KPL
(KPL) President Choummaly Sayasone, Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, President of the National Assembly Pany Yathortou and other Party and government leaders were greeted yesterday morning by diplomatic corps and representatives of international organisations on the occasion of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Lao PDR and international New Year 2016.
President Choummaly Sayasone delivers remarks
(KPL)President Choummaly Sayasone, Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, President of the National Assembly Pany Yathortou and other Party and government leaders were greeted yesterday morning by diplomatic corps and representatives of international organisations on the occasion of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Lao PDR and international New Year 2016.
The visiting delegation was led by Mr Dato Than Tai Hing, Malaysian Ambassador to Laos and Dean of the foreign diplomatic corps and international organisation in Laos.
The Dean hailed the achievements made by the Lao government in the socio-economic development and poverty reduction in 2015, especially the midterm review of the implementation of the 7th Five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan which shows that the Lao PDR could record significant achievements in various areas especially the sustaining of economic growth, political stability and peace and order in the society ensuring Lao people of all ethnic groups enjoy moral rights and freedom in taking part in national development in an active manner.
The Dean also highlighted the Lao PDR’s preparation for integration into the ASEAN Economic Community and efforts to fulfil the Millennium Development Goals and graduation from the Least Developed Country status by 2020.
In reply, President Choummaly expressed thanks to the Deanfor his appreciation of the government’s achievements in leading the Lao people in recording national socio-economic development over the past year.
The president said that in 2015, which will soon pass, is the year when the Lao people of all ethnic groups made efforts in national development which have resulted in numerous achievements and which have been reflected in that the country continued to enjoy political stability, peace and order in the society, economy growth at a relatively fast pace, a continuous increase in the gross domestic product (GDP), and the improved living conditions of people.
Today the annual per capita income has reached US$1,857 which is a 16 fold increase from 1985. Poverty of the majority of people has been eradicated, with only 6.95% of families in the country living under poverty line today. Obvious changes have taken place in both urban and rural areas, with culture and social sectors enjoying significant development.
The most notable was the announcement on 28 Aug 2015 that the Lao PDR had achieved in implementing the primary education equivalency programme. The people’s democratic regime has been improved in a firm and strong manner.
The president said that organisations in the political system at central and grassroots levels have been strengthened in line with the three-build directive. The Lao PDR also recorded achievements in integrating into international community and had contributed reasonably to the enhancement of peace, stability, friendship and cooperation for development in the region and the world.
The president also expressed on behalf of the government and people of all ethnic groups of the Lao PDR heartfelt gratitude to the diplomatic officials and representatives of international organizations and through them to their respective countries and international organizations for the supports and assistance they have extended for the socio-economic development cause in the Lao PDR over the past years.
KPL
