VIENTIANE: A national seminar has highlighted stronger governance, legal reform and investment in human resources as key priorities for Laos to smoothly graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Annual Scientific Seminar Conference 2026 gathered more than 200 policymakers, researchers, academics and development partners to assess how global changes are shaping Laos’ development trajectory.
Jointly organised by the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, the National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, the National University of Laos and other research institutions, the conference focused on strengthening state and social governance through the rule of law to support LDC graduation and SDG achievement. The event received financial support from several international organisations and domestic civil society groups through the Green Community Advancement Association.
The event aimed to strengthen links between research and policymaking by encouraging researchers to share evidence-based recommendations and promote greater use of research in national planning.
Opening the conference, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Dr Khamphan Phommathat said Laos’ development requires stronger Party leadership, effective governance based on the rule of law, and fair enforcement of the Constitution and national laws.
He said rapid advances in innovation, technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping the global economy, making it increasingly important for Laos to boost productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and modernise its legal framework.
Dr Khamphan said strengthening the rule of law is essential to support Laos’ graduation from LDC status and achievement of the SDGs. He added that building an effective legal system is a shared responsibility of the Party, government and people, with particular attention given to managing land and natural resources and achieving national development targets.
Senior participants included Party Central Committee member and Vice President of the National Assembly Dr Kongkeo Xaysongkham, Party Central Committee member and President of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences Dr Leeber Leebouapao, deputy ministers, ambassadors, National Assembly members, researchers and representatives of government agencies, international organisations and civil society.
Researchers identified cleaner energy as one of Laos’ greatest opportunities. They said rising global oil prices highlight the need to reduce dependence on imported fuel by expanding hydropower, solar and wind energy.
Fuel imports account for more than 60 per cent of Laos’ total import value, while greater use of renewable energy would strengthen energy security and support sustainable growth. Laos’ young population was also seen as an advantage, with a demographic bonus expected until 2050. Overseas employment offers young Lao people opportunities to gain skills, work experience and income.
Participants also highlighted artificial intelligence and digital technology as opportunities to boost productivity, improve access to education and healthcare, and create new businesses.
But they warned that global uncertainty could slow economic growth, with Laos’ economy expected to grow by no more than five per cent in 2026.
Labour shortages, online scams, cybercrime and climate change were identified as major challenges. Participants urged stronger legal frameworks, better digital governance and improved environmental management to support sustainable development.
To address these challenges, the conference called for stronger regional cooperation, greater investment in clean energy, better protection for Lao workers abroad, stronger digital governance and improved environmental management.
Participants also pledged to strengthen cooperation between researchers and policymakers to help guide Laos’ smooth graduation from Least Developed Country status, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and advance towards upper-middle-income country status. - Vientiane Times/ANN
