Govt orders action to tackle development challenges

The government has instructed the sectors concerned to prepare for the official opening of the Laos-China railway and the Year of Tourism in New Normal in December.
Government leaders have also approved five laws in support of the two national agendas, which aim to tackle economic and financial difficulties and drug abuse.

These laws will be submitted for debate at an extraordinary session of the National Assembly next month.
The above issues were among the topics debated at the government meeting on July 26-27, chaired by Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and attended by cabinet members.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism were instructed to work with other sectors to prepare for the opening of the US$5.9-billion railway.
Meanwhile, the Year of Tourism in New Normal should harmonise with Covid-19 prevention measures while contributing to economic recovery efforts.     
The five laws approved at the government meeting include draft amended laws on tax, value added tax, income tax, excise tax, and drugs.
The government also endorsed laws to be submitted for debate at the ordinary session of the National Assembly in October.
These include a law relating to national boundaries and two amended laws on national heritage and tobacco control.
July is a challenging month for the government as it attempts to pay off the mounting public debt, which has accumulated as a result of the rising budget deficit.
Rising inflation and spiralling prices in local markets have ramped up pressure on people struggling to earn a living.
In addition, the Covid-19 crisis, natural disasters, and the return of migrant workers from Thailand are adding to the government’s capacity to deal with the challenges to its plans.
The government has pledged to stabilise the macroeconomy, boost productivity, and attract more investment into the country.
Government leaders have also vowed to do more to curb the spread of Covid-19 by beefing up border controls and patrols, and preparing for the return of Lao workers from Thailand.
Laos is vulnerable to global impacts, climate change and natural disasters, the effects of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Over the past five years (2016-2020), the economy has grown at an average annual rate of 5.8 percent, below the target of 7.2 percent.
As the challenges mount, the government must apply all of its knowledge and ability to help the country overcome economic difficulties.
The government is committed to moving towards sustainable development through the wise use of natural resources and by applying science and technology to the development of the economy.

BySomsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update July 28, 2021)