Prime​ Minister​ Sonexay​ Siphandone (in beige jacket) and a committee visit a factory in Phongsaly province.

PM advises Phongsaly to produce more crops, handicrafts for export

Prime​ Minister​ Sonexay​ Siphandone​ has advised authorities in Phongsaly​ province to spur the development of each locality according to its potential to grow crops, produce handicrafts, and farm fish for the purposes of export.
During his working visit to Phongsaly district on Monday, the PM also advised provincial authorities to send officials to teach local residents the best ways to grow crops and raise livestock in order boost productivity, as well as raise the standard of education and expand the healthcare network to all villages.
The Prime Minister visited Nong Kinnali village where some residents were relocated from Kormanmai village after it was flooded when the Nam Ou 6 hydroelectric dam was built.
​Nong Kinnali village authorities outlined the problems that villagers are currently facing, including the operation of a coal mine on the edge of the village, which has caused people’s living conditions to deteriorate.
In addition, they do not have enough land to grow crops and access to their farmland is difficult.
Another problem is that there are not enough irrigation channels to water their fields, which is exacerbated by the growing population.
Authorities asked the Prime Minister to consider arranging the construction of a groundwater system so that enough water is available to meet villagers’ needs. They also asked the premier to see what could be done to improve access to farmland.
Dr Sonexay asked provincial authorities to consider the villagers’ requests and investigate the situation so that solutions could be sought.
On the same day, he visited the Nam Ou 6 hydropower plant, which is the largest power plant built by a Chinese power company in Laos.
A cascade of seven dams has been built on the Ou River, with a total installed capacity of 1,272MW. This accounts for 27 percent of the installed capacity of the power grid system of the Lao state electricity company and comprises 60 percent of the installed capacity of the Chinese electricity generating enterprises association in Laos, with a total investment value of US$2.73 billion.
The project has a 29-year concession period with all of the electricity generated sold to the Lao electricity grid.
Last week, the Prime Minister visited Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces where he instructed authorities to arrange for the repair of roads so that tourists could travel around comfortably, as well as ensure that visitor facilities are in good working order during Visit Laos​ Year​ 2024.​​
He also advised provincial authorities to capitalise on ties with other countries and development partners and attract more foreign direct investment.

By Times​ Reporters
 (Latest Update November 30, 2023)