Laos govt orders preparations for railway opening, approves reports for National Assembly debate

VIENTIANE, Nov 1 (Vientiane Times/ANN): The government has ordered full-scale preparations for the opening of the Laos-China railway, as Laos and China count down to December 2 – the planned date of its inauguration.

The cabinet gave the order at its monthly meeting for October, which ended on Friday.

Chaired by Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh, the cabinet meeting told authorities in charge to accelerate action to fulfil plans to attract investment in facilities alongside the railway.

The meeting called on the relevant departments to prepare for the construction of expressways as well as repair damaged roads.

Authorities were also told to look into the recruitment of workers during the pandemic and post-pandemic amid rising unemployment as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Authorities were told to take stronger action to improve the business environment by streamlining bureaucratic procedures and removing barriers to business operation.

The meeting told the departments in charge to pursue the set revenue target, including seeking various leasing, concession and royalty fees owed to the state by the operators of mining and hydropower projects.

The meeting discussed the steps taken to contain the Covid-19 outbreak as well as measures to further tackle the epidemic.

The cabinet approved in principle five documents to be presented to the 2nd Ordinary Session of the National Assembly’s 9th legislature which opened on Monday (November 1).

The documents include a report on the implementation of the national socio-economic development plan and budget plan for 2021 and plans for 2022.

The hydropower development plan for 2021-2030 and mining development plan for 2021-2025 are also tabled for discussion. The government will also present its 20-year vision for 2021-2040, 10-year strategy for 2021-2030, and the national five-year digital economy development plan for 2021-2025.

The cabinet told ministries and other government bodies to be prepared for the upcoming NA session and to respond to questions put by Assembly members.

During the meeting, authorities were also told to take action to control the price of goods on sale in markets amid the spiralling cost of living.

The cabinet called for improvements to education and the quality of learning and teaching during the current lockdown, which has forced teachers to deliver classes online. - Vientiane Times/ANN