Lao Leaders Discuss Priorities For National Development

VINTIANE, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Lao leaders reviewed the country's development progress during the first half of 2026 and set priorities for the remainder of the year, with a focus on addressing economic challenges, controlling the cost of living, and responding to emerging crises.

The Lao government's first open meeting of 2026 was held here from Wednesday to Thursday under the chairmanship of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, the Lao People's Army Radio reported on Friday.

The meeting reviewed the government's performance during the first six months of 2026 and approved priority tasks for the remainder of the year. Discussions also focused on the implementation of the 2026 socio-economic development plan, state budget, and monetary policy.

During the first half of the year, the government reported steady progress across several sectors. Political stability and social order were maintained, while authorities intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking, online scams, illegal mining, and the illegal import and use of vehicles.

The economy recorded 5 percent growth, with state revenue reaching 52 percent of the annual target, while average inflation was maintained at 8 percent. The meeting also noted progress in road and bridge construction, domestic production and exports, education, healthcare, electricity, investment promotion and management, workforce development, tourism infrastructure, legal reforms, fuel supply, and international cooperation.

Despite these achievements, the government acknowledged several ongoing challenges. For the second half of 2026, the government will prioritize implementing the resolutions of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030), the resolution on building an independent and self-reliant economy in the new era, and the 2026 socio-economic, budget, and monetary plans.

Key priorities include addressing economic and financial challenges, maintaining exchange rate stability, ensuring an adequate fuel supply, controlling inflation and the cost of living, and responding effectively to emerging crises.

The government also pledged to strengthen political stability and social order, promote rural, remote, and border area development, increase state revenue, expand domestic production to reduce imports, boost food and agricultural production, improve land, water, and air transport networks along key economic corridors, and accelerate digital economy development.

Additional priorities include advancing socio-cultural development, expanding skilled workforce training for domestic and overseas labor markets, improving healthcare infrastructure nationwide, and preserving the country's cultural heritage and traditions. 

--NNN-Xinhua