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Govt moves toward 2020 development vision
A group of researchers, scholars and policy makers yesterday discussed various topics at the 4th Lao Research Network Conference on action towards the 2020 vision of Laos.
The parties attending the conference in Vientiane included staff from the Lao Research Institute, line ministries and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), according to a press release from the National Economics Research Institute (NERI).
The meeting participants discussed the findings of research carried out by the Lao Research Network, specifically a report on ‘Supporting the progress of Lao graduation from least developed country status by 2020'.
Speaking at the event, NERI Director General Dr Liber Libouapao encouraged participants to share their ideas and opinions on development issues to bolster research findings and support the national socio-economic plan which defines the country's future vision.
“It is highly recommended that everyone participating in the workshop disclose, discuss and exchange any information or opinions they have relating to development, as candid discussion and open debate are crucial to support the effective implementation of the 7th five-year national socio-economic plan (2011-2015),” Dr Liber said.
He also encouraged those present to do their best to achieve the country's development vision, with a focus on the government's commitment to the Resolution of the Ninth Party Congress. The Resolution advocates four breakthrough approaches: in new ways of thinking, human resource development, improving management and governance regulations and systems, and poverty eradication.
To escape least developed country status, Laos will work to eradicate poverty in the more remote parts of the country by expanding access to electricity, and providing villagers with internet and telephone connections. The government will ensure that all villages have access to proper water and sanitation facilities and encourage remote villages to move from a subsistence to a cash economy, in which improving road access will be a critical factor.
To help Laos to achieve its development aims, the government's long term development strategy hinges on turning Laos from a land-locked country to a regional land link, and building an economic corridor between neighbouring countries.
To develop this economic corridor, the government has designated priority projects, such as upgrading regional road links, including Road Nos. 3, 8, 9, 12, 13 and 18, which will facilitate road transport through Laos between Thailand, China, Vietnam and Cambodia.
A major facet of development has been the construction of a rail link between Vientiane and neighbouring Nong Khai province in Thailand, which carries heavy goods across the border.
Other links between Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River are the friendship bridges linking Savannakhet province and Mukdahane, the Khammuan provincial capital Thakhek and Nakhon Phanom province, and the under construction bridge between Bokeo province and Chiang Rai.
Further major develop-ments in Vientiane are underway, with more in the planning phase. The airport upgrade ahead of the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit next year will also provide long term economic benefits to the country.
The 5th Lao Research Network Conference is expected to be held in June next year, according to NERI.
Yesterday's conference was co-organised by NERI and the Ministry of Planning and Investment, with support from UNDP.
vientiane times
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