Fang Wen and Hai Xian: Laos Convenes the 11th Party Congress, New Progress in the Cause of Socialist Renovation

2021 was an extraordinary year for Laos. Throughout this year, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (hereafter "the Lao Party") successfully convened its 11th National Congress, as well as the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 11th Central Committee. These meetings issued new deployments for Laos’s socialist reform and development over the next five years, emphasizing the deep advancement of the cause of socialist reform. In the face of new pandemic conditions, the Lao Party strengthened its centralized and unified leadership, coordinated pandemic prevention and control with economic and social development, and pushed for new progress in the cause of socialist reform. This year also saw Laos solemnly celebrate the 46th anniversary of the founding of the Republic. Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos, the China-Laos Railway was completed and opened to traffic. This marked historical progress in building a community with a shared future for humanity between China and Laos, and its successful experience set a model for deepening cooperation among the world's socialist countries. Looking forward to 2022, Laos will be guided by the spirit of the 11th National Congress, base itself on national realities, continue to uphold the line of principled comprehensive reform ^[1], and accelerate the pace of socialist modernization.

I. Convening the 11th National Congress and Deploying Socialist Reform for the Next Five Years

The 11th National Congress of the Lao Party was successfully held in the capital, Vientiane, from January 13 to 15, 2021, achieving a series of major outcomes. The 11th Congress was a landmark victory in the history of the Lao Party, summarizing past achievements and experiences while sketching the blueprint for the future development of the Party, the state, and the people's cause. The "9th Five-Year Plan" and the National Five-Year Budget Plan (2021–2025) reviewed and adopted by the Congress clarified the goals and tasks for economic and social development over the coming five years.

(1) Reviewing achievements of the past five years

In his summary report, Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao Party Central Committee, pointed out that over the past five years, under the strong leadership of the Party, Laos has leveraged the advantages of the socialist system, struggled hard, overcome all difficulties and challenges, and achieved major historical successes.

First, the economy maintained steady development. Despite the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laos maintained an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.8%, with a 3.3% growth rate in 2020. GDP per capita reached $2,664, and total imports and exports reached $52.976 billion. Macroeconomic performance remained sound, and the inflation rate dropped significantly. Social investment gradually increased, and major projects such as the China-Laos Railway, the Vientiane-Vang Vieng Expressway, and Special Economic Zones progressed smoothly. The gap between regions and between urban and rural areas narrowed, breakthroughs were made in poverty alleviation, the number of people living in poverty decreased, and the living standards of the masses improved.

Second, the construction of people's livelihoods showed clear results. Taking the implementation of the UN Millennium Development Goals as the general lever, the country vigorously developed education. The educational system—comprising primary, secondary, tertiary, and preschool levels—was gradually perfected, and people of all ethnic groups in urban and rural areas enjoyed equitable educational opportunities. The "Cultural Village" and "Cultural Family" projects were actively promoted, allowing public cultural construction to benefit more people. Health and hygiene services were consistently prioritized, basically achieving the popularization of medical services, while the capacity for preventing and assisting with infectious and major diseases continued to rise. High-quality labor was cultivated and employment channels were expanded. Social assistance levels were continuously raised, with social security coverage reaching 94%. Food safety was guaranteed, and ecological environmental protection was strengthened to achieve green, healthy, and sustainable development.

Third, national political stability was maintained, and the construction of the people’s democratic system was further strengthened. The various political rights of the masses were fully guaranteed, creating a favorable atmosphere of social unity and progress. The anti-pandemic struggle, which took the life, safety, and physical health of the masses as its starting and ending point, achieved a phased victory.

Fourth, the national defense and security line was vigorously implemented. Education on political consciousness and responsibility was strengthened, leading to a significant improvement in the comprehensive quality and service capacity of national defense and security forces. Education in patriotism, socialism, and ideological politics was carried out, curbing infiltration and sabotage by all hostile forces, while the work of defending and building the nation was increasingly strengthened.

