The Government of Laos has formally unveiled its 10th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for the 2026–2030 period, setting out targets for economic growth, fiscal stability, infrastructure expansion, and social development.
The plan outlines six strategic objectives and 26 priority work programmes, including annual economic growth of at least 6 per cent, GDP per capita of USD3,104, inflation below 5 per cent, and public debt reduced to under 70 per cent of GDP by 2030. Forest cover is targeted to reach 70 per cent nationwide, linking economic development with environmental protection.
Key focus areas include strengthening domestic production capacity, improving macroeconomic stability, and raising investment efficiency. The government will prioritise micro, small and medium enterprises alongside state-owned and collective production groups, while advancing the digital economy as a driver of productivity, innovation, and modernisation..
The strategy further emphasises balanced urban–rural development, poverty reduction, food security, expanded social protection, gender equality, and continued clearance of unexploded ordnance. Infrastructure development will focus on improving regional and international connectivity through roads, railways, airports, and digital networks, with cities and special economic zones positioned as growth hubs for industry, logistics, and tourism.
Building on outcomes from the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021–2025), Laos recorded average annual growth of 4.24 per cent, reduced public debt from 112 per cent of GDP in 2022 to about 88 per cent in 2025, and achieved a trade surplus of USD8.4 billion. The government stated that effective implementation of the new plan will strengthen national resilience and long-term economic stability.