Laos' average inflation rate stands at 7.7 pct in 2025

　　VIENTIANE, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Laos' annual average inflation rate dropped to 7.7 percent in 2025, down from 23.1 percent in 2024, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau.

　　According to the latest report from the Lao Statistic Bureau on Tuesday, the highest price rise was recorded in the housing, water, electricity and gas category, which stood at 19.5 percent.

　　This was followed by the cost of the goods and services category at 19.1 percent, the cost of the medical care and medicines category at 17 percent, and the education category at 13.6 percent.

　　The Lao government is implementing strategies to curb rising prices by boosting local production, reducing imports, and supporting businesses financially.

　　Looking ahead, the government plans to strengthen mechanisms to address ongoing economic challenges, promote domestic production for both local consumption and export, and curb the outflow of foreign currency, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said during the 10th ordinary session of the Lao National Assembly's ninth legislature in November.

　　The government will also take steps to boost foreign exchange reserves to ease inflation and stabilize the exchange rate. Additionally, it aims to promote the use of the kip and banking transactions while closely monitoring market prices to keep them under control.

　　In 2024, Laos' annual average inflation reached 23.1 percent, with medical care and medicine prices rising the most at 33.8 percent. ■