Attapeu: Attapeu Province has set an ambitious goal to eliminate poverty across all villages by 2030 under its 10th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030), aiming to significantly raise living standards throughout the province.According to Lao News Agency, the plan targets the graduation of 140 villages to 'poverty-free' status by the end of the decade, reflecting a comprehensive push toward inclusive and sustainable development.Provincial authorities have outlined several measurable goals. The province aims to lift 2,578 families out of poverty, reducing the total number of poor families to just 390. In terms of district development, officials plan to add two more poverty-free districts, bringing the total to all five districts in the province achieving this status by 2030. The number of 'Developed Families' is expected to increase by 5,399, reaching a total of 29,854 families. Additionally, 20 more villages are set to be upgraded to 'Developed' status. Urbanization efforts will include tr ansforming three large villages into rural urban centers and strengthening two districts across governance and economic performance.According to Thanouxay Bansalith, Chairman of the Attapeu Provincial People's Council, the province will focus on four key pillars between 2026 and 2030. The first pillar emphasizes infrastructure and basic services, particularly in rural, remote, and border areas. This includes upgrading roads, expanding electricity and water supply, and improving schools and local health centers. The second pillar focuses on economic self-reliance and agriculture. Authorities plan to promote commercial agriculture linked to processing industries and modern markets, while supporting model families, clean agriculture, and small and medium-sized enterprises to boost domestic production and reduce imports. Agricultural cooperatives and collective economic models will also be strengthened. The third pillar addresses land and environmental management. The province will allocate land for sustainable livelihoods and promote green growth by balancing agricultural expansion with environmental protection. The fourth pillar centers on modernization and investment. Efforts will be made to attract both domestic and foreign investment into rural development, while equipping farmers with modern techniques and technology to replace traditional methods.'The ultimate goal is to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas,' Thanouxay said. 'We aim to ensure that the people of Attapeu are self-reliant, secure in their livelihoods, and living in stable, developed communities.'