Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The two-day Lao government monthly meeting in November officially opened on Thursday, with a focus on reviewing plans to establish toll booths on two major highways. This issue is a core agenda item.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Somsay Siphandone, focused on reviewing the findings of studies on toll systems for the southern section of National Highway 13 and National Highway 12. Both highways, totaling 418 kilometers in length, are crucial regional transportation arteries, and the rationality and feasibility of their toll schemes are of great concern.
The proposed toll section of the southern section of National Highway 13 (mile markers 71 to 346), spanning 275 kilometers, connects Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces and is a vital transportation hub linking central and southern Vietnam. This study focused on assessing the various potential impacts of tolling on this section. The other highway under review is National Highway 12, 143 kilometers long, connecting Thachhe Province with the Lao-Vietnamese border and serving as a vital passage for border trade and personnel exchanges.
During the meeting, participants will hear several thematic reports covering data collection, traffic flow monitoring results, the basis for the proposed toll standards, and the expected economic and social impacts of the toll scheme. Based on this, participants will engage in focused discussions and offer suggestions to clarify the direction for subsequent work.
In addition to the highway toll scheme, the meeting will also review eight newly drafted decrees, including: a decree on fines and other measures for those who violate laws and regulations concerning state assets; a decree on the remuneration, benefits, and other policies of members of representative bodies; a decree on preventing and resolving financial crises; a decree on fines and other measures for those who violate laws and regulations concerning tobacco control; a decree on the organization and activities of the National Water Resources Management Committee; a decree on the poverty line and development standards; and a decree on fertilizers.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Somsay Siphandone pointed out that the current regional and international situation remains tense, with multiple challenges such as military conflicts, trade pressures, and border issues intertwined, not only disrupting global economic growth but also exacerbating the already severe economic environment.
He emphasized that Laos cannot avoid the direct and indirect impacts of these events. Therefore, the government needs to closely monitor the changing situation and take timely and targeted actions to ensure the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, civil servants, and government employees, while also providing strong support for the country's socio-economic development. The Prime Minister called on all government members to carefully study the various issues and put forward clear, concise, and practical suggestions to ensure that the meeting successfully achieves its intended goals.
This meeting adopted a combined "in-person + online" participation model: the Deputy Prime Minister, government members, and representatives from various ministries and relevant organizations attended the meeting in person; leaders of Vientiane City and various provinces participated in the discussion and decision-making process online.
