VIENTIANE: A National Assembly (NA) member has called on the government to formulate stronger macroeconomic policies alongside rural development measures to support job creation, especially in relation to occupations reserved specifically for Lao citizens.
Speaking during discussions on a draft of the National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation on Sunday (July 5), submitted by the government, Sayyadet Phouyyavong, who represents Savannakhet province, proposed a series of measures to strengthen the business environment and improve state governance.
Among his proposals, Sayyadet called for stricter enforcement of regulations governing occupations reserved for Lao citizens to prevent foreigners from taking over businesses and occupations designated for the domestic workforce.
This policy was introduced to ensure more Lao people can earn a living, as part of national poverty alleviation efforts.
Sayyadet also urged the government to continue promoting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, noting that they account for a large proportion of all businesses in Laos.
Strengthening the sector, he said, would create jobs, increase incomes, and provide more employment opportunities for Lao workers.
He called for efforts to curb inflation and improve the business environment, public administration and services, leveraging digital technology.
He said the digital system would enhance transparency and improve the efficiency of state administration.
Another National Assembly member representing Vientiane province said the National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation should not focus solely on rural development projects.
Instead, she said, it should also include sound macroeconomic and monetary policies that create a favourable environment for business development and sustainable job creation.
Rural development and poverty alleviation are closely linked to stable employment opportunities that reflect the country’s evolving economic structure, she added. - Vientiane Times/ANN
