83.13 pct of Lao families above poverty line in 2023: local media

VIENTIANE, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) — Laos has made significant strides in poverty alleviation across the country, Lao News Agency reported on Friday.
In 2023, 83.13 percent of families, roughly 1,026,083 households, were above the poverty line, while 16.87 percent, or 208,231 families, remained in poverty.
The government aims to enhance basic living conditions, focusing on nutrition, housing, healthcare, transportation and other essential services.
Meanwhile, Laos faces challenges, including a predominantly agricultural economy and unstable incomes. Infrastructure remains inadequate in many areas, and access to essential services such as electricity and transportation is still limited for numerous communities.
Over the years, the government has prioritized poverty eradication among its diverse ethnic groups, setting clear objectives to lead the nation out of least developed country (LDC) status.
Recently, Laos has unveiled priority actions in trade and trade-related areas as part of a guidance to graduate from LDC status by 2026. ■