VIENTIANE: According to the Lao Ministry of Finance, a meeting was held in Vientiane on Monday, during which participants reviewed and discussed the draft National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation.
The draft agenda outlines five key priorities, beginning with the improvement of rural infrastructure and public services, including roads, clean water systems, telecommunications, small-scale irrigation, electricity networks, healthcare facilities, and schools.
It also emphasises the creation of stable employment and income opportunities through intensive agriculture, integrated farming, and commercial agricultural production.
In addition, the agenda focuses on strengthening the capacity of local administrations, village organisations, and rural communities, as well as mobilizing domestic and foreign investment for rural development.
It further highlights the need to enhance legislation and implementation mechanisms in order to improve the effectiveness of poverty reduction efforts.
According to the 2025 poverty assessment, 14.78 per cent of households, 25.83 per cent of villages, and 44.59 per cent of districts across the country remain affected by poverty. - Xinhua
