Maseru - This year's Lesotho Institute of Accountants' (LIA) 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on September 30 at Manthabiseng Convention Centre. In an interview with the Institute's Legal Officer, Ms. Lironts'o Raselemane, the AGM is intended to look into achievements and challenges of the Institute in order to draw work plans to be implemented this year, adding that it will bring together all 600 members of the institute. Highlighting some of the institute's challenges, she disclosed that there is some mis-perception from some members of the public about the existence of LIA and Centre for Accounting Studies (CAS), she said that LIA was established under the Accountants Act of 1977 with the aim to develop, enhance and effectively regulate the accounting profession in Lesotho through provision of internationally recognised education and training programmes as well as ensuring compliance. Ms. Raselemane added that there are some individuals operating without practicing licenses thus taking advantage of vulnerable customers, as a result the institute has to intervene in the matter to ensure that the customers are compensated. In the case of achievements of the institute since its establishment, she expressed gratitude over the increasing number of members saying it is clear the public is aware of their existence. Furthermore, Ms. Raselemane revealed that the institute has signed an agreement with Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) to curb piracy. Meanwhile, the Lesotho Institute of Accountants will on October 17 hold a three days 9th Annual Conference to be organised at Avani Lesotho in Maseru. - LENA