Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (centre) visits a rice farm in Xayaboury province. --Photo Pathetlao Daily newspaper

PM instructs Xayaboury leaders to tackle illegal imports, drug trade

The head of government has asked Xayaboury provincial authorities to take stronger action to prevent the illegal import of vehicles and other goods, as well as do more to tackle the burgeoning drug trade.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone gave the advice to provincial authorities during a working visit with his officials to Xayaboury on Tuesday.
The prime minister visited the province to take stock of social and economic developments, especially in light of ongoing economic and financial problems. He was welcomed by the provincial Governor, Mr Phongsavanh Sitthavong.
The premier also advised provincial authorities to improve the business and investment environment, regulate large-scale development projects more effectively and resolve any problems as soon as possible.
Authorities must also quickly resolve problems concerning volunteer teachers, the teacher shortage, and declining school enrolment rates, Dr Sonexay said.
He also gave instructions concerning preparations for events to mark three historic occasions next year, namely the 70th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR, and the 105th anniversary of the birth of the late President Kaysone Phomvihane, as well as preparations for the three-level Party Congress taking place next year.
The prime minister also visited chicken and rice farms owned by local residents and met with provincial leaders to hear about notable social and economic developments, according to the Pathetlao Daily newspaper.
He was informed that in the first six months of this year, the province’s economic growth was 5.5 percent higher compared to the same period last year, while the value of exports exceeded US$57 million, equal to 60.32 percent of the target figure for 2024. Most of the province’s exports are agricultural products.
More than 2.2 billion kip has been invested in various development schemes, equal to 53.95 percent of the planned amount.
Productivity and the number of livestock farms has increased, while the import of goods that can be produced locally has been limited.
The authorities have supervised the construction of tapioca processing plants, rubber processing and noodle factories, and agricultural processing factories, and the number of abattoirs has increased.
Meanwhile, cultural and social development in the province is continuously improving, authorities reported.

ByTimes Reporters
 (Latest Update August 9, 2024)