DPM inspects face mask quality standards at local factories

Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Sonexay Siphandone, who is also Minister of Planning and Investment, inspected two face mask factories in Vientiane on Wednesday urging the facilities to maintain production standards and meet Ministry of Health standards.
Dr Sonexay Siphandone visited the two mask factories in Dongnatong village, Sikhottabong district and was given a rundown on both facilities’ operations and steps in production.
The DPM encouraged both factories to focus on improving their production systems and ensuring the product fulfils Ministry of Health standards so the public could have a reliable supply of affordable face masks.
One of the factories was constructed earlier this year and utilises the latest manufacturing equipment from China. The facility is currently undertaking a production trial, has eight staff and ultimately will be capable of producing up to 400,000 masks a day.
The factory is focusing on supplying both the domestic and international markets and is waiting for a license from the Ministry of Health.
The second face mask factory has installed modern machinery from Thailand and is carrying out trial production runs and expects to launch under the NNUP brand at the end of this month.
The factory can produce 80 masks per 1 minute and expects to sell 30 percent in Laos with 70 percent for export.
According to Prime Minister Decree No. 201/PM, dated June 30, 2017, the Ministry of Planning and Investment is the government agency responsible for the central and regional administration of planning and investment, researching strategies, master plans, and preparations for the National Socio-Economic Development Plan.
It also devises mechanisms and policies related to economic management, statistics, the promotion and management of domestic and foreign private investment, and seeks official development assistance and international cooperation.

By Viengdavanh Banphahaksa
(Latest Update July 10, 2020)