Lao PM wants workforce to sharpen skills 

Thongloun made the call yesterday in his address at the annual meeting of the labour and social welfare sector.
“If we can't produce a workforce that meets requirements in terms of both quantity and quality, and timely supply for employers, we won't be able to prevent an influx of workers from other Asean countries,” said Thongloun, referring to a regional goal for free movement of labour within the Asean Economic Community.the free movement of labour that is permitted within the Asean Economic Community.
He said the improvement of domestic labourers' skills would be one way to prevent them losing their jobs. He stressed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and related sectors would prioritise the comprehensive development of Lao workers in terms of skills, capability and discipline.
 and perseverance.He reminded officials that employers often complain about Lao labourers not being dedicated to their jobs and taking time off at will. This common problem was frustrating for employers and harmed their business operations.
The premier said checks would be made on the implementation of the Labour Law, especially concerning the lowest wage policy and welfare issues.
Inspections were also called for by the prime minister to look into rumours that employers were giving their workers stimulants so they could work longer hours.
He asked the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Trade Unions to urgently investigate.
Regarding management, Thongloun asked the ministry whether existing employment systems, such as job fairs, were satisfactory. He said he wanted to be sure that one business's hiring of skilled labour did not affect employment in other businesses and that people were hired through a system of cooperation.
Concerning the demand for labour, the prime minister 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 skills development in the past year., and around 146,000 people found jobs.
Thongloun raise the matter of the creation of trade union and party organisations within factories and business units, stressing this was compulsory. He referred to the situation in China and Vietnam, where such bodies not only protected workers, but facilitated business operations.
Laos is a destination for illegal workers from neighbouring countries. Many people from neighbouring countries come to Laos on tourist visas but stay on and open shops throughout the country.