(KPL) On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the National Postal and Telecommunications Day, Minister of Technology and Communications delivered a speech emphasizing the transformative role of digital technologies in Laos' socio-economic development.

The event, celebrated under the theme "Developing Laos' Digital Infrastructure to be Strong and Sustainable," showcased the nation's progress in postal and telecommunications services and outlined future goals for digital transformation.

March 13 marks National Postal and Telecommunications Day, as established by the laws on postal services and telecommunications of the Lao PDR.

This year’s celebration commemorates six decades of advancements in the sector, highlighting the rapid evolution of postal and telecommunications services driven by cutting-edge technologies such as e-commerce, modern logistics systems, drones, 5G, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and 3D printing.

The postal sector has embraced digital technologies to enhance service delivery, support online businesses, and improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

A centralized system for monitoring and tracking domestic postal items has been implemented, enabling real-time tracking for operators and users.

By 2025, Laos boasts 63 postal service companies, including 52 provincial providers, 4 international service providers, and 7 companies offering both domestic and international services.

With 1,161 service points nationwide, postal services now cover all provinces, districts, and nearly every village, generating over 198 billion kip in revenue and contributing more than 14 billion kip in taxes to the national budget.

The telecommunications sector has also seen remarkable growth. Currently, there are 6 telecommunications service providers, three infrastructure companies, and 10 internet service providers. The country has established 22 international telecommunications connection points across 14 provinces.

In 2025, the sector generated over 5.81 trillion kip in revenue and contributed 482 billion kip in taxes. Fiber optic networks have expanded by 97,153 km, and mobile phone coverage now reaches all provinces and districts.

3G coverage extends to 85% of all villages, while 4G covers 76%. The rollout of 5G services began in early 2024 and is expected to cover 17% of major urban areas by 2026. With 7.3 million fixed and mobile phone subscribers, the sector continues to grow.

In 2024, a fund was established to support telecommunications development and digital transformation, particularly in remote areas, ensuring user safety and accessibility.

The celebration of National Postal and Telecommunications Day aims to raise awareness about the critical role of postal and telecommunications services in Laos' socio-economic development.

The Minister emphasized the importance of digital technologies in promoting e-commerce, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), distance education, telemedicine, and digital industrial production.

These efforts align with the Party and government's policies and the national digital transformation plan, which focuses on three pillars: digital governance, digital economy, and digital society.

In his speech, the Minister urged all stakeholders, including policymakers, postal and telecommunications operators, online traders, and users, to maximize the benefits of digital technologies.

He called for vigilance against deceptive advertisements and scams, emphasizing the need to improve service quality and product standards. The Minister also highlighted the importance of embracing digital transformation to implement the resolutions of the 11th Party Congress, the 9th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan, and the Five-Year National Digital Economy Development Plan (2021-2025).

"Let us work together to build a robust, self-reliant economy by leveraging digital technologies to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth," the Minister concluded.

The 60th anniversary celebration not only honoured the achievements of the past but also set the stage for a future where digital innovation drives Laos' progress, ensuring a strong and sustainable digital infrastructure for generations to come.

KPL