Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone last week addresses a meeting with the leaders of four southern provinces. --Photo Prime Minister’s Office

PM seeks to tap economic potential of southern Laos
 
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has unveiled a development agenda to unlock the economic potential of Laos’ four southern provinces, calling for modernised agriculture, value-added industries, improved trade and logistics infrastructure, expanded clean energy, and greater investment in education and healthcare.
The Prime Minister outlined these goals when chairing a meeting in Champasak province on Thursday to review implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan during the first half of 2026 and set priorities for the remainder of the year.
The meeting also discussed a regional development plan for Champasak, Salavan, Xekong and Attapeu provinces to strengthen commercial links with neighbouring countries and the wider region, according to a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Prime Minister Sonexay said peace, public order and political stability remain the foundation for sustainable development. He instructed central and provincial authorities to strengthen security in border areas, while advancing rural development under the Party’s “Three Builds” policy and intensifying efforts to tackle social problems.
He identified agriculture as a key driver of development, calling for greater use of the Bolaven Plateau and other upland areas. He also advised a shift from traditional farming practices to modern, commercial agriculture capable of producing higher-value goods for export through processing, branding and internationally recognised quality standards.
The Prime Minister advised the relevant agencies to establish research centres to improve crop varieties, livestock breeding and bio-fertiliser, while expanding the use of technology, including solar-powered irrigation, to support year-round agricultural production.
To create greater value from the region’s natural resources, Mr Sonexay urged authorities to export fewer raw minerals and instead process them before sale. He reaffirmed the government’s intention to build more hydropower, solar and wind energy plants, to strengthen energy security and increase electricity exports.
Turning to trade and logistics, the Prime Minister instructed authorities to accelerate the development of dry ports, cargo transshipment facilities, warehouses and cold storage systems. He also called for simpler customs and border procedures to facilitate cross-border trade, while urging the relevant agencies to stabilise the price of farm products during peak harvest periods to protect farmers’ incomes.
As part of efforts to build a greener economy, Mr Sonexay encouraged the wider use of electric vehicles in passenger transport, logistics and tourism to reduce fuel consumption and lower harmful gas emissions.
The Prime Minister also highlighted tourism as a strategic growth sector, calling for higher service standards, improved visitor safety and environmentally responsible tourism. He encouraged hotels and restaurants to make greater use of locally produced food, organic vegetables and handicrafts to support local communities and reduce imports.
Concerning education, Mr Sonexay instructed Champasak University and vocational institutions to produce more skilled technicians and graduates capable of supporting advanced industries and regional economic development.
He also called for hospitals and medical centres in the southern provinces to upgrade specialised medical services so the region can develop into a healthcare hub, reducing the need for people to seek treatment abroad.
Prime Minister Sonexay said these measures would help translate the Resolution of the 12th Party Congress into concrete action by unlocking the untapped potential of the four southern provinces and creating new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 27, 2026)