Fifth, the role of mass organizations ^[2] was significant. Mass organizations actively participated in social governance, poverty alleviation, pandemic prevention and control, connecting with the masses, and mobilizing patriotic overseas compatriots, thereby promoting ethnic unity, religious harmony, and social stability.

Sixth, new achievements were made in foreign affairs, contributing to the maintenance of regional and world peace. Exchanges and cooperation with more countries were strengthened, friendly cooperation with "socialist brother countries" ^[3] became closer, and the nation actively participated and played a role in international affairs.

Seventh, the Party's self-construction was continuously strengthened. The Party's theoretical, ideological, organizational, and institutional construction, as well as the construction of its conduct and discipline, were advanced as a whole; political consciousness and "big-picture consciousness" ^[4] were enhanced. The Party's leadership capacity and quality were further improved, and the construction of the cadre ranks was further strengthened.

(2) Summarizing the experience of reform

The 11th Congress of the Lao Party pointed out: "The development of socialist reform is, in essence, the construction and perfection of the people's democratic system, and the strengthening of politics, economy, culture, people's livelihoods, ecology, science and technology, talent, national defense and security, foreign affairs, and Party building. Since the 10th Congress, under the centralized and unified leadership of the Party, we have formed many valuable experiences from practice that are worth learning from." The Congress report summarized four experiences that must be upheld in reform.

First, strengthen the Party's self-construction with powerful measures and continuously improve the Party's leadership capacity and level. On one hand, it is necessary to ensure the correctness of the Party’s major decisions and targets, making them realistic and feasible. On the other hand, organizational coordination must be strengthened, personnel arrangements must be managed holistically, the style of leadership must be improved, and disciplinary management must be reinforced to ensure all work achieves good results.

Second, focus on developing advantageous industries and economy with local characteristics to enhance the capacity for autonomous development. In developing the national economy, the focus should be on strengthening basic production and large-scale service enterprises. Based on mastering the internal relationship between the two, the Party should develop advantageous industries, expand characteristic brands, and continuously enhance the capacity of rural masses and enterprises for autonomous development. This involves broadening channels for self-employment and gradually eliminating regional imbalances in economic and social development, so that people of all ethnic groups can lead a better life.

Third, effectively develop human resources. On one hand, youth should be cultivated into the main subjects of economic and social development according to the actual needs of society. On the other hand, the basic rights of citizens must be protected and their interests maintained. Meanwhile, the people's democratic system should be perfected, the construction of spiritual civilization ^[5] should be strengthened, and a favorable social atmosphere for the healthy development of human resources should be created.

Fourth, strictly implement the Party's principles and decisions, and coordinately promote various practical tasks. When implementing the Party's major principles, decisions, resolutions, and orders, as well as the major plans and projects of governments and departments at all levels, one must strictly follow the Party’s line while enhancing the sense of responsibility. The leading and commanding roles of various departments must be actively utilized to ensure all work is pushed forward in coordination, moving toward established goals in a healthy and sustained manner according to established principles.

(3) New deployment for national economic and social development over the next five years

Based on domestic realities, the 11th Congress of the Lao Party made an overall deployment for the country’s economic and social development over the next five years.

