President Thongloun Sisoulith (right) welcomes visiting ADB President Masato Kanda and his delegation at the Presidential Office on Thursday.

ADB reaffirms support for Laos’ development priorities

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Laos’ socio-economic development under its 2024-2028 Country Partnership Strategy, as Laos and the Bank celebrate 60 years of cooperation.
The commitment was made by ADB President Masato Kanda while leading his delegation in a courtesy call to President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Presidential Office on Thursday.
The meetings with the country’s leaders marked Mr Kanda’s first visit to Laos since he assumed office as ADB President and highlighted the Bank’s continued role in promoting development across the Asia-Pacific region.
During their visit, the ADB President and his delegation celebrated 60 years of cooperation between the financial institution and the Lao government.
President Thongloun stressed Laos’ long-standing view of the ADB as an essential development partner and expressed gratitude for the Bank’s support over the past six decades.

ADB President Masato Kanda (left) greets Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during a courtesy call to the Prime Minister’s Office.

He noted that this assistance has contributed to socio-economic stability, poverty reduction, and improved living standards for the Lao people. The President outlined Laos’ main development goals amid a rapidly changing global environment, and welcomed continued ADB support in achieving these objectives.
Earlier in the day, the ADB delegation also made a courtesy call to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the Prime Minister’s Office. Dr Sonexay made special note of the Bank’s support for agriculture and food security, climate-resilient farming, education, public health, energy, transport, and urban development.
He also referred to ADB’s contributions to environmental protection, water and sanitation services, and resilient infrastructure to improve connectivity and regional trade.
Mr Kanda reaffirmed the ADB’s commitment to sustainable public finance, equitable access to quality services, climate action, and environmental protection.
The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation under the Laos-ADB partnership framework to deliver tangible results for sustainable growth and the long-term development of Laos.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 27, 2026)