Chair,

1. The Lao PDR aligns its statement with the ones delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, ASEAN, and LDCs.

2. We welcome this discussion to follow up on the FFD4 outcome and advance the 2030 Agenda. With less than four years, the SDGs’ progress is uneven, whereas complex macroeconomic pressures and growing development needs are facing developing countries.

3. While taking note of progress made, we reiterate the need for the full and timely implementation of the Sevilla Commitment, supported by strengthened multilateral cooperation, renewed political commitment, and concrete actions by development partners, multilateral development banks and international financial institutions.

4. For the Lao PDR, the issues of macroeconomic policies and adequate financing are more crucial than ever as we embark closer to LDC graduation. We view graduation as an important milestone, but not an endpoint, and remain committed to having our transition that is smooth, sustainable and irreversible.

5. Through our Smooth Transition Strategy, the 10^th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), and an Integrated National Financing Framework, we are working to strengthen macroeconomic stability and mobilize domestic revenues, along with aligning available resources with national priorities.

6. Nevertheless, significant challenges are still there. Public debt, external shocks, limited fiscal space and declining ODA constrain our capacity to invest in key development priority areas. Despite the commitment that we have to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and improve public expenditure, predictable and continued international support remains indispensable, particularly during our transition from the LDC status.

7. In this light, we seek sustained access to concessional and long-term finance and increased investment, among others. An open, transparent and rules-based multilateral trading system is equally essential to support our country’s deeper integration into regional and global markets.

8. We further support reforms of international financial architecture to make it more inclusive and responsive to developing countries. This includes stronger representation and more transparent, predictable and effective approaches to addressing debt vulnerabilities and other financing challenges.

9. In conclusion, Chair, the Lao PDR looks forward to enhanced global partnership to ensure that developing countries have the policy space, resources and enabling international environment necessary to translate commitments into tangible development outcomes.

Thank you.