VIENTIANE, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Ministry of Public Security announced that citizens can apply for digital ID cards at designated offices nationwide, Lao national TV reported on Thursday.

The ministry called on civil servants, members of the armed forces and police, as well as citizens from all ethnic groups, to apply for the new digital ID cards, which are intended to provide easier and more reliable identity verification.

Laos launched its Digital Citizen Management and Identity Card System in July, marking a major milestone in the country's digital transformation journey.

Officials said the system is essential to national defense, public security and long-term economic growth. Enditem