Vientiane, Laos - Vientiane has made remarkable strides in poverty reduction, with nearly the entire population now living above the poverty line, according to Sengaloun Souliyavong, Head of Vientiane's Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

As of December 18th, only 899 out of 156,392 families in the capital city remain below the poverty line, representing a success rate of 99.43%. This significant achievement comes amidst broader development progress, with over 140,000 families and nearly 380 villages attaining developed status.

However, challenges persist. Over 10,000 families and more than 100 villages still require further development assistance, particularly in districts like Xaythany and Pak Ngum.

Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to improving the living standards and quality of life for all citizens. Vientiane's economy has demonstrated robust growth in 2023, expanding by 5.85%, exceeding the National Assembly's target of 0.3% growth. In 2023, 83.13% of families were already above the poverty threshold.

This significant progress in poverty reduction is a testament to the government's efforts and highlights the city's growing prosperity.