Research institute needs to branch out, PM advises  
 
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has advised the National Institute for Economic Research that it should independently choose areas of research in relation to macroeconomic growth rather than waiting for assignments to be handed down by the government.
The premier made constructive and open suggestions at a meeting held at the institute on Tuesday and heard a report on the past years’ achievements and future research plans.

Mr Thongloun and other senior government officials were warmly welcomed by the institute’s senior officials, led by its Acting President, Dr Leeber Leebouapao.
Dr Leeber gave a brief report on the institute’s achievements in economic research in various fields, which it had undertaken for the government.
Mr Thongloun praised the institute’s leading officials and researchers for their contribution to economic research under the national socio-economic development plan.
The premier advised the institute to exercise independence in choosing areas of study according to its own interests and based on current trends and situations in the region and internationally.
“Most importantly, the institute will need to focus on a specific topic that is related to the macroeconomy, such as how to deal with reduced revenue amid increasing expenditure, how to cope with financial leaks, and other essential issues,” he said.
He noted that several important areas needed to be carefully studied and analysed to assess the benefits for macroeconomic development. He cited the fact that Laos is now able to produce spare parts for aircraft as well as other electrical items in the Savan Seno Special Economic Zone (SEZ-Savan Park).
Mr Thongloun stressed that the institute should select areas of study that could be applied to real situations and were useful to the government in implementing its macroeconomic development plan.
“We don’t need to investigate a number of research topics all at once because the results won’t produce anything particularly useful. We should specify the most relevant topics for analysis that will contribute to the recommended direction of macroeconomic development,” the premier advised.
He also suggested that studies in the fields of agriculture, industry and carbon trading were especially useful for Laos and said it was necessary to partner with foreign experts to carry out specific research together.
This year, the institute is expected to continue research in the field of poverty assessment and to seek sustainable solutions, as well as come up with suggestions for the sustainable development of the energy and mine sectors.
The institute also carries out research into slash and burn cultivation, deforestation and timber exports. It is currently creating a master plan for the sustainable management of tourism in Vangieng and investigating other topics related to the government’s socioeconomic development plans.
The National Institute for Economic Research comprises four research centres and an office. It employs 102 officials including nine with doctorate degrees, 38 with Master’s degrees, and 22 who have bachelor degrees.
Over the past years, it has carried out important economic research for the government, such as analysing the main aspects of the macroeconomy and various challenges.
The institute has also worked with other partners to create a green growth strategy in Laos and successfully created a structure for the price of goods and a policy on financial stability in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 22, 2020)