First, it clarified reform goals. "Continue to promote the sustained, healthy, and high-quality development of the national economy, achieving an average annual economic growth of over 4% in the next five years, with per capita annual income reaching $2,887 by 2025." The Party will implement human resource cultivation projects to develop versatile talents who understand technology and are capable of innovation. Taking economic construction as the foundation, it will promote the great development and prosperity of culture, effectively raising the material and spiritual living standards of all people. Ecological environmental protection projects will be implemented to protect natural resources and actively respond to natural disaster risks. Infrastructure construction will be further strengthened to deepen connectivity with neighboring countries. The construction of a country under the rule of law will be accelerated, institutional systems will be perfected, and the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity will be promoted to build a modern country characterized by fairness, justice, civilization, and harmony. The country's regional geographical advantages will be highlighted to actively integrate into the regional and international community and deepen bilateral and multilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Next, it deployed key tasks for reform and development. First, mobilize the enthusiasm and creativity of the masses, establish a consciousness of autonomous development, and strive to fundamentally eliminate poverty. Second, transform the mentalities of cadres and the masses, reform institutional mechanisms, eliminate negative phenomena of corruption, strengthen government management functions, and effectively enhance the skills and capacity for economic development. Third, vigorously implement scientific and technological innovation to enhance endogenous drivers of development, cultivate knowledge-based talents, and promote the spirits of innovation and dedication. Fourth ^[6], safeguard national sovereignty and security, contribute to the maintenance of regional and world peace and stability, and participate in global COVID-19 prevention and control and climate change actions. Fifth ^[6], cultivate healthy lifestyles and actively overcome the impact of infectious diseases and natural disasters on economic and social development.

Finally, it pointed out eight policies and measures for reform and development. 1) Under the socialist-oriented market economy system, strengthen state-owned enterprises, develop characteristic economies, follow the path of industrialization and modernization, and implement the principles of autonomous, green, sustainable, and high-quality development. 2) Strengthen cultural construction, promote fine national traditions, improve population quality, enhance ethnic unity, and build a modern civilized society of democracy, equality, fairness, and justice. 3) Reform institutional mechanisms and build a clean, efficient, service-oriented government based on law. 4) Continue to promote "Three Constructions" work ^[7], building provinces into strategic units, districts into comprehensively strong units, and villages into development units. 5) Implement the established national defense and security line to maintain national and social stability. 6) Strengthen the Party's self-construction, uphold and consolidate Party leadership, strengthen theoretical arming, raise the Marxism-Leninism level of Party members and cadres, promote the localization of Marxism-Leninism, and apply and develop Kaysone Phomvihane Thought ^[8]. 7) Strengthen the construction of the cadre ranks, uphold the principle of the Party managing cadres, improve the overall quality of cadres, and reinforce their sense of responsibility and mission. 8) Develop foreign relations with an active and proactive posture, adhere to mutual benefit and win-win results, carry out inter-party exchanges, and actively integrate into the process of regional and international integration.

II. New Progress in the Cause of Socialist Construction

In 2021, facing a severe pandemic situation, the Lao Party convened central meetings to strengthen the Party's centralized and unified leadership. By coordinating pandemic control with economic and social development and overcoming various adverse effects, the country achieved an economic growth rate of 3.5%. Total imports and exports reached $13.514 billion—with exports at $7.627 billion and imports at $5.887 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $1.74 billion. New progress was achieved in the cause of socialist reform.

(1) Convening the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 11th Central Committee to implement the resolutions of the 11th Congress

1. Convening the Second Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee to implement the resolutions of the 11th Congress

The Second Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Lao Party was successfully held in Vientiane from March 1 to 3, 2021, presided over by General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith. The session focused on implementing the resolutions of the 11th Congress and made arrangements for key tasks such as promoting economic and social development. First, it clarified the subjects of responsibility and solidified primary responsibility. Second, it formulated specific plans and implementation schemes for the 11th Congress resolutions, clarifying directions and goals for various tasks. Third, it aimed to improve the Party's leadership capacity and strengthen Party leadership over all work. The session emphasized that since the 11th Congress passed the "9th Five-Year Plan" and action plans, implementation and supervision must both be treated as priorities, which requires enhancing the Party's leadership capacity. Fourth, it promoted the Party's fine traditions, developed intra-Party democracy, enhanced Party unity, and guided implementation work based on reality. Fifth, it clarified the division of responsibilities among the Central Committee, the Political Bureau, the Secretariat of the 11th Central Committee, and government organizations. Thongloun Sisoulith emphasized: "The whole Party must take the spirit of the 11th Congress as a guide, promote the Lao Party’s fine tradition of being good at unity and brave in innovation, unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups, continue to implement the lines and policies formulated by the Party, focus on studying existing problems, and powerfully promote profound changes in all fields of economy and society."

