Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone delivers his closing remarks at the government cabinet meeting on Tuesday. --Photo Prime Minister’s Office

Govt sets action plans for September, prioritising flood response

The government has outlined priority action plans for September, focusing on restoring areas affected by flooding, strengthening public security, improving revenue collection, boosting domestic production, advancing digital transformation, and preparing key national development programmes.
Deputy Minister and Deputy Head of Office of the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Khampha Phimmasone, briefed the press on Tuesday evening on the results of the government meeting, which took place on August 24-25 at the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
The meeting reviewed major developments in August and adopted a September work plan covering national security, disaster response, economic management, social development, education, health, digital transformation and foreign affairs.
Among the most urgent priorities is the continued response to flooding. Relevant sectors and local authorities were instructed to provide further relief to affected communities, restore normal conditions quickly and repair roads damaged or cut off by floods. Authorities were also told to strengthen preparedness for future flooding and closely monitor dam safety and reservoir water levels.
The government also stressed the need to maintain national defence, public security, social order and border security, while intensifying efforts to combat cybercrime, drug-related offences, theft and road accidents.
Another priority is the implementation of Resolution 34/NA on the National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Reduction. Relevant ministries and agencies must urgently prepare detailed programmes, projects and budget plans for priority tasks.
The implementation plan is expected to be reported to a government meeting in September or October before submission to the National Assembly by the end of the year.
Ministries and equivalent agencies were also instructed to clarify responsibilities among districts, sub-districts and villages in carrying out sectoral work, with the task expected to be completed by September to improve the efficiency of public services.
On public finance, the government called for stronger efforts to fully collect revenue from existing sources and expand the VAT tax base. Relevant sectors were told to strengthen links between revenue-collection databases to improve efficiency and broaden the tax base.
Economic measures will focus on increasing domestic production for export and import substitution while restricting imports of luxury goods and products that can be produced domestically. Particular attention will be given to controlling imports of cheap frozen pork of uncertain quality, while Xayabouly province will receive support to strengthen measures against African swine fever.
Preparations for the 2026-2027 academic year will continue, along with preparations to open the National Teacher Training University.
In health, authorities will continue to monitor, prevent and treat epidemic diseases, while strengthening the regulation of food, medicines and medical products to ensure compliance with quality standards.
The government also called for faster digital transformation, including expanding telecommunication networks and internet coverage in remote areas and promoting the G-Chat system and digital administration systems.
More robust enforcement of court judgments was also ordered, including faster and more comprehensive handling of seized valuables and assets connected with legal cases.
In tourism and international cooperation, preparations will continue for Laos-Cambodia Cultural Week and related performances supporting Laos’ hosting of the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, while also promoting tourism.
Preparations will continue for senior leaders’ overseas visits and official visits to Laos by senior leaders of friendly countries.
Relevant sectors were also instructed to prepare content on government responsibilities for the Politburo meeting with the Party Central Committee Secretariat taking place this month.
The government agreed in principle to adopt 12 draft items of legislation, including amended laws on Government, procurement using state funds, alcoholic beverages, the Civil Code, health insurance, social security, civil aviation, cybercrime prevention, and the Lao People’s Security Force.
The package also includes a draft Order on mineral resource development policy, an amended Decree on poverty eradication and development standards, and a draft Decree on socio-economic development policy for Phongsaly and Huaphan provinces.
Relevant ministries and agencies were instructed to revise the drafts in line with government members’ comments before submitting them to the National Assembly. The responsible committee was also asked to consider whether the draft laws on health insurance and social security could be merged into a single law.
Reviewing developments in August, the government noted that political stability and social order had been maintained, while efforts continued to promote domestic production, control prices, improve infrastructure, strengthen social security, advance digital transformation and improve public services.
Budget revenue collection reached 72 percent of the annual target, while expenditure stood at 48 percent of the annual plan. Average inflation was estimated at around 7.6 percent.
The government has provided initial assistance to people affected by flooding in eight provinces, with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers and other government members visiting affected areas to monitor the situation and provide assistance.
However, numerous challenges remain, including scams, accidents and drug trafficking, slow implementation of priority government projects, continued import of luxury goods and domestically producible goods, and the need to accelerate policies promoting electric vehicles and clean energy.
Prime Minister Sonexay urged government members to incorporate the agreed September priorities into their work plans, with clear responsibilities, practical implementation measures, and specific completion deadlines.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 27, 2026)