(KPL) In the first nine months of 2024, the Lao government has successfully implemented 6,839 state investment projects worth a total of 4.01 trillion kip, achieving 80% of the annual plan. For 2025, the state investment budget is expected to rise to 5.45 trillion kip.

Minister of Planning and Investment, Mr. Phet Phomphiphak, presented these figures at the 8th Ordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly on November 18.

State Investment Plan for 2024

For 2024, the National Assembly approved a state investment plan totaling 5.00 trillion kip, reflecting a 15.8% increase over 2023. Of this total: Debt repayment funds amounted to over 803 billion kip, or 16% of the total, supporting 2,610 projects.

Continuation funds, allocated to ongoing projects, reached 3.23 trillion kip, or 65% of the total, covering 4,302 projects.

New proposed projects received over 964 billion kip, or 19% of the total, funding 1,098 projects.

The investments were divided into two main categories: general investment funds of 2.90 trillion kip and accounts receivable/payable and other investments totaling 2.10 trillion kip.

Outlook for 2025 State Investment Plan

The state investment budget for 2025 is projected to be 5.45 trillion kip, reflecting a 6% increase from the 2024 plan. Initially estimated at 5.30 trillion kip, the budget is expected to increase by an additional 150 billion kip based on the latest announcement from the Ministry of Finance.

Of the total budget for 2025: 3,150 billion kip will be allocated to general funds, supporting two main program groups:

 Government priority programmes and projects (9 priority goals). and Regular programmes and specific target projects for ministries, agencies, and localities.

The 2025 investment plan will prioritize foreign aid projects (ODA), initiatives that provide economic benefits, and projects that align with the country’s two national agendas. Key sectors and localities will be prioritized based on socio-economic development needs and the Politburo’s Resolution No. 04, which focuses on building an independent and self-reliant economy in the new era, with particular emphasis on resolving economic and financial difficulties.

KPL