VIENTIANE, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone chaired a meeting to review progress and set priorities for developing the four southern provinces of Champasak, Salavan, Sekong, and Attapeu, with a focus on strengthening economic links with neighboring countries and the region.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone attends the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation luncheon meeting at KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation) in Tokyo, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. (Photo: AP)
According to Vientiane Mai newspaper on Friday, the meeting was held on Thursday in Champasak province. It brought together government leaders, representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, provincial authorities, and other stakeholders to review progress, address challenges, and identify development priorities based on each province's potential and strengths.
Speaking at the meeting, Sonexay called for continued efforts to maintain peace and stability while accelerating economic transformation in the southern region. He emphasized modernizing agriculture through technology, improving productivity, developing high-quality export products, and establishing research and production centers for crops, livestock, and bio-fertilizers.
He also urged provinces to shift from exporting raw materials toward value-added processing industries, expand clean energy development, and strengthen logistics infrastructure, including ports, warehouses, and cold storage facilities, to promote the region as a key trade and transit hub.
Sonexay highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable tourism, increasing the use of locally produced goods in hotels and restaurants, improving border trade procedures, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles in transport and tourism to reduce fuel dependence.
In education and healthcare, he called for universities and vocational institutions to focus on developing skilled workers and entrepreneurs, while hospitals and medical centers should be upgraded to provide specialized services and reduce the need for residents to seek treatment outside the region.