Vientiane Times
One arm fisherman
- Title
- One arm fisherman
- Runtime
- 5:23
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- To those born or growing up close to a river, the lifestyle of a fisherman is a familiar one.
Some people just do for subsistence while others can create a business enterprise as well.
Walk the perimeter or cruise the big reservoir near Nam Ngum I Hydropower Plant of an early morning and you may be fortunate to see fishermen with a boat full of fish of the small sprat species known locally as pa keo.
One of these fisherman has an extra challenge.
40-year-old fisherman, Mr Kam Vongphukdy has been living and fishing near Nam Ngum I Hydropower Plant for half his life.
Yet having lost his left arm in an accident a few years back, he must do everything with his right.
Two years ago a brush with destiny brought him bad luck by way of an accident while he was helping friends on a job.
The accident resulted in the loss of his left arm.
Suddenly it seemed like life had changed for the worst.
http://vientianetimes.org.la
Times Reporter...
- Title
- Top state auditor re-elected, additional spending, revenue reported.
- Runtime
- 3:18
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Members of the National Assembly (NA) yesterday re-elected DrViengthongSiphandone as President of the State Auditing Organisation (SAO) after she completed her five-year term which ended in 2016.
DrViengthong secured 117 votes representing 91 percent of the 129 NA members who were present at yesterday’s ordinary session.
Addressing the session yesterday shortly after her re-election, DrViengthong, who will assume the post for the next five years until 2021, pledged to work harder to fulfill auditing tasks and the responsibilities of the SAO.
“I commit to increased responsibility to fulfill the rights and duties of the President of the SAO,” she told the session, which was chaired by NA President MsPanyYathotou.
She pledged to forge ahead to bolster her experience, upgrade the professional knowledge of auditors and train them to grasp political ideology so that they carried out their work ethically and with integrity.
This would ensure that the SAO c...
- Title
- Major deals signed as Vietnam PM visits.
- Runtime
- 3:41
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Laos and Vietnam have inked deals worth multi-millions of US dollars during a two-day official visit by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc from April 26-27 that concludes today.
The bilateral agreements were signed by respective high ranking officials of both sides in Vientiane yesterday, boosting bilateral cooperation as well as marking the celebration of Laos-Vietnam Friendship Year 2017.
A total of eight agreements were signed in Vientiane between the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Vietnamese Ministry of Communication and Transport including the joint venture Vung Ang seaport development project in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province.
In addition, the two ministries also inked an investment project for road construction from Phouthithpheung Mountain in Luang Prabang province to the Lao and Vietnamese border at Dien Bien Phu province of Vietnam.
More importantly, the two ministries have agreed on the construction project for Vient...
- Title
- Gov’t promises continued effort at third NA session
- Runtime
- 4:35
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The government has made tangible achievements in implementing its socio-economic development plan over the past six months while it says efforts will be continued for achieving its planned targets.
Prime Minister MrThonglounSisoulith, representing the government, spoke to the National Assembly (NA) about its intentions in his briefing on government performance over the past six months yesterday at the first day of the NA’s third ordinary session.
The past six months included the last three months of 2016, which were the three months in the transition from the old financial year to the new financial year, coinciding with the Western calendar year.
The continued development of “single door mechanisms” to facilitate fast and transparent development projects and complaints was highlighted by Prime Minister MrThongloun as an effort of the government in managing its macro-economy with the Law on Investment Promotion and other related regulations also amended and going...
- Title
- NA ordinary session opens to debate socio-economic performance, law making.
- Runtime
- 5:18
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The third ordinary session of the National Assembly (NA) kicked off yesterday in Vientiane to review the government’s performance over the past six months, future work plans, socio-economic development plan implementation for 2016 and 2017 and law making.
President of the NA, MsPanyYathotou declared the session that will run until May 18 open, giving the floor to Prime Minister ThonglounSisoulith and his cabinet members to present reports under their scope of responsibilities.
President MrBounnhangVorachit, PM Thongloun, cabinet members and members of the parliament were present at the opening ceremony, which was televised through the Lao National Television (LNTV)channel.
Presenting on the government’s performance over the past six months – the last quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017, Prime Minister MrThongloun, whose administration has been in office for a year, told the session the macro economy had been stable.
Policies and legislation have been...
- Title
- Govt prepares for International Labour Day celebrations.
