Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone chaired the monthly government meeting on August 26-27. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: The government will focus on several urgent priorities to address economic and financial challenges in September and the rest of the year as part of the government’s new bid to tackle unresolved matters raised at a recent meeting.
The priorities to be addressed by the government are based on the instructions of the Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President Thongloun Sisoulith.
According to a media conference held on Tuesday (Aug 27) to unveil the results of the government meeting on August 26-27, the Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and the government’s Spokesperson, Sonexay Sithphaxay, said the government will prioritise some key measures.
One of the highest priorities for the government will be to pay attention to national security and defence, especially peace and order, during preparations for the upcoming Asean Summit, as well as maintaining orderly traffic and roads during the first week of the new school year.
At the same time, the maintenance of social order, especially in dealing with the problems of drugs, and fraud in telecommunications or call centres and other areas, he said.
“Most importantly, the focus work plan will also prioritise addressing the inflation issue, the management of exchange rates and the prices of consumer goods,” he said, saying that it will also curb systems for foreign trade, particularly illegal border trade, to ensure legal compliance.
The government will encourage importers and exporters to register payments through the banking system, make use of the kip throughout society, and minimise the acceptance of foreign currency before their exchange with local currency.
Sonexay said the government would continue to resolve the debt problem by negotiating a restructuring plan, extending debt repayment periods, and determining shortfalls in profits from projects that received loans while accelerating debt collection from private companies.
In addition, inspections of and the collection of information from gold mining and jewellery business units will be implemented to ensure sound management of gold across the country, which the Bank of the Lao PDR will implement in collaboration with relevant sectors.
The crackdown on illegally imported vehicles and stranded vehicles in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone will continue through inspections and re-evaluations based on government Order No. 20/PM, especially for setting times for tax payment declarations.
The government will monitor the implementation of large-scale projects such as highways, railways, and electricity to be sold to neighbouring countries such as Cambodia.
In addition, there will be a focus on resolving cases involving assets seized by the state, especially vehicles, land, houses, and other properties.
The government is starting work on the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030) and accelerating the allocation of state investments for 2025 ahead of reporting to the National Assembly’s committee meeting this September.
Most importantly, the government plans to address the impacts of natural disasters caused by heavy rains through faster and more efficient distribution of relief for affected people through steps such as initial emergency assistance, impact assessments and creating recovery plans.
Weather forecasts and assessments of water levels are also to be regularly updated to ensure that the allocation of assistance and resources is managed properly.
The minister said the government will work on preparation for the start of the new school year and tackling the issues of teacher shortages, school dropouts and other educational challenges.
The outbreaks of dengue fever, anthrax, and other seasonal diseases will also be monitored to minimise health issues and improve the living conditions of people across the country.
Chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, the monthly government meeting was attended by the deputy prime ministers, ministers and representatives from equivalent organisations, and governors of provinces, who joined either in person or via video conference. - Vientiane Times/ANN
