Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone chairs the government’s September meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday.

PM calls for urgent action as storms, global tensions affect economy

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for a nationwide effort to speed up recovery from the devastation caused by storm Bualoi and to stabilise the economy amid growing global uncertainty.
Opening the government’s Ordinary Session for September on Thursday, Mr Sonexay said Laos is suffering from the combined effects of storms, financial pressures and external instability, which require immediate and coordinated solutions.
Storm Bualoi brought heavy rain, flooding and flash floods to 10 provinces, 34 districts and 131 villages, leaving four people dead and four missing, and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, farmland and homes.
The prime minister said relief work and reconstruction must continue urgently, with close attention to helping affected families and restoring transport, irrigation and energy systems.
The meeting is also discussing global economic problems, with Mr Sonexay warning that Laos cannot avoid being affected by ongoing global economic uncertainties, growing trade tensions, and regional conflicts.
The prime minister said these issues will continue to pose challenges and have the potential to harm the lives of people in many countries.
He urged ministries to remain alert to regional developments, devise practical countermeasures, and promote measures that safeguard the national economy and improve living standards.
The one-and-a-half-day meeting brings together deputy prime ministers, cabinet members and representatives from ministries and other government bodies.
Provincial and Vientiane leaders are sharing in the meeting via video link to review key achievements in September and discuss the government’s work priorities for October and next year.
Discussions include an assessment of the 2025 Socio-Economic Development Plan and state budget, the national agenda on financial and economic issues, national defence and security, and the 2025 currency plan.
The session is also reviewing progress on major national events, including the That Luang Festival, the 12th National Games, and the 50th anniversary of National Day on December 2.
Cabinet members are also considering a draft plan of action in response to recommendations from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a decree on the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail, and the 2025 National Radio Frequency Spectrum Research Master Plan.
The prime minister called for practical, evidence-based discussions and urged all ministries to focus on realistic measures that improve people’s livelihoods and disaster preparedness, and ensure steady progress in national development.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 10, 2025)