VIENTIANE, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Inflation in Laos continued to decline in September, falling to 4.5 percent from 5 percent 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 percent.
This was followed by the cost of housing, water, electricity and gas at 14.8 percent, the medical care and medicines category at 12.9 percent, and the education category at 9.7 percent.
Other categories contributing to inflation included the clothing and footwear category at 7.5 percent, the household goods category at 7.3 percent, and the alcohol and tobacco category at 7 percent.
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. ■
