Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone chairs the government meeting for May on Tuesday.

Govt flags economic stability, poverty reduction at latest monthly meeting

Economic stability, rural development, poverty eradication, education reform, and legal reforms topped the agenda at the government’s ordinary meeting for May, which took place on Tuesday.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office and chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, brought together deputy prime ministers, government members, and representatives from ministries and other government agencies, while provincial leaders attended via video link.
The talks were guided by the Resolution adopted by the 12th Party Congress and the goals set in the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan, with rural development and poverty eradication on track to become National Agendas, to spur the country’s development.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Sonexay noted that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and other regions continue to place pressure on the global economy and affect Laos through the rising price of goods and transport.
He stressed the need for timely and appropriate measures to alleviate the impacts on citizens, civil servants, and broader socio-economic development.
The meeting reviewed major developments and outstanding issues in May, along with priority plans for June and mechanisms to implement the outcomes of the 3rd Plenary Session of the 12th Party Central Committee.
Participants also discussed regional and international developments, national defence and public security issues, and ongoing efforts related to the disposal of weapons and unexploded ordnance.
Education reform was another topic on the agenda, including plans to change the school system from a 5+4+3 to a 6+3+3 grade structure, and preparations for national outstanding student exams.
Additionally, the meeting reviewed preparations for Laos’ hosting of the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation, the 89th Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation and related meetings scheduled for June 22-26.
Officials also discussed the recent fish deaths reported in the Xedone River in Xanasomboun district, Champasak province.
Other items on the agenda included a report on civil servant recruitment for 2025 and proposed recruitment quotas for 2026 across ministries, Party organisations, mass organisations, and local administrations.
The meeting further considered several important draft documents, including the Draft Law on State Treasury, Draft Law on State Budget (amended), and Draft Decree on the Lease and Concession of State Land.
Prime Minister Sonexay called on all participants to provide practical, focused, and solution-oriented recommendations to ensure the meeting’s outcomes are implemented effectively and deliver concrete results.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 28, 2026)