(KPL) President Thongloun Sisoulith, Secretary General, President of the Lao PDR has extended best wishes and greetings for New Year to Lao people of all ethnicities on the occasion of bid farewell to 2023 and welcome in 2024.

Mr Thongloun highlighted the challenges faced by the government and people in 2023, brought about by complex and unforeseen changes taking place around the world which have adversely affected Laos’ social and economic development.

However, the President praised Party members, state officials, the armed forces, police, and Lao people of all ethnicities across the country for their patriotism, dedication and unity in responding to the challenges facing the nation.

Thanks to public support and loyalty, Laos has been able to maintain political stability and social order, and economic growth has remained steady, with figures showing an upward trend.

The government predicts that economic growth in 2023 will be recorded at 4.2 percent, and is forecasting a growth rate of 4.5 percent in 2024.

The President expressed his sincere thanks to friendly countries for their considerable support and important contributions to Laos’ development efforts over the past year.

The year 2024 is a meaningful time for Laos as the country will assume the chair of Asean, hosting numerous meetings and other Asean-related events.

This year is also Visit Laos Year 2024, which sees the government rolling out a tourism promotion campaign aimed at inspiring more people from foreign countries to visit Laos.

Tourist spending is a valued and significant source of foreign currency, which can help swell the government’s coffers and provide the hard cash the country needs to tackle its economic challenges, Vientianetimes reported

The President urged Lao citizens across the country to strengthen their solidarity and dedicate their energy and knowledge to help Laos progress more swiftly along the path to development.

Finally, the head of state wished his compatriots good health, happiness and success in the coming year and offered his best wishes to friendly countries and people the world over, saying that he hoped everyone would live together in peace and free from worry in 2024.

KPL