VIENTIANE: The Lao government has agreed in principle to adopt the country’s 10-year Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2026-2035 and the Vision to 2055, alongside a series of legal and policy reforms aimed at strengthening development planning and regulatory frameworks.
The agreements were reached during this week’s government cabinet meeting for January-February, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Following the meeting, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and Government Spokesperson Sonexay Sithphaxay held a press conference on Wednesday (Feb 25) to brief the media on the outcomes of the meeting.
Under Agenda 1 on urgent priority works, the meeting reviewed a draft of the Prime Minister’s report on the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030.
It also examined progress in addressing the impact of land subsidence in Thongmang village, Xaythany district, Vientiane, as well as the tourism situation in 2025, and proposed directions for future tourism promotion.
The relevant sectors were instructed to further improve the content of reports based on members’ comments to ensure they align with the country’s actual potential and the goals set by the 12th National Party Congress, particularly in relation to mining and tourism development.
Under Agenda 2, the government agreed in principle to adopt four legal and policy documents, namely policy on the use of electric vehicles; the 10-year Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2026-2035 and Vision to 2055; a draft decree on the transport of hazardous goods; and a draft decree on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
The meeting instructed the relevant sectors to refine these drafts to ensure effective and practical implementation.
In addition, five documents were distributed for written feedback. These included a summary of outstanding works for January and February and the action plan for March; a draft resolution on the road construction and improvement plan for 2026; a draft resolution on the 2026-2030 plan for modernising revenue collection; a draft agreement on the list of topics to be considered at government meetings in 2026; and a revised draft resolution on the division of responsibilities for implementing the resolution to build an independent and self-reliant economy.
The meeting also spelled out priority tasks for March. Authorities were instructed to strengthen national defence and public security, and do more to prevent road accidents and fires, curb drug-related issues, and put a stop to scammer groups and online defamation targeting the Party and State.
On the economic front, the government will continue efforts to address financial and economic challenges, manage price fluctuations, and resolve the issue of pork oversupply. Infrastructure priorities include accelerating the modernisation of revenue collection, completing planned road and bridge construction, and preventing forest fires, particularly in tourist destinations and watershed areas.
In education and health, the relevant sectors were directed to improve the quality of education and research to promote national self-reliance, and to enhance healthcare services while gradually transitioning hospitals towards self-sufficiency.
In tourism, authorities will improve infrastructure in main destinations and strengthen oversight of travel companies, hotels, and entertainment venues to ensure compliance with the law and visitor safety.
In foreign affairs, officials were instructed to implement the outcomes of recent summits and cooperation plans with friendly countries, and to prepare for visits by foreign leaders. - Vientiane Times/ANN
