The National Assembly of Laos concluded its 5th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature on Tuesday, with key discussions centered around economic challenges and the introduction of new laws.
The session, which took place from June 26 to July 18, witnessed the active participation of National Assembly members, esteemed state leaders, and cabinet members, who engaged in lively debates aimed at advancing the country’s development and addressing pressing economic issues.
Distinguished figures in attendance included Thongloun Sisoulith, the Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, as well as other senior Party and state leaders, along with members of the cabinet.
During the 17-day session, the National Assembly members lauded the government’s achievements in revitalizing the economy, which exhibited a commendable growth rate of 4.8 percent in the first half of 2023. They also applauded the government’s efforts to bolster domestic productivity, enhance exports, and increase revenue generation.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly, expressed satisfaction with the session’s outcomes, noting that it successfully met its intended objectives. He highlighted the agreement reached on various measures to address critical issues, such as inflation, currency exchange rates, and the high cost of living, which directly impact the lives of employees, soldiers, police, and ethnic communities.
Significant topics discussed during the session included state-funded development projects, teacher shortages, management of mining operations, and measures to stabilize the economy. The National Assembly members emphasized the importance of finding immediate solutions to the ongoing drug problem while urging the government to enforce laws on business and finance.
The session also witnessed the adoption of a visionary roadmap extending until 2040 and a comprehensive strategy on water management and national water resources until 2030, reflecting the Assembly’s commitment to sustainable development and resource preservation.
In addition, lawmakers thoroughly debated and approved amendments to existing laws, including those related to the Supreme People’s Prosecutor Office, Supreme People’s Court, military court, public health, job creation, commercial banks, land tax, youth, child rights, economy, fisheries, wildlife, and state printing operations.
The National Assembly also deliberated on the socio-economic development plan, as well as the budget and monetary plans for the remaining half of 2023 and the subsequent year.
Furthermore, a comprehensive report on the progress made in executing national agendas addressing economic and financial hardships, along with efforts to combat the nation’s drug problem, was presented. The session called for intensified measures to tackle these challenges effectively.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee provided an extensive overview of the Assembly’s performance over the past year and outlined the plan of work for the upcoming six months, ensuring a continued focus on the country’s development.
Throughout the session, the National Assembly actively sought public participation by establishing a hotline number and email address, enabling citizens to voice their opinions and raise concerns for deliberation by the Assembly members.
The successful conclusion of the 5th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly marked another significant step in Laos’ pursuit of sustainable economic development, as the government and legislative bodies work together to address key challenges and propel the nation towards prosperity.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Laotian-Times-Feature-Image.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2023-07-26 09:40:002023-07-19 15:52:02National Assembly Wraps Up 5th Ordinary Session with Focus on Economic Development
The Minister of Public Works and Transport announced his plan to increase state budgets for road safety work by setting up a fund amid the increasing number of road accidents in Laos.
Mr. Ngampasong Muongmany, Minister of Public Works and Transport, recently informed the National Assembly that the ministry spends between LAK 17 and 18 billion (over USD 800) a year, or 2.8% of the national budget, on road safety work.
In Laos, 80% of the state budget of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is allocated to all transport-related activities, such as the repair of national and local roads, new road construction, and the fund for the provincial City Office for Management and Service.
According to the minister, the country loses approximately 1,000 people annually to road accidents, and in the past five years, road accidents have claimed the lives of 5,000 individuals. He added that the condition of roads across the country needs to be developed and consistently maintained to prevent many of these accidents.
To this effect, the Ministry and National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) discussed establishing a fund for the National Road Safety campaign to combat speeding and drunk driving-related traffic accidents.
A Vientiane Times report says that the National Road Fund will also closely monitor the repair and maintenance of roads in the country and it will be financed by the fees charged to vehicles entering and exiting the four bridges on the Lao-Thai border across the Mekong River, from fines charged to motorists, and various other sources.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mr.-Ngampasong-Muongmany-Minister-of-Public-Works-and-Transport.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2023-07-25 09:00:002023-07-19 15:48:43Ministry of Transport Suggests Setting up Fund to Maintain Roads, Prevent Accidents
Australia is deepening its economic engagement with Southeast Asia, writes Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore.
