12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party concludes in Vientiane

Thongloun Sisoulith speaking during the Congress -- image via X

Various Sources

The 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) was held in Vientiane, capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, from January 6–8, 2026 and concluded successfully on January 8.

834 delegates attended representing 421,865 party members nationwide.

Among the key documents discussed and adopted were the Political Report of the 11th Party Central Committee, the 10th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), Revised Party Statutes, the Resolution of the 12th Party Congress and most notably the Third Political Platform of the LPRP.

This platform outlines Laos’s strategic political vision and socio-economic development goals for the coming decades, guiding the nation toward socialism and modernization.

Key Aspects of the Third Political Platform:

• The platform serves as a long-term development roadmap extending to the party’s centenary in 2055.

• It aims for Laos to become an upper-middle-income country and to gradually approach high-income status by 2055.

• The platform highlights eleven major policies, including:

  • Developing a socialist-oriented market economy.

  • Promoting industrialization, modernization, and digital transformation.

  • Protecting the environment and addressing climate change.

  • Advancing socio-cultural development and human resource growth.

  • Strengthening national defense and security.

  • Building a clean, strong party and promoting a rule-of-law democratic state.

  • Consolidating national unity and expanding people’s mastery.

  • Pursuing an active foreign policy aligned with the LPRP’s external relations.

    
    

In addition are the development goals for the next five years (2026–2030):

• Target at least 6% average annual GDP growth.

• Reach a per capita GDP of about 3,104 USD.

• Maintain inflation around 5%.

• Reduce public debt to about 70% of GDP.

• Raise state budget revenue to about 20.95% of GDP.

• Enhance foreign exchange reserves sufficient for at least five months of imports.

• Total investment capital aimed at about 24% of GDP.

There were elections at all levels. Thongloun Sisoulith was re-elected as General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee for the 2026–2030 term. General Vilay Lakhamfong was elected as a standing member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat. Vanxay Phongsavanh was elected as Chairman of the Party Central Committee's Inspection Commission, supported by six vice chairpersons. 13 members were elected to the Politburo and 11 to the Secretariat.

The 12th Party Central Committee comprised 73 official members and 15 alternate members.

The adoption of the third Political Platform signals the LPRP’s commitment to a socialist-oriented path that balances economic modernization with political stability and social progress. It also reflects efforts to consolidate the people’s democratic regime and deepen Laos’s integration within the region and globally. The platform has garnered support domestically and recognition from key regional partners like Vietnam and China, underlining its importance for Laos’s future development.

This congress represents a key milestone in Lao history, confirming strategic priorities and leadership directions that will shape the nation’s trajectory for the next several decades.