Mr Thongsavan Phomvihane addresses the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. --Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Laos calls for predictable int’l support for post-LDC transition, a self-reliant economy

The Lao government has called for stronger international cooperation to support Laos’ graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, post-LDC transition, and goals to achieve an independent, self-reliant economy, while also backing reforms that would make the United Nations more efficient and effective.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavan Phomvihane highlighted these points on September 26 when addressing the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The session took the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All”.
Laos has reaffirmed its intention to graduate from LDC status by the end of this year.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Thongsavan reiterated Laos’ commitment to working with the international community to address emerging challenges, strengthen an independent and self-reliant economy, and ensure a smooth, sustainable and irreversible graduation from LDC status.
He stressed the importance of continued international cooperation and support as Laos prepares to enter a new phase of development following its formal graduation from LDC status in November, with a focus on sustaining development gains and advancing the country’s long-term development goals.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the three-year transition period from 2026 to 2029 would require continued and predictable international support, including technical assistance and access to financing to help ensure that Laos can sustain its development gains.
“Graduation from LDC status is not the end of development efforts, but an important new chapter in national development,” he said.
On national development, Mr Thongsavan highlighted the government’s efforts under the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030, which focuses on building an independent and self-reliant economy and developing human resources.
He also highlighted efforts to capitalise on Laos’ landlocked status by becoming a regional land link through strategic infrastructure development, including the Laos-China Railway and the planned Laos-Vietnam railway to Vung Ang Port. These projects are intended to strengthen connectivity, trade and economic opportunities as Laos pursues its goal to become an upper-middle-income country by 2055.
On the international front, Mr Thongsavan reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to the multilateral system with the United Nations at its core, saying that international cooperation is essential for maintaining stable international relations and advancing development.
Lasting peace requires an end to armed conflict and unilateral measures, while differences should be addressed through diplomacy and consultation in accordance with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, he said.
Laos also backed the UN80 Initiative, which seeks to reform the United Nations system and make it more efficient, effective and responsive to the changing international environment.
Mr Thongsavan reiterated Laos’ support for ASEAN centrality in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region, including the implementation of the ASEAN Vision to 2045 and efforts to build a strong and sustainable ASEAN Community.
He also reiterated Laos’ commitment to its Sustainable Development Goal 18, “Lives Safe from Unexploded Ordnance”, saying that unexploded ordnance remains a serious obstacle to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
He expressed Laos’ commitment to continued cooperation with the international community in pursuit of a peaceful, stable and prosperous world in which no one is left behind.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 29, 2026)