VIENTIANE, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Lao leaders held talks to identify priorities for addressing urgent economic pressures, including securing fuel supplies, controlling prices, and tightening regulations on mining operations.
In a bid to tackle mounting economic challenges, a high-level meeting was held in capital Vientiane, bringing together senior officials, state enterprise leaders, and private sector representatives to address urgent issues, according to a report from the Lao Ministry of Finance on Wednesday.
Discussions focused on five priority areas, including securing fuel supply, promoting electric vehicles (EV), managing commodity prices, curbing informal trade, and strengthening oversight of mining operations.
The measures come as the public continues to face fuel shortages, rising prices, and broader economic pressures.
To stabilize fuel supply, the government will prioritize distribution for agriculture and food production, streamline import and supply chains, and strengthen nationwide monitoring of fuel stocks.
Efforts to promote EV adoption will focus on ensuring quality imports, fair pricing, and environmentally sustainable practices. Officials said expanding EV use could reduce reliance on fossil fuels while supporting green investment and the domestic automotive sector.
The government also plans to strengthen price controls on essential and luxury goods, crack down on informal and cross-border trade, and enforce stricter mining regulations to protect the environment and recover unpaid state revenues.
Speaking at the meeting on Monday, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane called for stronger coordination among ministries to prevent further impact on the public, while urging officials to lead by example in promoting frugality and responsible spending. ■