(KPL) The National Statistics Center convened a nationwide meeting on Feb. 26–27, 2026, to review statistical work in 2025 and set priorities for 2026 under the theme of improving data quality for strong, modern, green, and sustainable socio-economic development.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Phetsamone Son, Head of the National Statistics Center, with representatives from line ministries, departments of the Ministry of Finance, and delegates from all 18 provinces in attendance.

Participants reviewed key achievements in 2025, including progress in drafting the National Statistical System Development Strategy 2026–2035 with a vision to 2040, revisions to the Statistics Law to reflect current conditions, and statistical support for implementing national development and financial sector plans for 2026–2030.

Discussions focused on improving the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of official statistics to better support policy formulation and national development monitoring. The meeting also emphasized expanding the use of technology and Big Data, integrating cross-sector databases into a unified system, and developing new statistical domains such as environmental and security statistics, alongside modernized customs and tax data systems.

Participants underscored the importance of professional integrity and transparency in statistical production, noting that inaccurate data can lead to misguided policy decisions. Priority tasks include finalizing and disseminating results from the 5th Population and Housing Census and preparing for the 4th Nationwide Economic Census in 2026.

The meeting reaffirmed the role of official statistics in advancing evidence-based development and strengthening national governance in the Lao PDR

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