Laos: Convening the 11th National Congress of the Party, New Progress in the Socialist Renovation Cause

The year 2021 was an extraordinary one for Laos. In that year, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (hereinafter referred to as the Lao Party) successfully convened its 11th National Congress and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 11th Central Committee, making new arrangements for Laos's socialist renovation development over the next five years and emphasizing the deepening of the socialist renovation cause. In that year, under the new epidemic situation, the Lao Party strengthened the Party's centralized and unified leadership, coordinated epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development, and promoted new progress in the socialist renovation cause. In that year, Laos grandly celebrated the 46th anniversary of the founding of the nation; coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-Laos diplomatic relations, the China-Laos Railway was completed and opened to traffic, marking historic progress in the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future, and its successful experience set a model for deepening cooperation among the world's socialist countries. Looking ahead to 2022, Laos will be guided by the spirit of the Party's 11th National Congress, based on its own national conditions, continue to adhere to the principled comprehensive renovation line, and accelerate the pace of socialist modernization.

2021年对老挝来说是极不平凡的一年。这一年，老挝人民革命党（以下简称“老挝党”）胜利召开了十一大和十一届二中、三中全会，对老挝未来五年社会主义革新发展作出新部署，强调深入推进社会主义革新事业。这一年，在新的疫情形势下，老挝党加强党的集中统一领导，统筹疫情防控和经济社会发展，推动社会主义革新事业取得新进展。这一年，老挝隆重庆祝建国46周年；适逢中老建交60周年，中老铁路建成通车，标志着中老命运共同体建设取得历史性进展，其成功经验为世界社会主义国家间深化合作树立了典范。展望2022年，老挝将以党的十一大精神为指引，立足本国实际，继续坚持有原则的全面革新路线，加快社会主义现代化步伐。

I. Convening the 11th National Congress of the Party, Making Arrangements for Socialist Renovation in the Next Five Years

一、召开党的十一大，对未来五年社会主义革新作出部署

The 11th National Congress of the Lao Party was successfully held in the capital Vientiane from January 13 to 15, 2021, and achieved a series of major outcomes. The 11th National Congress was a victorious congress of milestone significance in the history of the Lao Party, summarizing past achievements and experiences, outlining the blueprint for the future development of the Party, the state, and the people's cause, and the reviewed and approved "Ninth Five-Year Plan" and the National Five-Year Budget Plan (2021–2025) clarified the goals and tasks for economic and social development over the next five years.

老挝党十一大于2021年1月13日至15日在首都万象胜利召开，大会取得一系列重大成果。十一大是老挝党历史上一次具有里程碑意义的胜利的大会，总结过去的成就和经验，描绘了未来党、国家和人民事业发展蓝图，审议通过的“九五”规划和国家五年预算规划（2021～2025年）明确了未来五年经济社会发展的目标和任务。

(I) Reviewing the Achievements of the Past Five Years

（一）回顾五年来的成就

In his summary report, General Secretary of the Lao Party Central Committee Thongloun Sisoulith pointed out that over the past five years, under the strong leadership of the Party, leveraging the advantages of the socialist system, Laos had striven hard, overcome all difficulties and challenges, and achieved major historic accomplishments.

老挝党中央总书记通伦·西苏里在总结报告中指出，五年来，老挝在党的坚强领导下，发挥社会主义制度优势，奋力拼搏，战胜了一切困难和挑战，取得了重大的历史性成就。

First, the economy maintained steady development. Despite the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laos still achieved an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.8%, with a GDP growth rate of 3.3% in 2020, a per capita GDP reaching 2,664 USD, and total import and export volume reaching 52.976 billion USD. The macroeconomic operation was sound, with a significant decline in the inflation rate. Social investment gradually increased, major projects such as the China-Laos Railway, the Vientiane-Vang Vieng Expressway, and special economic zones progressed smoothly, regional and urban-rural disparities narrowed, breakthroughs were made in poverty reduction, the number of people living in poverty decreased, and the people's living standards improved.

一是经济保持稳步发展。尽管受到新冠肺炎疫情的不利影响，老仍然保持了GDP年均5.8%的增长率，其中2020年GDP取得了3.3%的增长率，老挝人均GDP达到2664美元，进出口总额达到529.76亿美元。宏观经济运行良好，通货膨胀率有较大下降。社会投资逐步加大，中老铁路、万万高速公路、经济特区等大项目进展顺利，区域与城乡差距减小，减贫工作有突破，贫困人口数量下降，群众生活水平提高。

Second, significant results were achieved in people's livelihood construction. Taking the implementation of the UN Millennium Development Goals as the overall focus, education was vigorously developed, the system of universities, primary and secondary schools, and preschool education was gradually perfected, and people of all ethnic groups in urban and rural areas enjoyed equal educational opportunities; the construction of cultural villages and cultural family projects was actively promoted, and public cultural construction benefited more people; health and medical undertakings were consistently strengthened, basically achieving the popularization of medical and health services, and the capacity for prevention, treatment, and assistance of infectious diseases and major diseases was continuously improved; high-quality labor forces were cultivated, and employment channels were expanded; the level of social assistance was continuously raised, with social security coverage reaching 94%; food safety was guaranteed; ecological and environmental protection was effectively carried out, achieving green, healthy, and sustainable development.

二是民生建设成效明显。以落实联合国千年发展目标为总抓手，大力发展教育，大中小学及学前教育体系逐步完备，城乡各族群众享受到公平的教育机会；积极推动文化村和文化家庭工程建设，公共文化建设惠及更多群众；持续抓实卫生健康事业，基本实现了医疗卫生服务大众化，传染病及重大疾病防治和援助能力不断提高；培养高素质的劳动力，扩大就业渠道；不断提高社会救助水平，社会保障覆盖率达到94%；食品安全得到保证；保护生态环境有力，实现绿色健康可持续发展。

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

三是国家政治稳定，人民民主制度建设进一步加强。充分保障人民群众的各项政治权利，营造了社会团结进步的良好氛围。以人民群众生命安全和身体健康为出发点和落脚点的抗疫斗争取得阶段性胜利。

Fourth, the national defense and security line was forcefully implemented, education on political awareness and sense of responsibility was strengthened, and the comprehensive quality and service capacity of the national defense and security forces were significantly improved. Patriotic education, socialist education, and ideological and political education activities were carried out, curbing the infiltration and sabotage of all hostile forces, and the work of defending and building the country was increasingly strengthened.

四是强力落实国防治安路线，加强政治意识和责任意识教育，使国防治安队伍综合素质和服务能力显著提高。开展爱国主义教育、社会主义教育、思想政治教育活动，遏制了一切敌对势力的渗透和破坏，保卫国家、建设国家工作日益加强。

Fifth, the role of mass organizations was prominent. Mass organizations actively participated in social governance, poverty alleviation, epidemic prevention and control, connecting with the masses, mobilizing overseas patriotic compatriots, and other social construction work, promoting ethnic unity, religious harmony, and social harmony.

五是群团组织作用显著。群团组织积极参与社会治理、扶贫、疫情防控、联系群众、动员海外爱国侨胞等社会建设工作，促进了民族团结、宗教和顺、社会和谐。

Sixth, new achievements were made in diplomatic work, contributing to maintaining regional and world peace. Exchanges and cooperation with more countries were strengthened, friendly cooperation with fraternal socialist countries became closer, and active participation in international affairs and playing a role were undertaken.

