Lao NEWs on LNTV: New minister of agriculture and forestry appointed.25/8/2015

VO New minister of agriculture and forestry appointed INTRO: Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr Phet Phomphiphak has been appointed Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, replacing Vilayvanh Phomkhe, as approved by the government. STORY: A ceremony to hand over the position took place at the ministry, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad along with the ministry's Party members. Mr Vilayvanh has served as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry since July 2011 following his role as Savannakhet provincial governor. Even though Mr Vilayvanh will retire from government service, Dr Phet will still utilise his valued advice and experience in the agriculture and forestry sector. Dr Phet asked the ministry's Party members and all staff to double their efforts in carrying out the government's policies. At the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad stressed to the new minister the need for ongoing improvement and development. Another important issue was a focus on foreign relations so as to strengthen cooperation and assistance. In another important administrative change, Mr Phetsakhone Luangaphay was appointed as the new governor of Oudomxay province, replacing the former governor Mr Khamla Lingnasone. A ceremony to mark the handover of the position was held on August 21 at the provincial Administration Office, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Asang Laoly and senior officials.