(VientianeTimes) Ministries are holding ceremonies for cabinet members to take up their new positions after they were approved by the National Assembly last month.

On Friday, Mr Noulinh Sinbandhit took up the position of Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, replacing Ms Khempheng Pholsena who now becomes Minister to the Government Office.

Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and other high-ranking officials from line ministries and government sectors were present at the event.

Mr Thongsing urged the two ministers to work hard to fulfil their obligations and duties as entrusted by the government and Lao people. He especially called on them to implement the four breakthrough approaches as stipulated in the Resolution of the 9th Party Congress towards national development

Ms Khempheng was formerly Vice President of the Asian Development Bank before concurrently holding the posts of Minister to Prime Minister's Office and Chairperson of the Water Resource and Environment Authority (WREA).

Mr Noulinh was WREA Vice Chairperson before being appointed to the ministerial post at the June session of the National Assembly.

Mr Noulinh is committed to devoting his energy and knowledge to ensure the success of the sector, contributing to the socio-economic development of Laos.

Several ceremonies since July 7 have seen cabinet members take up new positions as approved by the National Assembly.

Former Minister of Finance Somdy Duangdy has become Planning and Investment Minister, replacing Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune.

On Thursday, Mr Khampane Philavong assumed the position of Minister of Home Affairs, replacing Ms Bounpheng Mounphosay who becomes Minister to the Government Office.

Also last week, Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara officially assumed his post as Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, replacing Mr Mounkeo Oraboun.

Mr Somphao Phasith took up his position as the new Governor of the Bank of Lao PDR, replacing Mr Phouphet Khamphounvong, who is now Minister of Finance.

The cabinet reshuffle is in line with the Party Politburo resolution to allocate high-ranking officials according to political need and national development requirements.