Vientiane: The National Meeting on Public Works and Transport (PWT) for 2025-2026, along with discussions on the implementation of the 5-Year Sector Development Plan (2026-2030), was held at the National Convention Center. The event was officially opened by Leklay Sivilay, Minister of Public Works and Transport, and attended by deputy ministers, vice presidents of the State Inspection Authority and State Audit Organization, provincial and Vientiane authorities, directors of state-owned enterprises, private sector representatives, and other relevant stakeholders.
According to Lao News Agency, the meeting aimed to review progress and define priorities for the public works and transport sector. Officials presented a summary of nationwide activities in 2025, outlined implementation directions for 2026, and discussed the adoption of the 5-Year Development Plan (2026-2030).
Participants focused on eleven strategic areas critical to sector advancement. Firstly, infrastructure policy discussions addressed progress in road construction and maintenance, particularly through Output- and Performance-Based Road Contracts (OPBRC) and PRTC projects. Secondly, the meeting reviewed the execution of the Road Fund, including road repair efforts and the establishment of maintenance units in line with the 'Three-Builds' (Sam Sang) directive.
Modernization efforts highlighted digital transformation across the PWT sector. Discussions also covered the management of freight and passenger transport services and load control measures focused on regulating heavy trucks and enforcing penalties against overloaded vehicles. Traffic safety strategies aimed to reduce violations and accidents, including speeding and non-compliance with traffic laws.
Further, waterway safety discussions highlighted the management of navigation standards for tourism boats, cargo vessels, and passenger ferries. There was a focus on resource management, regulating the extraction of stone and sand for construction, and preventing illegal mining activities. Participants emphasized improving coordination mechanisms within the PWT sector and with other government agencies.
Finally, green energy transition strategies explored mechanisms to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with a national target of achieving 30 percent vehicle penetration by 2030.