Govt evaluates progress in plans, discusses directions for 2025

The progress in implementing several socio-economic development plans in 2024 and new directions for 2025 are being discussed and evaluated at a government meeting in Vientiane during January 6-7.

PM Sonexay Siphandone chairs the meeting on Monday.

The two-day meeting aims to build consensus on measures to ensure the success of the national socio-economic development agenda for 2025, while simultaneously striving for excellence in all areas.
The second open government meeting of 2025 was inaugurated on the morning of January 6 at the National Convention Centre, and it was presided over by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Among those participating in the meeting are the deputy prime ministers, government members, provincial governors, the mayor of Vientiane, and representatives of party and state organisations equivalent to ministries.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sonexay highlighted the complexities of the international and regional landscape in 2025, marked by disputes and challenges and their impact on global economic recovery.
He underscored the significance of 2025 as a pivotal year for implementing the 11th Party Congress resolution and the 9th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan.
Mr Sonexay emphasised key priorities, including strengthening personnel management and regulatory mechanisms, work coordination, and addressing infrastructure challenges, particularly related to the nationwide road network.
He also encouraged officials to promote patriotism and national development in preparation for significant historical commemorations of the three important national days.
Prime Minister Sonexay also called for unity and detailed planning to achieve or exceed the goals outlined in the 9th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan.
Others attending the meet include members of the Lao Front for National Development, legislative and judicial bodies, Lao National Veterans Union, central mass organisations, State Inspection Agency, and other key stakeholders.
The meeting is focusing on evaluating progress in implementing various plans during 2024 and setting the directions for 2025.
Key topics being discussed include economic and financial challenges, and an analysis of the economic and financial performance during 2024.
The development of a focused work plan for 2025 will include infrastructure and sectoral issues, and addressing challenges related to vehicles and mining projects.
The meeting will propose solutions to electricity shortages, including revising electricity pricing structures, public security issues and social concerns. It will also focus on measures to tackle illegal weapons and drug-related matters.
In addition, the meeting is reviewing the resignation of civil servants in order to propose corrective measures.
The government is also reviewing the implementation of rural development strategies and poverty alleviation plans for rural development and poverty reduction.
The meeting is also evaluating land allocation, title issuance, and modernising land revenue collection systems.
The government is reviewing the implementation of education and employment system reforms and the development of national human resources in order to address teacher shortages and school dropouts.
It is also assessing the results of the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign and setting goals for 2025.
The meeting is discussing measures to strengthen the management of agricultural and forest lands, including cooperative forest carbon credit projects.
At the same time, the government is seeking solutions to electricity shortages and evaluating proposals for the pricing structure for electricity.
In addition, the government is reviewing governance and the implementation of the Prime Ministerial Decree No 702/PM to enhance task allocation and organisational responsibilities for the national socio-economic development plan, and discussing the state budget and monetary policy for 2025.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 7, 2025)