In October 2026 the National Assembly elected former diplomat Saleumxay Kommasith as prime minister, while his predecessor Sonexay Siphandone became Assembly president. Under the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030) the government targets growth of at least 6% a year and public debt below 70% of GDP by 2030.
What a Korean company can do now
Government · leader
President Thongloun Sisoulith · Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith (since 2026-10-05, succeeding Sonexay Siphandone)
Key national agenda
- 10th NSEDP (2026-2030): at least 6% annual growth, GDP per capita of USD 3,104
- Cut public debt (about 88% in 2025 to under 70% by 2030) and keep inflation below 5%
- Strengthen domestic production and support SMEs
- Expand the digital economy
- Connectivity infrastructure (roads, rail, airports, digital networks) and special economic zones
- Respond to farm shocks (floods, pests, African swine fever) and secure food supply
Government programmes
10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan
Six strategic objectives and 26 priority programmes for growth, debt reduction and digitalisation
2027 development plan and state budget review
October Assembly session reviews the development plan, budget, monetary plan and 2025 audit
Lak Sao water supply expansion (KOICA)USD 6 million
Upgrading water supply in Lak Sao, Borikhamxay, including UXO clearance and operator training
ADB Building Resilience and Reducing Rural Poverty Project
ADB loan (Loan 57225) project, now procuring consultants such as financial management
ADB TA to strengthen public procurement and financial management
TA-10235 supports better procurement and public financial management systems
Business opportunities
Public procurement and financial management digitalisation consulting
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SME management diagnosis and export capacity programme
🔒 Why-now and buyers — analysis member ₩19,800/mo
Open this week
AI-based public service and admin automation pilot
The government lists the digital economy and digital administration as key agenda items.
Ministry of Technology and Communications, provincial governments
PMC and capacity-building services linked to KOICA projects
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Free members get a human-reviewed summary by email for up to 3 countries a month (sent within 24h). BUILD members get them all.
Korean support schemes
- KOICA Laos water and waste projects · KOICA — Supports the Lak Sao water expansion (2025-2029) and a solid waste and wastewater phase II project with GGGI.
- KOTRA Vientiane market information · KOTRA — Provides Lao market trends and entry information.
- EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund) · Export-Import Bank of Korea — Provides concessional loans for infrastructure in developing countries including Laos.
- Export Voucher Program · MOTIE · MSS — Vouchers cover overseas market research and consulting costs.
Official notices
Lao News Agency (KPL, state news agency)
- 2026-10-05 National Assembly elected Saleumxay Kommasith as prime minister
- 2026-10 Assembly session told growth was 4.8% in Jan-Sep 2026, with 5.1% forecast for the year
- 2026-10-29 Review of Xekong thermal power project operations
- 2026-10-26 Vietnamese and Lao firms signed property and smart-farming deals
Disaster · conflict · epidemic
Stable 2026-11-07
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