President advises Luang Prabang authorities on development path

President Thongloun Sisoulith, accompanied by his officials, visited Luang Prabang city on Saturday, where he gave advice to the provincial Governor and other leaders on ways to ensure the sustainability of the economy and the tourism industry.

President Thongloun Sisoulith address authorities in Luang Prabang.         --Photo Pasaxon

The President advised the city’s leaders to educate their children and grandchildren about the Party’s goals and ideals, to be on their guard against fake news, and to use appropriate ways to improve living standards and the local economy.
He also spoke of the need to ensure that poor families were given assistance to improve their quality of life through sustainable livelihoods.
The delegation was received by the Governor of Luang Prabang city, Mr Viengthong Hatsachan, who reported on the success of social and economic developments.
These centred on the city’s popularity as a tourist destination, which is the main source of revenue and jobs for local people.
The city complies with district planning regulations and allocates special zones for development.
People living outside of the city need more encouragement to grow crops and industrial trees and raise livestock, the President said.
Large animals and the wood harvested from industrial trees can be sold to other countries, while crops grown using “clean” agricultural methods can be used in agritourism, providing more income for farmers, he added.
City authorities are trying to ensure that, amid rapid development, the UNESCO-awarded world heritage site status of the old quarter is protected. The site, which is under a preservation order, contains 611 protected buildings.
The city also upholds local traditions and customs through annual festivals, the restoration and protection of temples, and by closely regulating construction within the world heritage site.
City authorities ensure cleanliness and security, as well as attempting to preserve green spaces.
Stronger buildings made of concrete are being constructed in villages, funded by local authorities and residents.
The President and his officials visited a handicraft group in Xangkhong village, where people create weavings, make silk, and use the bark of mulberry trees to make attractive paper products that are sold as souvenirs.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 12, 2023)