Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone

(KPL) The Lao government is accelerating efforts to strengthen agricultural exports and enforce stricter oversight of the mining industry in a bid to reduce import dependency, expand trade, and ensure sustainable economic development.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone highlighted these strategic priorities during his address at the 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly, on  June 09, emphasizing significant progress in both sectors.

“Agricultural production has expanded to 146,520 hectares, surpassing the target of 136,630 hectares and marking a notable increase over last year,” said Prime Minister Sonexay. “In the first five months of 2025, agricultural exports reached USD 977 million—65% of the National Assembly’s annual target of USD 1.5 billion.”

Key achievements include new export agreements with China, such as 442 tons of dried seaweed and 90 tons of mangoes, with mango exports expected to rise to 1,500 tons by year-end. Laos has also signed deals for 74 additional agricultural products with international partners and is finalizing agreements to export sugar to Brunei and Bangladesh—potentially 200,000 tons annually—as well as frozen and processed meat to China. 

To support this expansion, the government is fast-tracking the construction of a modern slaughterhouse that meets international standards, aiming to enhance the country’s competitiveness in global markets.

While sticky rice remains a staple, covering 84,715 hectares and yielding 423,830 tons (94% of the 450,000-ton annual target), output dipped slightly—by about 3,000 tons—due to farmers shifting to higher-value crops like melons, beans, vegetables, and sweet corn.

In parallel, the government is intensifying regulation of the mining sector. Under Prime Minister’s Order No. 06/PM issued on March 7, 2025, oversight of licensed mining operations has been reinforced. A follow-up directive, Order No. 47/PM issued on April 25, created a special inspection team that has since seized illegal equipment and unauthorized vehicles at non-compliant sites.

Prime Minister Sonexay reaffirmed the government’s focus on economic diversification and sustainable development, pledging continued reforms in both agriculture and natural resource management. Further updates on export performance and mining oversight are expected in the coming months.

KPL