Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone wraps up the government meeting on Tuesday.

Govt mulls draft decrees, sets development priorities

The government has discussed six draft decrees aimed at strengthening governance and socio-economic management at its monthly meeting for October, which concluded on Tuesday.
The two-day meeting debated draft decrees relating to the job market information system, allocation of state land for residential use, rubber development, border area management, local officials’ cooperation with foreign organisations, and banknote management.
The session, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, was attended by deputy prime ministers, cabinet members, and representatives of ministries and organisations, while other leaders from Vientiane and the provinces took part via video link.
The Prime Minister instructed the relevant ministries to revise the draft decrees to align with cabinet members’ suggestions, ensuring they are comprehensive, practicable, and consistent with existing legislation, with clear objectives, principles, and penalties to enable effective enforcement.
The session also reviewed the results of work undertaken in October and discussed the direction of work for November.
Despite global and regional challenges, the government reported steady progress in maintaining political stability, social order, and economic performance.
Revenue collection reached 59.858 trillion kip as of October, equivalent to 88 percent of the 2025 target, while expenditure reached 47.631 trillion kip, or 67 percent of the planned amount.
Inflation fell to 4 percent in October, down from 4.5 percent in September, while foreign currency reserves increased to cover 5.24 months of imports.
Debt payments, both to Lao and foreign entities, were made as planned. The government continued with measures to control prices, regulate trade, and boost agricultural production for enhanced food security, import substitution, and the cultivation of crops for export.
A concerted effort has also been made to address electricity shortages by accelerating small-scale solar power projects and expediting approved energy developments.
It was noted that infrastructure had improved nationwide, with emphasis on repairing damaged highways to support transport, trade, and investment.
The problem of teacher shortages has been largely resolved, and the student dropout rate has declined. The government provided 95 billion kip for 82 emergency recovery schemes in provinces affected by last year’s floods.
In terms of foreign affairs, the government organised and participated in several high-level visits and international meetings, strengthening ties with friendly countries and partners.
Looking ahead, the meeting instructed ministries and local authorities to ensure macroeconomic stability, promote import substitution, regulate currency exchange rates, and address public debt, in line with the goal to build an independent and self-reliant economy.
The government also emphasised the need for continued efforts to maintain national defence and security, and accelerate rural development and poverty reduction under the Party’s “Three Builds” directive, and ensure the smooth organisation of the 50th National Day celebrations.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update November 5, 2025)