Deputy Minister of Finance Mr Soulivath Souvannachoumkham (right) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov.                   --Photo Ministry of Finance

Laos, development partners eye strategies to ensure post-LDC growth

Government officials, development partners, and representatives from key sectors gathered in Vientiane on October 22 to discuss plans for Laos’ transition following anticipated graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.
The High-Level Pre-Consultation to the 14th High-Level Round Table Meeting was co-hosted by the government through the Ministry of Finance, and the United Nations Country Team in Laos.
The meeting aimed to ensure full preparedness for the upcoming 14th High-Level Round Table Meeting, scheduled for November 19.
The consultation was opened by Deputy Minister of Finance Mr Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, with remarks by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov.
The meeting was attended by representatives from ministries, international organisations, bilateral and multilateral development partners, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations.
Delegates discussed the next steps in Laos’ development, strategies to define the nation’s direction after LDC graduation, and inputs for drafting and implementing the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), as well as preparations for the 3rd Vientiane Declaration.
Mr Soulivath said “The 14th High-Level Round Table Meeting is a crucial platform for discussing the mobilisation of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to ensure achievement of the objectives and goals set out in the 10th NSEDP, focusing on strengthening and developing towards quality and sustainable graduation from Least Developed Country status.”
Mr Burkhanov said “The graduation of Laos from LDC status is set for November 2026. Preliminary analysis indicates potential trade losses, particularly in the European Union market, which are estimated to decrease by up to US$66.3 million.”
“LDC graduation is not the end of development but the beginning of a new development context. This transition will lead to the gradual cessation of international support, including trade preferences and development financing.”
“Therefore, today’s consultation is crucial for us to collaboratively define and drive concrete policies that serve the interests of the people, deepen development cooperation, and protect the hard-won benefits while mitigating risks from external shocks.”

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 23, 2025)