Vientiane (VNA) - Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) Thongly Sisoulith has affirmed that the country’s youth and adolescents stand ready to make active contributions to the implementation of Laos’ socio-economic development plan.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), which is being held from January 6–8 at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Thongly emphasised that the Youth and Adolescents Development Strategy, which is integrated into the 10th five-year socio-economic development plan, is a key component reflecting the Party and State’s clear orientation toward human resources development in service of the country’s sustainable development in the future.
He noted that the 12th Congress is an event of great significance, marking a milestone in the 70-year leadership journey of the LPRP as well as the major achievements recorded over the past 50 years of national construction and development.
After listening to presentations by Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on the third Political Platform and the 10th five-year socio-economic development plan, Thongly said he clearly recognised that throughout the nation-building process, youth have always been a core force in every movement and will continue to play an even greater role in the new development phase. From the reports on the socio-economic development plan for the 2026–2030 period, he highlighted that human resources development remains one of the most important strategic pillars shaping the country’s future and carrying forward the mission of the LPRP.
He also pointed out that Laos continues to face numerous challenges, including school dropouts at primary and secondary levels, education quality that has yet to meet current demands, limited workforce skills, and a relatively high unemployment rate, particularly among young people. These challenges, he stressed, require the Government to adopt clearer and more comprehensive plans across different sectors.
According to the Youth Union Secretary, the Lao Government will focus on key priorities such as improving teaching and learning quality, enhancing teachers’ qualifications, upgrading educational infrastructure from central to local levels, and creating a more supportive learning environment, especially for primary and secondary students. At the same time, greater emphasis will be placed on vocational education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical training to enable graduates to enter the workforce immediately.
He added that Laos is also stepping up investment in information technology, digital transformation, innovation, and modern science, including green technical skills, while promoting cooperation between universities and industry to better align training with labour market needs. The Government is also fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among young people, enabling them to create jobs not only for themselves but also for society at large, thereby contributing to sustainable socio-economic development./.
Laos targets 6% annual growth in 2026-2030
Laos’ gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by an average of at least 6% annually. GDP per capita is targeted to reach 3,104 USD by 2030, while gross national income (GNI) per capita is projected to rise to 2,914 USD.
