VIENTIANE: Laos has taken a significant step toward modernizing public administration with the first meeting of the National Steering Committee for the One-Stop State Service Mechanism, which focused on advancing reforms to make government services faster, more transparent, and more accessible to citizens.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday, Lao News Agency reported on Friday (July 24).
Speaking at the meeting, Saleumxay said the initiative demonstrates the Party and government's commitment to a citizen-centred approach to public service delivery by streamlining administrative procedures, strengthening governance, accelerating digital transformation, and promoting decentralisation.
Participants reviewed progress in implementing the one-stop state service mechanism since its introduction in 2006 and approved the committee's 2026-2030 action plan.
Key discussions focused on expanding services at one-stop service centers, improving operational financing, and establishing centralised electronic payment systems for government fees through online platforms, mobile banking applications, and commercial banks.
Following the meeting, ministries, government agencies, and local authorities will set up implementation committees and develop Smart One-Stop Service Centers (Smart ODSC).
They will also coordinate with relevant agencies to strengthen the legal framework and integrate sector-specific public services into a unified digital service platform. - Xinhua
