The government meeting held in Vientiane on May 24-25 considered and approved several major undertakings, including the government's preparations for hosting the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in November.
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and attended by cabinet members.
The meeting approved in principle a report on the progress of preparations for the ASEM Summit before hearing the outcome of a meeting between the governments of Laos and Vietnam to address the illegal settlement and marriage of people along the border.
PM Thongsing Thammavong addresses the government meeting.
The government approved in principle an adjustment to the budget for the last six months of 2011-12 to enable it to pursue its policy of providing support for war veterans.
Moreover, the government approved a decree on the management of animal and animal-related product relocation, as well as a decree to provide free treatment during childbirth and for children under 5. Also approved was a decree to enforce the Statistics Law and a decree on the budget for scientific research.
Additionally, the meeting heard a report on events to mark the Laos-Vietnam Year of Solidarity and Friendship, as a way to strengthen cooperative relations between the two countries.
The government urged the relevant sectors to make changes to approved documents based on the recommendations of meeting participants, to make them more comprehensive.
The government also urged the relevant sectors to beef up security and public order in the lead-up to the ASEM Summit on November 5-6.
The officials concerned were asked to advise local authorities to concentrate on wet-season crop yields to ensure food security and sufficient production for commercial purposes.
The Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Planning and Investment were asked to further report on mega projects and socio-economic development and budget plans, including the settlement of government debts, at the National Assembly session next month.
Various sectors in Vientiane and the provinces are being encouraged to celebrate national Arbor Day and International Children's Day to raise awareness of the importance of trees for the environment, as well as the development of children.
The government called on the relevant sectors to inspect and assess the progress of poverty reduction and the country's development, and report to the Secretariat Committee of the Party Central Committee and the government in June.
The government urged all sectors to intensify their efforts to ensure the continued progress of preparations for the ASEM Summit as the government attaches great importance to this event to enhance the role and reputation of Laos in the international arena.
The government said the awareness campaign was also important to ensure that all sectors and the general public contributed to hosting the Summit successfully.
The government also called on the relevant sectors to conduct an awareness campaign on the history and importance of Laos-Vietnam relations and special solidarity.
