3 days ago
Lao lawmakers begin National Assembly session with focus on economic recovery, key reforms
President of the National Assembly Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane on Monday delivers the opening remarks on the first day of the current session of the legislative body. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: The National Assembly (NA) has officially opened the 9th ordinary session of the 9th Legislature, scheduled to run from June 9-26, with a focus on addressing unresolved issues and the country's ongoing economic challenges.
The session was formally opened on Monday (June 9) by NA President Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane.
Members of the Assembly are also participating in the sitting to discuss economic hardships, debate pressing national issues, and offer constructive input on the government's development policies.
The parliamentary sitting provides a platform for lawmakers to deliberate on critical socio-economic development matters, with comprehensive discussions on financial and infrastructure-related concerns.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, along with other government leaders.
Following the opening, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, on behalf of the government, delivered a report reviewing recent economic performance and outlining priorities for future socio-economic development.
Dr Sonexay reported that in the first quarter of 2025, the economy grew by 4.5 percent, with a total value of 84,207 billion kip, representing 22.4 percent of the target for 2025.
The National Assembly's resolution for the year targets a total of 375,968 billion kip.
According to the report, the agriculture sector grew by 3.1 percent, contributing 20.2 percent of GDP; industry expanded by 4.7 percent, accounting for 30.9 percent; the service sector also grew by 4.7 percent, contributing 37.1 percent; and net product taxes rose by 4.3 percent, making up 11.7 percent of GDP.
The government's report also addressed urgent national issues and introduced a draft framework for the 10th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026–2030, based on a review of progress under the current plan for 2021–2025.
Among the key topics raised on the first day of the session was the recent increase in electricity prices.
Several NA members urged the government to reconsider the pricing structure, which has significantly affected households across the country.
Other issues brought forward included the need to reassess land concessions to ensure public benefit and the urgent requirement for road maintenance in several provinces, particularly during the ongoing rainy season. - Vientiane Times/ANN
