Hanoi (VNA) – The Lao Government has agreed inprinciple to provide assistance to public workers with low incomes and raisethe minimum wage for those in the private sector to support local residentsin overcoming soaring inflation, according to local media.

This is an outcome of a monthly meeting of the LaoGovernment that concluded on July 25.

Relevant agencies were asked to report the number of peoplewho will benefit from a wage increase and make a detailed analysis of thegovernment's capacity to make these extra payments.

The plan was announced shortly after Lao Prime MinisterSonexay Siphandone told the fifth ordinary session of the National Assembly(NA) of Laos earlier this month to look into the possibility of increasing theminimum wage and providing a supporting allowance for low-wage civil servants.

NA members said the current monthly minimum wage of 1.3million kip (about 67 USD) was inadequate given the cost of living, and askedthe government to consider a pay rise.

PM Sonexay Siphandone instructed the departments responsibleto do more to stabilise currency exchange rates, curb skyrocketing inflation,and address the high level of public debt. He also told the sectors responsiblefor regulating the price of goods on sale to minimise financial hardship of thepublic.

Lao government agencies were also ordered to ensure asufficient supply of fuel and to push for greater productivity so thatmore goods are produced domestically to replace imports and boost exports./.