2. Convening the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee to continue deeply advancing socialist reform

The Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the LPRP was successfully convened from October 18 to 22, 2021, in the capital Vientiane, presided over by Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee. The meeting focused on major issues in economic and social construction since the 11th National Congress and emphasized the continued deepening of socialist renovation. First, the session analyzed and summarized the implementation of the resolutions of the 11th National Congress and the "Ninth Five-Year Plan" for Socio-Economic Development during the first nine months of 2021. The Third Plenary Session noted that under the firm leadership of the Party, the Lao economy maintained continuous growth with a GDP growth rate of 2.8%. Regarding future economic development, the focus must remain on resolving a series of issues including exchange rates, inflation, rising prices, debt, taxation, and budget management. Under the unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, the Party must look toward the economic plans for the fourth quarter of 2021 through 2022, resolutely implementing the 11th National Congress resolutions and the national "Ninth Five-Year Plan." Second, it emphasized proactive responses to contradictions and problems affecting socio-economic development. The plenum pointed out the need to prioritize solving major issues concerning the national economy and people’s livelihoods ^[9], such as economic and financial difficulties. It called for strengthening grassroots democratic political construction, implementing comprehensive rural development plans, narrowing the urban-rural and wealth gaps, and upholding social fairness and justice. Focus remains on COVID-19 prevention and control to ensure the safety and health of the masses, while combating drug crimes and actively resolving other contradictions affecting social development. Third, it emphasized strengthening national defense and security to maintain political and social stability. The plenum noted that the current regional and international situation is complex and volatile, with the world facing immense changes and new challenges, including global warming, the pandemic, and political, economic, and military conflicts. These issues challenge world peace, development, security, and stability, affecting Laos both directly and indirectly. Therefore, under LPRP leadership, the nation must fundamentally resist and combat all factors detrimental to development, resolutely safeguard national defense security and political stability, ensure an orderly society, and create a favorable environment for national construction and progress toward socialist goals. Fourth, it emphasized creating a favorable international environment for development to contribute to regional and world peace. The plenum stressed adhering to the principles of independence, self-reliance, friendship, and cooperation in diplomatic work, upholding mutual benefit, promoting common development, non-interference in internal affairs, and maintaining regional and world stability to create favorable conditions for domestic development and bring tangible benefits to the country and the people.

(II) New Progress in the Cause of Socialist Construction

1. Issuing multiple legal regulations to guide the resolution of socio-economic development difficulties and strengthen environmental protection. Preventing budget leakage, resolving financial difficulties, and curbing drug trafficking are the two major focus areas and challenges currently facing Lao socio-economic development, collectively referred to as the "Two National Agendas." To this end, the Lao Party and State have first strengthened the construction of relevant laws and institutions. On July 26, 2021, the Politburo of the LPRP Central Committee issued "Order No. 01 on Strengthening the Leadership of Party Committees at All Levels in Implementing Measures to Solve Financial and Economic Difficulties." On September 16, 2021, the second extraordinary session of the 9th National Assembly issued "Prime Minister’s Order No. 18 on Strengthening the Management and Control of National Budget Revenue Leakage." Second, the state increased efforts to curb and combat drugs. Laos successively promulgated "Order No. 02 on Strengthening the Leadership of Party Committees at All Levels in Curbing and Resolving the Drug Problem" (July 26, 2021), "Resolution No. 04 of the Second Extraordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly on Passing the 2021–2023 National Agenda for Solving the Drug Problem" (August 10, 2021), and "Prime Minister’s Order No. 18 on Organizing the Implementation of the National Agenda for Curbing and Solving the Drug Problem (2021–2023)" (October 4, 2021).

