VIENTIANE, May 31 (Vientiane Times/ANN): Laos Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has called on authorities in Lao and Cambodian provinces that share borders to work together to enhance friendly relations and cooperation, with a view to achieving greater results.
The premier made the comment during talks held on May 27 in Champassak province between leading provincial authorities from the two sides, according to a press statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The talks were aimed at enhancing relations, cooperation and solidarity between both sides, particularly the provinces concerned.
The meeting reviewed cooperation over past years and discussed plans for the future. PM Phankham stressed the need to step up cooperation in economic matters, trade, investment, border demarcation, border security, and people-to-people exchanges.
He called on provincial authorities to take action to fulfil agreements reached by the governments of the two countries.
During his working trip to the southern provinces, the head of government also gave guidance on other matters during talks with core officials in Attapeu and Champassak provinces.
In Attapeu, the prime minister told provincial leaders to take action to fulfil the national agenda in order to address economic and financial difficulties as well as curb the drug trade.
In this regard, officials were instructed to maximise revenue collection by closing loopholes in the system to prevent financial leaks.
The premier also advised provincial officials to do more to promote local productivity in order to minimise the need for imported goods, while also complying with a Prime Ministerial Order on the efficient use of state vehicles and reduced spending on vehicles.
In Champassak, the prime minister called for authorities to work towards fulfilment of the national agenda and to bolster socio-economic development.
The premier praised core officials of the two provinces for their leadership, which had seen people in these provinces make strides in socio-economic development over past years. - Vientiane Times/ANN