- Runtime
- 3:56
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Lao Federation of Trade Unions has revealed plans for its upcoming 131st International Labour Day, aiming to strengthen protection of the rights and interests of Lao workers.
A news conference on Monday in the capital outlined preparations for the event presided over by the President of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions, Mr Pan Noymany, with media and officials in attendance.
Mr Pan explained Laos’ plans to mark the 131st International Labour Day on May 1, when events will take place in unity with activities in other countries around the world. The Lao Federation of Trade Unions has celebrated International Labour Day every year to promote the protection of workers’ rights.
“We have been paying attention to the interests of workers, in particular the government has increased the monthly minimum wage from 500,000 or 600,000 kip to 900,000 kip for workers around the country” he said.
This year’s activities include sportin...
- Title
- Vientiane Times
- Runtime
- 5:36
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Laos-ADB partnership creates sustainable growth.
- Runtime
- 3:52
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Cooperation between Laos and Asian Development Bank (ADB) has significantly contributed to the country's development, promoting sustainable growth.
Officials from the government and ADB both highlighted the achievement in commemorating the past 50-year partnership between the country and major financial institution.
Since ADB's first loan to the country in 1970, it has provided almost US$2.6 billion in financial and technical support in energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, water supply and sanitation, municipal infrastructure and services, education, health, banking and finance, as well as regional cooperation and integration.
In his remarks at a commemorative ceremony held in Vientiane on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongphanh Savanphet spoke about the close cooperation between the country and ADB as an important development partner.
�Since the country became the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, the ...
- Title
- National Assembly to open third session.
- Runtime
- 3:50
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The third ordinary session of the National Assembly (NA)'s Eighth Legislature will take place on April 25 through May 18, with economic, financial, legislative, and judiciary issues to be topics of debate.
Head of the Secretariat of the NA Ms Suansavanh Vignaket hosted a press conference to relay the agenda to the media yesterday.
During the beginning of the session, the government will brief the key work implemented in the past six months and introduce the focuses in the plan to be implemented in the next six months.
The Minister of Planning and Investment will report to the session about the implementation of the National Socio-economic Development Plan over the whole of last year, while disseminating the plan for the upcoming year.
The session will hear about the implementation of the State Budget Plan over the three months of October, November and December 2016 in the transition from the old financial year to the new financial year which...
- Title
- President extends Lao New Year best wishes to all.
- Runtime
- 8:08
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- President Bounnhang Vorachit yesterday wished Lao people living in the country and abroad as well as foreign expatriates in Laos happiness, joyfulness and greater success on the occasion of the incoming Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year).
The president extended his best wishes on the occasion of saying goodbye to the outgoing year 2559 – the Year of the Monkey and welcoming the New Year 2560 – the Year of the Rooster.
Pi Mai Lao falls on April 14-16 and the government this year announced April 13 and April 17 as additional holidays making it a five-day holiday.
President Bounnhang recalled the outgoing year was significant as the first year in implementing the resolution of the 10th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the 8th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2016-2020).
Although circumstances in Laos, the region and world had posted some difficulties, challenges and tests, the Lao people had been able to protec...
- Title
- Massive land area awaiting UXO clearance.
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Much work remains to be done in Laos to remove unexploded ordnance (UXO), which continues to be a huge threat to human life and an obstacle to development.
Representatives from the government and development partners spoke about this persistent scourge at an event held in Vientiane yesterday to mark this year's International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Dr Khampheng Saysompheng noted that Laos was the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita.
More than 580,000 flights dropped around 3 million tonnes of bombs on Lao territory during the nine years of the war (1964-1973). Some 270 million of the dropped bombs were cluster munitions (bombies), and four million were larger munitions.
Dr Saysompheng said experts calculated that around 30 percent of the dropped bombs remained unexploded, meaning more than 80 million bombies and millions of big bombs lie dormant in the ground...
- Title
- Education and information key to plugging health gap
- Runtime
- 3:31
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Ministry of Health officials and personnel from around the country met yesterday in Vientiane to review success of the Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) for the health sector.
The DLI under the Health Sector Governance and Nutrition Programme focuses on improving the quality of health services and investment in infrastructure and capacity development.
Participants reported the progress of their activities and shared future plans including the ideas to improve the Lao health sector information system.
Minister of Health, Associate, Prof. Dr Bounkong Syhavong spoke at the meeting to review the Disbursement Linked Indicator on the health sector for 2015-2016 and discuss plans for the year ahead.
