VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Inflation in Laos continued to decline in September, falling to 4.5 per cent from 5 per cent in August, according to the latest report from the Lao Statistics Bureau.
According to the report on Friday, the highest price rise was recorded in the goods and services category, which stood at 18.2 per cent.
This was followed by the cost of housing, water, electricity, and gas at 14.8 per cent, the medical care and medicines category at 12.9 per cent, and the education category at 9.7 per cent.
Other categories contributing to inflation included the clothing and footwear category at 7.5 per cent, the household goods category at 7.3 per cent, and the alcohol and tobacco category at 7 per cent.
The Lao government is ramping up efforts to stimulate economic growth and bring inflation under control.
It is working toward building a more independent and self-reliant economy, with a key focus on boosting revenue, curbing public expenditure, and strengthening financial management. -- Xinhua
