KPL
The Minister of Finance, Santiphab Phomvihane, has urged the Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) to modernise its data production framework, advocating for a transition towards a fully digital government model to bolster economic planning and poverty alleviation.
Speaking at the 2025 annual review and 2026 strategic planning session last weekend, the Minister emphasised that the LSB must integrate advanced digital tools and unified databases across the national statistical system. This shift is intended to ensure "seamless, breakthrough" reporting, allowing the government to make timely, evidence-based decisions.
A primary focus of the reform is the implementation of modern mapping systems to identify impoverished regions with greater accuracy.
Such geographical data will allow the government to guide interventions more precisely. Furthermore, the Minister instructed the LSB to collaborate with the Department of Information Technology to centralise data, assisting the Ministry of Finance in identifying revenue potential and improving the efficiency of public spending.
"The bureau must act as a central hub for indicators that monitor the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030)," Mr Santiphab stated. He also called for the enhancement of short-term economic forecasting to provide the Party and Government with a long-term strategic vision spanning the next two decades.
Addressing ongoing administrative reforms, the Minister highlighted the importance of restructuring following the recent merger of central departments.
He emphasised the necessity of defining clear roles at both provincial and district levels to ensure consistent and reliable data collection nationwide. Furthermore, the Minister called on LSB staff to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, urging them to remain disciplined and avoid "negative phenomena" that could undermine the integrity and credibility of the statistical sector.
KPL
