Vientiane: Pasaxon, the official newspaper of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, has hailed the success of the 16th National Assembly’s first extraordinary session, saying that it offers important lessons to Laos.
According to Lao News Agency, the recently-published editorial highlighted the session, held from August 3-24 in Hanoi, which focused on clearing institutional bottlenecks and building a legal framework for socio-economic development, as well as national defence and security. The session was noted for its strategic significance, reflecting innovation in legislative and supreme oversight work and underscoring the National Assembly’s proactive role in working alongside the Government. It laid a solid institutional foundation for achieving socio-economic development goals in the new period.
The session demonstrated proactivity and flexibility, as lawmakers managed to handle 33 major items over 17 consecutive working days, including weekends, addressing urgent institutional blockages immediately rather than waiting for the regular sitting. Amendments to key laws, such as the Investment Law and the Petroleum Law, along with broader authority for local authorities, unlocked resources and reduced compliance costs for companies, marking significant progress in institutional reform and deeper decentralisation, as detailed in the editorial.
The session also showcased a long-term development vision by adopting resolutions to establish two centrally-run cities, Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh, and approving major transport projects like Ring Road No. 5 and the Lao Cai-Hai Phong railway. These projects are expected to create new momentum for economic regions and accelerate urbanisation. Additionally, the legislature moved swiftly to introduce special mechanisms for Phu Quoc to support preparations for the APEC 2027 Economic Leaders’ Week, signaling readiness to host major international events.
However, the editorial also flagged challenges, noting that passing many laws and resolutions at once requires the Government, ministries, and agencies to issue guiding decrees and circulars promptly to ensure policies take effect quickly and avoid ‘laws awaiting decrees’. It also warned of the risks associated with decentralisation, as more powers are transferred to local authorities. The expansion of post-inspection mechanisms necessitates strengthened monitoring, inspection, and oversight to prevent violations and the wasteful use of resources.
In conclusion, the editorial emphasized that Laos could draw several important lessons from the session and apply them to modernising its legislative bodies and driving infrastructure and socio-economic development.