In 2021, Laos highlighted ecological and environmental protection, emphasizing the rational exploitation and utilization of natural resources. Several regulations were promulgated to promote the establishment and improvement of the ecological environmental protection institutional system. These primarily included the government's "Decision No. 8 on Passing the Lists of Prohibited (List I) and Controlled (List II) Wildlife"; the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's "Decision No. 1687 on Pollution Control Management," "Decision No. 1686 on the Management of Chemical Substances under the Montreal Protocol," and "Decision No. 2319 on Professional Environmental Supervision of Various Investment Projects and Activities in the Natural Resources and Environment Sector"; and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce's "Decision No. 0863 on Chemical Labeling" and "Decision No. 0948 on Environmental Impact Risk Rating for Processing Industry Factories." The promulgation of these documents demonstrates that Laos not only values ecological protection but is also perfecting its institutional framework, providing a solid guarantee for the further implementation of green and safe development.

2. Holding activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Constitution to promote socialist rule of law concepts. On August 15, 1991, Laos promulgated its first Constitution. This was a historic event in the political life of the Lao people, marking the start of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic's (LPDR) path toward the rule of law. In late 1995, four years after the implementation of the first Constitution, the 3rd Lao National Assembly designated August 15 as National Constitution Day. The year 2021 coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Constitution, and Laos held a series of celebratory activities. On August 2, 2021, Xaysomphone Phomvihane, Member of the LPRP Politburo and President of the National Assembly, gave a media interview introducing the implementation of the Constitution and laws, calling on people of all ethnic groups and foreign citizens in Laos to abide by the law and actively participate in the building of the Lao people's democratic state.

On August 8, 2021, the Lao National Assembly held a photo exhibition at the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum to celebrate the 30th anniversary of National Constitution Day. On August 13, a grand rally was held. Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the LPRP and President of the State, along with Xaysomphone Phomvihane, participated in the events. Thongloun Sisoulith noted: "The Lao Constitution stipulates the people's right to be masters of their own affairs ^[10], represents the will of the Lao people, and embodies their unified thinking and continuous struggle to realize the determination to defend and build the country. Celebrating the 30th anniversary has special significance." As of December 2021, Laos has promulgated and implemented over 160 laws covering all aspects of society. Today, Laos has fostered a positive atmosphere of "achieving efficient national governance and ensuring social fairness and justice in strict accordance with the guidelines for building a state under the rule of law."

(III) Orderly Promotion of Pandemic Prevention and Control

In 2021, the COVID-19 situation in Laos was more severe than in 2020, increasing the pressure on prevention and control. However, under the centralized and tactical leadership of the Party, work was carried out in an orderly fashion. Total confirmed cases for the year reached 111,060 with 372 deaths, peaking in December (37,322 cases). Facing the raging pandemic and numerous difficulties, the LPRP strengthened its unified leadership and concentrated all forces to launch a "people's war" ^[11] against the epidemic.

1. "Multi-Pronged" Three-Dimensional Prevention First, a series of prevention and control documents were issued. In 2021, as pandemic work underwent significant adjustments, the Party and government issued several important documents. On April 21, the government issued "Prime Minister’s Order No. 15," clarifying pandemic tasks. On November 29, to recover the economy, the National Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control issued "Decision No. 4887 on Opening Green Tourism Zones," proposing to open safe tourism in green areas under secure conditions. On December 7, "Prime Minister’s Decision No. 135 on Appointing the Steering Committee for Tourism Opening Preparations" was issued, defining the lists and responsibilities of the committee and secretariat.

Second, the leadership of the National Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control was adjusted. On April 1, the government issued "Prime Minister’s Decision No. 22," appointing Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune as Chairman and Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith as Vice Chairman.

