Khammouane focuses on three potential development sources

(KPL) The agriculture, industry and service sectors are main potential sources for the socio-economic development of the central province of Khammouane in this fiscal year, Khammouane Governor said.
Governor Khambay Damlat said last week that in the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the province would focus on three main potentials for socio-economic development in order to get rid of poverty in the province in the near future.
Industry is considered an important sector of the province for socio-economic development, especially Nam Theun 2 hydropower station and Theun Hinboun dam, he said.The two dams have the installation capacity of 1,500 MGW, said the governor.
In addition, foreign investors are interested in exploring in the mining sector in this central province, especially for gypsum and potassium.He continued that this would generate more income and create more job opportunities for local people. Forest area covers 47 percent of Khammouane province and suitable for livestock, he said.
The province is able to supply over 300 pigs per day to market and produce over 182,000 tonnes of rice annually, said the governor.
If the construction of the third Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge completes, the province would get benefit from its potentials on trade and tourism, said Mr Khambay.
He said that Thakhek township is planning for cooperation with the neighbouring province of Savannakhet and Mukdahan province of Thailand for the tourism promotion project of the ancient kingdom of Sikhottabong.
The ancient kingdom spread its land over the territory of present-day Laos and Thailand over the two banks of the Mekong River.
At present, there are 124 tourism sites in Khammouane province, concluded the governor.