Vientiane:The State Inspection Authority (SIA) is enhancing anti-corruption measures and increasing major financial audits while strengthening oversight of state budgets, assets, and natural resources. SIA President Vansay Phongsavanh addressed these initiatives during the Second Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly on October 8, 2026.
According to Lao News Agency, the authority plans to bolster inspections at all levels, promote greater accountability in public administration, and utilize digital systems to improve data collection, risk analysis, and the speed and accuracy of investigations.
A key focus is the ongoing inspection of a US$237.6 million government loan fund allocated to Electricite du Laos (EDL), which includes US$43.53 million used for liquidity management and US$41.47 million in outstanding balances with business partners. The review will extend to inefficient, low-yield, or unused transmission line projects in Houaphanh, Oudomxay, and Sekong provinces.
The SIA will conduct targeted inspections of 10 energy projects and 10 mining projects, alongside concluding its investigation of the US$99.7 million Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project. Inspections will also continue for the Bank of the Lao PDR, Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL), and Lao Holding State Enterprise.
In its effort to combat illegal mineral extraction, the authority plans tougher actions, including fines, asset seizures, and legal proceedings against offenders and officials found complicit. It is also working on recovering US$4 million in outstanding advance payments from two companies and addressing compensation issues related to the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy dam incident in Attapeu Province.
The SIA has urged the resolution of eight long-standing inspection findings, which involve timber sales, unpaid accounts, high-cost projects, road construction, state-enterprise liabilities, unauthorized write-offs, government loans distributed through commercial banks, and projects implemented without National Assembly approval.
It has recommended that the government review inactive investment memorandums that have tied up land without development and reconsider sand extraction licenses that have contributed to illegal gold panning.
Following the National Assembly's review of the report, detailed instructions will be issued for ministries and local authorities by the government and SIA. The authority has cautioned that disciplinary and legal measures, as outlined under the Law on State Inspection, will be enforced against leaders and administrative units that fail to implement inspection findings and corrective measures.