Vientiane:Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith has directed the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) to prioritize infrastructure construction, maintenance, and repairs across the nation. He emphasized the efficient use of limited state resources to support economic growth and national development.
According to Lao News Agency, the Prime Minister issued these directives during a meeting with senior officials and personnel of the ministry on October 13, 2026. He highlighted the critical role of transport and public infrastructure in facilitating travel, supporting production, and enhancing economic security.
The Prime Minister called for a comprehensive assessment of strategic economic routes, connecting roads, and roads serving agricultural areas to evaluate their condition, technical compliance, and investment priorities. Additionally, he urged the ministry to overcome institutional and technical challenges that hinder project implementation, resolve outstanding debts from past investments, and closely monitor major infrastructure projects to ensure quality and safety.
Saleumxay also emphasized the importance of transport modernization, advocating for the promotion of electric vehicles, the expansion of charging infrastructure, and ensuring the quality of imported vehicles. Further priorities include improving urban water supply, digital modernization of ministry operations, and reforming the civil aviation sector to meet international safety standards and enhance efficiency.
During the meeting, Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklay Sivilay presented a performance report for the first nine months of 2026 and outlined action plans for the fourth quarter and 2027. The report covered areas such as roads, railways, civil aviation, inland waterways, housing, urban planning, and water supply, alongside initiatives to boost economic self-reliance.
Key projects reviewed included policies under National Assembly Resolution No. 165/NA and Government Resolution No. 10/GOV, progress on expressways like Vientiane-Boten, Boten-Houayxay, and Vientiane-Hanoi, and the proposed Thangon-Nachanglek expressway linking Xaythany District and Thoulakhom District. Additionally, feasibility studies and design work for an expressway connecting Vientiane, Xaysomboun, Xieng Khouang, and Huaphanh provinces to the Nam Soi International Checkpoint were discussed.
Other projects included the Paksan bypass road in Bolikhamxay Province, the Palaai-Nam Yon highway, and Route 5B highway linking Nam Yon Bridge junction in Xaysomboun Province with Namon Village in Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province. These directives highlight the government’s focus on essential infrastructure, improved project management, and ensuring public investment yields lasting benefits despite budgetary limitations.
