NA 9th Ordinary Session Opens to Tackle Key National Issues

Vientiane: The 9th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly's (NA) 9th Legislature officially opened on June 9, bringing together top leaders and representatives from across the country to address pressing national matters. According to Lao News Agency, the opening ceremony was attended by NA President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and members of the National Assembly. During the session, lawmakers will hear a comprehensive report from Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on the implementation of the national socio-economic development plan, the state budget, and the monetary policy for the first half of 2025. The report also includes updates on the two national agendas: addressing ongoing economic and financial challenges, and combating drug-related issues. The session's agenda includes the evaluation of the implementation of the 2025 socio-economic development plan, state budget, and monetary policy. Additionally, there will be a discussion on the draft 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030), and a review of strategic initiatives, including electric power development, the Visit Laos Year campaign, nationwide legal awareness programs, and proposed special infrastructure and renovation policies. Lawmakers will also deliberate on five new draft laws covering cybersecurity, social welfare, public prosecutors, general education, and cultivation. In addition, five existing laws are proposed for amendment: the law on medicines and medical products, income tax law, law on signs, law on the Supreme People's Court, and irrigation law. The Assembly is expected to approve several key resolutions, including economic and budget performance for the first half of 2025, and plans for the second half. It will also address policies for the energy sector and tourism development under the Visit Laos Year initiative, legal dissemination campaigns, special construction and infrastructure policies, and a 10-year legislative roadmap (2026-2030) f or the next National Assembly term. Prime Minister Sonexay also provided updates on adjustments to the socio-economic development plan, state budget, and monetary plan, along with proposed solutions to urgent national challenges for the remainder of 2025.