Third, the use of pandemic prevention software was promoted. On July 5, the Ministry of Technology and Communications and the Ministry of Health jointly held the launch ceremony for the "Lao Su Su" (Lao Stay Strong) app. Based on the LaoKYC system, it includes functions such as iFeel (symptoms), iGo (check-in), Timeline, iVac (vaccination), and iTest. This software is considered an important tool using modern technology to facilitate medical personnel, greatly improving Laos's prevention and control level.

2. Jointly Building a China-Laos Community of Health In 2021, the two parties and countries continued to strengthen cooperation in the fight against the epidemic. In March, following a new outbreak, China—under the leadership of both parties—timely dispatched another medical expert team to Laos for professional training and technical guidance. Together, they formulated a set of plans for "preventing external importation and internal spread" tailored to local conditions. On April 24, at Laos's invitation, the Chinese People's Liberation Army sent a medical team. China also provided medical equipment, protective gear, and both Chinese and Western medicines. Simultaneously, experts held video exchanges on community protection and managing personnel flow. In mid-August, China provided more vaccines, and on October 14, both countries established a "green channel" for supplies and vaccines to restore border trade. By December 2021, China had provided over 6.9 million vaccine doses. Under the firm leadership of the two parties, the two countries assisted each other, vividly illustrating the spirit of a China-Laos community with a shared future. On December 29, the Lao Ministry of Health announced it had also received over 6 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine via COVAX.

III. New Progress in Diplomacy; China-Laos Cooperation Reaches a New Level

In 2021, guided by the principle of "preventive diplomacy," Laos expanded multi-faceted and multi-level exchanges between parties and states, leading to fruitful results.

(I) Opening of the China-Laos Railway; Historic Progress in Building a China-Laos Community with a Shared Future

The year 2021 marked the 60th anniversary of China-Laos diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Laos Friendship. Inter-party exchanges and diplomatic relations achieved several substantive breakthroughs.

First, high-level communication remained close. On January 21, 2021, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of the state, held a phone call with Thongloun Sisoulith. Xi congratulated him on his election as General Secretary of the LPRP. Thongloun expressed his gratitude and highly praised the profound friendship between the two parties, countries, and peoples. During the call, the two leaders officially launched the Year of China-Laos Friendship. On February 8, Thongloun sent a letter of thanks for China's pandemic support. On March 23, Xi congratulated Thongloun on his election as President of the State, and Premier Li Keqiang congratulated Phankham Viphavanh on his election as Prime Minister. On April 25, the top leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. On December 29, the two parties held the 9th Theoretical Symposium via video link, themed "Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the CPC and LPRP in Leading Their Respective Countries to Explore the Construction of Socialism."

Second, the opening of the China-Laos Railway marks a new stage in cooperative relations. On December 3, 2021, Xi Jinping held a virtual meeting with Thongloun Sisoulith and witnessed the opening of the China-Laos Railway. The China-Laos Railway is the first overseas railway directly connected to China's national railway network under the Belt and Road Initiative, and it is also the first standard-gauge railway in Laos. Starting in Kunming, China, the railway passes through the Mohan border crossing and the Boten border crossing in Laos, ending in Vientiane. With a total length of 1,035 kilometers, it was primarily invested in and constructed by the Chinese side, utilizes Chinese standards throughout, and is operated through China-Laos cooperation. The China-Laos Railway is a flagship project of the Action Plan on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind between China and Laos signed by the two parties in April 2019. Since the signing of this plan, construction has advanced on major projects such as the China-Laos Railway, the China-Laos Expressway, the Kunming–Bangkok Highway ^[12], the China-Laos Economic Corridor, the Saysettha Comprehensive Development Zone, and the Boten Specific Economic Zone. This fruitful cooperation has become a model for Belt and Road cooperation and a paragon of successful cooperation between the world's socialist states.

Beyond this, several areas of pragmatic cooperation between China and Laos have achieved breakthrough progress. For example, on February 5, 2021, both sides jointly inaugurated the new office building of the China Cultural Center in Laos; on March 30, the first phase of the "Eight Major Assistance Projects for Laos" officially commenced. This project covers 30 villages in Vientiane and Luang Prabang provinces, focusing on constructing rural water supply systems, rural health clinics, electricity and lighting, and the installation of digital television.

