Development in Laos is booming under the Party’s leadership.

Re-election of Party Secretary General  signals advance to sustainable prosperity

All Lao people nationwide extend their congratulations on the successful convening of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party

Lao people nationwide have expressed pride and confidence following Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith’s re-election as Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party for a second term.
Comrade Thongloun was re-elected as the Party Secretary General on Thursday, reaffirming the Party’s trust in his leadership to guide the nation towards civilisation and prosperity.
The Secretary General and other Party leaders will steer national development over the next five-year term from 2026 to 2030, setting strategic directions to fulfil macroeconomic targets and steadily advance Laos along the path to socialism.
In the political report delivered on the opening day of the National Party Congress on Tuesday, the Party reaffirmed its commitment to responsible fiscal management, pledging not to accumulate unsustainable levels of debt. This commitment follows notable progress in debt servicing, with public debt declining from 116 percent of GDP in 2022 to 88 percent in 2025.
Over the coming five years, the Party will prioritise the maintenance of political stability and social order, recognising these as essential foundations for sustained socio-economic development.
Looking ahead, the Party reaffirmed its guiding slogan: “Elevate the Party’s strong leadership role, actively build an independent and self-reliant economy, continue to nurture the people’s democratic regime, and advance steadfastly towards socialism”.
On the economic front, the Party Secretary General announced an ambitious target of average annual economic growth of at least 6 percent during the 2026-2030 period.
“People’s quality of life must be improved, the nation’s beautiful and unique culture enhanced, and human resources developed to meet required standards,” Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith said during the opening session of the congress on Tuesday.
Efforts will be intensified to improve the efficiency and sustainability of land, water and mineral resource use. The Party will also promote the sustainable management of natural resources and diversify electricity production, including hydro, solar, wind and other renewable sources, for both domestic consumption and export.
In addition, priority will be given to enhancing good governance, preventing and combating corruption, strengthening regional connectivity, improving the investment climate, expanding revenue sources, and reducing the poverty rate to single digits by 2030, elevating poverty alleviation to the status of a national agenda.
Other goals for the next five years will focus on ensuring high-quality, green and sustainable development, maintaining macroeconomic stability, reducing debt, developing human capital, accelerating digital transformation, and strengthening climate resilience.
With regard to foreign relations, the Party reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its great friendship and special solidarity with Vietnam, expanding the comprehensive strategic partnership with China, strengthening relations with other neighbouring countries and strategic partners, and actively supporting multilateralism.
Ideological and political work has also been strengthened, with notable achievements in research on Kaysone Phomvihane Thought and in exchanges of theoretical and practical experiences with fraternal parties.
Priority will continue to be given to improving the quality of education, modernising public health services, strengthening labour and social welfare systems, enhancing disaster prevention and response capabilities, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable tourism.
By 2055, when the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party will celebrate its 100th anniversary, the Party leadership aims to transform Laos into an upper-middle-income developing country.
Under the wise and dependable leadership of the Party, the Lao PDR has continued to enjoy political stability and social harmony, creating favourable conditions for steady development. Each National Party Congress is a significant milestone for both the Party and the nation.
The 1st National Party Congress, the Party’s founding congress, took place from March 22-April 6, 1955, in Huaphan province, with 20 delegates representing 400 Party members.
At this historic meeting, the Party was officially named the Lao People’s Party and Comrade Kaysone Phomvihane was elected Secretary General. March 22, 1955, was later designated as the Party’s founding date.
The 2nd National Party Congress took place from February 3-6, 1972, in Viengxay district, Huaphan province, with 125 delegates representing more than 20,000 Party members nationwide. The Party adopted its current name—the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party—and Comrade Kaysone Phomvihane was re-elected as Secretary General.
The 3rd National Party Congress, the first officially open to the public, was held in Vientiane from April 27-30, 1982, with 228 delegates representing 35,000 Party members, along with Lao and foreign guests. Comrade Kaysone Phomvihane was elected for a third term.
The 4th National Party Congress was held from November 13-15, 1986, again electing Comrade Kaysone Phomvihane as Secretary General. The 5th Congress followed in March 1991, further consolidating the reform path and re-electing him for another term.
The 6th National Party Congress in 1996 elected Comrade Khamtay Siphandone as Secretary General, who was re-elected at the 7th Congress in 2001. The 8th Congress in 2006 elected Comrade Choummaly Sayasone, who was re-elected in 2011. The 10th Congress in 2016 elected Comrade Bounnhang Vorachith, while the 11th Congress in 2021 elected Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith as Party chief.
Since 1986, the Party has pursued a policy of renovation, expanding international cooperation while promoting investment and tourism. These efforts have played a vital role in poverty reduction and in preparing Laos for graduation from Least Developed Country status.
In recent years, major infrastructure upgrades—including roads, expressways, airports, urban development projects and special economic zones—have significantly strengthened domestic and regional connectivity.
Among these achievements, the Laos-China Railway stands out as a transformative project.
In 2024 alone, the railway carried 3.8 million passengers and transported 4.78 million tonnes of freight, generating more than 52 billion kip in service fees. The rail link has helped position Laos as an emerging regional logistics hub, boosting trade and economic integration.
The National Party Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, with the 12th congress taking place from January 6-8 this week, is the Party’s most important convocation. It holds profound political and social significance, making strategic, fundamental and long-term decisions that shape the course of the continuing revolutionary path and all aspects of the country’s development.

By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
(Latest Update January 9, 2026)