(KPL) The Standing Committee of the National Assembly held its final meeting for 2024 on December 30-31 in Vientiane. Presided over by National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Party, the session was attended by vice presidents, committee members, ministers, deputy ministers, and representatives from relevant organizations.

The committee deliberated on key national issues within its constitutional and legal mandate, including:

Casino Taxation Proposal: Consideration of the government's draft statute on specific tax obligations for casino operations.

Vehicle Tax Exemptions: Review of a government proposal for tax exemptions on certain vehicles.

Hydroelectric Projects: Examination of requests to waive legal provisions for the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) 1st amendment of the Sekhaman 3 Hydroelectric Project, as well as the Pak Lai and Pak Baeng hydropower dam projects.

Gold Exploration Contracts: Approval of exemptions and contract renewals for gold ore exploration in Sanakham District, Vientiane Province.

The session also reviewed reports on legislative and administrative matters:

1. Laws Adjusted Post-Approval: Updates on amendments to seven laws approved during the 8th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature, including the Laws on the People's Prosecutor's Office, Civil Proceedings, Independent Audit, Education, Labor Skills Development, Women's Unions, and Women's Development and Protection.

2. Achievements of the 8th Ordinary Session: Evaluation of legislative progress and its implementation.

3. Constitutional Revisions: Research and updates on the draft constitution following comments from National Assembly members, along with plans for further review in 2025.

4. Judicial Appointments: Proposals for personnel appointments in the People’s Court.

5. Fairness Claims: Consideration of appeals and fairness claims submitted to the committee.

The meeting underscored the Standing Committee’s commitment to addressing critical national development issues while ensuring legislative and constitutional compliance.

KPL