Party Secretary General and State President of Lao Thongloun Sisoulith on Tuesday (June 14) visited agricultural and other businesses in Vientiane province to promote crop growing and livestock production as important pillars of sustainable socio-economic development.

During their tour of the province, the Lao President and his delegation visited the Phetchaleunsap Cattle Farm, which was established in 2019 in Thoulakhom district.

The owners have invested 21 billion kip in the farm, which currently has 288 cattle, and plan to increase investment to 205 billion kip.

There are also plans to expand the existing 12-hectare site to 120 hectares and increase the size of the herd to 2,700.

The production of good quality beef could reduce the need for imported beef, while a strong breeding herd of not less than 800 animals should be built up.

In addition, he advised the production and distribution of high quality cattle dung to farmers across the country.

It is estimated that in 10 years’ time the size of the herd will grow to 29,428 cattle, with a value of about 700 billion kip.

The Lao President advised the farm owners to involve more local people by helping them to grow grass, sweetcorn, and organic vegetables. If the farm expands in the future, it would be beneficial to export beef products in ways that add value, he added.

The Lao President Thongloun also visited a model melon growing family in Haiyone village, Thoulakhom district, and spoke to agribusiness operators at Phou Phet Farm. He also went to warehouses and service stations alongside the Laos-China Railway and visited tourist attractions along the ring road in Vangvieng district.

During talks with business owners, he stressed the need to strengthen domestic production to meet local consumption requirements and to produce more goods for export, especially agricultural produce.

More food should be grown to supply tourism-related businesses now that Laos had reopened to visitors, as this would contribute to efforts to resolve the country’s financial problems and budget constraints.

The Lao President also instructed the Provincial Administration to fulfil the province’s development potential by harnessing the benefits offered by land and water resources and boosting productivity based on local resources.

Authorities should do more to facilitate business and entrepreneurship, ensure stable markets, and improve the incomes and quality of life of people living in Vientiane province, he advised.