PM’s order has positive results for Lao forests
Prime Minister’s Order No. 15 has successfully curbed harmful practices in the forestry sector and timber industry, while restoring public trust in the Party and government. This message was delivered at an annual meeting in Vientiane this week to review past achievements and discuss the plans of the agriculture and forestry sector for the coming years. Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith issued the order in May to strengthen the management and inspection of logging and businesses involved in the transport of wood and associated activities. Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Mr Thongphath Vongmany said Since the prime minister issued the order, which was followed by the creation of a taskforce to carry out the measures stipulated, there has been an evident decline in logging and the export of wood. Illegal logging has been sharply reduced and chronic undesirable practices within the sector and the timber industry have been reined in, he added.