As Special Envoy for Southeast Asia appointed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, I am leading the development of the Australian Government’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
The strategy will set out a practical pathway to boost two-way trade and investment between Australia, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste. To help inform the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy for 2040, I have been consulting across Australia and the region on the opportunities and barriers to economic growth.
This week I am in Vientiane on my first visit to Laos, to hear local perspectives and learn how Australian capability, technology, and investment can help meet the needs of Laos’ growing economy.
Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore, and Australian Ambassador to Laos, Paul Kelly, visited Sisaket Temple in Vientiane Capital.
We have a strong base in the region to work from. Australia’s two-way trade with ASEAN is more than 14% of Australia’s overall trade, surpassing AUD 150 billion (USD 100 billion) in 2021-22. This is greater than Australia’s two-way trade with Japan or the United States.
Emerging regional trends, including growing middle classes, urbanization, and demographic shifts will transform Southeast Asian economies over the next two decades.
Laos has one of the most youthful populations in our region with almost 55% of the population under the age of 25. Across Southeast Asia, this large, productive demographic base of 670 million people holds incredible potential to drive growth to 2040 and beyond.
Australia is a trusted and reliable partner and has much to offer Laos and our broader region in areas such as education, agriculture technology, and renewable energy. In 2021-22, our two-way trade in goods and services was AUD 617 million. While this is more than double the previous year, there is room to grow.
Additionally, Australia has also provided a stable market for Lao exports, mainly in gold, telecommunications equipment, and electric machinery. In Laos, Australian companies have invested in mining, forestry, banking, and tourism, and bring innovation, international best practices, and new employment to the local economy.
We contribute to Southeast Asia’s energy security, food security, and infrastructure. Our investments and development assistance in Laos have supported economic growth through establishing world-class mines, improving education outcomes, enhancing transport connectivity and strengthening public financial management.
Under the Australian Government’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) initiative, Australia is providing at least AUD 10 million to improve transport connectivity, trade, and logistics, help Laos attract quality investment, and facilitate business growth. This is vital to the secure and stable economic futures our countries seek.
The speed of Laos’ evolution to become Southeast Asia’s largest electricity exporter is impressive, with its electricity generation predicted to reach 70 terawatts by 2040.
The new Laos-Australia Sustainable Energy Partnership, which was signed in May 2023, will support Laos’ green economy ambitions and share Australian expertise in energy planning, emerging technologies, and the clean energy transition. We are exploring new opportunities to increase cooperation on solar, hydrogen and energy storage, wind, and hydropower integration projects.
With more than 60% of Laos’ workforce in the agriculture sector, I am confident there are also opportunities for greater exchange with Australia. Our skills and knowledge in agribusiness, sustainable and productive agriculture, and food systems could help strengthen Laos’ agriculture.
We share more than 70 years of bilateral relations – the longest unbroken diplomatic relationship Laos has with any country. Recent months have seen an increase in the tempo of our relations.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Saleumxay Kommasith visited Australia in October 2022, Prime Ministers announced their intention to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in November 2022, and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong visited Laos in May 2023.
More than 17,000 people with Lao ancestry live in Australia – a popular destination for Lao students. His Excellency Saleumxay was the first student from Laos to graduate from Monash University in Melbourne. Our Australia Awards scholarship program has also supported tertiary education in Australia for more than 1300 Lao citizens, who have contributed further to Laos’ development.
Australia and Laos are parties to the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. These agreements have been essential to trade.
While our trade relationship continues to grow, our shared economic future will depend on how we address trade and investment barriers, as well as how we approach partnerships and opportunities.
Australia is invested in Laos and Southeast Asia. We will be ambitious in Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, to deepen our economic engagement with the region for our shared security and prosperity.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Laotian Times.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webp00Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2023-07-24 08:50:002023-07-18 15:40:17Op-ed: Laos, Southeast Asia, and Australia Opportunities for Shared Economic Prosperity
National Assembly Wraps Up 5th Ordinary Session with Focus on Economic Development
The National Assembly of Laos concluded its 5th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature on Tuesday, with key discussions centered around economic challenges and the introduction of new laws.
