Large-scale development projects such as the Laos-China railway have become the main driving force of economic growth. (File Photo Phoonsab Thevongsa)

50 years of achievements celebrated this National Day

This article marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao PDR, and the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane

This year sees the marking of three historic anniversaries for the Lao people, namely the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the 105th anniversary of the birth of President Kaysone Phomvihane.
The establishment of the Lao PDR on December 2, 1975, marked the victory of the revolution and the beginning of a new regime, opening up a new chapter in the nation’s history and progress.
National Day is a landmark date, when citizens across the country reflect on their history and how the ethnic Lao people courageously battled foreign colonialists to defend their territory and restore independence and freedom to all Lao people.
Following the triumph of national liberation, the Party and government embarked on a foreign policy of peace, independence, friendship and cooperation in order to strengthen external relations and fulfil Laos’ international obligations.
This has contributed tremendously to the common cause for peace, friendship, stability, and cooperation in development, based on the principle of mutual benefit for the region and the world at large.
Lao media organisations have played a major role in promoting the Party and government’s achievements in national development. In addition, the media has been instrumental in opening a window on Laos’ advancement and informing other countries in the region and around the world about the country’s successes.      
The development strategy under the flag of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has progressed step by step, with the most recent leap forward seeing Laos move from being merely landlocked to a regional land link.
This has been spurred by the construction of the Laos-China Railway between Kunming and Vientiane, and dry ports that have enabled large quantities of freight to be transported to destinations in Laos and to and from neighbouring countries.
Side by side with this, new highways are being built, also serving to transport freight and people much more quickly and efficiently than before and other large-scale development projects have been undertaken, boosting both connectivity and trade.
Laos has also made steady progress in human resources development since 1975, notably with the opening of the National University of Laos in 1996, with the main campus located at Dongdok in Vientiane. In terms of education, teaching has been upgraded to bachelor, master’s, and doctorate levels.
As of 2025, Laos has established diplomatic relations with 151 countries and maintains close ties with 145 political parties in 82 nations.
In terms of foreign relations, the government currently operates 41 representative offices overseas, including 27 embassies, 3 permanent missions, 10 consulates general, and 1 consular office.
At home, there are 33 foreign representative offices, comprising 27 embassies and 6 consulates general, along with 18 honorary consulates belonging to foreign countries, and 24 honorary Lao consulates abroad.
Today, Laos has 34 international border crossings and enjoys trade relations with more than 60 countries.
December 2 will see impressive parades celebrating the country’s 50th National Day. This year, the event is a historic milestone, symbolising the enduring peace, stability and progress of the Lao PDR under the Party’s leadership since the revolutionary triumph in 1975.
The joy and pride felt by the entire nation on this year’s National Day will undoubtedly last long into the future, heralding positive prospects for the years to come.
The Board of Management and staff of Lao Press in Foreign Languages wish the Party, government and Lao people from all walks of life a very happy and prosperous celebration of the achievements of the past 50 years, confident in the knowledge that we will continue to move forward in unity.

By Sisay Vilaysack
(Latest Update December 1, 2025)