
Lao PM urges Xekong leaders to strive for economic self-reliance
VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called on Xekong authorities to strive for economic self-sufficiency and boost growth by unlocking the province's potential.
Speaking on Tuesday (July 1) during a working visit to Xekong ahead of the Provincial Party Congress, the prime minister stressed the need to improve transport infrastructure and tackle the hardships faced by ethnic communities, according to a report in the Paxason newspaper.
He also said that effective leadership and guidance by the provincial Party Committee would motivate government officials at all levels to work diligently and fulfill their responsibilities.
The premier praised provincial leaders' commitment during the first half of 2025 and urged continued focus in the second half of the year to help meet national development goals.
He urged Party leaders in the province to strengthen political foundations at the grassroots level, preserve and promote the development of holistic and rural heritage.
The prime minister highlighted the need to reduce road accidents, theft, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and gambling, and continue political education and ideological training to inspire change and deeper understanding among Party members and public servants.
The Acting Governor of Xekong province, Bounlai Boudthi, gave a detailed report on the province's performance during the first half of 2025 and outlined plans for the remainder of the year.
The report highlighted progress in agriculture and forestry. Bounlai said there had been significant growth in crop cultivation and livestock farming, while industry, energy, and mining operations had remained stable and productive.
Services, trade and transport had shown steady improvement, including retail and wholesale trade, passenger transport, hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, and tourism-related activities. - Vientiane Times/ANN
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Japan ambassador urges Thailand and Cambodia to uphold ceasefire agreement seriously.
BANGKOK: The Japanese Embassy in Thailand issued a statement via social media following a visit to Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces on Friday (Aug 1), 2025, by Masato Otaka (pic right), Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, and Colonel Eiji Umetani, Assistant Military Attache. The delegation joined other diplomatic representatives to observe areas affected by the Thai-Cambodian border conflict and to receive updates on the situation, as arranged by the Thai government. In its statement, the embassy expressed its deepest condolences for the losses caused by the recent military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, extending heartfelt concern to the injured, displaced persons, and those whose lives have been disrupted. During the field visit, the Japanese delegation had the opportunity to engage directly with those affected by the conflict, including evacuees, to listen to their experiences and concerns. The embassy voiced strong support for the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement reached by both Thailand and Cambodia, expressing hope that the truce will be respected and sustained, allowing for the restoration of peaceful relations between the two countries. The Japanese government further emphasised the importance of de-escalation, stating that full adherence to the ceasefire agreement is essential for regional stability, and affirmed its willingness to provide support and cooperation to ensure peace is restored as soon as possible. - The Nation/ANN


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Brunei enforces key provisions of Competition Act
FILE PHOTO: A shopper choosing canned goods in Brunei in 2019. The Competition Act aims to promote economic efficiency, economic development and consumer welfare. - Sin Chew/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Competition Commission of Brunei Darussalam (CCBD) has announced the enforcement of Section 21 and Section 23 of the Competition Act, which relate to the prohibitions of abuse of dominant position and anti-competitive mergers. The Competition Act is an Act to promote and protect competition in markets in Brunei. It also aims to promote economic efficiency, economic development and consumer welfare. These objectives are central to fostering a pro-business environment and a resilient economy, and are aligned with the broader aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035, which envisions a dynamic and sustainable economy that offers a high quality of life for all. Section 21 of the Act prohibits conduct by dominant businesses that restricts competition, such as predatory pricing, exclusive dealing, or other behaviour that exploits market power to limit competition or reduce consumer choice. Section 23, on the other hand, prohibits mergers that result in, or are likely to result in, a substantial lessening of competition, particularly those that create or strengthen a dominant position in the market, which may lead to higher prices or reduced innovation. The enforcement of these two provisions builds on the earlier implementation of Section 11 of the Act, which came into force on January 1, 2020. Section 11 prohibits anti-competitive agreements, including price-fixing, bid-rigging, market sharing and limiting supply. With the enforcement of Sections 21 and 23, the core pillars of the Competition Act are now fully in effect. The CCBD encourages businesses to review their commercial practices and ensure compliance with the Competition Act. Fostering a culture of fair competition not only benefits consumers, but also drives innovation and productivity among businesses, contributing meaningfully to national economic progress. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Thailand welcomes 19% US tariff as 'major success'
Computers are a major export from Thailand to the US. Thailand had been negotiating with Washington for weeks, seeking a reduction in the 36 per cent levy on key exports threatened under Trump's "Liberation Day" measures. - The Nation/ANN BANGKOK: Thailand welcomed on Friday (Aug 1) the 19 per cent trade tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump as a "major success", a government spokesman said, averting a threatened levy of 36 per cent. Trump ordered stiff tariffs on dozens of trading partners in an effort to reshape global trade in favour of the US economy. Thailand has been negotiating with Washington for weeks, seeking a reduction in the 36 per cent levy on key exports threatened under Trump's "Liberation Day" measures. "This finalised deal, setting US import tariffs at 19 per cent, marks a major success for Thailand," Thai government spokesman Jirayu Huangsab said in a statement. "It represents a win-win approach aimed at preserving Thailand's export base and long-term economic stability." The United States' goods trade deficit with Thailand hit US$45.6 billion in 2024, up 11.7 per cent from the year before, according to US Trade Representative data. Thailand has struggled to reignite its economy since the Covid-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions hammered the key tourism sector. The Thai government in May cut its 2025 economic growth forecast to 2.3-3.3 per cent, from 3.2-4.2 per cent, citing uncertainty over tariffs. Growth in 2024 was 2.5 per cent. The tariff announcement on Thursday in Washington came days after Trump intervened to help broker a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. Five days of heavy border clashes between the two neighbours - their deadliest in decades - left more than 40 people dead and 300,000 evacuated from their homes. - AFP