VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): Preparations for international meetings, revenue collection, listing of state-owned enterprises and state properties, and improvement of the investment environment will be the focus of the government’s work in the last month of this year.
The government announced the plan at its monthly meeting held on Nov 24, led by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.
The meeting instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare leaders to attend international meetings in December.
The government instructed the Ministry of Finance to ensure revenue collection fulfilled set targets, including the collection of concession taxes, taxes owed by businesses, debts owed by concession holders in the exploration, survey and extraction of minerals, and royalties from electricity producers.
The meeting outlined the progress made in the improvement of state-owned enterprises, and the transformation of some lucrative units into financially self-reliant units.
Following the meeting, the taskforce committee on investment promotion and commercial production was instructed to provide more assistance to investors as well as boost agricultural production to meet the needs of commercial projects along the Laos-China railway.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Energy and Mines, and related sectors were tasked to encourage the progress of mega projects such as power transmission lines for use in mining projects, railways, and expressways. Hydropower and related power projects were asked to complete their work and supply power to clients on schedule.
The government agreed to prioritise the allocation of budget depending on need and urgency, such as the payment of foreign debts and delayed internal debts. It considered cutting or suspending unnecessary and non-urgent investment projects.
In addition, people must be trained in the services needed to run the Laos-China railway, which will become operational at the end of next year.
With regard to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government agreed to continue with the preventive measures in force this month. The Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, and related sectors were instructed to improve leaning and teaching, the quality of training and lessons based on experiences gained during the pandemic.
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism was instructed to continue to promote tourism through the Lao Thieo Laos (Lao Visit Laos) programme, improve tourist attractions and the services provided by tour guides. The services provided by places of accommodation and restaurants should also be improved and service charges better managed.
The ministry was also instructed to circulate information relating to the pandemic, update the public on daily briefings, and coordinate related units in addressing fake news.
In conclusion, the government called for stronger solidarity in the run-up to National Day and advised ministries, organisations, and local administrations to celebrate the occasion frugally while upholding its significance in an atmosphere of security and order.
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