(KPL) The 2nd Extraordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly approved today, March 20, a comprehensive restructuring of government ministries aimed at improving governance and administrative efficiency.

Presided over by National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, the session featured Vice President Ms. Sounthone Xayachack presenting the proposed governance improvement plan.

The restructuring follows a resolution issued earlier this month by the Party Central Committee (PCC), which mandated significant changes to the government’s organizational framework. 

Key measures include: the merger of the Ministry of Planning and Investment with the Ministry of Finance to form a unified Ministry of Finance; the consolidation of the Ministry of Energy and Mines with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to create the Ministry of Industry and Commerce; and the integration of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to establish the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Signed on March 12 by Party Central Committee Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith, the resolution also transfers oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Party Central Organisational Committee.

Additionally, information affairs, previously managed by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, will now be supervised by the Party Central Committee Propaganda and Training Board.

As part of these changes, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism will be renamed the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The restructuring initiative aims to streamline government operations, reduce redundancies, and enhance administrative efficiency.

The central-level restructuring is expected to be completed by May, while provincial-level restructuring is set to conclude by July 2025. These changes mark a significant step in the government’s efforts to modernize and optimize its operations for better service delivery and governance.

KPL