According to the Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly, the AIPA member parliaments must strengthen collaboration in the field of science and technology research and development in order to realize the ASEAN Community's innovative and adaptive vision.

On August 23, Saysomphone Phomvihane, President of the Lao National Assembly, participated in an online format of the 42nd Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (AIPA-42).

Speaking at the session, the Lao National Assembly Chairman expressed his appreciation for and support for the theme "Developing parliamentary cooperation in the inclusive digital field towards the ASEAN Community in the year ahead." 2025 of the 42nd AIPA General Assembly; affirms that this will contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2025 and the ASEAN Action Plan on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APSTI).

Chairman Saysomphone stated that the ASEAN region, as well as the entire world, will face numerous challenges in 2021, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing natural disasters, and other disasters, all of which will have a negative impact on health, community, socio-economic development, regional and global stability, and security.

Information and communication technology, according to the Chairman of the Lao National Assembly, is one of the fastest growing fields in the development of innovative technologies in the current era, playing an important role and essential tool for effective governance, socio-economic development, foreign relations, and other fields. It also helps to bridge the development divide between developing and least developed countries.

As a result, Laos places a high value on science and technology development, and to that end, the country has developed a National Science and Technology Development Strategy (2013-2020) as well as a Vision 2030, which are both integrated into the 9th National Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021-2026).

At the same time, the Lao government is working on a Digital Economic Development Strategy for the years 2021-2025, with the goal of eradicating hunger and poverty, achieving economic balance, and allowing the country to integrate with the local, regional, and worldwide economies.

In addition, Laos has also proposed a National Policy on Information and Information Technology (ICT) to encourage organizations and sectors in society to apply advanced technologies to improve the effectiveness of their work. of governance, public services and economic growth…

According to the Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly, the member parliaments of AIPA must expand collaboration in the field of science and technology research and development in order to achieve a creative and adaptable ASEAN Community.

AIPA Member Parliaments must also improve cooperation to guarantee that everyone in society has equal access to digital technology, and to encourage both public and private engagement in this essential force.

AIPA Member Parliaments should be encouraged to execute and coordinate the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2025 and ASEAN Action Plan on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APSTI) with each Member State's policies and legislation.