Deputy PM offers advice in Luang Prabang
Deputy PM offers advice in Luang Prabang
Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Sonexay Siphandone has advised officials in Luang Prabang province to cultivate sources of sustainable income by encouraging local people to plant organic crops, feed livestock, and develop tourism sites.
Dr Sonexay told provincial authorities during his two day tour from January 17-18 that this would play a part in improving local people's living conditions.
He encouraged provincial authorities to continue cooperating with neighbouring countries as well as international to increase investment flows.
During his tour in Luang Prabang, the Deputy Prime Minister visited infrastructure development in Chomphet district, Luang Prabang's special economic zone, and the Mekong bridge development project linking Luang Prabang and Chomphet district.
Dr Sonexay also visited the Laos-China Railway project site and a handicraft village.
According to the Luang Prabang Governor, Mr Khamkhun Chanthavisouk reported to Dr Sonexay that the province's income in fiscal year 2015-2016 reached 225,39 billion kip, or 98 percent of the targeted plan.
The growth in earnings is continuing as tourist arrivals increased by 16 percent in the first nine months of this year.
This has caused tourism revenue to rise by about US$137,305 so far in 2016 compared to an increase of US$92,628 in 2015.
The figures were determined by the department after it conducted a survey of tourist spending in the town.
Luang Prabang expects to see a gain in earnings of more than 1.41 trillion kip in the next five years, thanks to steady growth in the tourism sector.
The sector has recorded growth of 85-90 percent in tax and duty collection from trades and services, according to the provincial Finance Department.
The number of tourist arrivals has risen to 600,000 visitors and is still increasing, making Luang Prabang officials confident they can reach their target of around 616,000 visitors annually.
