Laos' economic growth reached 4.5% in the first quarter of 2025, with agriculture growing by 3.1%, industry by 4.7%, services by 4.7%, and customs revenue by 4.3%.
At the 9th Lao National Assembly's 9th session (Photo: qdnd.vn)
Vientiane (VNA) - The 9th Lao National Assembly (NA) opened its 9th session on June 9 under the chair of NA President Saysomphone Phomvihane, aiming to discuss national issues and review key contents in the 10th five-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030).
The opening sitting saw the presence of Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, incumbent and former Party and State leaders, deputies, and representatives of international organisations and diplomatic missions in Laos.
In his opening speech, Saysomphone stated that during this session, the legislature will discuss and approve the Prime Minister’s report on the socio-economic development plan, budget plan, and financial–monetary plan for the first half of 2025, as well as the plans for the second half, associated with the implementation of two national programmes and urgent solutions to current economic issues.
It will also consider a consultation report on the draft 10th five-year Socio-Economic Development Plan, a report on policies to promote and encourage new-phase road construction and renovation, and another on the implementation of policies, laws, and other mechanisms in the development of electric energy.
Delivering the report on the implementation of the socio-economic development plan in the first five months of 2025, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said that the country’s economic growth reached 4.5% in the fi🐼rst quarter, with agriculture growing by 3.1%, industry by 4.7%, services by 4.7%, and customs revenue by 4.3%. All of these growth rates exceeded the targets set by the National Assembly’s resolution./.
The cable-stayed Laos – Thailand friendship bridge No.5 spans 1,350 metres over the Mekong River, connecting Thailand’s Beungkan province and Laos’ Bolikhamsai province.
In early 2025, the Lao economy showed signs of recovery amid many challenges and fluctuations in the global economy. In the first quarter of this year, the Lao economy achieved a growth rate of 4.5%. According to the latest report of the Government in May, the country's inflation rate decreased significantly to 8.3% in the month.
Nearly 200 Lao doctoral candidates, master’s students and undergraduate students are studying and conducting research within the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA)’s system.
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The lab focuses on four key thematic areas: energy transition and green innovation, sustainable agriculture, circular economy and sustainable cities, and nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
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The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
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