Laotian children, wearing traditional Lantan tribe clothes, during classes in a primary school in Lantan village in Northern Laos. Photo Credit: hadynyah/Getty Imagestw
Society LaosNation Advances Toward Historic Development Breakthrough
Laos has been recommended to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2026, marking a major step towards economic stability, global integration and rising living standards.
“This level of growth would help pave the way for Laos to graduate from LDC status and ensure a smooth transition,” said Thongloun Sisoulith, Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
The transition follows steady economic expansion, with gross domestic product rising from 158 trillion kip in 2012 to more than 325 trillion kip in 2024, while annual growth reached about 4.3% in 2024. The graduation process includes a transition period until 2029 and is expected to boost investment, innovation and export competitiveness, while supporting job creation and helping Laos progress towards lower-middle-income status.
