Laos Boosts Domestic Production and Mineral Processing in 2026
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KPL - Asean 2024
Laos produced 2.33 million tonnes of food crops during the first nine months of 2026, reaching 90 percent of the annual target, as the government steps up efforts to increase domestic production, reduce imports and expand exports.
New Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith reported the results to the 2nd Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly on October 5, chaired by National Assembly President Sonexay Siphandone.
The government has promoted domestic production under Resolution No. 04 of the Party Central Committee, with emphasis on producing goods to replace imports and developing products for export.
During the first nine months, agricultural and forestry exports were valued at US$1.389 billion, equivalent to 73.17 percent of the annual target. Processed industrial and handicraft production reached 17,585.89 billion kip, or 75.21 percent of the target, while electricity generation reached 46.78 billion kilowatt-hours, or 79.6 percent.
Rice production is forecast at 3.75 million tonnes for the full year, reaching 95.2 percent of the annual target of 3.94 million tonnes. The projected shortfall was attributed mainly to flooding, other natural disasters and pest outbreaks affecting production in several areas.
The mining and mineral processing sector produced goods worth 38,240.19 billion kip during the first nine months, reaching 89.7 percent of its annual target and increasing 5.71 percent year-on-year. Full-year production is projected at 48,773.08 billion kip, exceeding the National Assembly's target of 42,630.08 billion kip.
The government is also strengthening action against illegal mining, mineral processing, purchasing and trading, as well as illegal imports and exports of minerals and mineral products.
Looking ahead, new policies will promote greater domestic processing and value addition in the mineral sector. Future mining projects will be expected to have, or establish, processing facilities capable of producing finished mineral products.
The government also plans to gradually restrict and eventually end the export of raw minerals and concentrates, encouraging more processing inside the country before export.
The measures are aimed at increasing the value generated from natural resources, strengthening domestic production, reducing reliance on imports and supporting export growth.