national development in the new era.
Fourth, cabinet members will discuss the draft of an amended strategy for the development of monetary and financial institutions and the vision until 2030.
The fifth document is a draft decree on vehicle management and a draft decree regarding vehicle allocation to high-level government officials, as well as plans to purchase new vehicles in 2021. 
Sixth, meeting participants will discuss a report regarding progress made in making state organisations financially self-sufficient by the end of this year.
The last report concerns national dress. These seven documents are expected to be approved by the government at the end of the meeting.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Phankham urged cabinet members to strengthen their political responsibility and apply their knowledge and devotion to ensure the final documents were comprehensive.
Cabinet members should discuss these issues frankly and help the government to accomplish the set goals, he said.
One of the government’s most important goals at present is to curb the spread of Covid-19 and make plans for economic recovery.
Previously the government vowed to improve mechanisms and measures to address economic difficulties and ensure the growth and stability of the macro economy.
The government also pledged to improve the structure of the economy, with a focus on SMEs and economic development along the Laos-China economic corridor and East-West and North-South economic corridors.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 23, 2021)