PM urges Attapeu to reduce imports, boost domestic consumption

Prime​ Minister​ Sonexay​ Siphandone​ has advised authorities in Attapeu province to reduce unnecessary imports while encouraging more people to buy and use locally made products.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

The prime minister emphasised the dual importance of both enhancing domestic production and bolstering export capabilities.
During his working visit to Attapeu, the PM also advised provincial authorities to enact cost-saving policies, particularly in transitioning from conventional fuel usage to renewable energy sources.
He also highlighted the need to streamline administrative processes in order to trim unnecessary expenditure.
Last year, the government increased taxes on luxury and non-essential imports aimed at reducing the import of goods that are considered to be unnecessary, in a bid to save foreign currency and maintain the stability of the kip.
Dr Sonxay also emphasised the need for collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and other government bodies in  conducting surveys and formulating plans to build roads to connect to neighbouring provinces and countries, and in seeking diverse funding sources for these projects.
The premier stressed the pivotal role of tourism in order to provide the government with a dependable income stream. He also urged provincial authorities to scrutinise priority investment projects and speed up their progress to ensure they met predetermined deadlines.
The Prime Minister advised local authorities to place a greater focus on the work of national defence and security, in order to prevent undesirable incidents.
On the same day, the premier and his delegation inspected several vital projects in Sanamxay district, including the construction of a cassava flour processing plant and the upgrade of Road No. 18.
Last year, Attapeu’s economy grew by 6.77 percent. Revenue collection for the first three months of 2024 amounted to 153.8 billion kip, constituting 22.2 percent of the planned target, provincial Governor Lieutenant General Vanthong Kongmany reported.
The province has recently achieved its health insurance coverage goals, reflecting the community’s active participation in disease prevention and public health initiatives.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 5, 2024)