VIENTIANE, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in southern Laos' Khammuan province discussed ways to facilitate business operators in obtaining bank loans more quickly and transparently, aiming to promote businesses and boost production capacity in the province.
Khammuan province, some 250 km southeast of Lao capital Vientiane, is now home to 6,954 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), Lao national TV reported on Friday.
The figures were cited at a meeting in Khammuan province to discuss production levels and the provision of loans.
Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday, provincial governor Vanhxay Phongsavanh said MSMEs play an important role in socio-economic development and account for 99.8 percent of all businesses in Laos, with most operating in the fields of goods production, trade and services.
They provide jobs, generate income, and help improve people's quality of life, he added.
MSMEs are the basis of the country's march towards industrialization and modernization, delivering steady growth.
Vanhxay advised strengthening the province's One District One Product operations and sales by promoting the uniqueness of Lao goods, which reflect the cultural heritage of the Lao people and their accumulated wisdom over many generations. ■