六是外交工作取得新成绩，为维护地区和世界和平作出贡献。加强和更多的国家交流与合作，与社会主义兄弟国家的友好合作更加密切，积极参与国际事务并发挥作用。

Seventh, the Party's self-construction was continuously strengthened. The Party's theoretical construction, ideological construction, organizational construction, work style construction, institutional construction, and discipline construction were advanced as a whole, and political awareness and overall situation awareness were enhanced; the Party's leadership capacity and leadership quality were further improved; the construction of the cadre contingent was further strengthened.

七是党的自身建设不断加强。党的理论建设、思想建设、组织建设、作风建设、制度建设、纪律建设整体推进，政治意识和大局意识增强；党的领导能力和领导质量进一步提高；干部队伍建设进一步加强。

(II) Summarizing the Experience of Renovation

（二）总结革新经验

The 11th National Congress of the Lao Party pointed out: "Socialist renovation and development is in essence the construction and improvement of the people's democratic system, strengthening politics, economy, culture, people's livelihood, ecology, science and technology, talent, national defense and security, diplomacy, and Party building. Since the 10th National Congress, under the Party's centralized and unified leadership, we have formed many valuable experiences from practice, which are worth learning from." The congress report summarized four experiences that renovation must adhere to.

老挝党十一大指出：“社会主义革新发展在本质上就是建设和完善人民民主制度，加强政治、经济、文化、民生、生态、科技、人才、国防治安、外交和党的建设。十大以来，在党的集中统一领导下，我们从实践中形成了许多宝贵经验，值得借鉴。”大会报告总结出革新必须坚持的四条经验。

First, strengthen the Party's self-construction with forceful measures, and continuously improve the Party's leadership capacity and level. On the one hand, it is necessary to ensure the correctness of the major decisions and goals and tasks made by the Party, making them conform to reality and be feasible; on the other hand, it is necessary to strengthen organizational coordination, make overall arrangements for personnel, improve leadership style, strengthen discipline management, and ensure that all work achieves good results.

一是以有力的举措加强党的自身建设，不断提高党的领导能力和水平。一方面，要确保党作出的重大决策和制定的目标任务的正确性，使其符合实际，切实可行；另一方面，要强化组织协调，统筹做好人事安排，改善领导作风，强化纪律管理，保证各项工作取得良好成效。

Second, focus on developing advantageous industries and characteristic economies, and enhance the capacity for independent development. In developing the national economy, focus on strengthening the construction of basic production and large-scale service enterprises, and on the basis of grasping the internal relationship between the two, develop advantageous industries, expand characteristic brands, continuously enhance the capacity of rural people and enterprises for independent development, broaden channels for independent employment, gradually eliminate imbalances in economic and social development, and enable people of all ethnic groups to live a good life.

二是注重发展优势产业和特色经济，增强自主发展的能力。在发展国民经济上，重点加强基础生产与大型服务业企业建设，并在把握好两者内在关系的基础上，发展优势行业，拓展特色品牌，不断增强农村群众及企业自主发展的能力，拓宽自主就业渠道，逐步消除经济社会发展不平衡现象，让各族群众能够过上美好的生活。

Third, effectively develop human resources. On the one hand, according to the actual needs of society, orderly cultivate young people to become the main body of economic and social development; on the other hand, protect the basic rights of citizens and safeguard their interests. At the same time, improve the people's democratic system, strengthen the construction of cultural-ethical progress, and create a favorable social atmosphere for the healthy development of human resources.

三是有效开发人力资源。一方面，要根据社会的实际需要，有序地把青少年培养成为经济社会发展的主体；另一方面，要保护公民的基本权利，维护好他们的利益。同时，要完善人民民主制度，加强精神文明建设，营造人力资源健康发展的良好社会氛围。

Fourth, strictly implement the Party's policies and decisions, and coordinately promote all practical work. When implementing the Party's major policies, decisions, resolutions, and orders, as well as the major plans and projects of governments at all levels and various departments, it is necessary not only to strictly implement the Party's policies and decisions, but also to enhance the sense of responsibility, actively play the leading and commanding role of departments at all levels, ensure that all work can be promoted in coordination, so that it continues to develop healthily according to the established policies and advances towards the set goals.

四是严格执行党的方针决策，协同推进各项实际工作。在贯彻落实党的重大方针决策、决议命令和各级政府、各个部门的重大规划和项目时，既要严格执行党的方针，执行党的决策，又必须增强责任意识，积极发挥各级部门领导指挥作用，确保各项工作能够协同推动，使其按照既定方针持续健康开展，向既定目标迈进。

(III) Making New Arrangements for the Country's Economic and Social Development in the Next Five Years

（三）作出未来五年国家经济社会发展新部署

Based on domestic realities, the 11th National Congress of the Lao Party made overall arrangements for the country's economic and social development in the next five years.

老挝党十一大立足国内实际，对未来五年国家经济社会发展作出了总体性部署。

First, clarify the renovation goals. "Continue to promote sustained, healthy, and high-quality development of the national economy, achieving an average annual economic growth of over 4% in the next five years, and reaching a per capita annual income of 2,887 USD by 2025." Implement human resource training projects to cultivate composite human resources with technical skills and innovation ability; based on grasping economic construction, promote great cultural development and prosperity, and effectively improve the material and spiritual living standards of all the people; implement ecological and environmental protection projects to protect natural resources and actively respond to natural disaster risks; further strengthen infrastructure construction and deepen connectivity with neighboring countries; accelerate the construction of a law-based state, improve the institutional system, promote the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity, and build a fair, just, civilized, and harmonious modern country; highlight the country's geographical advantages, actively integrate into the regional and international community, and deepen bilateral and multilateral exchanges and cooperation.

首先，明确革新目标。“继续推动国民经济持续、健康、高质量发展，未来五年实现经济年均增长4%以上，到2025年人均年收入达到2887美元。”实施人力资源培养工程，培养懂技术、能创新的复合型人力资源；以抓紧经济建设为基础，推动文化大发展、大繁荣，切实提高全体人民物质生活和精神生活水平；实施生态环境保护工程，保护自然资源，积极应对自然灾害风险；进一步加强基础设施建设，深化与周边国家的互联互通；加快法治国家建设，完善制度体系，推动国家治理体系和国家治理能力现代化，建设公平、正义、文明与和谐的现代化国家；突出国家区位优势，主动融入地区与国际社会，深化双边和多边交流与合作。

Secondly, key tasks for renewal and development were deployed. First, mobilize the enthusiasm and creativity of the broad masses, establish a consciousness of autonomous development, and strive to fundamentally eliminate poverty. Second, transform the ideological concepts of cadres and the masses, reform institutions and mechanisms, eliminate negative and corrupt phenomena, strengthen government management functions, and effectively enhance the ability and capacity to develop the economy. Third, vigorously implement scientific and technological innovation, strengthen endogenous development momentum, cultivate knowledge-based talent, and promote the spirit of innovation and the spirit of dedication. Fourth, safeguard national sovereignty and security, contribute to maintaining regional and world peace and stability, and participate in global COVID-19 prevention and control and climate change response actions. Sixth, cultivate a healthy lifestyle and actively overcome the impact of infectious diseases, natural disasters, etc., on economic and social development.

