NA approves reshuffle of govt leaders

National Assembly members on Friday approved the appointment of government leaders in response to the country’s changing needs on the path to socio-economic development.
Dr Phet Phomphiphak, who was previously a Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, now becomes Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, replacing Dr Lien Thikeo.
Dr Lien has assumed the post of Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Mr KhamjenVongphosy, who was previously Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Propaganda and Training Board, was also appointed a Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and  Head of the Prime Minister’s Office.
In the meantime, Mr Thongchan Manixay, who was previously Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, was promoted to the position of minister.  Approval

of these appointments was given after being proposed by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.
The reshuffle is aimed at strengthening administrative and government agencies as Laos struggles to overcome economic difficulties and the rising debt burden, which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The newly appointed leaders were praised by NA members and members of the public, who urged them to dedicate their efforts, knowledge, and ability to helping Laos ease its financial tensions. Dr Phet, who is a member of the Party Central Committee, was formerly Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.
He returns to lead the ministry as the government is pushing for greater domestic production for commercial purposes. The move is aimed at boosting exports and minimising imports.
One of the main challenges for agriculture is the severe flooding in central and southern areas of the country.
Recent deluges have ruined thousands of hectares of rice which was about to harvested, which has sparked concerns about food security. 
This year, the government predicts that the economy will grow by 3.3 percent, with the agriculture sector expected to grow by 2.3 percent and output representing 16.6 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Meanwhile, Mr Khamjen, who is a member of the Party Central Committee, has held several important positions in the Party and government.
He was formerly deputy governor of Vientiane province before becoming Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. He then became the governor of Phongsaly province before being appointed Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Propaganda and Training Board. The reshuffle of government leaders occurs every five years in an attempt to efficiently implement the country’s five-year socio-economic development plan.
One of the government’s main goals over the next five years is to pursue sustainable development by balancing economic development with environmental protection, using natural resources in an appropriate, sustainable and effective manner. The government will also concentrate on strengthening commercial production in association with the processing industry as well as promoting services along railways and other economic corridors.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update November 2, 2020)