(KPL) The National Assembly of Laos has officially approved the government’s report on the Socio-Economic Development Plan, along with the state budget and monetary plan for the second half of 2025.

The approval was announced by National Assembly Secretary Amphayvone Lombounpheng during the ongoing 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature on June 26 under the chairmanship of National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane.

The session underscored the government’s continued commitment to national development through a series of strategic priorities and key achievements in the first half of the year as the country maintained internal peace and social order with national unity strengthened, and people’s quality of life improved, laying a stronger foundation for continued socio-economic development.

The economy showed steady expansion, with GDP growth projected at 4.5%, driven by agriculture, industry and services.

Budget Implementation

Over 50% of planned budgetary targets have been achieved over the past months as domestic revenue collection has reached approximately 56%, and administrative expenditures stood at 51%.

Macroeconomic Indicators

Inflation stabilized at around 11.7% with the exchange rates showing signs of improvement, supporting the stability of Lao national currency kip.

Export revenue accounted for roughly 72% of trade turnover.

Total foreign trade volume reached approximately USD 6.2 billion, with imports making up USD 4.7 billion—reflecting growth in the industrial sector.

The import-export balance remained stable within a five-month range.

Planned Measures

The Assembly also endorsed several measures to deepen policy implementation and promote long-term growth, including ensuring sustainable development, upgrading infrastructure in emerging urban areas to enhance regional connectivity, accelerating the implementation of key projects and ensuring timely completion as well as improving salary policies, overall living standards, and promoting household-level energy efficiency.

While commending the government’s progress in planning and execution, the National Assembly emphasized the need to address remaining challenges and fulfil all development targets. The approved plans will serve as a guiding framework for national development through the end of 2025.

KPL