Saturday, December 25, 2010

Assembly approves new PM

The National Assembly (NA) yesterday approved the appointment of Mr Thongsing Thammavong as the new Prime Minister of Laos, replacing Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh who resigned from his post due to family issues.

New NA President Ms Pany Yathortou congratulates Mr Thongsing Thammavong on his appointment as Prime Minister, while President Choummaly Sayasone ( centre ) looks on. –Photo Khamphan

Mr Bouasone was appointed Prime Minister of Laos at the Preliminary Session of the NA Sixth Legislature in June 2006. During his term the Lao economy grew steadily despite a number of challenges including natural disasters and the global economic crisis.

The country was able to maintain political stability and security. The socio-cultural sector developed to a higher level and the livelihoods of local people also improved. Foreign policy led to many achievements that contributed to enhancing the role and reputation of Laos in the international arena.

Mr Thongsing served as NA President before he was nominated as the sixth Prime Minister of Laos since national liberation in 1975 by the President of the Lao PDR Mr Choummaly Sayasone.
NA Vice President Ms Pany Yathortou was appointed as the new NA President to replace Mr Thongsing and is the first woman appointed to the position since 1975.

Mr Thongsing was Minister of Culture from 1983 to 1988 and Vientiane Mayor from 2002 to 2006. He pledged to ensure firm political stability and security in society and actively implement the renovation policy of the Party to explore the potential of all business units and encourage everyone to participate in socio-economic development and budget plans for 2010-11.

“I will improve the way the government works to ensure state activities are timely, transparent, united and harmonious and create favourable conditions for the business sector and for the Lao people to earn a living based on the law,” he said.

The NA also approved the appointment of Prof. Dr Bounyong Boupha as Vice Chair of the NA Foreign Relations Committee.

NA members debated the new appointments, with most in favour of the outcome, recognising their importance for political purposes and national development.