其次，部署革新发展重点任务。一是调动广大群众的积极性和创造性，树立自主发展意识，努力从根本上消除贫困。二是转变干部群众的思想观念，革新体制机制，消除消极腐败现象，强化政府管理职能，切实增强发展经济的本领和能力。三是大力实施科技创新，增强发展内生动力，培养知识型人才，弘扬创新精神和奉献精神。四是维护国家主权安全，为维护地区和世界和平稳定作出贡献，参与全球新冠肺炎疫情防控和应对气候变化行动。六是培养健康的生活方式，积极克服传染性疾病、自然灾害等对经济社会发展的影响。

Finally, eight policy measures for renewal and development were pointed out. First, under the socialist-oriented market economy system, strengthen state-owned enterprises, develop a distinctive economy, take the path of industrialization and modernization, and implement the policy of autonomous, green, sustainable, and high-quality development. Second, strengthen cultural construction, promote the fine traditions of the nation, improve the quality of the population, enhance ethnic unity, and build a democratic, equal, fair, and just modern civilized society. Third, reform institutions and mechanisms, and build a clean, efficient, and law-based service-oriented government. Fourth, continue to promote the "Three Constructions" work, building the province as a strategic unit, the county as a comprehensive and strong unit, and the village as a development unit. [2]2 The "Three Constructions" (三建设) refers to a Lao Party policy framework for administrative and developmental restructuring at the provincial, county, and village levels. Fifth, implement the established national defense and security line to maintain national and social stability. Sixth, strengthen the Party's self-construction, uphold and consolidate the Party's leadership, strengthen theoretical arming, raise the level of Marxism-Leninism among Party cadres, promote the localization of Marxism-Leninism, and apply and develop the Kaysone Phomvihane Thought. [3]3 Kaysone Phomvihane (1920–1992) was the founder and long-time leader of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and his thought is treated as a localized development of Marxism-Leninism in Laos. Seventh, strengthen the construction of the cadre contingent, adhere to the principle of the Party managing cadres, improve the overall quality of the cadre contingent, and strengthen cadres' responsibility and mission commitment. Eighth, develop foreign relations with an active and proactive posture, adhere to mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, conduct inter-party exchanges, and actively integrate into the process of regional and international integration.

最后，指出革新发展的八项政策措施。一是在社会主义定向市场经济体制下，壮大国有企业，发展特色经济，走工业化、现代化发展道路，贯彻落实自主、绿色、可持续、高质量发展方针。二是加强文化建设，弘扬民族优良传统，提高人口素质，增强民族团结，建设民主、平等、公平、公正的现代文明社会。三是革新体制机制，建设廉洁、高效、依法的服务型政府。四是继续推动“三建设”工作，把省建设为战略单位，把县建设为全面坚强单位，把村建设为发展单位。五是落实既定的国防治安路线，维护国家和社会稳定。六是加强党的自身建设，坚持和巩固党的领导，强化理论武装，提高党员干部马克思列宁主义水平，推动马克思列宁主义本土化，运用和发展凯山·丰威汉思想。七是加强干部队伍建设，坚持党管干部的原则，提高干部队伍的整体素质，强化干部责任和使命担当。八是以积极主动的姿态发展对外关系，坚持互利共赢，开展党际交流，主动融入地区和国际一体化发展进程。

II. New Progress in the Socialist Construction Cause

二、社会主义建设事业取得新进展

In 2021, facing the severe epidemic situation, the Lao Party held a Central Committee meeting, strengthened the Party's centralized and unified leadership, coordinated epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development, overcame various adverse effects, and achieved an economic growth rate of 3.5%; realized a total import and export volume of 13.514 billion US dollars, of which exports were 7.627 billion US dollars, imports were 5.887 billion US dollars, and the trade surplus was 1.74 billion US dollars. New progress was made in the socialist renewal cause.

2021年，面对严峻的疫情形势，老挝党召开中央会议，加强党的集中统一领导，统筹疫情防控和经济社会发展，克服各种不利影响，取得了3.5%的经济增速；实现进出口总额135.14亿美元，其中出口额76.27亿美元，进口额58.87亿美元，贸易顺差额17.4亿美元，社会主义革新事业取得新进展。

(I) Convening the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 11th Central Committee of the Party, Implementing the Resolutions of the 11th National Congress

（一）召开党的十一届二中、三中全会，贯彻落实十一大决议

1. Convening the Second Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Party, Implementing the Resolutions of the 11th National Congress

1.召开党的十一届二中全会，贯彻落实十一大决议

The Second Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Lao Party was successfully held in the capital, Vientiane, from March 1 to 3, 2021, chaired by General Secretary of the Lao Party Central Committee, Thongloun Sisoulith. The Second Plenary Session focused on implementing the resolutions of the 11th National Congress and made arrangements for key tasks such as promoting economic and social development. First, clarify the responsible subjects and consolidate the main responsibility. Second, formulate specific plans and implementation plans for implementing the resolutions of the 11th National Congress, and clarify the direction and objectives of various tasks. Third, improve the Party's leadership capacity and strengthen the Party's leadership over various tasks. The Second Plenary Session emphasized that the 11th National Congress adopted the "Ninth Five-Year Plan" for economic and social development and the work action plan for the next five years, requiring that implementation and supervision and promotion be made one of the key tasks simultaneously. This necessitates improving the Party's leadership capacity and strengthening the Party's leadership over the major work of implementing the resolutions of the 11th National Congress. Fourth, carry forward the Party's fine traditions, promote intra-Party democracy, enhance Party unity, and guide the implementation of various tasks in light of actual conditions. Fifth, clarify the division of responsibilities and duties among the Central Committee, the Political Bureau, the Secretariat of the 11th Central Committee, and government organizational structures. Thongloun Sisoulith emphasized: "The entire Party must take the spirit of the 11th National Congress as guidance, carry forward the fine tradition of the Lao Party in being good at unity and daring to innovate, unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups, continue to implement the various lines, principles, and policies formulated by the Party, pay attention to studying existing problems, and vigorously promote profound changes in various fields of the economy and society."

老挝党十一届二中全会于2021年3月1日至3日在首都万象胜利召开，老挝党中央总书记通伦·西苏里主持会议。十一届二中全会围绕贯彻落实十一大决议，对推动经济社会发展等重点工作作出安排。一是明确责任主体，抓实主体责任。二是制定贯彻落实十一大决议的具体计划和实施方案，明确各项工作的方向目标。三是提高党的领导能力，加强党对各项工作的领导。十一届二中全会强调，十一大通过了未来五年经济社会发展“九五”规划和工作行动计划，要求把贯彻落实和监督促进同时作为重点工作之一，这就必须提高党的领导能力，加强党对贯彻落实十一大决议重大工作的领导。四是发扬党的优良传统，发扬党内民主，增强党的团结，结合实际指导贯彻落实各项工作。五是明确中央委员会、中央政治局、第十一届中央书记处和政府组织机构的职责分工。通伦·西苏里强调：“全党必须以十一大精神为指引，发扬老挝党善于团结、勇于创新的优良传统，团结带领各族人民，继续贯彻落实党制定的各项路线方针政策，注重研究存在的问题，有力推进经济社会各领域的深刻变革。”

2. Convening the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Party, Continuing to Deeply Advance Socialist Renewal

