Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith addresses a meeting of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on Tuesday. --Photo Prime Minister’s Office

PM urges targeted investment in roads, other transport infrastructure

Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith has directed a review of strategic roads across the country, saying public funds should be invested in the most urgent construction and repair projects, as Laos seeks to improve transport links and support economic development amid tight budget constraints.
Addressing a meeting with Ministry of Public Works and Transport leaders and other officials on Tuesday, he stressed that roads and other transport infrastructure are vital to economic activity, national stability, and people’s daily lives.
He directed the ministry to assess the condition of roads serving production areas nationwide, identifying those that meet required standards and those in need of upgrade or repair.
Investment should then be prioritised in phases according to available resources, development potential and actual needs, ensuring that limited public funds are directed to infrastructure that delivers the greatest benefits.
Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith also called for decisive action to resolve persistent problems in the sector and accelerate national investment projects to ensure they progress as planned and meet required standards.
On transport modernisation, he urged closer coordination with relevant agencies to promote electric vehicle use in line with national targets. This should include improving supporting infrastructure and ensuring that imported electric vehicles meet appropriate quality standards.
He also called for stronger efforts to address water supply shortages in urban areas, resolve outstanding debts linked to past investment projects, and modernise the aviation sector to strengthen safety, reliability, affordability and compliance with international standards.
During the meeting, Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklai Sivilay reported on the sector’s performance during the first nine months of 2026 and outlined priorities for the final quarter and 2027, covering roads and bridges, railways, civil aviation, land and waterway transport, housing, urban planning and water supply.
Road and bridge development featured prominently, with investment projects funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the government budget, alongside efforts to implement National Assembly Resolution No. 165 and Resolution No. 10/Govt on road upgrade and repair.
Major projects include the Vientiane-Boten expressway and its proposed extension to Huayxai in Bokeo province, the proposed Vientiane-Hanoi expressway, and new expressway routes linking Thangone village in Xaythany district, Vientiane to Naxanglek village in Thoulakhom district of Vientiane province.
In addition, a feasibility study, survey and design and construction of a new expressway linking Vientiane with Xaysomboun, Xiengkhouang and Huaphan provinces and the Nam Soy International Border Checkpoint is planned.
Other projects included the Pakxan town bypass and improvements to roads linking Bolikhamxay and Xaysomboun provinces, as well as Road 5B connecting Xaysomboun with Vangvieng district in Vientiane province.
The ministry’s broader agenda also covers Party affairs, personnel development, the Party’s “Three Builds” directive and efforts to build an independent and self-reliant economy.
In response to questions raised at the ongoing National Assembly session, which is scheduled to conclude on October 21, ministry leaders said measures would be taken to address road repairs, vehicle weight controls, and other challenges facing the sector.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update October 14, 2026)