Lao President Urges Effort to Overcome Economic Woes

   HANOI (Nov. 24) XINHUA - Lao President Khamtay 
Siphandone has urged the Lao people to make more efforts to 
overcome the country's economic difficulties.
   Lao official news agency KPL reported Tuesday that the 
president made the call during his tour of the country last 
Friday and Saturday. He visited the three northern 
provinces of Luang Namtha, Bokeo and Sayaboury to guide the 
socioeconomic development there.
   Khamtay praised the achievements in local defense and 
construction and development, which have promoted 
development in the provinces, KPL said.
   The president stressed that the eight priority programs 
laid down by the government, particularly the foodstuff 
production program to attain basic self-sufficiency based 
on the potential of each province.
   This program was aimed at transforming the mode of 
subsistence production to market-oriented commodity 
production and to improve the living standards of the 
people gradually, the leader said.
   In 1998-1999, the president said, the country will still 
experience economic and financial difficulties, especially 
inflation and fluctuations in currency exchange, which will 
hinder the socioeconomic development in Laos.
   Thus, Khamtay said, it requires more efforts to involve 
the whole country and all economic sectors to produce more 
food and necessary commodities.
   The president advised the local administrations to pay 
attention to timely harvest and food storage and prepare 
for the coming dry season.