Sanaa:The National Assembly Standing Committee has urged for stronger financial discipline and expedited recovery of state assets following a review of the 2026 performance and 2027 action plans of the State Audit Organization (SAO) and State Inspection Authority (SIA).
According to Lao News Agency, the review was presented by Chanthaboun Souk-Aloun, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Committee, during the Second Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly on October 8, 2026. The Standing Committee acknowledged the efforts of both agencies in enhancing financial oversight and combating corruption but stressed the need for improved coordination and effective follow-up on audit and inspection findings.
The SAO reported advancements in auditing state revenue, budget expenditures, public investment projects, state assets, state-owned enterprises, and foreign financial transactions. Follow-up audits revealed financial discrepancies and potential losses amounting to approximately LAK 30.514 billion and US$25.42 million, of which LAK 11.171 billion and US$3.75 million were recovered and returned to the state budget.
For the upcoming year, the Standing Committee recommended that the SAO broaden audits to include land, forestry, mineral resources, and energy. It also emphasized setting clear deadlines and implementing robust measures to recover outstanding state funds, property, and equipment.
Additionally, the committee called for improved collaboration between the SAO and SIA, particularly when audits reveal violations by state officials, to facilitate timely administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings. Regular legal training for officials and accountability for financial management by leaders were also highlighted, with progress reports to be submitted to the Standing Committee biannually.
Regarding the SIA, the Standing Committee noted advancements in organizational restructuring, modernization of inspection methods, resolution of complaints, and major investigations. The committee urged the SIA to enhance professional ethics, resolve pending inspection cases promptly, leverage digital technology for greater transparency and efficiency, and strengthen legal and operational mechanisms for asset recovery.
The Standing Committee emphasized that effective follow-up on audit and inspection findings is crucial to safeguarding public resources, enforcing fiscal discipline, and improving accountability in state administration.