The meeting recounted the results of last twelve months of the programme and discussed activities going forward.
Dr Bounkong said in 2017 the programme aimed to promote health sector reform, continue funding health services for the...
- Title
- Social security fund to increase payments for health services.
- Runtime
- 3:40
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) will pay more to hospitals for health services following a new agreement reached between the fund and participating hospitals yesterday.
The money will be paid in a lump sum, with some hospitals receiving as much as 130,000 kip to allocate to one beneficiary per year, while 110,000 kip will be given to provincial hospitals to pay for health services provided for one beneficiary per year.
The NSSF will also pay an additional 1 million kip to hospitals to cover the treatment of a beneficiary injured in a road accident. The Fund will also cover 50 percent of the cost of transportation by land or by air of a seriously injured beneficiary.
Health service providers are required to provide treatment through medical expertise, medicines, medical equipment, and other essentials, while doctors and other medical staff must provide full and adequate treatment.
If the hospital cannot provide the medication ...
- Title
- Ease irksome barriers to enhance business environment, PM advises.
- Runtime
- 4:09
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Prime Minister has urged line ministries to remove any unnecessary barriers to help boost the country's business environment and promote domestic and foreign investment.
The government is trying to develop a favourable business environment and simplify unnecessary procedures that are a hindrance to the operations of both domestic and foreign businesses,� Prime Minister Thongloun said when addressing the 10th Lao Business Forum in Vientiane yesterday.
He noted that Laos has been facing familiar challenges and obstacles, resulting in slow change and the ineffective promotion of a suitable business climate and suggested this was deterring foreign investors.
�For instance, the complicated and slow procedures involved in imports and exports has been a long-time issue, so the Ministry of Industry and Commerce should take action to deal with the problem,� he said, adding that if there was something they were unable to solve, the Prime Minister and Dep...
- Title
- Xayaboury banana farms ordered to cease operations
- Runtime
- 4:48
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
Five companies with banana plantations in Xayaboury province have been ordered to stop growing the fruit, but can still plant other replacement crops in compliance with regulations.
Four of the companies affected are Chinese backed with banana farms located around the villages of Phonthong, Namtuan, Naluam and Nalae, with one Lao farm located at Vangkham village, all in Phieng and Xayaboury districts, Xayaboury province.
Some companies are now being instructed to remove banana trees from the farms after authorities ordered a suspension of operations after inspections revealed they were not complying with regulations.
Head of Xayaboury Agricultural and Cooperative Promotion Sector, MsSengthongPhengdee told Vientiane Times yesterday local authorities have ordered the five target companies to stop planting banana trees and remove them on more than 600 hectares in Phieng and Xayaboury districts. This follows an e...
- Title
- Lao-Thai railway section I ready for service.
- Runtime
- 3:39
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Lao-Thai Railway Construction Project Phase II (Section I) is now completed, while Section II will begin operations at the end of this year.
The project handover ceremony was held yesterday between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Lattanamany Khounnivong, Thai Ambassador to Laos, Mr NoppadonTheppitak, senior officials from the ministry and NEDA along with local authorities from relevant sectors.
�This section was financially supported with over 656 million baht (about 155.2 billion kip) by NEDA, of which 30 percent is a grant and 70 percent a low interest loan,� the Lao Railway Department Director General, Dr Sompong Pholsena reported at the ceremony.
The project began in September, 2013 with a 24 month construction period undertaken by TEAM Consulting Engineer...
- Title
- UNDP presents human development report findings.
- Runtime
- 3:09
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Exclusion of women, people living in remote areas and ethnic groups creates chronic barriers for human development progress and leads to significant disparities within the Asia-Pacific region, leaving many behind, according to UNDP.
This is one of the key findings of the Human Development Report 2016 entitled �Human Development for Everyone� launched yesterday in Vientiane. The launch was attended by UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Ms Kaarina Immonen and Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dr Kikeo Chanthabouly.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Lao PDR's surge in human development of almost 50 percent since 1990 continues on a positive trajectory even as inequalities are rising both in-country and globally.
The report findings show that although on average human development improved significantly across all regions from 1990 to 2015, worldwide almost 1.5 billion people live in mu...
- Title
- Phongsavanh Group praises Party's promotion policy
- Runtime
- 2:46
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Lao People's Revolutionary Party was founded to represent workers and labourers and to protect the rights and benefits of Lao people nationwide, especially with regard to policies on development, the economy and business.
