Laos eyes to graduate from least developed country status in 2026

Laos was recommended for graduation with an extended 5-year preparatory period, effectively setting graduation in 2026, reports Xinhua news agency according to the local daily Vientiane Times.

This would occur following a positive and continued trajectory throughout the time period leading up to graduation under the United Nations Committee for Development Policy, said Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith during a recent triennial review of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

This would occur following a positive and continued trajectory throughout the time period leading up to graduation under the United Nations Committee for Development Policy.

Graduation from LDC status has been a long-term objective of the Lao government since 2000, through strong commitment and consistent progress in implementing National Socio-economic Development Plans.

"Laos' removal from the LDC list is not an end in itself and does not imply that no poverty remains but indicates the hard-earned achievements of the government in many priority areas.

"The decision by the United Nations Committee for Development Policy paves the way for a smooth preparatory period before Laos is officially removed from the list of LDCs," Saleumxay added.

In 2021, the Committee considered the impact of COVID-19 on development progress, which in turn played a role in the decision to recommend an extended preparatory period before graduation itself would take place.