Synopsis
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone emphasizes the urgent need for a skilled workforce to support national development. He advocates for improvements across sectors, the establishment of a labor market database, and enhanced social protection systems, aiming to satisfy both domestic and international market demands.Key Takeaways
- Need for skilled workforce to support development.
- Skill gaps identified across various sectors.
- Importance of a labor market database.
- Call for stronger social protection systems.
- Training provided to over 34,000 individuals.
Vientiane, Feb 21 (NationPress) Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has underscored the pressing necessity for a more skilled workforce to bolster the nation's ongoing development.
During the annual gathering of the labour and social welfare sector, Sonexay pointed out considerable skill gaps within the workforce and called for enhancements in all sectors to fulfill the requirements of both local and global markets, as reported by Laos' Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare on Friday.
He also highlighted the significance of forming a labour market database to effectively align supply with demand, advocating for the reinforcement of laws and regulations aimed at generating new employment opportunities and promoting social inclusion, according to a report by Xinhua.
At the meeting held on Wednesday, Sonexay additionally called for a more robust social protection system, which includes enhancing social insurance and welfare initiatives, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups and informal workers.
In 2024, the Lao Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has trained 34,324 individuals, including 15,015 women, and facilitated employment for 124,539 people in both local and international markets.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Laos has opted to develop new management strategies and amend laws to fortify the protection of conservation areas.
This decision was reached at a ministry meeting on Tuesday, which concentrated on tackling illegal land use within the Phou Phanang National Conservation Area and Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area, according to a report from the ministry.
During this meeting, led by Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh, participants deliberated over issues like illegal logging, crop cultivation, reckless forest burning, and wildlife poaching.
The meeting also reached a consensus on measures to enhance forest management, protection, and sustainable usage, in alignment with the government's green development objectives.
In his address, Linkham emphasized the necessity of enhancing public awareness regarding forest conservation laws and ensuring their effective enforcement, urging cooperation among relevant sectors, local authorities, and park management teams to survey and redefine forest boundaries to safeguard natural resources and curb illegal actions.