The Party serves our nation and the Lao people as a fundamental direction for its activities,� Honorary President of the Phongsavanh Group Prof. Dr Od Phongsavanh said in an interview recently.
�Since the Party was founded, it has raised its responsibility for the mission given it by the nation for setting proper strategy on national protection and leading the country to a new era of civilisation,� Dr Od said on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the Party's founding this year.
The Party follows two main strategies: �National protection and development�, aiming for social, economic and cultural development, improving people's lives through better incomes and higher savings, and improving the circumstances of people na...
- Title
- Lao Front discusses achievements, structural improvements.
- Runtime
- 4:19
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Achievements over the past year and approval of a new organisational structure are tabled for discussion by the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) this week at the Front Committee's second ordinary plenary session of the Tenth Congress.
The Committee has translated six strategic programmes adopted at the Tenth Congress of the Front into projects that will be implemented over the next 10 years.
The Committee has finalised the draft of the Front's instruction on a campaign to build �families and villages of solidarity', which will be submitted for approval during the meeting.
The Front has amended some promulgated regulations and drafted new regulations such as the Decision of the Front Standing Committee on the organisational structure of its branches at the provincial, district, and village levels.
The Front also plans to create advisory committees under a draft Decision on Front Advisory Committees, as follows: Advisory Com...
- Title
- Canada to share its 150th anniversary with activities, performances
- Runtime
- 3:36
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Canada will share with Laos, along with other countries around the world, its diversity through cuisine and musical performances among other events in celebration of 150 years of confederation.
Charge d'Affaires of Canada in Laos Ms Lee-Anne Hermann, along with visiting Canadian chef Quentin Glabus and singer Jeremy Dutcher, held a press conference yesterday to discuss programme activities for the celebrations.
Inclusion, Youth, Environment, and Indigenous are all themes of the celebration of the 150 years of Canada, Ms Hermann said.
In line with these themes, the Office of the Embassy of Canada will be hosting a number of events this month to mark Canada's 150th anniversary.
Highlighting First Nations culture, two artists from Canada will be in Vientiane to showcase their talents and conduct workshops with students. They are known for combining their aboriginal heritage with more modern influences to create a contemporary approach to...
- Title
- Asia-Pacific transport forum eyes sustainable development.
- Runtime
- 3:18
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Government officials are confident that the Intergovernmental Tenth Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum in Asia currently place in Vientiane will help to spur the development of Laos' transport network.
The comment was made by Deputy Prime Minister Somdy Duangdy at the forum's opening ceremony yesterday.
Laos' transport sector is dominated by the roads subsector, which represents the subsector in which 98 percent of passengers travel and 86 percent of freight is moved, he said.
Road transport remains at the core of the government's policy to transform Laos from being land-locked to land-linked and is central to both economic development and poverty reduction.
Roads are a key priority for the transport sector, linking people to resources, markets and public services, Mr Somdy said.
Despite significant progress in the development of transport facilities including roads, waterways, airways and railways...
- Title
- Thai province provides training for Lao journalists.
- Runtime
- 3:24
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Radio and Television Professional Association in Phetchabun province, Thailand, in cooperation with the Institute of Physical Education Phetchabun Campus Stadium, is extending its assistance to Lao National Radio and Lao National Television for personnel training.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the initiative was signed in Vientiane yesterday between the Lao Journalists' Association (LJA) and the two Thai parties.
The cooperation aims to support professional activities and the sharing of experiences in mass media a nd other activities to broaden the knowledge of Lao journalists.
The Institute of Physical Education in Phetchabun Campus will provide scholarships to the LJA for 10 Lao staff, while the province's Radio and Television Professional Association will provide five scholarships. The trainees will study the reporting of sport events through bachelor degree courses, beginning this year. Under the programme, all credits and acc...
- Title
- Australian government to support physical, arts education in Vientiane.
- Runtime
- 4:19
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Australian NGO cooperation program meor ANCP through the Australian government have recently pledged more than US$219,000 (1.7 billion kip) to implement a project that will promote physical and arts educations in the capital.
The proposed �learning beyond blackboards� project will work closely with the physical and arts education department and 25 target schools including both primary and lower secondary schools, as well as five schools from the pilot project's five districts in Vientiane.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday by Country Director of Child Fund in Laos, Ms Keoamphone Souvannaphoum and Director General of the Physical and Art Education Department at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mr Bounsouk Thilasack.
