NA endorses key economic policies, laws at closing session

The second ordinary session of the National Assembly’s 9th legislature wrapped up on Wednesday after adopting key economic recovery policies and approving new laws.
In his closing remarks, NA President Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane said that despite the Covid-19 crisis the full programme had been completed after 15 days of debate.

Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and State President Thongloun Sisoulith and senior officials attended the closing ceremony, which acknowledged the new resolutions.
Lawmakers considered important reports delivered by the government and discussed their concerns, notably ways to overcome the economic and financial difficulties the government is currently facing.
Members endorsed a government report on the socio-economic development and budget plans for 2021 and plans for 2022; 20-year Vision (2021-2040), 10-year Strategy (2021-2030) and national digital economic development plan for 2021-2025; and hydropower development strategy (2021-30).
In addition, Assembly members approved a report presented by the State Audit Organisation on the rollout of its plan for 2021 and plan for 2022, as well as the outcome of its audits for 2020.
Lawmakers also approved a report by the State Inspection Authority on its achievements to date in fulfilling its plan for 2021 and plan for 2022.
Investigations by the State Inspection Authority revealed that more than 2.24 trillion kip (US$214.7 million) had been lost in incidents involving corruption over the past year.
Authorities are attempting to retrieve all of the money pocketed by corrupt officials.
The session also endorsed 11 laws including four new laws.
The four new laws approved by the NA relate to land vehicles, surveying and mapping, national borders, and high-tech development.
Assembly members also endorsed amendments to seven laws including laws on government, state budget, enactment of legislation, judgment enforcement, tobacco control, telecommunications, and national heritage. 
Members expressed concern that the government may not be able to achieve various development targets by the end of this year because of difficulties relating to the Covid-19 crisis.
For instance, Gross Domestic Product is projected to grow by just 3 percent in 2021, lower than the 4 percent previously approved by the National Assembly.
Lawmakers called on the government to expedite the vaccination programme so that schools can reopen and foreign nationals can enter Laos; capitalise on the benefits offered by the Laos-China railway; and do more to lower the rate of inflation.
The National Assembly is a state power that is elected by the citizens of Laos. Its function is to represent the rights, powers and interests of the country’s multi-ethnic people. 
Members meet twice a year to debate and approve laws as well as make decisions on issues of fundamental importance. 

By Somsack Pongkhao
 (Latest Update November 18, 2021)