(2) Consolidating the "Great Friendship, Special Solidarity, and Comprehensive Cooperative Relationship" with Vietnam

The year 2021 marked the 81st anniversary of the establishment of ties between the Lao and Vietnamese parties, the 59th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the 44th anniversary of the signing of the Lao-Vietnamese Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. The two parties and countries held numerous activities to elevate their bilateral relationship. From June 28 to 29, 2021, Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of the State, along with his wife, paid an official visit to Vietnam. The two sides issued a joint statement, and Thongloun Sisoulith witnessed the signing of various cooperation agreements with Nguyễn Phú Trọng, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee. From August 9 to 10, 2021, Vietnamese President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and his wife paid an official friendly visit to Laos. Laos was the first country Phúc visited after taking office; both sides believed this fully reflected the importance the two parties and countries place on maintaining and developing their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperative relationship.

On December 16, 2021, the Lao and Vietnamese parties held their eighth theoretical symposium via video link under the theme "New Theoretical and Practical Issues in the Documents of the 13th National Congress of the CPV and the 11th National Congress of the LPRP." Nguyễn Xuân Thắng—Member of the CPV Political Bureau, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics—and Khamphan Phayaphon—Member of the LPRP Central Committee Secretariat, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and Head of the Central Propaganda and Training Board—delivered respective speeches. Delegates from Laos and Vietnam engaged in in-depth discussions on theoretical and practical issues in the congress documents concerning Party and state building, the construction of a socialist-oriented market economy, culture, society, and comprehensive human development, as well as national defense, security, and diplomacy. During the symposium, the two sides signed a cooperation agreement between the Central Theoretical Councils of Laos and Vietnam for 2022–2026.

In 2021, economic and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam achieved significant results. Vietnam became one of the top three investors in Laos, with a total investment of 4.4 billion USD and 413 approved projects, contributing to Laos's socio-economic development and the improvement of local living standards. On March 20, 2021, the new National Assembly Building project, aided by Vietnam, passed inspection and was handed over to Laos. In 2021, Vietnam provided 1,000 short-term and long-term training scholarships to Laos; there were 16,664 Lao students studying in Vietnam and 300 Vietnamese students studying in Laos.

(3) Strengthening Exchanges and Cooperation with Other Countries and Playing a Role in Regional and International Platforms

On July 29, 2021, Laos established diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic, bringing the number of countries with which it has diplomatic ties to 146. From November 29 to 30, 2021, Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh paid an official visit to Cambodia at the invitation of Cambodian Prime Minister and President of the Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen, further consolidating Lao-Cambodian friendly cooperation. While carrying out bilateral cooperation, Laos played an active role on regional and international platforms. This primarily included participating in the ACMECS ^[13] Summit on April 1, the Boao Forum for Asia on April 20, the Special Foreign Ministers' Meeting to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations and the 6th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation ^[14] Foreign Ministers' Meeting on June 7–8, the 2nd Mekong-U.S. Partnership Foreign Ministers' Meeting on August 3, the 7th Mekong River Commission Leaders' Summit on September 9, the 18th China-ASEAN Expo on September 10, the Meeting of the Heads of State of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia on September 26, and the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits on October 26.

On November 22, 2021, Thongloun Sisoulith attended the Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. From November 25 to 26, Phankham Viphavanh attended the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and witnessed the adoption of documents such as the Chair's Statement, the Phnom Penh Declaration on the Post-COVID-19 Socio-Economic Recovery, and the ASEM Way Forward on Connectivity. Laos's active participation in multilateral and bilateral cooperation achieved several successes, creating a favorable external environment for renovation and development in the New Era.