2.召开党的十一届三中全会，继续深入推进社会主义革新

The Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Lao Party was successfully held in the capital, Vientiane, from October 18 to 22, 2021, chaired by General Secretary of the Lao Party Central Committee, Thongloun Sisoulith. The meeting focused on studying major issues in economic and social construction since the 11th National Congress and emphasized continuing to deeply advance socialist renewal. First, it analyzed and summarized the implementation of the resolutions of the 11th National Congress and the "Ninth Five-Year Plan" for economic and social development in the first nine months of 2021. The Third Plenary Session pointed out that in the first nine months of 2021, under the strong leadership of the Party, the Lao economy maintained sustained growth, with a GDP growth rate of 2.8%. In future economic development, it is necessary to focus on solving a series of problems such as exchange rates, inflation, rising prices, debt, taxation, and budget management; under the unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, focus on the economic plan from the fourth quarter of 2021 to 2022, resolutely implement the resolutions of the 11th National Congress and the national "Ninth Five-Year Plan." Second, it emphasized actively responding to and resolving contradictions and problems affecting economic and social development. The Third Plenary Session pointed out that it is necessary to prominently solve major issues related to the national economy and people's livelihood, such as economic difficulties and financial difficulties; strengthen grassroots democratic political construction, implement comprehensive rural development plans, narrow the urban-rural gap and the gap between rich and poor, and maintain social fairness and justice; focus on COVID-19 prevention and control, protect people's lives and health, combat drug crimes, and actively resolve other contradictions and problems affecting social development. Third, it emphasized strengthening national defense and security to maintain political and social stability. The Third Plenary Session pointed out that the current regional and international situation is complex and volatile, and the world is facing many enormous changes and new challenges. Global warming, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political, economic, and military conflicts have impacted countries around the world. These problems have posed challenges to world peace, development, security, and stability, and have also directly and indirectly affected Laos. Therefore, under the leadership of the Lao Party, it is necessary to fundamentally resist and combat all factors unfavorable to development, resolutely safeguard national defense security and political stability, ensure social security and order, and create a favorable environment conducive to national construction and the goal of advancing toward socialism. Fourth, it emphasized creating a favorable international environment conducive to development and contributing to maintaining regional and world peace. The Third Plenary Session emphasized adhering to the policy of independence, autonomy, friendship, and cooperation in conducting foreign affairs, adhering to the principle of mutual benefit and reciprocity, promoting common development, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, maintaining regional and world peace and stability, creating favorable conditions for domestic development, and bringing tangible benefits to the country and the people.

老挝党十一届三中全会于2021年10月18日至22日在首都万象胜利召开，老挝党中央总书记通伦·西苏里主持了会议。会议重点研究了十一大以来经济社会建设方面的重大问题，强调继续深入推进社会主义革新。一是分析总结了2021年前9个月十一大决议和经济社会发展“九五”规划执行情况。三中全会指出，2021年前9个月，在党的坚强领导下老挝经济保持了持续增长，GDP增长率达2.8%。今后在经济发展上，要重点解决汇率、通货膨胀、物价上涨、债务、税收、预算管理等一系列问题；要在党中央的统一领导下，着眼于2021年第四季度到2022年度的经济计划，坚决贯彻执行十一大决议和国家“九五”规划。二是强调要积极应对和解决关系经济社会发展的矛盾和问题。十一届三中全会指出，突出解决经济困难、金融困难等关系国计民生的重大问题；加强基层民主政治建设，实施综合的农村发展计划，缩小城乡差距、贫富差距，维护社会公平正义；着眼于新冠肺炎疫情防控，保障人民群众生命安全和身体健康，打击毒品犯罪，积极解决其他影响社会发展的矛盾和问题。三是强调要加强国防治安，维护政治社会稳定。十一届三中全会指出，当前地区和国际形势复杂多变，世界正面临诸多巨大的变化和新的挑战，全球变暖、新冠肺炎疫情以及政治、经济和军事冲突等对世界各国造成了影响。这些问题已对世界和平发展与安全稳定构成挑战，也直接和间接地影响到老挝，因此要在老挝党的领导下，从根本上抵制和打击一切不利于发展的因素，坚决维护国防安全、政治稳定，保障社会安全有序，营造有利于国家建设和迈向社会主义目标的良好环境。四是强调营造有利于发展的良好国际环境，为维护地区和世界和平作贡献。十一届三中全会强调，要坚持以独立、自主、友好、合作的方针开展对外交工作，坚持互利互惠原则，促进共同发展，互不干涉内政，维护地区和世界和平稳定，为国内发展创造有利的条件，为国家和人民带来实实在在的利益。

(II) New Progress in the Socialist Construction Cause

（二）社会主义建设事业取得新进展

1. Promulgating Multiple Laws and Regulations to Guide the Resolution of Economic and Social Development Difficulties and Strengthen Environmental Protection

1.出台多项法律规定，指导解决经济社会发展难题，加强环境保护

Preventing budget losses, resolving financial difficulties, and curbing and combating drug trafficking are two major key and difficult issues currently facing Laos's economic and social development, also known as the "Two National Agendas." [4]4 The "Two National Agendas" (两大国家议程) is a Lao Party term designating the twin priorities of resolving fiscal deficits and combating drug trafficking as national-level strategic tasks. To this end, the Lao Party and state, first, strengthened the construction of relevant laws and regulations. On July 26, 2021, the Political Bureau of the Lao Party Central Committee promulgated "Order No. 01 on Strengthening Leadership of Party Committees at All Levels in Implementing Measures to Resolve Financial and Economic Difficulties"; on September 16, 2021, the Second Special Session of the 9th National Assembly issued "Prime Ministerial Decree No. 18 on Strengthening Control over National Budget Revenue Losses." Second, they intensified efforts to curb and combat drugs. Laos successively promulgated "Order No. 02 on Strengthening Leadership of Party Committees at All Levels in Curbing and Resolving the Drug Problem" (July 26, 2021), "Resolution No. 04 of the Second Special Session of the 9th National Assembly on Adopting the Resolution to Solve the Drug Problem for 2021-2023" (August 10, 2021), "Prime Ministerial Decree No. 18 on Organizing the Implementation of the National Agenda to Curb and Resolve the Drug Problem (2021-2023)" (October 4, 2021), etc.

防止预算流失、解决财政困难，遏制和打击毒品交易，是当前老挝经济社会发展面临的两大重点、难点问题，也称“两大国家议程”。为此，老挝党和国家一是加强相关法规制度建设。2021年7月26日，老挝党中央政治局颁布了《关于在贯彻落实解决财经困难措施中加强各级党委领导的第01号命令》；2021年9月16日，九届国会二次特别会议发布了《关于加强国家预算收入流失管控的第18号总理令》。二是加大遏制和反毒品的力度。老挝先后颁布了《关于在遏制和解决毒品问题中加强各级党委领导的第02号命令》（2021年7月26日）、《九届国会二次特别会议关于通过2021～2023年解决毒品问题的第04号决议》（2021年8月10日）、《关于组织落实遏制和解决毒品问题的国家议程（2021～2023）的第18号总理令》（2021年10月4日）等。

In 2021, Laos highlighted ecological and environmental protection, focused on the rational development and utilization of natural resources, and promulgated multiple regulations to promote the establishment and improvement of the ecological and environmental protection institutional system. These mainly included the government’s “Decision No. 8 on the Adoption of a List of Prohibited (List One) and Controlled (List Two) Wildlife Species”; the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s “Decision No. 1687 on Pollution Control Management,” “Decision No. 1686 on the Management of Chemicals under the Montreal Protocol,” and “Decision No. 2319 on Conducting Environmental Professional Supervision over 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 the Risk Classification of Environmental Impacts of Processing Industry Factories.” The promulgation of the above documents indicates that Laos not only attaches importance to ecological and environmental protection but also has made the construction of the ecological and environmental protection system more complete, providing a solid guarantee for the further implementation of green development and safe development.

