(KPL) The Lao government convened the 14th High-Level Round Table Meeting in Vientiane Capital on 19 November 2025, under the theme “Strengthening Development Partnerships for Effective Implementation of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030)”. The meeting aims to support Laos’ steady and sustainable graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone presided over the opening ceremony, joined by deputy prime ministers, cabinet members, provincial governors, representatives of friendly countries, development partners, international organizations, civil society and the private sector.

In his opening remarks, Mr Sonexay underscored the importance of the Round Table process in shaping Laos’ development path. He called on participants to strengthen cooperation, focus on building an independent and self-reliant economy, and advance human resource development, social well-being, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, and regional connectivity. He also urged ministries and local authorities to translate the outcomes of the meeting and the Sustainable Development Goals into concrete sectoral plans aligned with national priorities.

The meeting reviewed progress made under the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021–2025) and discussed the draft 10th Plan (2026–2030). Participants also examined Laos’ preparations for LDC graduation, implementation of the Doha Programme of Action, and the Vientiane Declaration (Version III 2026–2035). Dialogue forums explored new development pathways in the post-LDC era, with a focus on economic growth, employment and technology.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumsay Kommasith outlined six priority outcomes of the 10th Five-Year Plan: strengthening economic independence; developing human resources; improving living standards and creating a livable society; protecting the environment; expanding resilient infrastructure; and enhancing effective and transparent governance.

He said the Ministry of Finance, as secretariat of the National Steering Committee for the Round Table Process, will consolidate the meeting’s outcomes and report them to the Government. He called on ministries, local authorities, friendly countries, development partners, the private sector and civil society to intensify coordination and assume shared responsibility for implementing the plan.

Mr Saleumsay emphasized that continued cooperation is essential to advancing the 2026 development agenda, addressing economic and financial challenges, tackling drug-related issues, implementing the 2030 development vision, and fulfilling the Lao PDR’s international commitments.

KPL