(KPL) A meeting to review the new draft of the Afforestation Law was held on July 5–6, 2025, in Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province. The session was chaired by Mr. Chalern Yiapaoher, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

The meeting brought together key figures including Mr. Khamphay Vilaphan, Chairman of the Legal Committee; Ms. Pingkham Rajasima, Chairwoman of the Economic, Technology, and Environment Committee; Mr. Kikeo Singnavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment; and Mr. Kongchi Yangchue, Vice Minister of Justice. Also in attendance were deputy chairpersons of relevant National Assembly committees, deputy chiefs from the Offices of the President and the Prime Minister, legal advisors from the National Assembly’s Standing Committee, and representatives from various departments, divisions, and relevant agencies.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Chalern stated:

“The Afforestation Law was reviewed and approved during the 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly on the afternoon of June 25, 2025, with nearly 98% approval. This review meeting is convened to collectively examine and assess the feedback provided by National Assembly members (NA members), including recommendations on the title, structure, and detailed content of the law, which consists of 55 articles and 162 provisions.”

He emphasized that relevant offices and the drafting committee had already incorporated many of the reasonable suggestions into the law. This meeting aimed to re-examine the revised content in line with the feedback from NA members to ensure clarity, consistency, and legal precision.

“If any remaining issues are identified particularly concerning unclear or inconsistent legal provisions further discussion will be undertaken to ensure that the Afforestation Law is comprehensive, coherent, enforceable, and effectively implementable,” he added.

KPL