Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On Wednesday evening, the Patuxai (Victory Gate) in Vientiane was packed with people as they bid farewell to 2025 and welcomed 2026 with a spectacular light, music, and fireworks display, synchronized with the rest of the world. As a symbol of Laos' victory, the Patuxai was brightly lit that evening, with dynamic images showcasing the nation's prosperity, attracting worldwide attention.
From dusk onwards, families, tourists, and young people gathered around the Patuxai. This event, jointly organized by the Vientiane Municipal Government and the private sector, opened with a captivating cultural performance, where party and government leaders, ambassadors from various countries, and the public celebrated the festival together. In his address, Vientiane Mayor Dr. Asaphanthong Siphandone reviewed the achievements of 2025, highlighting it as a result of partnership and dedication, and mentioning three major milestone anniversaries, including the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
At 11:20 PM, the public watched President Thongloun Sisoulith's New Year's address via video link, hearing his call for national unity as we move into the new year. Following this, a projection show on the Patuxai (Victory Arch) unfolded, weaving traditional Lao patterns with dynamic images to transform the building into a symbol of progress and prosperity, earning rounds of applause. As the midnight countdown reached zero, dazzling fireworks lit up the sky, cheers erupted, and 2026 officially arrived.
Simultaneously, a large-scale New Year's Eve concert was held in Pakse, Champasak Province, featuring renowned international artists and attracting a large audience, highlighting its status as an emerging cultural and entertainment center. This New Year's Eve celebration embodied the nation's hopes for progress, unity, and prosperity.
Looking back at 2025, Laos enjoyed political stability, with clear signs of economic recovery, projected growth of 4.8%, and inflation falling to single digits. Key sectors such as agriculture and electricity boosted market confidence. Governance reforms progressed, public debt decreased, and preparations for leaving the ranks of least developed countries in 2026 are being accelerated.
