Lao Government Reviews July Performance, Sets Priorities for August

The Lao government convened its regular monthly meeting from July 27-28, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, to review July's performance and set priorities for August. The meeting acknowledged the nationwide maintenance of political stability and public order, while efforts continue to combat drug trafficking, online scams, illegal mining, illegal immigration, and the unlawful import and use of vehicles. Economically, state budget revenue reached 64 percent of the annual target, with government expenditure at 42 percent. Foreign exchange reserves remained sufficient for over five months of imports, and average inflation was maintained at 7.6 percent. Progress was also reported in road and bridge construction, agricultural production, education, healthcare, electricity, investment promotion, land registration, tourism infrastructure, digital transformation, judicial reform, organizational restructuring, and the establishment of new subdistrict administrations. Despite these gains, persistent challenges were acknowledged, including online fraud, drug-related crime, traffic accidents, fires, theft, power outages, water shortages, illegal exploitation of natural resources, rural poverty, price management, and delays in implementing government directives. Key policy decisions included agreeing in principle to reduce the list of controlled business activities under the Law on Investment Promotion from 44 to 20, aiming to better align investment regulations with current economic conditions. Sixteen draft laws were also endorsed in principle for submission to the Second Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly, including two new bills and 14 amendments. Relevant ministries were instructed to further refine the legislation before parliamentary consideration. Furthermore, the government approved in principle four major draft legal instruments covering quality human resource development, deposit protection, road traffic, and military personnel of the Lao People's Army. Looking ahead, the government identified several priorities for August, including strengthening public security, intensifying efforts against social problems and disinformation, improving flood preparedness, accelerating revenue collection, ensuring stable fuel supplies, promoting electric vehicle adoption, strengthening dam safety and electricity infrastructure, repairing roads affected by natural disasters, supporting agricultural production during the rainy season, preparing for the 2026–2027 academic year, improving healthcare services, attracting investment, and advancing tourism development. The government will also continue refining draft legislation for the upcoming National Assembly session, strengthen implementation of recent agreements reached during high-level diplomatic engagements, and prepare policy documents for consideration by the Party Central Committee's Politburo. Prime Minister Sonexay called on all ministries and government agencies to translate the meeting's decisions into detailed action plans, assign clear responsibilities, and establish implementation timelines to ensure effective execution of the government's priorities. Information Source: KPL Laos News