VIENTIANE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government has reviewed the country's socio-economic performance and set key priorities, focusing on economic management, public security, and disaster recovery.
The government's monthly meeting for September was held in Lao capital Vientiane from Tuesday to Wednesday, chaired by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Lao News Agency reported Thursday.
Despite challenging international and domestic conditions, including heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides, the government maintained political stability and social order while implementing its priority tasks.
State revenue collection reached 78 percent of the annual target, while expenditure execution stood at 56 percent. Average inflation was recorded at 7.7 percent. More than 11,000 workers secured legal employment opportunities in Laos and abroad, representing 174 percent of the monthly target.
The government also strengthened measures to contain African Swine Fever (ASF) in six provinces, reviewed the 2025-2026 high school graduation examinations, continued seasonal disease prevention, and repaired roads and highways damaged by natural disasters.
During the meeting, the government approved in principle several strategic plans and draft laws, including the 2026-2030 national action plans on gender equality, mothers and children, and the elimination of violence against women and children.
It also approved the draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026-2035 and the Satellite Development and Utilization Strategy 2026-2035. In the legal sector, the meeting endorsed revised drafts of the Laws on Electricity and Minerals, as well as a proposal to merge the Laws on Health Insurance and Social Security into a single law.
In his speech, Sonexay instructed ministries and local authorities to strengthen public security and intensify efforts to combat online scams, drug trafficking, armed robbery and traffic accidents. Improving revenue collection and strengthening expenditure management were also identified as priorities.
Sonexay called on ministries and local authorities to translate government decisions into concrete action plans with clear responsibilities, deadlines and measurable results. ■