Govt outlines measures for path to stable development

The meeting between the government cabinet and provincial governors convened on January 6-7 addressed issues pertaining to economic growth, pledging to resolve the country’s financial challenges in 2025 and set Laos on a path to stable development.
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and attended by deputy prime ministers, members of government representing Party and state organisations equivalent to ministries, the Mayor of Vientiane, provincial governors, the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Development, and members of the National Assembly, judicial bodies, National Veterans Union, central-level mass organisations, the State Inspection Agency, and the State Audit Authority.

Party and state leaders chair an open government meeting.

Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and Government Spokesperson, Mr Sonexay Sitphaxay, summarised the financial situation in 2024.
Laos enjoyed macroeconomic stability and strong growth, with the amount of revenue generated exceeding the target figure by 16 percent and surpassing the amount generated over the past four years, he said.
Debt problems were resolved as agreed and the inflation rate declined steadily from 24.4 percent in December 2023 to 16.9 percent in December 2024.
Currency exchange rates stabilised and foreign exchange reserves were sufficient to cover 5.2 months of imports.
The meeting instructed the Taskforce Secretariat to coordinate with the relevant parties to improve the content of the socio-economic development report, making it more detailed and specific.
The Secretariat was also instructed to determine necessary policies and legislation relating to work not yet carried out and to ensure that local governments lead the way in executing the focus plan for 2025 so as to achieve the set goals.
With regard to illegally imported and used vehicles, the committee responsible was tasked with coordinating with the relevant parties to formulate additional legislation that would serve as a basis for uniform implementation throughout the country.
The matter should be urgently resolved in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
In the future, local authorities will be responsible for monitoring, inspecting and resolving such issues in strict accordance with the laws and regulations.
Concerning mining operations, the relevant bodies were instructed to comply with the guidelines laid down by the Party Central Committee’s Politburo, the National Assembly, and the government.
The committee responsible was tasked with urgently issuing a government order to cease the approval of gold mining operations across the country.
Upon expiry of a project contract, operations that have had a significant impact on the environment will be suspended and the contract not renewed.
Companies that continue to violate regulations will be subject to legal action.
The meeting also directed the sectors responsible to tackle the problem of illegal weapons and drugs, oversee implementation of the Three Builds directive, ensure progress in rural development, poverty reduction, education reform, public health, tourism, environmental and natural resource management, and prevent electricity shortages, as well as ensure continuing national security.
Prime Minister Sonexay called on all members of government, heads of central Party and state organisations, provincial governors and the Mayor of Vientiane to formulate detailed plans for their respective sectors, organisations and localities.
Responsibility for various tasks should be allocated to organisations and personnel at each level and a clear completion timeframe stipulated in line with the particular circumstances of each sector. Every effort should be made to achieve good results, with periodic monitoring and reporting.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 10, 2025)