(KPL) – Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, accompanied by his delegation, visited Dak Cheung District, Sekong Province, to assess and promote development efforts, particularly at the Dakta-Ok International Border Crossing (Lao-Vietnam border) and the Dak Muan Village development focus area. The Prime Minister was welcomed by Sekong Governor Leklai Sivilay, along with provincial and district leaders, village representatives, and related stakeholders, on March 10, 2025.

During the visit, the Dakta-Ok International Crossing Management Board provided a report on border activities. In 2024, the crossing recorded 56,424 incoming and 52,399 outgoing vehicles, along with 80,014 arrivals and 74,677 departures. Key exports included 31,734 tons of cassava flour, 3,290 tons of dried cassava, as well as small quantities of iron ore and coffee. Imports mainly consisted of consumer goods, construction materials, and machinery. The border post generated 126.93 billion kip in revenue, surpassing targets by 69%.

Meanwhile, in the Dak Muan Village development focus area, which comprises Dak Muan, Dakta-Ok Noy, and Ngondon villages, officials reported on ongoing progress. Covering 7,976 hectares—95% of which is mountainous—the area experiences year-round cool and rainy weather. It is home to 260 families (with 51% classified as impoverished), totaling 1,253 people from four ethnic groups. The community has three primary schools, one health center, and three cultural halls. Agriculture and livestock remain the primary livelihoods, with over 200 cows, 170 buffaloes, 100 pigs, 90 goats, 300 poultry, 31 fish ponds, and more than 10,000 fish.

During discussions with local management committees, Prime Minister Sonexay commended the progress made in both border management and village development. He emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to improve economic conditions and highlighted the significance of the upcoming national celebrations in 2025, marking the 70th anniversary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the Lao PDR, and the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

The Prime Minister called for stricter oversight at the Dakta-Uk crossing to ensure efficiency, transparency, and security in vehicle and passenger processing. He urged relevant agencies to develop infrastructure plans for the crossing and seek higher-level approval for improvements.

For the Dak Muan Village development initiative, PM Sonexay instructed officials to analyze the root causes of poverty in the area and implement targeted solutions. He stressed the importance of preventing deforestation for unsustainable farming while promoting responsible land allocation and organized agricultural production. Encouraging modern farming techniques and strengthening administrative structures were also among his key directives.

Additionally, he underscored the importance of community participation in the 2025 citizen survey, ensuring accurate data collection to support future policy-making.

KPL