The 7th tenure of the Lao National Assembly convened its ninth session on July 1, intending to discuss a number of important issues of the country during the next three weeks.

Attending the opening ceremony were Party General Secretary and State President Choummaly Sayasone and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, among others.

NA Chairwoman Pany Yathotu said that during the session, deputies will debate and approve measures on important issues, including government reports on socio-economic development, state budget plans and monetary policy in the 2014-2015 fiscal year, and discuss the Prime Minister’s proposal to appoint several new cabinet members.

Lawmakers are also expected to exchange opinions on the draft Law on Cybercrime Combat and Prevention, the draft Law on Competition, the draft Law on Local People’s Councils, the draft revised Education Law, the draft revised Law on the National Assembly and the draft revised Law on Election of National Assembly Deputies and Local People’s Council Members.

The top legislator affirmed that contents discussed at the session hold a decisive role in completing socio-economic development goals and State budget plans.

Also at the opening ceremony, Minister of Planning and Investment Somdi Duongdi delivered a report on socio-economic development in the first half and plans for the last half of the 2014-2015 fiscal year – which began in October 2014 and will end in October 2015 – as well as plans for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.-VNA