The session, which took place from June 26 to July 18, witnessed the active participation of National Assembly members, esteemed state leaders, and cabinet members, who engaged in lively debates aimed at advancing the country’s development and addressing pressing economic issues.
Distinguished figures in attendance included Thongloun Sisoulith, the Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, as well as other senior Party and state leaders, along with members of the cabinet.
During the 17-day session, the National Assembly members lauded the government’s achievements in revitalizing the economy, which exhibited a commendable growth rate of 4.8 percent in the first half of 2023. They also applauded the government’s efforts to bolster domestic productivity, enhance exports, and increase revenue generation.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly, expressed satisfaction with the session’s outcomes, noting that it successfully met its intended objectives. He highlighted the agreement reached on various measures to address critical issues, such as inflation, currency exchange rates, and the high cost of living, which directly impact the lives of employees, soldiers, police, and ethnic communities.
Significant topics discussed during the session included state-funded development projects, teacher shortages, management of mining operations, and measures to stabilize the economy. The National Assembly members emphasized the importance of finding immediate solutions to the ongoing drug problem while urging the government to enforce laws on business and finance.
The session also witnessed the adoption of a visionary roadmap extending until 2040 and a comprehensive strategy on water management and national water resources until 2030, reflecting the Assembly’s commitment to sustainable development and resource preservation.
In addition, lawmakers thoroughly debated and approved amendments to existing laws, including those related to the Supreme People’s Prosecutor Office, Supreme People’s Court, military court, public health, job creation, commercial banks, land tax, youth, child rights, economy, fisheries, wildlife, and state printing operations.
The National Assembly also deliberated on the socio-economic development plan, as well as the budget and monetary plans for the remaining half of 2023 and the subsequent year.
Furthermore, a comprehensive report on the progress made in executing national agendas addressing economic and financial hardships, along with efforts to combat the nation’s drug problem, was presented. The session called for intensified measures to tackle these challenges effectively.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee provided an extensive overview of the Assembly’s performance over the past year and outlined the plan of work for the upcoming six months, ensuring a continued focus on the country’s development.
Throughout the session, the National Assembly actively sought public participation by establishing a hotline number and email address, enabling citizens to voice their opinions and raise concerns for deliberation by the Assembly members.
The successful conclusion of the 5th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly marked another significant step in Laos’ pursuit of sustainable economic development, as the government and legislative bodies work together to address key challenges and propel the nation towards prosperity.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/07/19/national-assembly-wraps-up-5th-ordinary-session-with-focus-on-economic-development/
Ministry of Transport Suggests Setting up Fund to Maintain Roads, Prevent Accidents
The Minister of Public Works and Transport announced his plan to increase state budgets for road safety work by setting up a fund amid the increasing number of road accidents in Laos.
Mr. Ngampasong Muongmany, Minister of Public Works and Transport, recently informed the National Assembly that the ministry spends between LAK 17 and 18 billion (over USD 800) a year, or 2.8% of the national budget, on road safety work.
In Laos, 80% of the state budget of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is allocated to all transport-related activities, such as the repair of national and local roads, new road construction, and the fund for the provincial City Office for Management and Service.
According to the minister, the country loses approximately 1,000 people annually to road accidents, and in the past five years, road accidents have claimed the lives of 5,000 individuals. He added that the condition of roads across the country needs to be developed and consistently maintained to prevent many of these accidents.
To this effect, the Ministry and National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) discussed establishing a fund for the National Road Safety campaign to combat speeding and drunk driving-related traffic accidents.
A Vientiane Times report says that the National Road Fund will also closely monitor the repair and maintenance of roads in the country and it will be financed by the fees charged to vehicles entering and exiting the four bridges on the Lao-Thai border across the Mekong River, from fines charged to motorists, and various other sources.
Laos recorded over 900 deaths in road accidents in 2022; the leading cause of death being drunk driving and speeding, while in June this year, 55 people were killed in road accidents, according to the Traffic Police Department at the Ministry of Public Security.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/07/18/ministry-of-transport-suggests-setting-up-fund-to-maintain-roads-prevent-accidents/
Op-ed: Laos, Southeast Asia, and Australia Opportunities for Shared Economic Prosperity
Australia is deepening its economic engagement with Southeast Asia, writes Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore.
