Lao Government Reviews 16 Key Topics for September-October Priorities, Focusing on Economic Self-Reliance and Social Development

The Lao government convened a 2.5-day meeting to review 16 key priority topics for September and October, with Deputy Prime Ministers, government members, and representatives from ministries and organizations attending in person, while provincial and local authorities joined via video conference. The meeting's first agenda included reports on priority tasks for September and the work plan for October 2026, alongside progress in implementing resolutions and decisions related to building an independent and self-reliant economy, strengthening grassroots political structures, rural development, and poverty reduction. The assessment of the implementation of the 2026 National Socio-Economic Development Plan, State Budget Plan, and Monetary Plan, as well as preparations for the 2027 plans, was also conducted. Under the second agenda, three draft national action plans were considered: the 5th National Action Plan on Gender Equality (2026–2030); the 4th National Action Plan for Mothers and Children (2026–2030); and the 3rd National Action Plan on the Prevention and Elimination of Violence against Women and Children (2026–2030). The third agenda covered two major draft strategies: the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2035) and the Strategy for the Development and Utilisation of Satellites in the Lao PDR (2026–2035). The fourth agenda concerned a proposal for a new logo for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Under the fifth agenda, the meeting will consider amended drafts of the Law on Electricity and Law on Minerals, along with a report on merging the draft Law on Health Insurance and draft Law on Social Security into a single law. It will also review research findings on draft regulations concerning the decentralization of management and responsibilities across sectors at the commune (Ta Saeng) level. Prime Minister Sonexay called on government members and participants to study each issue carefully and provide practical, concise and focused recommendations. He stressed the need for clear solutions and timely implementation to ensure that decisions taken at the meeting respond effectively to the country’s development priorities. The meeting will continue through September 24. A delegation from Champasak Province, led by Dr. Alounxay Sounnalath, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and President of the Provincial People’s Council, paid a working visit to Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU) in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Province to exchange experiences and explore cooperation in technical and socio-economic development. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Lao PDR hosted a banquet in Vientiane on September 21 to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and China, which is being commemorated as the Year of China-Laos Friendship. General Secretary and President of the Lao PDR Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone separately received Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc in Vientiane on September 21, 2026, during his official visit to the Lao PDR. Pham Gia Tuc, Member of the Politburo of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister and Permanent Member of the Government of Vietnam, visited Laos’s National Population Database and Citizen Identification Card Project and the Ministry of Public Security’s Command Center construction project in Vientiane on September 21, 2026. Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Permanent Member of the Government Saleumxay Kommasith held talks with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Permanent Member of the Government Pham Gia Tuc in Vientiane on September 21, 2026, reviewing bilateral cooperation during the first nine months of the year and discussing priorities for the remaining months.