2021年，老挝突出生态环境保护，注重合理开发利用自然资源，颁布多项规定以推动建立和完善生态环境保护制度体系。主要包括政府颁布的《关于通过禁止类（一号清单）与管控类（二号清单）野生动物清单的第8号决定》；自然资源与环境部颁布的《关于污染控制管理的第1687号决定》《关于蒙特利尔协定下的化学物质管理的第1686号决定》《关于对自然资源与环境部门各类投资项目与活动开展环境专业监督的第2319号决定》；工贸部颁布的《关于化学品标志的第0863号决定》《关于加工工业工厂环境影响风险定级的第0948号决定》等。上述文件的颁布表明，老挝不但重视生态环境保护，而且生态环境保护制度建设更加完善，这为进一步落实绿色发展、安全发展提供了坚实保障。

2. Holding Activities to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Constitution, Promoting the Socialist Rule of Law Concept to Take Root in People’s Hearts

2.举办庆祝宪法颁布30周年活动，推动社会主义法治理念深入人心

On August 15, 1991, Laos’s first constitution was promulgated. This was an event of historic significance in the political life of the Lao people, marking that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had embarked on the path of rule of law. At the end of 1995, four years after the implementation of the first constitution, the Third National Assembly of Laos decided to designate August 15 as National Constitution Day. In 2021, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Lao constitution, Laos held a series of celebratory activities. On August 2, 2021, Politburo member of the Lao Party Central Committee and President of the National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane gave an interview to the media, introducing the situation of the promulgation and implementation of the Lao constitution and laws, and called on all ethnic groups nationwide and foreign citizens in Laos to abide by the Lao constitution and laws and actively participate in the process of building the Lao People’s Democratic state.

1991年8月15日，老挝第一部宪法颁布。这是老挝人民政治生活中的一件具有历史意义的大事，标志着老挝人民民主共和国走上了法治化的道路。1995年底，在第一部宪法颁布实施四年后，老挝第三届国会决定将8月15日确定为国家宪法日。2021年恰逢老挝宪法颁布30周年，老挝举行了系列庆祝活动。2021年8月2日，老挝党中央政治局委员、国会主席赛宋蓬·丰威汉接受媒体采访，介绍老挝宪法与法律的颁布实施情况，并号召全国各族人民和在老外国公民遵守老挝宪法和法律，积极参与老挝人民民主国家建设进程。

On August 8, 2021, the Lao National Assembly held a photo exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of National Constitution Day at the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum. On August 13, Laos held a conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the constitution. Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and Politburo member and National Assembly President Saysomphone Phomvihane jointly participated in related activities. Thongloun Sisoulith pointed out at the celebration conference: “The Lao constitution stipulates the people’s right to be masters of the country, represents the will of the Lao people, and embodies the strong determination of the Lao people to unify their thinking, continuously strive, and realize the defense and construction of the country. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the national constitution has special significance.” As of December 2021, Laos had promulgated and implemented over 160 laws, covering all aspects of society. Today, Laos has formed a favorable atmosphere of “strictly following the policy of building a state under the rule of law, achieving efficient state governance, and ensuring social fairness and justice.”

2021年8月8日，老挝国会在凯山·丰威汉博物馆举办了庆祝国家宪法日30周年图片展。8月13日，老挝举行庆祝宪法颁布30周年大会。老挝党中央总书记、国家主席通伦·西苏里与老挝党中央政治局委员、国会主席赛宋蓬·丰威汉共同参加相关活动。通伦·西苏里在庆祝大会上指出：“老挝宪法规定了人民当家作主的权利，代表着老挝人民的意志，体现了老挝人民统一思想，不断奋斗，实现保卫国家和建设国家的有力决心，庆祝国家宪法颁布30周年具有特殊的意义。”截至2021年12月，老挝已颁布并实施了160多部法律，涉及社会方方面面。今天，老挝已经形成了“严格按照法治国家建设方针，实现国家高效治理，确保社会公平正义”的良好氛围。

(3) Orderly Advancement of Epidemic Prevention and Control

（三）有序推进疫情防控

In 2021, the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Laos was more severe than in 2020, and the pressure on epidemic prevention and control increased. However, under the centralized and unified leadership of the Party, epidemic prevention and control work was carried out in an orderly manner. Laos’s cumulative confirmed cases for the year reached 111,060, with cumulative deaths reaching 372, of which December saw the peak of confirmed cases (37,322). Facing the raging epidemic and many difficulties, the Lao Party strengthened unified leadership, concentrated all forces, and launched a people’s war to prevent and control the epidemic.

2021年，老挝新冠肺炎疫情形势较2020年更加严峻，疫情防控压力加大。但是在党的集中统一领导下，疫情防控工作有序开展。老挝全年累计确诊病例达111060例，累计死亡病例372例，其中12月达到确诊峰值（37322例）。面对肆虐的疫情及诸多困难，老挝党加强统一领导，集中一切力量，发起了一场防控疫情的人民战争。

1. “Multi-Pronged” Three-Dimensional Epidemic Prevention

1.“多管齐下”立体防疫

First, a series of epidemic prevention and control documents were promulgated. In 2021, there were significant adjustments in Laos’s epidemic prevention and control work, with the Lao Party and government successively issuing multiple important documents. On April 21, the Lao government promulgated “Prime Minister’s Order No. 15 on Epidemic Prevention and Control,” clarifying work related to epidemic prevention and control. On November 29, in order to revive the economy, the Lao National COVID-19 Prevention and Control Task Force issued “Decision No. 4887 on Opening Green Tourism Zones,” proposing to open safe tourism in green zones under the condition of ensuring safety. On December 7, Laos promulgated “Prime Minister’s Decision No. 135 on Appointing the Steering Committee for the Preparation of Opening Tourism,” determining the list and responsibilities of the steering committee and secretariat, preparing for further opening to tourists.

一是颁布一系列疫情防控文件。2021年，老挝疫情防控工作调整较大，老挝党和政府先后颁布了多份重要文件。4月21日，老挝政府颁布《关于疫情防控的第15号总理令》，明确了疫情防控相关工作。11月29日，为了恢复经济，老挝新冠肺炎疫情防控委员会发布了《关于开放绿色旅游区的第4887号决定》，提出将在确保安全的情况下，在绿色区域开放安全旅游。12月7日，老挝颁布《关于任命开放旅游筹备指导委员会的第135号总理决定》，确定了指导委员会与秘书处的名单与职责，为进一步对游客开放做准备。

Second, the main leadership of the National Epidemic Prevention and Control Committee was adjusted. On April 1, the Lao government promulgated “Prime Minister’s Decision No. 22 on the Adjustment of the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Committee,” appointing Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune as director and Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith as deputy director.

二是调整国家疫情防控委员会主要领导。4月1日，老挝政府颁布了《关于新冠肺炎疫情防控委员会调整的第22号总理决定》，任命政府副总理吉乔·开坎皮吞为主任，卫生部部长本丰·蓬玛莱西为副主任。

Third, epidemic prevention and control software was promoted and used. On July 5, the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications jointly with the Ministry of Health held the opening ceremony for the official use of the “Lao Fight On” epidemic prevention software. This epidemic prevention software uses the LaoKYC system as its carrier and includes multiple functions such as iFeel (My Symptoms), iGo (Where to Go), Timeline (Activity Trajectory), iVac (Vaccination), and iTest (Nucleic Acid Testing). The “Lao Fight On” software is considered an important tool using modern technology to provide convenience for medical staff, greatly improving the level of epidemic prevention and control in Laos.

