(KPL) The 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly, convened on June 9, 2025, was marked by constructive debate and consensus-building as lawmakers reviewed the government’s mid-year report on national socio-economic development, fiscal performance, and monetary policy.

Assembly members commended the government’s achievements under Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s leadership, particularly in advancing the country’s two national agendas and managing economic headwinds. However, they also urged the administration to intensify efforts to address critical challenges, including inflation, currency stability, and rising prices of electricity and essential commodities issues that directly affect household livelihoods and export-driven agriculture.

Lawmakers stressed the need for accelerated infrastructure repairs, particularly the rehabilitation of damaged roads. Improved transport networks, they noted, would facilitate rural connectivity and support broader economic development.

One of the more pointed interventions came from Mr. Mayfong Maixay, Member of Parliament for Constituency 12 in Khammouane Province. He praised the government's performance in the first half of 2025, citing an encouraging GDP growth rate of 4.5% in the first quarter and a sharp decline in inflation from 24.77% in 2024 to 11.1% this year.

However, Mr. Mayfong called for a deeper examination of the sources of growth, noting the economy’s continued reliance on mineral exports. He urged the government to assess the sustainability of this model and consider the extent to which growth is being driven by domestic production.

To foster long-term economic resilience, he recommended transitioning from raw mineral exports to value-added processing, including the establishment of domestic factories to produce finished goods. Such a shift, he argued, would generate employment, boost revenues, and align with Laos’ commitment to green, sustainable development.

Environmental concerns also featured prominently. Mr. Mayfong voiced local community apprehensions over the ecological impact of mining activities, particularly on water sources and surrounding infrastructure. He urged the government to carefully evaluate the environmental implications of future mineral extraction projects.

Despite encouraging macroeconomic trends, he noted that many citizens including civil servants, law enforcement personnel, and ethnic communities continue to grapple with rising living costs. He emphasized the need for growth to translate into real improvements in people’s quality of life, particularly as electricity and consumer prices continue to climb.

On public sector reform, Mr. Mayfong welcomed the government’s focus on restructuring four major state-owned enterprises: Electricité du Laos (EDL), Lao Airlines, Lao Fuel, and the Bank of Laos. He recommended formal documentation of reform outcomes particularly at EDL since 2022 to track progress on efficiency, cost control, and revenue generation.

Overall, the session reflected a unified commitment to inclusive, sustainable development. Lawmakers reaffirmed their support for the government’s ongoing initiatives while offering targeted recommendations to help steer the country toward a more equitable and environmentally responsible future.

KPL