VIENTIANE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government has established a nationwide mineral inspection, analysis, and quality certification system at 32 export checkpoints to strengthen oversight of mineral exports, improve transparency, and increase state revenue from the mining sector.

The Lao Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has launched a network of laboratories to test and certify mineral products before they are exported through border crossings and railway stations, Lao Economic Daily reported Thursday.

New laboratories have been established at key export gateways to tackle longstanding challenges in mineral export management. Previously, inspections were limited in scope, data collection and monitoring were fragmented, and authorities faced difficulties verifying mineral quality at export destinations.

The new system centralizes inspection and certification procedures, ensuring mineral exports are accurately assessed before leaving the country. Equipped with modern analytical technology, the laboratories are expected to improve the reliability of testing and enhance transparency in export management.

The initiative also supports the government's goal of building a more self-reliant economy. By strengthening domestic capacity to inspect, analyse, and certify minerals and rare earth elements, Laos aims to strengthen national expertise while reducing reliance on external verification services.

The labs will help ensure the accuracy of export declarations, improve monitoring of mineral shipments, and strengthen revenue collection, allowing the state to receive appropriate returns from the country's mineral resources.

The initiative aligns with the National Agenda and government directives aimed at improving governance, increasing transparency, and creating sustainable revenue sources.