PM Sonexay Siphandone and Overseas Lao compatriots gather for group photo.

PM: Overseas Lao compatriots are “part of the national family”, a force for the country’s development

Meeting members of the Lao diaspora living in the United States and Canada in Washington D.C. this week, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told them the Lao government considers them to be “part of the national family”.
The PM, who paid a working visit to the United States from September 27-30, told the gathering at the Lao Embassy in the US capital that the government has always regarded overseas Lao compatriots as a “force contributing to building and developing the nation, either directly or indirectly”.
At the gathering last Sunday, Premier Sonexay commended Lao expatriates for preserving their special Lao identity, continuing to observe the country’s fine traditions, and promoting Lao culture within their local communities. The comment came as most women present at the meeting were seen wearing traditional Lao skirts known as sinh, and silk blouses.
The Lao leader said their contributions play a part in enhancing the ties between Laos and the United States, and between Laos and Canada, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
During the meeting, the head of government briefed the more than 250 attendees about Laos’ current socio-economic progress and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling the development agenda of the 9th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Sustainable Development Goals, and striving for Laos to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2026 as scheduled.
Looking ahead, PM Sonexay invited members of the Lao diaspora to return to their homeland for visits, vacations, or to seek investment opportunities.
The invitation comes at a prime time, when Laos is preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on December 2.
The government and everyone back at home warmly welcome Lao nationals from around the world on this historic occasion, he said.
He also called on Lao communities abroad to continue upholding Lao traditions and to safeguard their cultural heritage, while contributing to the development of their motherland.
Lao Ambassador to the United States and Canada, Mr Phoukhong Sisoulath, said the event was an opportunity for Lao people living abroad to engage directly with the Lao leadership and learn about the latest developments in their motherland.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 3, 2025)