Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaythong Kommasith outlined the strategy while addressing the second ordinary session of the 10th National Assembly on October 7, 2026.
He said new investment projects involving natural resources will be required to establish processing facilities to create greater added value and ensure more economic benefits remain in Laos.
In the past, the country has focused on developing its natural resources and exporting unprocessed commodities as an important source of revenue. However, the heavy reliance on raw material exports has limited opportunities for domestic value addition and more efficient use of natural resources.
The minister said the government will shift towards greater domestic processing and value-added production, with new projects expected to meet relevant processing requirements.
He also highlighted challenges related to the smuggling of raw materials across borders and the country's continued dependence on natural-resource exports.
The strategy is intended to increase domestic production, create more jobs and strengthen the contribution of natural resources to long-term economic development.