Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao government hasbanned the construction of new offices from now to 2020 in a bid to implementthe thrift practice policy.

In Decision No.9 signed by Prime MinisterThongloun Sisoulith on May 19, the Lao government has reaffirmed that thebidding of all investment projects of the State must seriously abide by legalregulations.

In recent years, the government has issued anumber of measures to implement the thrift practice policy in using the Statebudget in the most efficient way. 

To intensify measures to control expenditure,the government has decided to ban the development of new offices.

In case of necessity, all proposals must besubmitted to the government for approval.

The decision also clearly states that constructionlicenses will not be granted to any company without competitive biddingprocedures adopted according to the law.

The purchase of new facilities for public workwill not be accepted from now to 2018.

The decision also requested government agenciesto save money when conducting meetings and workshops.

According to a report of the Lao Ministry ofFinance, the country’s State budget deficit will stand at about 9,340 billionKIP (over 1.1 billion USD) this year, which is likely to amount to 15,930 KIP(over 1.9 billion USD) if debt payment and bonds are included.-VNA