Govt to focus on handicrafts and processing industry
Govt to focus on handicrafts and processing industry
The government will continue to concentrate on industry sector development, in particular the handicrafts and processing industries, aiming to ensure the continuous, stable and balanced growth of the national economy this year.
In the first nine months of the 2015-16 fiscal year, the value of industrial handicrafts and processing products reached more than 4.3 trillion kip, which was an increase of 9 percent compared to the previous year.
Handicrafts and processing industry products that the country can produce to supply domestic markets include foods, drinks, clothes, paper and paper products.
The total value of handicrafts and processing industry products this year is expected to reach more than 5.6 trillion kip or 88.5 percent of the planned 6.3 trillion kip.
The government will strive to achieve 6, 927 billion kip in handicrafts and processing industry products in 2017.
Besides this, the government will strive to achieve US$8,941 million in trade, which includes US$4,459 million in export value, US$4,482 million in import value, and US$23 million in trade deficit, according to the government's socio-economic development plan for 2017.
Electricity production is projected to achieve 30,000 million kWh, including 25,000 million kWh for export, 5,000 kWh for domestic distribution and households nationwide can access electricity as planned.
They will also increase the number of hydropower, coal fired and biomass projects to 54 projects nationwide in 2017, with an installed capacity of more than 6,859 MW.
Electricity generation will also produce more than 35,695 KWh per year to enable the full capacity of electricity production in order to supply sufficient electricity and reduce electricity imports.
Mineral production is expected to reach 15,000 billion kip and US$1.52 billion for mineral exports.
The government will pay attention to implement land passenger transport and transportation services, aiming to facilitate 5,617 million tonnes of goods transportation and 67,670 million passengers.
Air transportation of goods is projected to reach 1,350 million tonnes and 2 million people transported via air passenger transport.
Water transportation of goods is expected to achieve 1,895 million tonnes and 3.2 million people will be transported by water passenger transport.
To achieve all targets, the government will support and promote production, agricultural processing and industry to exploit raw materials within the country.
Officials will continue to improve the competence and ability of workers in the garment industry through building strength at the garment skills development centre.
The government will also promote construction material production by focusing on building monitoring systems for construction materials quality and standards.
This will apply to both materials produced within the country and also those imported from abroad; officials also plan to improve wood processing factories in line with government policy.
Herewith, the government will concentrate on improving the role and working systems of the National Timber Processing Industry Association and Lao Furniture Association so that they can implement the timber processing promotion policy and create added value and improve the quality of wooden products to meet domestic and international market demands.
Officials will also focus on developing infrastructure for industry and evaluate infrastructure development, especially industry parks, in order to define further development targets and directions.
The government will continue to develop hydropower projects and mineral sites and pay attention to support the implementation of public investment projects.
