Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone (in black suit) travels on the Laos-China Railway. - Photo: Pathetlao Daily newspaper
VIENTIANE: The head of government has asked the Laos-China Railway Company Ltd. to continue to improve passenger and freight transport so that services are both faster and more convenient.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone made the recommendation to the company when he travelled by train to Luang Prabang province on Monday (Aug 5) for a working visit with his officials.
He also advised the rail operator to look into the possibility of linking the Laos-China Railway to rail networks in neighbouring countries and to coordinate with authorities in assessing the land available for activities related to the Laos-China Railway.
In particular, the company should improve the transfer of freight at Vientiane South station so that goods are moved more efficiently, he advised.
While in Luang Prabang province, the Prime Minister and his officials met with residents of Buam Aor village in Xieng Nguen district to hear a report on recent developments.
The village was one of many that was largely obliterated by the construction of the Laos-China Railway, meaning that people had to move to a new village built by the Laos-China Railway Company Ltd.
The Prime Minister advised provincial authorities to assist the displaced villagers by providing them with land and helping them to find permanent jobs, as well as improving the village administration system and people’s overall living conditions, according to the Pathetlao Daily newspaper.
On the same day the Prime Minister also visited the province’s leaders.
The Governor of Luang Prabang province, Khamkhan Chanthavisouk, informed him that provincial authorities are regularly monitoring the price of goods on sale at markets to prevent unwarranted mark-ups.
He also reported that roads in the provincial capital had been improved and some had been rebuilt, while much had been done to advertise and create new tourism products.
The provincial governor also reported on the effects of flooding in Phonthong, Pakxaeng and Viengkham districts at the end of last month.
The Prime Minister recommended that provincial authorities do more to promote tourism, increase exports, and generate more income for local people.
The province would be more attractive to visitors if roads, tourist attractions and services were all improved, as this would create a better impression on visitors, he said.
He also advised that more attention be paid to monitoring changing weather patterns, as well as giving advance warnings to members of the public regarding the possibility of storms and flooding so they were better prepared.
The Prime Minister also provided financial support for recovery efforts following flooding in Viengkham, Phonthong and Pakxaeng districts. - Vientiane Times/ANN
