(KPL)The government held its monthly meeting for May 2025, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The two-day session, conducted from May 29 to 30 at the Prime Minister’s Office and via videoconference with provincial governors, focused on reviewing national progress, addressing key challenges, and setting priorities for the remainder of the year.

The meeting featured in-depth discussions on major reports scheduled to be presented at the upcoming 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly. These include performance evaluations of the implementation of the national socio-economic development plan, state budget execution, and monetary policies for the first half of the year, as well as a forward-looking review of the government's five-year strategic goals.

Government reports indicated that the country has maintained political stability, social order, and economic momentum despite global headwinds. By the end of May, state budget revenue had reached 93% of the target for the first half of the year. Inflation, a pressing concern in 2024, has declined from 11.1% in January to 8.3% in May, demonstrating the positive impact of monetary tightening and other corrective measures.

Authorities also noted progress in the payment of public sector wages, debt servicing, and budget allocations to priority sectors such as health, education, and rural development. The meeting reviewed and approved a government report on the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), which will serve as a strategic framework for national modernization, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.

The cabinet also reviewed progress on key infrastructure projects, including expressways, energy grids, and tourism facilities, which are part of the country’s broader effort to strengthen connectivity and support the “Visit Laos Year 2025” tourism campaign. Ministries and provinces were urged to accelerate investment project implementation and prepare detailed plans for the tourism year, which is expected to attract international visitors and boost the services sector.

The government acknowledged improvements in public service delivery and ongoing reforms in the areas of administrative efficiency, digital governance, and anti-corruption efforts. Provinces were instructed to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, address grassroots-level challenges, and ensure timely implementation of central directives.

The meeting also reviewed government responses to natural disasters and social welfare programs aimed at assisting vulnerable groups and maintaining social harmony. Authorities reiterated the importance of promoting good governance, reducing wasteful spending, and continuing efforts to combat illegal activities such as drug trafficking and timber smuggling.

PM Sonexay emphasized the need for unified and proactive implementation of government policies as the country approaches the final months of the current five-year plan. Ministries and local authorities were instructed to work closely with relevant sectors to identify bottlenecks, mobilize resources, and ensure that priority tasks—such as inflation control, export promotion, and food security—remain on track.

As Laos prepares for regional and international engagements, including ASEAN events and cross-border cooperation initiatives, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to national development goals aligned with regional integration and global sustainability targets.

KPL