Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone addresses Luang Namtha authorities on Tuesday. -- Photo Prime Minister’s Office

PM urges Luang Namtha to spur development, revenue collection

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has advised Luang Namtha provincial authorities to strengthen efforts to maintain political stability, improve revenue collection, address social issues, and accelerate economic development.
The Prime Minister made the call on Tuesday during a meeting with the leadership and key officials of Luang Namtha province, where provincial authorities reported on the implementation of development and socio-economic work during the first six months of 2026, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Secretary of the Luang Namtha Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council, Lieutenant General Khamking Phouylamanivong, led provincial officials in the meeting with the Prime Minister and his delegation.
Reporting on the province’s overall situation, Lieutenant General Khamking said political stability had been firmly maintained, while the economy continued to grow and society remained generally peaceful and secure.
During the first six months of this year, the province collected more than 2.21 trillion kip in budget revenue, equivalent to 58.4 percent of the target for the whole of 2026. Budget expenditure amounted to 220 billion kip, representing 26.24 percent of the target figure for 2026.
Provincial authorities have supported the cultivation of rice and other crops, especially on a commercial basis. Sugarcane yields in Sing and Long districts were particularly significant, reaching nearly 1 million tonnes, while 77,485 tonnes of para rubber latex was collected.
Industry and commerce also expanded, while provincial authorities continued to maintain and construct infrastructure and improve the quality of education and public health services.
Prime Minister Sonexay called on Party committees and authorities at all levels to pay greater attention to defence and security, with the aim of maintaining political stability.
He stressed the need to intensify efforts to combat online fraud and drug-related problems, while strengthening the clearance of unexploded wartime ordnance and reinforcing political foundations at the grassroots level.
The Prime Minister also urged officials to accelerate implementation of the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan and comply with Resolution 4 adopted by the Politburo of the Party Central Committee and Resolution 2 passed by the Government on building an independent and self-reliant economy.
These efforts should reduce dependence on imports and strengthen domestic production, he said.
He also called for implementation of the National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Reduction in connection with the Party’s “Three Builds” directive, while modernising revenue collection systems and ensuring that all taxes and fees owed are paid in full.
At the same time, the province should seek more stable sources of revenue and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investment, the Prime Minister said.
Regarding natural resources, he instructed authorities to strengthen the management of mining operations, with closer monitoring to be undertaken and rule-breakers to face legal action.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need to improve the quality of education and advised education officials to prepare for the switch to the new 6+3+3 school grade structure.
Authorities were also urged to improve preparedness for floods and storms and ensure timely responses.
In addition, the Prime Minister called for greater emphasis on vocational training and labour skills development, as well as the formal management of foreign workers.
He encouraged Luang Namtha to continue cooperation with neighbouring countries to secure development assistance and attract investment, making use of the province’s strategic location and economic potential.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Sonexay gave money and relief supplies to the Luang Namtha Provincial Administration to help with flood recovery efforts.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 19, 2026)