The main activities of the project will be to improve the teaching and learning of physical and arts education in 25 schools around Vientiane through teachers' use of supplemental teaching materials,...
- Title
- Young business woman finds steady footing in brick business.
- Runtime
- 3:08
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Construction is a big contributor to carbon emissions that cause global warming, particularly through excessive use of materials such as cement.
Meanwhile, poor construction leads to excessive use of air conditioning, contributing to more warming of the atmosphere.
This challenge inspired one business woman on her road to a strong footing in the construction materials industry with interlocking bricks that reduce reliance on cement and provide improved insulating properties as compared to alternatives.
Just one month into business operation, Vientiane Times spoke to Ms Soukanya Dethleuxay, 27, manager of the 450 Year Interlocking Brick Factory.
The interlocking brick is proving increasingly popular among foreigners living in Laos and Lao people who have lived abroad.
This kind of brick follows an Australian developed technique that today finds favour among customers abroad in many developed countries.
She first lear...
- Title
- Special economic zones attracting fewer foreign investors.
- Runtime
- 2:45
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Foreign investor interest in Lao special zone economic zones is currently less than previous years as most try to come to grips with local regulations.
Vientiane Industry and Trade Area Special Economic Zone (VITA Park), at Km22 Nonthong in Xaythany district is one of zones facing this problem, VITA Park President, Mr Sibounheuang Vienheuangphay told Vientiane Times reporters during a visit to the zone last week.
Over the last few years, many foreign investors especially from China, Japan and Thailand have come to obtain information regarding conditions, potential and facilitation of investment in the zone but now only some have actually invested, he said.
He believed that every investor needed to comprehend the long time for approvals and the many tax payment stages under the regulations.
�Some companies do not have a deep understanding of the Lao rules and regulations,� he said.
�The investment promotion law is still the...
- Title
- Lao Front to approve new structure, regulations.
- Runtime
- 4:16
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Issues around the organisational structure, role and obligations of the Front at all levels, and related regulations, will be the focus of discussion and consideration by the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC)'s Committee at its upcoming plenary.
The LFNC's Vice President, Mr Khambay Damlath revealed the plan whilst talking with media representatives yesterday about the upcoming ordinary plenary of the committee, which will take place this month.
The mobilisation of various human resources to the Front's efforts in implementing its obligations towards national construction will be an important topic at the meeting.
The LFNC is setting up four advisory committees: one on ethnicity, another on religion, one advisory committee on civil society, and another advisory committee on Lao-overseas relations.
�The mobilisation of people who have experience in these fields is important for the implementation of their political duties in...
- Title
- Elephants amaze festival-goers with clever antics
- Runtime
- 2:50
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
Whenever a show starts, the audience crowds around instantly and calls out to praise, encourage and cheer on the elephants as they go through their paces and entertain the enthralled onlookers.
The elephant shows were without doubt the major attraction on the opening day of this year's annual elephant festival in Xayaboury province earlier this month.
Certainly no one who saw it could ever forget the intriguing spectacle provided by the docile and obedient elephants.
It's a rare sight in Laos to see so many elephants gathered in one place and taking part in activities together.
The thousands of people, including myself, who attended the annual elephant festival in hopes of something special were not disappointed. They marvelled at the clever tricks and antics of the elephants who exhibited an amazing intelligence and understanding and put on an outstanding display.
The event featured...
- Title
- Deputy PM calls for health ministry to focus on personnel development.
- Runtime
- 4:39
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Deputy Prime Minister Somdy Duangdy has called on the Ministry of Health to focus on staff development as the top priority for the health sector, stressing the need for a change in attitudes.
Mr Somdy made the call in his address at the ministry's annual meeting for 2016, which ended yesterday.
In terms of achievements in 2015-16, the ministry has improved the working style, service delivery, knowledge and capability of doctors and nurses. It has also improved facilities at health centres and distributed medicines and modern medical equipment to various hospitals.
Mr Somdy praised the improvements in the sector and the decision to pursue continuous reform.
However, he reminded ministry officials that the quality of health services in Laos remains a huge challenge in competing with the services offered in neighbouring countries. There is a continuous stream of Lao people crossing the border for health services, mostly going to Thailand...
- Title
- GEF grant to enhance agro-climatic monitoring.