三是推广使用疫情防控软件。7月5日，老挝技术与通信部联合卫生部共同举办了“老挝加油”防疫软件正式投入使用的开幕仪式，该防疫软件以LaoKYC系统为载体，包含iFeel（我的症状）、iGo（去哪儿）、Timeline（活动轨迹）、iVac（疫苗接种）、iTest（核酸检测）等多项功能。“老挝加油”软件被认为是使用现代化技术为医护人员提供便利的重要工具，大大提高了老挝疫情防控水平。

2. Jointly Building a China-Laos Health Community

2.携手共建中老卫生健康共同体

In 2021, in the fight against the epidemic, the two Parties and two countries of China and Laos continued to strengthen cooperation, jointly building a China-Laos health community. In March 2021, when the epidemic broke out again in Laos, under the leadership of the two Parties and through meticulous coordination between the two countries, China promptly sent another anti-epidemic medical expert team to Laos, providing professional training and technical guidance to Lao medical staff and community prevention and control personnel, and worked with Laos to tailor a comprehensive set of plans for preventing imported cases and internal spread, improving the scientific and standardized level of Laos’s epidemic prevention and control. On April 24, 2021, at the invitation of Laos, the People’s Liberation Army of China sent an anti-epidemic medical expert team to support Laos. In the anti-epidemic cooperation, China also provided Laos with medical treatment and protection materials such as automatic nucleic acid extractors, nucleic acid testing reagents, disposable medical masks, medical protective clothing, and Chinese and Western medicines. At the same time, experts from China and Laos held multiple anti-epidemic video exchanges, conducting in-depth discussions on how to do community protection well, deal with population movement, and prevent the spread of the epidemic, jointly improving regional public health governance capabilities. In mid-August, China again provided vaccines to Laos. On October 14, China and Laos jointly decided to set up a “green channel” for the transportation of materials between the two countries, providing anti-epidemic materials and vaccine assistance to Laos and restoring border trade exchanges. As of December 2021, China had provided Laos with more than 6.9 million doses of vaccines, effectively safeguarding the life and health of the Lao people. Under the strong leadership of the two Parties, the two countries stood together in solidarity, actively carried out joint epidemic prevention and control cooperation, vividly interpreting the spirit of the China-Laos community with a shared future. On December 29, 2021, the Lao Ministry of Health announced that Laos had received more than 6 million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX facility.

2021年，在抗击疫情方面，中老两党两国继续加强合作，携手共建中老卫生健康共同体。2021年3月，老挝疫情再次暴发，在中老两党的领导下，经过两国周密协调，中国及时向老挝再次派出抗疫医疗专家组，对老挝医务人员、社区防控人员进行专业培训和技术指导，与老挝一起因地制宜，制定了外防输入、内防扩散的一整套方案，提高了老挝疫情防控的科学化、规范化水平。2021年4月24日，应老挝的邀请，中国人民解放军派出抗疫医疗专家组支援老挝。在抗疫合作中，中国还向老挝提供了全自动核酸提取仪、核酸检测试剂、一次性医用口罩、医用防护服等医疗救治、防护物资及中西药品等。同时，中老两国专家多次举行抗疫视频交流会，就如何做好社区防护、应对人员流动、防止疫情扩散等进行了深入交流，共同提升地区公共卫生治理能力。8月中旬，中国再次向老挝提供疫苗。10月14日，中老两国共同决定设立两国物资运输“绿色通道”，向老挝提供抗疫物资和疫苗援助，恢复边境贸易往来。截至2021年12月，中方向老方提供了690多万剂疫苗，切实为老挝人民的生命健康提供保障。在中老两党的坚强领导下，两国守望相助，积极开展疫情联防联控合作，生动诠释了中老命运共同体精神。2021年12月29日，老挝卫生部宣布老挝共获得“新冠疫苗全球供给计划”阿斯利康新冠疫苗600多万剂。

III. New Progress in the Diplomatic Field, China-Laos Cooperation Reaches a New Level

三、外交领域取得新进展，中老合作迈上新台阶

In 2021, under the guidance of a preventive diplomacy policy, Laos expanded multifaceted, multi-form, and multi-level exchanges and cooperation between political parties and between countries, achieving fruitful results.

2021年，老挝在预防性外交方针指导下，扩大政党之间、国家之间多方面、多形式、多层次的交往和合作，取得了丰硕成果。

(1) The China-Laos Railway Opens to Traffic, Historic Progress in Building the China-Laos Community with a Shared Future

（一）中老铁路通车，中老命运共同体建设取得历史性进展

2021 marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos and the China-Laos Friendship Year. Multiple substantive major breakthroughs were achieved in inter-Party exchanges and bilateral diplomatic relations.

2021年是中老建交60周年和中老友好年。两党交往和两国外交关系取得多项实质性重大突破。

First, high-level exchanges between the two countries have remained close. On 21 January 2021, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China, had a telephone conversation with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, at the latter’s request. Xi Jinping, on behalf of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, extended warm congratulations to Thongloun Sisoulith on his election as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his gratitude

一是两国高层保持密切沟通。2021年1月21日，中共中央总书记、国家主席习近平应约同老挝党中央总书记通伦·西苏里通电话。习近平代表中国党、政府、人民对通伦·西苏里当选老挝党中央总书记表示热烈祝贺。通伦·西苏里表达了对习近平的感谢，高度评价了老中两党、两国及两国人民的深厚情谊和传统友好。其间，习近平和通伦·西苏里共同宣布正式启动中老友好年。2021年2月8日，通伦·西苏里给习近平发来感谢信，感谢中国对老挝疫情防控的大力支持，并在2021年春节之际祝福中国共产党、习近平和中国人民。3月23日，习近平致电通伦·西苏里，祝贺他当选老挝国家主席，中国国务院总理李克强致电潘坎·维帕万，祝贺他当选老挝政府总理，并表示将积极推动中老命运共同体建设取得新进展。4月25日，习近平同通伦·西苏里、李克强同潘坎·维帕万分别就中老建交60周年互致贺电。2021年12月29日，中老两党以视频方式召开了主题为“中国共产党和老挝人民革命党领导各自国家探索建设社会主义的重大成就和历史经验”的第九次理论研讨会。

Second, the opening of the China-Laos Railway marks a new level in cooperative relations. On December 3, 2021, Xi Jinping held a video 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 also the first standard-gauge railway in Laos. The railway starts from Kunming, China, passes through the Mohan port and the Boten port in Laos, and terminates at Vientiane, Laos, with a total length of 1,035 kilometers. It is primarily invested in and constructed by the Chinese side, uses Chinese standards throughout, and is built and operated through China-Laos cooperation. The China-Laos Railway is a flagship project of the "Plan of Action on Building a Community with a Shared Future between China and Laos" signed by the two Parties in April 2019. Since the signing of this plan, it has promoted the construction of major projects such as the China-Laos Railway, the China-Laos Expressway, the Kunming-Bangkok thoroughfare, the China-Laos Economic Corridor, the Saysettha Comprehensive Development Zone, and the Boten Economic Zone. The cooperation has yielded fruitful results, making it a model of Belt and Road cooperation and a successful model of cooperation among the world's socialist countries.

二是中老铁路开通，标志着合作关系迈上新台阶。2021年12月3日，习近平同通伦·西苏里举行视频会晤，并见证中老铁路开通。中老铁路是“一带一路”倡议下，第一条与中国国家铁路网直接连通的境外铁路，也是老挝国内第一条标轨铁路。该铁路起于中国昆明，通过磨憨口岸、老挝磨丁口岸，终抵老挝万象，全长1035千米，以中方为主投资建设、全部使用中国标准、由中老合作建设运营。中老铁路是2019年4月中老两党签署的《关于构建中老命运共同体行动计划》的一个旗舰项目。该计划签订以来，推进了中老铁路、中老高速公路、昆曼大通道、中老经济走廊、赛色塔综合开发区、磨丁经济特区等大项目建设，合作硕果累累，成为“一带一路”合作的典范，也是世界社会主义国家间成功合作的典范。

In addition, multiple other practical cooperation projects between China and Laos have achieved breakthroughs. For example, on February 5, 2021, China and Laos jointly launched the new office building of the China Cultural Center in Laos; on March 30, the first phase of the "Eight Major Projects for Aid to Laos" officially commenced. This project covers 30 villages in Vientiane Province and Luang Prabang Province, with the main content being the construction of rural water supply systems, rural health stations, and the installation of electric lighting and digital television in Laos.

