(KPL) The 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly continued on June 10 under the chairmanship of Vice President Sounthone Sayachak, with lawmakers reviewing the government’s report on the implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan. The session underscored Laos’ commitment to aligning national policy with present economic realities and advancing sustainable development.

Lawmakers praised the government's proactive management of economic challenges, highlighting successes in controlling inflation and exceeding revenue collection targets. These accomplishments have helped stabilize the economic environment and support local businesses.

National Assembly member Sayadet Phuiyavong, representing Constituency 13 in Savannakhet Province, commended the government for reducing inflation to single digits and surpassing key fiscal benchmarks. He also urged practical reforms for state-owned enterprises, focusing on internal cost-saving and the development of support policies suited to the country's current economic conditions.

In his remarks, Mr. Sayadet emphasized the need for expenditure reviews in the electricity sector, particularly regarding pricing structures that directly affect citizens and the private sector. He welcomed the government’s highway reform initiatives, including the designation of cargo transfer points and stricter road-use enforcement to preserve national infrastructure.

On social issues, he stressed the importance of effective human resource management in essential sectors such as education and healthcare, calling for strategies to address shortages of teachers and medical professionals. “Strong social services form the foundation of socialist development,” he said, urging urgent policy attention.

Contributing to the dialogue, Ms. Minaphone Saysomphou of Constituency 17 in Attapeu Province called for continued inflation control measures and efforts to stabilize market prices. She advocated for stronger oversight of domestic and foreign investment projects to ensure legal compliance, environmental protection, and social accountability.

While recognizing the government’s success in revenue generation, Ms. Minaphone encouraged a shift toward more sustainable and systematic revenue sources, reducing dependency on natural resources. She also proposed a comprehensive evaluation of national reforestation programs to ensure their long-term impact and resource efficiency.

The session reflected a spirit of constructive cooperation between the legislative and executive branches, as lawmakers presented grounded feedback and actionable proposals. Their discussions demonstrated a shared vision to enhance economic resilience, protect social welfare, and ensure long-term development for the Lao PDR.

KPL