Vientiane: The government convened its monthly meeting for May 2025, led by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, focusing on evaluating national progress and setting development priorities through 2025. The two-day meeting, held both at the Prime Minister’s Office and via videoconference with provincial governors from May 29 to 30, aimed to address key challenges and align priorities for the rest of the year.
According to Lao News Agency, the meeting included comprehensive discussions on significant reports slated for presentation at the forthcoming 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly. These reports encompass evaluations of the national socio-economic development plan, state budget execution, and monetary policies for the first half of the year, along with a forward-looking review of the government’s five-year strategic objectives.
The government reports highlighted the country’s sustained political stability, social order, and economic progress despite global challenges. By the end of May, state budget revenue reached 93% of the target for the first half of the year, while inflation showed a decline from 11.1% in January to 8.3% in May, reflecting the positive effects of monetary tightening and other corrective measures.
Additionally, authorities reported advances in the payment of public sector wages, debt servicing, and budget allocations to priority sectors such as health, education, and rural development. The meeting also reviewed and approved a report on the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030), which will guide national modernization, digital transformation, and sustainable growth efforts.
In reviewing infrastructure projects, the cabinet noted progress on initiatives including expressways, energy grids, and tourism facilities. These projects are part of the broader effort to enhance connectivity and support the ‘Visit Laos Year 2025’ tourism campaign. Ministries and provinces were urged to expedite investment project execution and prepare detailed plans to attract international visitors and boost the services sector.
The government also recognized improvements in public service delivery and ongoing reforms in administrative efficiency, digital governance, and anti-corruption measures. Provinces were instructed to enhance monitoring mechanisms, tackle grassroots-level challenges, and ensure timely implementation of central directives.
Furthermore, the meeting assessed government responses to natural disasters and social welfare programs designed to support vulnerable groups and maintain social harmony. Authorities stressed the need to promote good governance, reduce wasteful spending, and continue combating illegal activities such as drug trafficking and timber smuggling.
Prime Minister Sonexay urged for unified and proactive implementation of government policies as the nation nears the final months of the current five-year plan. Ministries and local authorities were directed to collaborate with relevant sectors to identify bottlenecks, mobilize resources, and ensure that priority tasks-such as inflation control, export promotion, and food security-remain on track.
With Laos preparing for regional and international engagements, including ASEAN events and cross-border cooperation initiatives, the government reaffirmed its commitment to national development goals aligned with regional integration and global sustainability targets.