除此之外，中老之间还有多项务实合作取得突破进展。例如，2021年2月5日，中老双方共同启动中国驻老挝文化中心新办公楼；3月30日，“援老八大工程”一期项目正式开工，该项目覆盖万象省和琅勃拉邦省30个村，主要内容为修建老挝农村供水系统、农村卫生所以及通电照明、安装数字电视等。

(II) Consolidating the "Great Friendship, Special Solidarity, and Comprehensive Cooperation" with Vietnam

（二）巩固与越南的“伟大友谊、特殊团结和全面合作关系”

In 2021, marking the 81st anniversary of the establishment of ties between the Lao and Vietnamese Parties, the 59th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Vietnam, and the 44th anniversary of the signing of the "Lao-Vietnam Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation," the two Parties and countries held multiple activities to enhance their bilateral relations. From June 28 to 29, 2021, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, accompanied by his spouse, paid an official visit to Vietnam. Laos and Vietnam issued a joint statement, and Thongloun Sisoulith and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong also witnessed the signing of various cooperation agreements between the two countries. From August 9 to 10, 2021, President of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse paid an official friendly visit to Laos. Laos was the first country Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited after taking office, and both sides considered this a full reflection of the importance the Lao and Vietnamese Parties and countries attach to maintaining and developing their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

2021年，是老越两党建立联系81周年、老越两国建交59周年、《老越友好合作条约》签署44周年，两党两国为此举行多项活动，提升双方关系。2021年6月28日至29日，老挝党中央总书记、国家主席通伦·西苏里偕夫人正式访问越南。老越双方发表了联合声明，通伦·西苏里与越共中央总书记阮富仲还见证了两国之间各项合作协议的签署。2021年8月9日至10日，越南国家主席阮春福夫妇对老挝进行正式友好访问。老挝是阮春福就任后的首访国家，双方认为这充分体现了老越两党、两国对维护和发展双方伟大友谊、特殊团结和全面合作关系的重视。

On December 16, 2021, the Lao and Vietnamese Parties held the 8th Theoretical Seminar via video link, themed "New Theoretical and Practical Issues in the Documents of the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 11th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party." Nguyen Xuan Thang, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and Khamphan Pheuyavong, Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and Head of the Central Propaganda and Training Board, delivered speeches respectively. Representatives from Laos and Vietnam engaged in in-depth discussions on theoretical and practical issues related to Party and government building, building a socialist-oriented market economy, comprehensive development of culture, society, and people, and national defense, security, and foreign affairs as addressed in the documents of the two Parties' congresses. During the seminar, the Lao and Vietnamese sides signed a cooperation agreement between their Central Theoretical Councils for 2022–2026.

2021年12月16日，老越两党以视频方式召开了主题为“越南共产党十三大和老挝人民革命党十一大文件中的新理论和实践问题”的第八次理论研讨会。越共中央政治局委员、中央理论委员会主席、胡志明国家政治学院院长阮春胜，老挝党中央书记处书记、中央理论委员会主席、中央宣训部部长坎潘·佩亚翁分别致辞。老越参会代表深入讨论了两党党代会文件在党政建设，社会主义定向的市场经济建设，文化、社会和人的全面发展，国防、安全、外交等方面涉及的理论与实践问题。研讨会期间，老越双方签署了2022～2026年老越中央理论委员会合作协议。

In 2021, economic and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam achieved significant results. With a total investment of US$4.4 billion and 413 approved projects, Vietnam became one of the three largest sources of investment in Laos, contributing to Laos's socio-economic development and the improvement of local residents' living standards. On March 20, 2021, the new Lao National Assembly building, constructed with Vietnamese aid, passed inspection and was handed over to Laos. In 2021, Vietnam provided Laos with 1,000 short-term or long-term training scholarships. There were 16,664 Lao students studying in Vietnam and 300 Vietnamese students studying in Laos.

2021年，老越经济与人文交流与合作取得重大成就。越南以总投资额达44亿美元、获批项目413个，成为老挝三大投资来源国之一，为老挝经济社会发展和当地居民生活水平提高作出贡献。2021年3月20日，由越南援建的老挝新国会大厦项目通过验收移交老挝。2021年，越南为老挝提供1000个短期或长期培训奖学金名额，在越南留学的老挝学生为16664人，在老挝留学的越南学生为300人。

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

（三）加强与其他国家的交流与合作，在地区与国际平台中发挥作用

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, Prime Minister of Laos 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, continuously consolidating Lao-Cambodian friendly cooperation. While conducting bilateral cooperation, Laos played an active role in regional and international platforms, mainly including participation in the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Summit on April 1, the Boao Forum for Asia on April 20, the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Dialogue Relations and the 6th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting from June 7 to 8, the 2nd Mekong-US Foreign Ministers' Meeting on August 3, the 7th Mekong Leaders' Summit on September 9, the 18th China-ASEAN Expo on September 10, the Laos-Vietnam-Cambodia Summit on September 26, and the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits on October 26.

2021年7月29日，老挝与多米尼加建交，建交国家达到146个。2021年11月29日至30日，老挝政府总理潘坎·维帕万应柬埔寨首相、柬埔寨人民党主席洪森的邀请对柬埔寨进行正式访问，老柬友好合作不断巩固。在开展双边合作的同时，老挝在地区与国际平台上发挥积极作用，主要包括参加4月1日的伊—湄南—湄公河经济合作战略组峰会，4月20日的博鳌亚洲论坛，6月7～8日的中国—东盟建立对话关系30周年特别外长会和澜湄合作第六次外长会，8月3日的第二届湄公河国家与美国外交部长会议，9月9日的第七次湄公河领导人峰会，9月10日第18届中国东盟博览会，9月26日的老越柬三国元首会晤，10月26日的第38、39次东盟峰会等。

On November 22, 2021, Thongloun Sisoulith participated in the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. From November 25 to 26, Phankham Viphavanh participated in the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit, witnessing the adoption of documents including the "Chair's Statement," the "Phnom Penh Declaration on Post-COVID-19 Socio-Economic Recovery," and the "ASEM Path Forward on Connectivity." Laos's active participation in multilateral and bilateral cooperation achieved certain successes, creating a favorable external environment for renewal and development in the new period.

2021年11月22日，通伦·西苏里参加中国—东盟建立对话关系30周年纪念峰会。11月25日至26日，潘坎·维帕万参加第13届亚欧首脑会议，共同见证了《主席声明》《后疫情时代社会经济复苏金边宣言》《亚欧会议互联互通前进之路》等文件的通过。老挝积极参加多双边合作取得了一些成就，为新时期革新发展营造了良好外部环境。

IV. Summary and Outlook

四、总结与展望

In 2021, the 11th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party consolidated immense strength for carrying forward the cause and forging ahead in unity. Against the backdrop of the pandemic, the Lao Party played its core leadership role, 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 greatly boost Laos's socio-economic development. This is a landmark project that seamlessly connects the Belt and Road Initiative with Laos's strategy to transform itself from a "land-locked country" to a "land-linked country." It ends Laos's history of having only 3.5 kilometers of railway and becomes a railway of people's hearts leading the Lao people toward happiness. Strengthening cooperation among Marxist political parties and among socialist countries is a major global trend. The China-Laos Railway connects the peoples of two socialist countries, strengthens and consolidates unity among socialist countries, and can be regarded as a masterpiece of cooperation between the Chinese and Lao Parties. The successful experience and great practical achievements of China-Laos railway cooperation will inevitably enrich the connotation of successful cooperation among socialist countries and set a shining example for cooperation among the world's socialist countries.