- Runtime
- 2:37
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Global Environmental Facility has provided more than US$5.4 million (about 44.4 billion kip) to support a project strengthening agro-climatic monitoring and information systems to improve climate change adaptation and food security in Laos.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the four year project (2017-2021) was signed yesterday by the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Laos, Dr Stephen Rudgard, and Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Ms Monemany Nhoyboukong.
The Lao government has provided an additional US$1 million with US$500,000 each coming from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The project aims to enhance the analysis, communication and use of agro-climatic information for planning and decision making for agricultural production and food security at national and provincial levels.
It will improve the ana...
- Title
- Historic auction earns 11.6 billion kip; PM's car draws highest bid
- Runtime
- 1:39
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
A historic auction of 14 luxury cars withdrawn from government leaders has earned 11.6 billion kip with the BMW driven by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith attracting the highest bid at the public sale held at the National Convention Centre yesterday.
More than 50 people including representatives of companies and banks registered to bid for the 14 cars, comprising seven BMW 730 LI and seven Mercedes Benz S350, which have all been in use since 2012.
The spotlight was on the BMWs as they were previously driven by the country's top leaders including President Bounnhang Vorachit, Vice President Phankham Viphavanh, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and President of the National Assembly Ms Pany Yathotou.
A starting price was set at 830 million kip for each of the BMWs and 500 million kip for each of the Mercedes Benz regardless of the distance they had been driven.
Among the seven BMWs, the car prev...
- Title
- Queen Mathilde's visit raises Saravan's issues into spotlight.
- Runtime
- 2:46
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Belgian Queen Mathilde's visit has raised pre-education, mother and child health and nutrition issues in southern Saravan province into the spotlight, recalling the need for greater effort to improve the issues.
Queen Mathilde, who is also the Honourary President of Unicef Belgium, and Her Royal Highness's delegates are visiting Laos from February 20-23, which is in line with the Laos - Unicef cooperation framework.
During Her Royal Highness's visit to Unicef-supported programmes in Saravan on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Queen learnt about the need to improve pre-education, mother and child health and nutrition in impoverished districts of the province.
At the visit to Laongam and Ta-Oy districts yesterday, the Queen learnt that the two districts are suffering from insufficient classrooms to run pre-education and kindergarten classes. Therefore, children have not been well prepared for primary school resulting in the fact that the rate of students ...
- Title
- Annual elephant festival raises awareness on conservation
- Runtime
- 2:16
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- http://www.vientianetimes.org.la
Xayaboury province: The 11th annual elephant festival in Xayaboury province opened for a parade of some 68 pachyderms at the provincial central stadium last Saturday morning.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, Xayaboury provincial Governor, Mr Phongsavanh Sitthavong who also gave the opening speech, officials and thousands of people including foreign visitors.
During his speech, Mr Phongsavanh Sitthavong represented provincial authorities and the festival organising committee to warmly welc ome the prime minister and all the assembled guests.
e also expressed his impressions on organising the festival, reviewed the history of the event and its importance, and blessed the audience and wished them a joyful time.
The opening ceremony featured various activities comprising a grand parade, art and culture performances; and the 21 programmes of the smart elephants' dem...
- Title
- Lao dairy farm carves out healthy market niche
- Runtime
- 4:24
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
A lot of items on shop shelves in Laos are imported, including vast quantities of food, but some items that don't keep for very long are best produced locally, such as milk, which only stays fresh for about a week.
With agriculture in Laos improving year by year, a new farm in Vientiane called the Lao Dairy Farm is carving out a sizeable share of the fresh milk market. Its main selling point is that the quality of its pasteurised milk is as good as imported brands.
The farm is located in Naxineua village, Naxaithong district. It keeps a variety of animals, including goats, pigs, ducks, chicken, and fish, but its mainstay is ists herd of dairy cows.
Farm Director Ms Sengmany Yathotou told Vientiane Times last week that they began in 2014 with 16 cows which they kept for the family's use and tended to after work because the family enjoyed agricultural activities.
To start with, they never thought ...
- Title
- Govt awards Cambodian Ambassador for efforts to deepen cooperation
- Runtime
- 3:18
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Lao government has awarded a Friendship Medal to the outgoing Cambodian Ambassador to Laos, Mr Hos Sereythonh, to congratulate his successful mission and his achievements in enhancing relations and cooperation between Laos and Cambodia.
The medal was presented on Friday by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith on behalf of the Lao government.
