The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) is preparing to convene its 12th National Congress, a major political event expected to set the country’s strategic direction for the next three decades, including a long-term goal of transforming Laos into a high–middle-income nation by 2055.

The Congress, which has yet to take place, is anticipated to be one of the most significant political milestones in recent decades. Party officials say it will consider the adoption of the Party’s third Political Programme, the first such revision in more than 50 years, aimed at providing a comprehensive ideological and strategic framework for national development.
Held under the proposed slogan “Enhancing the Party’s Strong Leadership, Proactively Building an Independent and Self-Reliant Economy, Continuing to Consolidate the People’s Democratic Regime, and Advancing towards Socialism,” the Congress is expected to focus on three key pillars.
Defining a Long-Term National Vision
Delegates are expected to formally set the national development target for the 100th anniversary of the Party’s founding in 2055—building Laos into a country with high–middle income and moving gradually toward high-income status.
Shaping the Next Five-Year Strategy
The Congress is expected to review and endorse several major policy documents, including:
The Political Report of the 11th Party Central Committee, 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), which is expected to emphasize sustainable growth, macroeconomic stability, improved investment efficiency, stronger enterprises—particularly small and medium-sized ones—and more effective state-owned and collective economies, and proposed revisions to the Party Statutes for the 12th term.
Preparing Leadership for a New Phase
Delegates are also expected to elect a new Party Central Committee, which would be tasked with leading the Party and the Lao people in implementing the Congress’s resolutions over the next five years.
Anticipated Shift Toward Economic Independence
Officials have signaled that a central theme of the Congress will be a stronger emphasis on building an independent and self-reliant economy, making full use of domestic potential while pursuing balanced, green, and sustainable development.
Key areas expected to receive attention include human resource development, narrowing urban–rural disparities, environmental protection, climate resilience, and deeper regional and global integration.
The upcoming 12th National Congress is widely seen as a defining moment for Laos’ future direction, with decisions expected to shape the country’s political and economic path for generations to come.