Constitutional amendments to boost economic growth
Constitutional amendments to boost economic growth
In a bid to spur socio-economic development and maintain the relatively robust growth of the economy, the government is making amendments to the 2003 Constitution.
The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a consultancy meeting on the amendment on Tuesd ay.
Directors, deputy directors and managing directors of public and private enterprises were invited to share their ideas on the amendment.
Minister, Head of the Government Office and Chairman of the National Committee for Amendment of the 2003 Constitution, Dr Sonexay Siphandone, presided over the meeting.
In his opening remarks, Dr Sonexay said Laos first drew up the Constitution in 1991 and amended it in 2003.
“For more than two decades our country has been governed by the Constitution, enabling the steady growth of the economy alongside other sectors,” he said.
The planned amendment would facilitate more rapid development of the Lao economy over the next decade in accordance with the plan.
Dr Sonexay said Laos was moving towards integration with the region and the world in this era of globalisation, and the stronger supremacy of the government was closely related to the constitutional system.
“Every participant is welcome to brainstorm ideas for the draft amendment of the Constitution and the National Committee for the Amendment of the Constitution will oversee the final draft,” he said.
Committee member Prof. Davone Vangvichith said the content of the amendments should match the needs of the current era of economic development.
“More constructive comments on the amendment of the Constitution are needed from all participants to ensure the amendment is comprehensive before we submit it for approval to the National Assembly next year,” he said.
Prof. Davone said changes to various laws and regulations will enable the government and local authorities to manage business operations as effectively as possible.
“Legislative changes influence the government's development vision until 2030 and the socio-economic development plans for 2016-25, so it has become necessary to amend the Constitution,” Prof. Davone said.
Prof. Davone, who is also Chairman of the Law Commission for the National Assembly, added that amendments to the Constitution will involve the addition of new articles.
“One of the expected outcomes of amendments to the Constitution is that it will enable the government to implement socio-economic development from 2016-25 more effectively,” he said, adding that the management of social affairs would also be enhanced.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Ms Khemmani Pholsena and President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Sisavath Thiravong also attended the meeting.
