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Saturday, February 7, 2026
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Lao Government Proposes Forest Land Conversion for Investment Projects

This Week

The Lao government has submitted a request to the National Assembly (NA) seeking approval to convert forest land for mining, energy, and infrastructure projects across several provinces.

The proposal was reviewed during the NA Standing Committee meeting from 18 to 19 December. 

According to the NA, the government is requesting permission to repurpose forest areas for projects including gold, rare-earth, zinc, silver, and coal mining, as well as renewable energy development.

Among the proposed projects is a rare-earth mining project in Khoun district, Xieng Khouang Province, and mining activities in the Longkhaw–Longkhan National Production Forest in Attapeu Province. 

Additional proposals involve forest areas in Bolikhamxay, Houaphanh, and Vientiane provinces.

The committee also reviewed the Truong Son Wind Farm project in Bolikhamxay Province, which is designed to generate 600 megawatts of electricity for export to Vietnam. The project is reported to be more than 80 percent complete.

Laos classifies its forests into three categories: National Protected Areas, Conservation Forest Areas, and Production Forest Areas, all of which are state-owned.

In addition to forest conversion proposals, the NA discussed adjustments to the budget of the Huay Akai irrigation project in Savannakhet Province and reviewed preparations for the national elections scheduled for February 2026

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