Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On Wednesday, Lao Prime Minister Somsay Siphandone delivered a keynote speech at the closing ceremony of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport's 2025-2026 annual meeting, clearly defining infrastructure construction as a core driver of national economic growth and regional connectivity. He urged the ministry to take a pioneering role in implementing development priorities, providing solid support for the implementation of the Tenth Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030).
Prime Minister Somsay pointed out that Laos is currently making every effort to implement the resolutions of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, with the core objective of achieving an average annual economic growth of at least 6% and steadily lifting the country out of least developed country status. Achieving this goal hinges on the effectiveness of construction by the public works and transport sector. "Without strong infrastructure support, the established economic growth blueprint is meaningless," he emphasized. He stressed that infrastructure is not only a "hard support" for economic development but also a key lever for expanding regional and international connections and activating the country's geographical advantages.
Regarding infrastructure development, the Premier outlined key deployments across multiple sectors:
1. Systemic Upgrading of Transportation Infrastructure: Focusing on the construction of cross-border corridors and domestic trunk lines, with a focus on upgrading and expanding core highways such as National Highway 13 (a key cross-border transportation artery between China and Laos, with Chinese companies already winning bids for related renovation projects). Simultaneously, strengthening road maintenance mechanisms to prevent damage to road surfaces from heavy trucks; accelerating the construction of railway networks and multimodal transport logistics systems, leveraging the radiating effect of the China-Laos Railway to improve logistics efficiency and reduce transportation costs; promoting the modernization of the aviation industry, including the reform of Lao Airlines and a feasibility study for a new airport in Vientiane, and improving the integrated transportation network of rail, road, water, and air; and fully utilizing the Mekong River waterway resources to develop inland waterway transport to alleviate road congestion.
II. Green and Sustainable Development Integration: This deeply integrates urban development with environmental protection, focusing on promoting flood control and water conservancy projects, optimizing wastewater, solid waste, and e-waste management; promoting clean energy solutions such as solar streetlights, and building a green and low-carbon infrastructure system; addressing water shortages in key cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse by strengthening water resource monitoring and promoting the use of local materials to reduce water loss and ensure water supply for residents.
III. Mechanism Guarantee and Innovation Empowerment: This requires governments at all levels to strengthen leadership and coordination, clarify responsibilities, uphold the principles of unity, responsibility, and innovation to improve work efficiency, and emphasize independent decision-making and proactive action; encourage the introduction of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence to optimize infrastructure planning, management, and transparency; expand cooperation with development partners and investors, while guiding Lao enterprises to deeply participate in infrastructure projects to support independent economic development; strengthen central and local coordination, and solidify accountability mechanisms to ensure timely resolution of problems.
The Prime Minister particularly emphasized that civil servants must adhere to professional ethics and professional spirit, stating that "shortcomings in infrastructure and public services directly affect people's experience and must be addressed with high standards and strict requirements." He affirmed the leadership of Minister of Public Works and Transport, Leklai Sivilay, and expressed his belief that the department would achieve new breakthroughs under his guidance.
The infrastructure blueprint outlined at this meeting aligns closely with the core task of "Regional Connectivity" in Laos's 10th Five-Year Plan, covering key areas such as highways, railways, aviation, water conservancy, and environmental protection. It focuses on both short-term construction breakthroughs and long-term sustainable development. In the future, Laos will activate the revenue potential of cross-border transportation services through infrastructure upgrades, strengthen connectivity and cooperation with ASEAN countries, and truly make infrastructure a "lasting driving force" for national socio-economic development. (End)
