National Party Congress boosts China-Laos ties

The development of socialism in Laos is injecting fresh momentum into China-Laos relations, following the successful conclusion of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), a report on Xinhua’s website stated.
The three-day congress, which ended on January 8, reviewed Laos’ achievements over the past five years and mapped out the direction of the country’s socialist development, while also providing new impetus to the advancement of ties with China.
The congress adopted a series of key political documents, including the political report of the 11th Party Central Committee and the National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030. Under this plan, the government is aiming for an average annual economic growth rate of 6 percent.
A key highlight of the congress was the adoption of the Party’s third political programme, which aims to transform Laos into an upper-middle-income developing country by 2055, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the LPRP.
During the congress, the China-Laos Railway was frequently cited as a major driver of Laos’ development, with the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Leklay Sivilay, saying the railway has played a vital role in promoting socio-economic growth.
According to the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC), which operates the Lao section of the railway, more than 11.84 million passengers had been carried and over 16.77 million tonnes of freight transported as of January 8.
Since becoming operational four years ago, the company has enhanced the efficiency of the railway, which has boosted regional connectivity and spurred trade between the two countries.
Beyond transport, cooperation between China and Laos has expanded across multiple sectors under the guidance of senior leaders from both sides. Progress has been recorded in energy, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, further strengthening the China-Laos community with a shared future.
Notable achievements include the launch of the China-Laos 500kV power grid interconnection project and the handover of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital. In addition, China-aided rural poverty alleviation infrastructure projects have contributed to improved livelihoods.
According to a Vientiane Times report published in November 2025, the value of bilateral trade reached US$8.23 billion in 2024 and US$4.6 billion in the first half of 2025.
China’s cumulative investment in Laos exceeds US$18 billion, making it Laos’ largest source of foreign investment.
The success of the Lao National Party Congress opens a new chapter in Laos’ socialist development and creates new opportunities for advancing the China-Laos community with a shared future, Xinhua reported.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 13, 2026)