The Government of Laos opened its regular monthly meeting for October 2026 on the morning of 22 October at the Office of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone chaired the session. Deputy prime ministers, cabinet members and representatives of relevant agencies attended in person, while heads, deputy heads and representatives of local administrations joined remotely to hear the October situation report and comment on the priority plan for November 2026.

Before the formal proceedings began, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Khamphan Phommathat presented a flower basket on behalf of the cabinet to congratulate Sonexay Siphandone on his election as prime minister. The Prime Minister then thanked cabinet members and local authorities for their cooperation and support, and expressed hope that this partnership would continue so that the tasks entrusted by the Party, the state and the people could be carried out successfully and on schedule.

The meeting takes place as the whole country works to put into practice the resolutions of the 12th Party Congress, the 10th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan, and preparations for the national agenda on rural development and poverty reduction. It follows the second ordinary session of the 10th National Assembly, which approved the government's report on the socio-economic plan, the state budget, the 2026 monetary plan and the outline for 2027, along with eight draft laws (seven amendments and one new law).

Agenda

Over two days, participants will study, discuss and weigh in on six agenda items that cover seven key topics:

• Item 1: Situation report and urgent priorities. Review of the government's main focus tasks for October, its plans for November 2026, and the implementation of the 2026 road fund along with the direction for 2027.
• Item 2: A draft resolution on dividing management responsibilities between central and local authorities in finance, investment, land and other sectors.
• Item 3: A draft resolution on advancing science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.
• Item 4: A draft strategy for promoting and regulating electric vehicles and other alternative-energy vehicles.
• Item 5: A draft decree on import duty arrangements for goods and vehicles belonging to staff of Lao representative offices overseas.
• Item 6: A draft decree on the environmental and forest conservation fund.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister urged ministers and attendees to examine each issue in depth and to make sure their analysis reflects real conditions. He asked for frank, concise and focused contributions so that long-standing problems can be resolved step by step.