Many of the vegetables on sale at Vientiane markets are imported from neighbouring countries. (Photo: vientianetimes.la) Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao Ministry ofAgriculture and Forestry has proposed a ban on the import of certain vegetablesand other agricultural products, in a bid to boost the cultivation of these crops inthe country while also tackling the problem of inflation, Vientiane Times has reported.
Minister of Agriculture andForestry Dr Phet Phomphiphak proposed the ban at a recent meeting of governmentofficials and private sector representatives.
The recommended list of vegetables includes whitecabbage, cauliflower, onions, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, carrotsand beetroot.
The import of some types of pork, beef and fish is also suggested to be banned, except forpremium grade meat, lamb and ostrich needed by restaurants and hotels.
Seafood can be imported but should be strictlyregulated in line with set quotas and time periods, Dr Phet said.
He noted that local farmers can produce about 6.53million tonnes of rice, vegetables and other agricultural produce annually.This figure comprises 3.72 tonnes of rice, 2.31 million tonnes of vegetablesand cash crops, and 507,644 tonnes of meat, fish and eggs. These quantitiesenable average annual per capita consumption of 68.2 kilograms.
The combined value of imports and exports exceeded 1 billion USD in July.Exports were valued at 429 million USD, while imports were estimated at 595 USDmillion, resulting in a trade deficit of 166 million USD.
The government isencouraging farmers and producers to supply more goods to the domestic marketand to produce more for export, as this will bring in much needed foreigncurrency and help reduce high foreign exchange rates.
The government is making a concerted effort to step up agriculturalproduction, with the aim of boosting crop yields and exports so that feweragricultural imports are required./.