As Special Envoy for Southeast Asia appointed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony
Albanese, I am leading the development of the Australian Government’s Southeast Asia
Economic Strategy to 2040.
The strategy will set out a practical pathway to boost two-way trade and investment between Australia, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste. To help inform the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy for 2040, I have been consulting across Australia and the region on the opportunities and barriers to economic growth.
This week I am in Vientiane on my first visit to Laos, to hear local perspectives and learn how Australian capability, technology, and investment can help meet the needs of Laos’ growing economy.
We have a strong base in the region to work from. Australia’s two-way trade with ASEAN is
more than 14% of Australia’s overall trade, surpassing AUD 150 billion (USD 100 billion) in
2021-22. This is greater than Australia’s two-way trade with Japan or the United States.
Emerging regional trends, including growing middle classes, urbanization, and demographic
shifts will transform Southeast Asian economies over the next two decades.
Laos has one of the most youthful populations in our region with almost 55% of the population under the age of 25. Across Southeast Asia, this large, productive demographic base of 670 million people holds incredible potential to drive growth to 2040
and beyond.
Australia is a trusted and reliable partner and has much to offer Laos and our broader region in areas such as education, agriculture technology, and renewable energy. In 2021-22, our two-way trade in goods and services was AUD 617 million. While this is more than double the previous year, there is room to grow.
Additionally, Australia has also provided a stable market for Lao exports, mainly in gold,
telecommunications equipment, and electric machinery. In Laos, Australian companies have
invested in mining, forestry, banking, and tourism, and bring innovation, international best
practices, and new employment to the local economy.
We contribute to Southeast Asia’s energy security, food security, and infrastructure. Our
investments and development assistance in Laos have supported economic growth through
establishing world-class mines, improving education outcomes, enhancing transport
connectivity and strengthening public financial management.
Under the Australian Government’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) initiative, Australia
is providing at least AUD 10 million to improve transport connectivity, trade, and logistics,
help Laos attract quality investment, and facilitate business growth. This is vital to the secure and stable economic futures our countries seek.
The speed of Laos’ evolution to become Southeast Asia’s largest electricity exporter is
impressive, with its electricity generation predicted to reach 70 terawatts by 2040.
The new Laos-Australia Sustainable Energy Partnership, which was signed in May 2023, will support Laos’ green economy ambitions and share Australian expertise in energy planning, emerging technologies, and the clean energy transition. We are exploring new opportunities to increase cooperation on solar, hydrogen and energy storage, wind, and hydropower
integration projects.
With more than 60% of Laos’ workforce in the agriculture sector, I am confident there are
also opportunities for greater exchange with Australia. Our skills and knowledge in
agribusiness, sustainable and productive agriculture, and food systems could help strengthen Laos’ agriculture.
We share more than 70 years of bilateral relations – the longest unbroken diplomatic
relationship Laos has with any country. Recent months have seen an increase in the tempo
of our relations.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency
Saleumxay Kommasith visited Australia in October 2022, Prime Ministers announced their
intention to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in November
2022, and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong visited Laos
in May 2023.
More than 17,000 people with Lao ancestry live in Australia – a popular destination for Lao
students. His Excellency Saleumxay was the first student from Laos to graduate from
Monash University in Melbourne. Our Australia Awards scholarship program has also
supported tertiary education in Australia for more than 1300 Lao citizens, who have
contributed further to Laos’ development.
Australia and Laos are parties to the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New
Zealand Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement. These agreements have been essential to trade.
While our trade relationship continues to grow, our shared economic future will depend on how we address trade and investment barriers, as well as how we approach partnerships and opportunities.
Australia is invested in Laos and Southeast Asia. We will be ambitious in Southeast Asia
Economic Strategy to 2040, to deepen our economic engagement with the region for our
shared security and prosperity.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Laotian Times.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/07/17/op-ed-laos-southeast-asia-and-australia-opportunities-for-shared-economic-prosperity/