IV. Summary and Outlook

In 2021, the 11th National Congress of the LPRP galvanized immense strength to carry forward the cause, forge ahead in unity, and break new ground. Against the backdrop of the pandemic, the LPRP exercised its role as the core of leadership, leveraged the advantages of the socialist system, and promoted new progress in Lao socialist theory and practice. In particular, the completion and opening of the China-Laos Railway will have a massive promotional effect on Lao socio-economic development. This is a landmark project that seamlessly aligns the Belt and Road Initiative with the Lao strategy to transform from a "land-locked" to a "land-linked" country. It ended the history of Laos having only 3.5 kilometers of railway and has become a "road of the people's hearts" leading the Lao people toward happiness. The strengthening of cooperation between Marxist parties and between socialist states is the prevailing trend of the world. The China-Laos Railway connects the peoples of two socialist countries and strengthens and consolidates the unity between socialist states, serving as a masterpiece of cooperation between the two parties. The successful experience and great practical achievements of the China-Laos Railway cooperation will inevitably enrich the connotation of successful cooperation between socialist states and set a brilliant example for cooperation among socialist countries worldwide.

Looking forward to 2022, guided by the spirit of the 11th National Congress and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 11th Central Committee, Laos will—under the strong leadership of the LPRP—grasp the international situation, base itself on national realities, continue along the line of comprehensive renovation, further explore a development path suited to its own conditions, and vigorously advance the cause of socialist modernization.

First, deeply promote the indigenization of Marxism-Leninism in Laos. In accordance with the overall deployment of the 11th National Congress and the spirit of the Central Conference on Ideological and Propaganda Work, and guided by the work objectives of "Kaysone Phomvihane Thought Research" (2022–2024), Laos will continue to promote the indigenization of Marxism-Leninism, strengthen ideological and theoretical arming, and consolidate the guiding position of Marxism-Leninism and Kaysone Phomvihane Thought ^[15] in the ideological sphere. It will resist the "peaceful evolution" ^[16] of hostile forces, deepen the understanding of the essence of socialism, and resolutely curb internal "self-evolution."

Second, comprehensively strengthen the Party's self-building. Continuing to use Party building as the guide, Laos will further strengthen the building of the Party's comprehensive leadership capacity, its advanced nature, and its purity. It will improve the system of intra-Party democracy, renovate the building of the cadre ranks, and maintain the Party's strength and stability politically, ideologically, and organizationally, thereby consolidating the Party's long-term governing status. This will lay the political foundation for leading the people of all ethnic groups in Laos toward the higher goals of socialist development.

Third, persist in the principled line of comprehensive renovation and continuously improve the socialist-oriented market economy system. Aiming for the strategic goals of the "9th Five-Year Plan," Laos will leverage its potential and advantages to accelerate green, coordinated, sustainable, high-quality, and independent development. It aims to achieve an average annual economic growth of over 4%, with per capita GDP reaching 2,887 USD, expand the path of industrialization and modernization, and strive to eliminate poverty and improve people's livelihoods.

Fourth, accelerate the construction of a socialist state under the rule of law and promote the modernization of the social governance system and governance capacity. Laos will further implement the strategy for building a socialist state under the rule of law proposed at the 11th National Congress, realize the people's right to be masters of the country, safeguard the interests of the masses, improve government systems and mechanisms, increase government efficiency, and leverage the advantages of mass organizations and the Lao Front for National Construction ^[17] in maintaining broad connections with the people. It will advance the modernization of the social governance system and governance capacity to build a democratic, equal, just, and harmonious society.

Fifth, actively integrate into the processes of regional and international integration. Laos will continue to adhere to a foreign policy line of peace, independence, friendship, and development cooperation. It will actively integrate into regional and international integration, strengthen inter-party exchanges, carry out external exchanges and cooperation, respond to China's Belt and Road Initiative, build the China-Laos Economic Corridor, and promote the construction of a China-Laos community with a shared future to achieve full results, thereby contributing to the maintenance of regional and world peace, stability, cooperation, and development.