Arya News - Despite fluctuating and unpredictable regional and international situations, the government reported progress in several key areas.
VIENTIANE – The government has come close to meeting its revenue target for 2025 while keeping inflation below 5 percent in November, signalling steady fiscal management despite regional and global uncertainties.
The government has earned 66,484 billion kip to date, equalling 98 percent of the target for 2025, while expenditure stands at 53,771 billion kip, equalling 75 percent of the planned amount.
Inflation fell to 4.8 percent in November, with an 11-month average of 7.9 percent, according to figures released last Friday.
Government spokesperson Mr Sonexay Sitphaxay disclosed the figures at a press conference following the monthly cabinet meeting on December 11-12.
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Sonxay Siphandone, with deputy prime ministers and cabinet members attending in person, while provincial leaders participated by video link.
The spokesperson said the government had repaid domestic and foreign debts on schedule, easing concerns over fiscal pressure.
Despite fluctuating and unpredictable regional and international situations, the government reported progress in several key areas.
Political conditions remained stable, and law and order was maintained, with various social issues being addressed step by step, the meeting heard.
In production and trade, the government tightened price controls and kept a close watch on import and export volumes, while the value of agricultural, forestry and livestock exports exceeded US$102 million.
Energy shortages prompted faster development of solar power installations, alongside continued work on other power plants across the country.
Infrastructure projects moved ahead, including the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway, repairs to highways damaged by flooding and landslides, and upgrades to key national roads.
The government also ordered urgent consultations on plans to set up toll stations on two main highways linking the central and southern economic regions, from Bolikhamxay to Khammuan and from Thakhaek to the Vietnamese border.
Authorities were instructed to reach an agreement on toll formats, payment methods, and charges for the companies responsible for repairing and maintaining the roads.
In foreign affairs, Laos hosted visits by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Mr To Lam, and Princess Aiko of Japan, and held several high-level meetings with Vietnamese leaders.
The cabinet acknowledged challenges, including the high cost of living, unsatisfactory currency exchange rates, high production costs, issues related to mining management, and the spread of information on social media.
The meeting approved in principle the drafts of seven decrees, including those relating to state property protection, financial crisis prevention, tobacco control, poverty levels, and dust control.
The relevant sectors were instructed to revise the drafts before submitting them to the National Assembly.
This month, ministries and provincial leaders are instructed to focus on security, tackle scams and online misinformation, and ensure safety ahead of important events, particularly the upcoming 12th National Party Congress scheduled for January.