(KPL) A formal handover of duties and assumption of office ceremony, together with the official announcement of the new Khammuan Provincial Administration Committee, was held on December 31, 2025.

The event was presided over by Mr. Bounthong Chitmany, Member of the Party Central Committee Politburo, Standing Member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat, and Vice President of the Lao PDR. Also in attendance were Mr. Vanxay Phongsavanh, Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Khammuan Provincial Party Committee, along with senior officials from provincial and district levels.

Economic and Social Development Overview

On behalf of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Mr. Vanxay Phongsavanh presented a report on the province’s socio-economic development, national budget implementation, and progress in rural development and poverty reduction during the 2021–2025 period. He also outlined directions for the 10th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030) and the 2026 annual plan.

Key achievements highlighted included:

Defense and Security: Successful implementation of national defense and security strategies across all sectors, fulfilling the military’s “4 Major Duties and 26 Programs” and the police’s “4 Programs and 10 Projects.”

Economic Growth: Over the 2021–2025 period, total provincial GDP reached 96,119 billion kip. In 2025 alone, the economy expanded by 6.2 percent, exceeding the 6 percent target, with GDP totaling 26,772 billion kip.

Income and Inflation: Average per capita income reached 58.1 million kip (approximately USD 2,701), while the average inflation rate over the five-year period stood at 20.39 percent.

Growth Drivers: Key sectors contributing to growth included food production for domestic consumption and export, electricity generation, mining, processing industries, transportation, and tourism.

New Appointments and Retirements

The ceremony included the signing of the official transfer-of-duties document between Mr. Vanxay Phongsavanh, Governor of Khammuan Province, and Mr. Somsaad Ounsida, newly appointed Chairman of the Khammuan Provincial Administration Committee.

The following Vice Chairmen were also appointed:

Mr. Manyeun Khinsamone, Vice Chairman overseeing the economic sector;

Mr. Detsakda Manikham, Vice Chairman overseeing the cultural and social sector.

In addition, the ceremony announced a resolution of the Party Central Committee Secretariat approving the retirement of six senior provincial officials: Mr. Vongphet Chitpanya, Mr. Khamson Ouanthavy, Mr. Phitsamay Kongsaded, Mr. Bounthan Souvannalath, Mr. Bounkouang Keobounyong, and Mr. Xaysomboun Souvandala.

Guidance from the Vice President

In his closing remarks, Vice President Bounthong Chitmany emphasized the importance of strengthening political and ideological education among Party members and state officials, ensuring that personnel rotation and appointments comply with Party principles and regulations, and maintaining strong internal unity within the Party Committee as a core pillar for the people.

He stressed the need to effectively implement the resolutions of the 11th Provincial Party Congress, prepare for the 12th National Party Congress and the 10th National Five-Year Plan, and advance the “Three-Builds” (3 Sang) directive, rural development, and poverty reduction.

The Vice President also called for preparations to establish “Taseng” (sub-district) administrative levels, the strengthening of national defense, and strict implementation of the National Agenda on Combating Drugs.

He concluded by urging all levels of government to enhance the efficiency of state administration and ensure that Party policies and State laws are thoroughly understood and implemented throughout society.

KPL