What issues would you like the National Assembly to address?

The National Assembly opened its four-week 3rd ordinary session on Monday with a focus on efforts to stabilise the economy and the kip in order to prevent a crisis. Members will hear reports from the government on the progress made in implementing the socio-economic development, budget and currency plans over the first half of this year, and plans for the rest of the year. Vientiane Times asked members of the public what issues they thought should be raised for debate.

Ms Bualoy Bounlitsavong, a resident of Luang Namtha province: There are many things that the government has been trying to tackle, such as inflation, the weak kip and low salaries, but there is also a raft of other problems, such as the high cost of living and the proliferation of crime. There are many problems facing our country but I believe they will all be resolved in due course. One thing I would like to see is rules put in place to control the currency exchange rates. Everyone should try to boost the value of the kip by using it in every transaction, rather than dollars and baht. I think it’s important to strengthen the value of the kip and put more locally-made goods on shop shelves.

Ms Sakhone Sothichack, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: I think it’s essential to promote products made in Laos. Lao products are as good as those made in other countries, and each item is unique in some way. But we lack effective promotion and advertising so it would be good if the government had firm policies on this issue. The government should give more support to Lao businesses that want to make products. If Lao-made products were available in sufficient quantities, it would reduce the amount of goods imported from neighbouring countries and it would be easier to regulate prices and prevent price hikes by vendors.

Mr Kaivichit, an official in Champassak province: I would like the government to consider the budget allocated for special events, as well as the efficiency of revenue collection, as I think more austerity is called for during times of economic hardship such as we are facing now. Use of the budget and revenue collection should be transparent, thorough and appropriate. We should all live within our means and unnecessary expenditure should be avoided so that money is not wasted, especially as there are so many people in need. I would like to see Assembly members debate corruption, because this is a huge obstacle to development in our country. Even though the government has issued policies and enacted laws, government officials don’t always comply with them, so very often things are not transparent and fair. This makes people lack confidence in the leadership. The law should be enforced and penalties meted out to every rule-breaker at all times.

Ms Pheng Heminthavong, an employee in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: There are many issues that should be debated by the National Assembly, such as gambling, theft, road accidents, and other matters. First of all, I’d like the Assembly to discuss support for the unemployed, as many people need regular jobs. Secondly, I’d like Assembly members to take a close look at vocational education to make sure the skills and capacity of workers is really being improved. We need to train workers in the skills needed by the job market and give more people jobs in these fields so that there’s less unemployment.

Mr Am, a businessman in Xieng Khuang province: One thing I would like to bring to the attention of the National Assembly is the disparity in development between rural and urban areas. Many villages still lack roads, electricity, and clean water. This problem is an obstacle to development in fields such as education and health. It also discourages potential foreign investors because investment in Laos will be costly due to the poor infrastructure and the fact that there is no coastline.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update June 15, 2022)