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Lao PM calls for more competent workforce

Xinhua, December 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on Wednesday called for the workforce to be strengthened so that Lao goods and services can compete with those of other countries amid regional integration.

"If we cannot produce a workforce that meets requirements in terms of both quantity and quality, and timely supply for employers, we will not be able to prevent an influx of workers from other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)," Thongloun said at the annual meeting of the labor and social welfare sector held in Lao capital Vientiane, referring to the free movement of labor that is permitted within the ASEAN Economic Community.

The prime minister said the improvement of domestic labors' skills would be one way to prevent them losing their jobs, emphasizing that the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and related sectors would prioritize the comprehensive development of Lao workers in terms of skills, capability, discipline, and perseverance.

He reminded officials that employers often complain about Lao labors not being dedicated to their jobs and taking time off at will. This common problem was frustrating for employers and harmed their business operations, reported state-run press Vientiane Times.

The prime minister said checks would be made on the implementation of the Labor Law, especially concerning the lowest wage policy and welfare issues, while calling for inspections to see whether the rumors that employers were giving their workers stimulants so they could work longer hours were true.

Concerning the demand for labor, Thongloun said the Ministry of Education and Sports must investigate the needs of the various sectors. The ministry reported that more than 132,000 people underwent skill development in the past year.

The establishment of trade union and party organizations within factories and business units was also raised by Thongloun, who said these were compulsory.

"Laos is a destination for illegal workers from neighboring countries. Numerous people from neighboring countries come to Laos on tourist visas but stay there and open shops throughout the country," said Vientiane Times.

Thongloun tabled the prevention of illegal foreign labor migration for discussion at the meeting. He pointed to the growing number of foreigners who entered and stayed in Laos for a couple months but obtained a work permit after registering with the authorities and even a Lao identity card. He called on ministries and local authorities to cooperate in addressing this issue.

The Lao Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare said it will make efforts to supply a sufficient labor force to meet the high demand of the market, amounting to 143,230 workers for 2017 while control the unemployment rate at about 2 percent. Endit