NA members debate future work plan.

NA sets priorities for 10th Legislature, reviews achievements of past five years

The National Assembly (NA) has set a sweeping agenda for the 10th Legislature, prioritising sharper decision-making on issues of national importance, stronger alignment with development goals, rigorous law enforcement, and closer oversight of the state budget.
Improved performance evaluation for elected officials at all levels has been identified as a key area of focus for the next five years.
To deliver on these goals, the NA plans to strengthen its institutional capacity and constituency-based member groups, expand foreign affairs engagement and parliamentary diplomacy, and implement six priority measures to ensure the effective fulfilment of its constitutional responsibilities.
These priorities have been outlined in the draft plan of work for 2026-2030 presented at the Assembly’s ongoing ordinary session, during which lawmakers are reviewing the achievements and problems encountered during the 9th Legislature (2021-2025).
Delegates were invited to provide inputs on how the next term should be shaped to strengthen legislative efficiency, public engagement, and oversight across all sectors.
A member of the Lao Front for National Development commended the Assembly for making significant progress in fulfilling responsibilities assigned under the Constitution and relevant laws.
According to the report, the 9th Legislature aimed to amend 58 laws and approve 38 new laws. To date, 63 laws have been amended and 24 new laws approved, equalling 90.62 percent of the target.
However, delegates were advised that the legislative drafting and approval process requires stricter adherence to legal procedures, closer consultation with stakeholders, and improved integration of expert and public feedback to enhance the quality, clarity and practicality of new laws.
Over the past five years, the NA has convened 10 ordinary sessions and two extraordinary sessions, deliberated on 196 agenda items and approved 184 resolutions that shaped national policies and development priorities.
The NA’s Standing Committee held 60 ordinary and extraordinary meetings, addressed 768 issues, and issued 440 resolutions, reflecting substantial progress in governance and responsive policymaking.
The report highlighted considerable improvements in the Assembly’s monitoring and inspection work, including oversight of the Socio-Economic Development Plan, State Budget Plan and Monetary Plan, and the implementation of national agendas, laws and the Constitution.
Oversight was also carried out through the review of citizens’ petitions for justice, hotline feedback, and direct questioning of ministries during NA sessions to address urgent concerns and hold government agencies accountable.
Delegates were urged to identify further steps to enhance the depth and impact of monitoring, particularly regarding use of the state budget and the performance of state-owned enterprises.
Delegates were asked to assess how capacity-building initiatives contributed to improved performance, and to propose priority areas for further strengthening, including the use of digital tools and data-driven policymaking.
Looking ahead, the NA plans to consider 90 laws during the 10th Legislature, including 20 new laws and 70 amended laws.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
(Latest Update November 20, 2025)