2021年，老挝党十一大凝聚了继往开来、团结奋进的巨大力量。在疫情背景下，老挝党发挥领导核心作用，发挥社会主义制度优势，推动老挝社会主义理论与实践取得新进展。尤其是中老铁路建成通车，对老挝经济社会发展将产生巨大的推动作用。这是“一带一路”倡议与老挝“陆锁国”变“陆联国”战略无缝对接的里程碑式工程，它结束了老挝只有3.5千米铁路的历史，成为老挝人民通向幸福的民心之路。马克思主义政党间加强合作、社会主义国家间加强合作是世界大势所趋，中老铁路连接两个社会主义国家的人民，加强和巩固社会主义国家之间的团结，堪称中老两党合作的杰作。中老铁路合作的成功经验和伟大实践成果，必然丰富社会主义国家间的成功合作内涵，为世界社会主义国家间合作树立了光辉典范。

Looking ahead to 2022, Laos will be guided by the spirit of the 11th National Congress and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 11th Central Committee. Under the strong leadership of the Lao Party, it will grasp the international situation, base itself on the country’s actual conditions, continue along the comprehensive renewal line, further explore a development path suited to itself, and vigorously advance the cause of socialist modernization.

展望2022年，老挝将以十一大和十一届二中、三中全会精神为指引，在老挝党的坚强领导下，把握国际形势，立足本国实际，继续沿着全面革新路线，进一步探索适合自身的发展道路，有力推进社会主义现代化建设事业。

First, deepen the localization of Marxism-Leninism in Laos. In accordance with the overall deployment of the 11th National Congress, implement the spirit of the Central Conference on Propaganda and Ideological Work, take the work objective of “Research on Kaysone Phomvihane Thought (2022–2024)” [14]14 Kaysone Phomvihane (1920–1992) was the founding leader of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the first Prime Minister and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. “Kaysone Phomvihane Thought” is the official ideology of the Lao Party, analogous to Mao Zedong Thought in China. as the orientation, continue to promote the localization of Marxism-Leninism in Laos, strengthen the armed forces of ideological theory, consolidate the guiding position of Marxism-Leninism and Kaysone Phomvihane Thought in the ideological sphere, resist the “peaceful evolution” [15]15 “Peaceful evolution” is a term used by Marxist-Leninist parties to describe the strategy of capitalist powers to subvert socialist states through non-military means, such as cultural infiltration and political pressure. of hostile forces, deepen the understanding of the essence of socialism, and resolutely curb internal “self-evolution.” [16]16 “Self-evolution” refers to the internal ideological and political drift away from socialist principles within a ruling communist party, often seen as a precursor to capitalist restoration.

一是深入推动马克思列宁主义老挝本土化。按照十一大的总体部署，落实中央宣传思想工作会议精神，以“凯山·丰威汉思想研究”（2022～2024）工作目标为指向，继续推动马克思列宁主义老挝本土化工作，加强思想理论武装工作，巩固马克思列宁主义、凯山·丰威汉思想在意识形态领域的指导地位，抵御敌对势力“和平演变”，深化对社会主义本质的认识，坚决遏制内部“自我演变”。

Second, comprehensively strengthen the Party’s self-building. Continue to take Party building as the guide, further strengthen the Party’s overall leadership capacity, advanced nature, and purity, improve the system of intra-Party democracy, renew the building of the cadre contingent, maintain the Party’s firm and stable political, ideological, and organizational strength, consolidate the Party’s long-term ruling position, and lay the political foundation for leading the people of all ethnic groups in Laos to advance toward higher goals of socialist development.

二是全面加强党的自身建设。继续以党的建设为引领，进一步加强党的全面领导能力、先进性和纯洁性建设，健全党内民主制度，革新干部队伍建设，保持党在政治上、思想上、组织上坚强稳固，巩固党的长期执政地位，为领导老挝各族人民向社会主义发展更高目标迈进奠定政治基础。

Third, adhere to a principled comprehensive renewal line and continuously improve the socialist-oriented market economy system. Take the “Ninth Five-Year Plan” [17]17 The “Ninth Five-Year Plan” (2021–2025) is Laos’s national socio-economic development plan, setting targets for growth, poverty reduction, and infrastructure. as the strategic goal, give full play to its own potential and advantages, accelerate green, coordinated, sustainable, high-quality, and autonomous development, achieve an average annual economic growth rate of over 4%, raise per capita GDP to 2,887 US dollars, expand the path of industrialization and modernization, strive to eliminate poverty, and improve people’s livelihoods.

三是坚持有原则的全面革新路线，不断完善社会主义定向市场经济体制。以“九五”规划为战略目标，发挥自身的潜力和优势，加快推动绿色、协调、可持续、高质量、自主发展，实现经济年均增长4%以上，人均GDP达到2887美元，拓展工业化、现代化道路，努力消除贫困，改善民生。

Fourth, accelerate the building of a socialist rule-of-law state and promote the modernization of the social governance system and governance capacity. Further implement the strategy of building a socialist rule-of-law state proposed by the 11th National Congress, implement the people’s right to be masters of the country, safeguard the interests of the masses, improve the government system and mechanisms, enhance government efficiency, give full play to the extensive connections of mass organizations and the Lao Front for National Construction, [18]18 The Lao Front for National Construction is a mass organization under the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party that unites various social groups and ethnicities in support of the Party’s policies. promote the modernization of the social governance system and governance capacity, and build a democratic, equal, just, and harmonious society.

四是加快社会主义法治国家建设，推进社会治理体系和治理能力现代化。进一步落实十一大提出的社会主义法治国家建设战略，落实人民当家作主的权利，维护人民群众利益，完善政府体制机制，提高政府效率，发挥群团组织和建国阵线联系广泛的优势，推进社会治理体系和治理能力现代化，建设民主、平等、正义、和谐的社会。

Fifth, actively integrate into the process of regional and international integration. Continue to adhere to the diplomatic line of peace, independence, friendship, and development cooperation, actively integrate into the process of regional and international integration, strengthen inter-party exchanges, carry out foreign exchanges and cooperation, respond to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, build the China-Laos Economic Corridor, promote the comprehensive blossoming and fruiting of the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future, and contribute to maintaining regional and world peace, stability, cooperation, and development.

五是主动融入地区和国际一体化进程。继续坚持和平、独立、友好和发展合作的外交路线，主动融入地区和国际一体化进程，加强党际交往，开展对外交流与合作，响应中国“一带一路”倡议，建设中老经济走廊，推动中老命运共同体建设全面开花结果，为维护地区和世界和平稳定与合作发展作出贡献。

(Authors: Fang Wen, Professor at the School of Marxism, Soochow University, and the Research Center for Laos and the Greater Mekong Subregion; Hai Xian, Associate Professor at the School of South and Southeast Asian Languages and Cultures, Yunnan Minzu University, and Doctoral Student at the School of Marxism, Yunnan University)

（作者：方文, 苏州大学马克思主义学院、 老挝—大湄公河次区域国家研究中心教授; 海贤, 云南民族大学南亚东南亚语言文化学院副教授, 云南大学马克思主义学院博士研究生）

Online Editor: Tongxin

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