Vientiane (VNA) – Over the next five years, Laos will roll out the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030) as a central pillar in its efforts to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status, advance the Sustainable Development Goals, and implement the Resolution of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) in line with long-term development strategies.
Addressing the 12th National Congress of the LPRP on January 6, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said the Government will prioritise three urgent tasks to ensure the plan is implemented in a practical and effective manner, serving as a solid foundation for sustainable development beyond LDC status.
These include revising laws, mechanisms and regulations; strengthening governance and management capacity; accelerating digital transformation alongside decentralisation and delegation of authority; and creating a transparent, efficient and business-friendly investment environment.
The Government will also work to foster strong development momentum by mobilising public participation, encouraging self-reliance among citizens and businesses, and improving the quality of human resources, while building an independent and self-reliant economy capable of deeper regional and global integration.
In parallel, Laos will pursue comprehensive governance reforms to improve the efficiency of natural resource management, particularly in minerals, energy and land. Greater transparency and discipline in budget execution will be enforced to curb corruption and revenue losses, while tapping new revenue sources based on national strengths to support rapid, green and sustainable socio-economic development.
On the broader policy front, the Government will continue to tackle economic and financial challenges in a substantive manner, avoid unsustainable debt, and manage the economy in line with market principles under State regulation.
Looking ahead, Laos targets fast, stable and resilient growth with higher quality and self-reliance, with a strong focus on education and human resource development, especially nurturing students and intellectuals who can contribute to science, technology, innovation and national development. Improving living standards, ensuring a sustainable and high-quality exit from LDC status, and balancing socio-economic development with environmental protection remain key priorities.
At the same time, Laos will pursue proactive diplomacy to enhance its profile regionally and internationally, improve the effectiveness of State and socio-economic governance towards building a rule-of-law state, and safeguard political stability, security and social order. Efforts will also focus on strengthening national unity, developing rural areas, reducing poverty, and gradually narrowing development gaps between urban and rural areas, as well as between rich and poor./.
