Xaysomboun province is gaining popularity as a rainy-season destination, drawing visitors to its lush green hills, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes.--Photo Xaysomboun province

Xaysomboun eyes stronger growth, poverty reduction in second half of 2026

Xaysomboun authorities aim to sustain economic growth, reduce poverty levels, improve infrastructure, and bolster trade and investment in the second half of this year in a bid to meet development targets for 2026.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday during the first expanded government cabinet meeting of 2026, Deputy Secretary of the Xaysomboun Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial Administration Committee, Mr Bouaphanh Inthapanya, said the province would prioritise economic growth, poverty reduction, and investment promotion.

Deputy Secretary of the Xaysomboun Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial Administration Committee, Mr Bouaphanh Inthapanya, briefs reporters on progress and plans for the province’s development.

The province aims to maintain GDP growth of at least 7 percent, achieve budget revenue collection of 2.25 trillion kip, and raise per-capita income to about US$1,346. Authorities also plan to expand agricultural production, improve transport infrastructure, support business development, and attract more domestic and foreign investment.
Efforts to alleviate poverty will focus on assistance for 409 households, improving conditions in four villages, developing six other villages, and declaring one district as being poverty-free.
Mr Bouaphanh said authorities would continue to promote education, healthcare, workforce development and tourism, while following up on tourism developments for which investment agreements have been signed.
The province will also roll out measures to strengthen political stability, maintain public order, and improve the effectiveness of state administration and public services. The plans build on encouraging results achieved during the first six months of 2026. The province’s economy grew by 7 percent, with agriculture accounting for 56.9 percent of gross domestic product, while industry and services expanded by 11.9 percent and 11.6 percent respectively.
State revenue collection reached 1.23 trillion kip by the end of June, equivalent to 54.8 percent of the target for 2026 and an increase of 11 percent compared to the same period last year.
Investment activity also remained strong. Provincial authorities approved eight new domestic and foreign investment projects in the first half of the year, valued at more than 400 billion kip and over US$6 million. These include tourism, energy and other development projects.
Authorities reported progress in maintaining public order and combatting crime, including drug-related offences, while road upgrades are underway to ease travel and commerce.
Under its self-reliant economic development strategy, Xaysomboun plans to strengthen domestic production, export more agricultural produce, improve investment procedures, expand trade facilitation, and enhance the management of natural resources, mining operations and renewable energy projects.
Provincial leaders said these measures would help support sustainable economic growth, improve living standards, and contribute to the fulfilment of national socio-economic development goals.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update June 30, 2026)