The first extraordinary session of the 9th National Assembly (NA) of Laos kicked off on August 5 to debate measures to address financial and economic difficulties and suppress the use of narcotic drugs.
An overview of the first extraordinary session of the 9th Lao National Assembly. (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – The first extraordinary session of the 9th National Assembly (NA) of Laos kicked off on August 5 to debate measures to address financial and economic difficulties and suppress the use of narcotic drugs.
Delivering the opening remarಌks, NA Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane emphasised that the world and regional economic situation continued to be complicated and unpredictable, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic would le𝕴ave serious effects on the country's socio-economic activities, the 9th Lao National Assembly will address many important tasks of the country in the near future.
He called on deputies to raise their political responsibility, focus their knowledge and capacity on studying, reviewing, and giving opinions on each content to ensure the correctness and compliance with the Party and State's policies and guidelines as well as the constitution and laws, contributing to the rapid and sustainable development of the country.
The NA Chairman said that at the session, the NA deputies will consider and approve basic important issues of the country, including the Government's report on the national agenda on solving economic-financial difficulties; a government report on the national agenda to address issues related to drugs.
In addition, the NA will also mull over and pass five draft revised bills, including the Law on Tax Administration, the Law on Value-Added Tax, the Law on Income Tax, the Law on Special Consumption Tax, and the Law on Drug Prevention and Control.
Especially at this meeting, there will be an official handover ceremony of the Lao National Assembly House, a gift from the Party, State and people of Vietnam to the Party, State and people of Laos.
The extraordinary session of the 9th Nati🐲onal Assembly will last until August 1🌌0./.
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Chairman of the Lao National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane has sent a letter of congratulations to Vuong Dinh Hue on his election as Chairman of the 15th National Assembly of Vietnam on July 20.
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The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
An overview of the first extraordinary session of the 9th Lao National Assembly. (Photo: VNA) 