On the occasion of medal awarding ceremony, outgoing Ambassador Hos Sereythonh expressed his thanks to the Lao government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the comprehensive cooperation, kind assistance and convenience he was afforded during his 3-year diplomatic mission in Laos.
During his three year mission to Laos, Ambassador Hos Sereythonh has promoted strengthened relations and deepened the longstanding traditional friendship and solidarity between the Lao and Cambodian peoples.
He also played an important role in contribution to the activities to celebrate the 60th a...
- Title
- Laos, European Union make milestone in cooperation
- Runtime
- 2:54
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Laos and the European Union (EU) have reached a new milestone in regards to bilateral ties, with the eighth meeting of the Joint Commission (JC) of Laos and the EU taking place in Vientiane last Friday to discuss further cooperation.
The meeting was co-presided over by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs's Department of Europe-America Affairs Director General, Mr Khuanta Phalivong, and Head of the Division of South Asia and Southeast Asia for the EU, Mr David Daly.
The Lao side highly valued the EU assistance to the country in targeting the Millennium Development Goals.
Last year, Laos and the EU signed documents on EU support to Laos such as the EU assistance of 15 million euros to Laos for implementing a basic education project for 2014/15, 19 million euros for a nutrition project, 5.5 million euros for governance reform, and 5 million euros for UXO clearance.
The two sides have discussed the assistance of the EU to Laos for 2016 to 202...
- Title
- Drug lords arrested, multi-million dollars in assets impounded.
- Runtime
- 8:12
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Multiple drug lords have been arrested after police officers launched a major crackdown on the illegal drug trade across the country with 33 suspects in total having been arrested, a senior police general told local media yesterday.
As much as 30 million baht was offered to bribe police officers for feeing each drug lord after the bribery brokers were detained on January 14, Director General of the General Police Department, Brigadier General DrThonglekMangnormek told a press conference held at his department.
Earlier last month police officers arrested major drug lord, MrKhonpasongSoukkaseum also known as Xiengther, 47, who was a bigger drug dealer than XaysanaKeophimpha, another Lao national who was arrested in neighbouring Thailand on January 19. Both men were affiliated with different groups.
MrKhonpasong, a Lao national and a Vientiane resident and three of his cronies were arrested in Vientiane.
Brigadier General Thonglek told the medi...
- Title
- Laos, Thailand, China, Vietnam pave way for tourism integration
- Runtime
- 2:43
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Eleven provinces across four countries in the upper Mekong basin have agreed to join in a development cooperation agreement that will seek sustainable tourism integration across the sub-region and its borders.
Officials from these provinces signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the mechanism of their cooperation last Saturday at the conclusion of a half-day meeting held in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo province.
Under the MoU, the provinces have agreed to cooperate on tourism advertising, cross border facilities and tourism infrastructure development including tourism route connectivity, human resource development, and integration facilitation for international tourists.
The provinces include Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Luang Prabang and Xayaboury of Laos; Xishuangbanna prefecture of China; Sonla and Dien Bien Phu of Vietnam; as well as Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces of Thailand.
Looking toward...
- Title
- Flower festival promotes culture, tourism.
- Runtime
- 2:59
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Bokeo province: The 17th Kapok Flower Festival, also known as Dok Ngiew Festival, was successfully held last week in Bokeo province's Tonpheung district promoting tourism, culture, and local multiethnic people's traditions.
A former President of Laos, Deputy Prime Ministers and thousands of local and international spectators attended the event's opening ceremony.
The Kapok Flower Festival is a big event for the people of Bokeo province located amongst the natural surrounds of Don Xao Island with its red blossoming trees in the Golden Triangle area.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bokeo province Governor Dr Khamphanh Pheuyyavong noted the significance of the event, which local people have followed customarily for 17 years.
He said his authority was putting much effort into developing the province as a hub for tourism and transportation services amid this year's preparations to mark the 35th anniversary of the province's founding. He also noted the ...
- Title
- Russian govt awards Lao ambassador.
- Runtime
- 2:56
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has awarded former Lao Ambassador to Russia, Mr Thieng Boupha with a breastplate for his significant personal contribution to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The award is called the “Decoration for Cooperation” of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Such a badge is awarded by Russian government to citizens of Russia, foreign citizens, and stateless persons for their active collaboration with the ministry on the development of bilateral cooperation, the popularisation of Russian language and culture, the implementation of projects in support of compatriots, for merits in the development of bilateral relations with Russia, and assistance in strengthening peace and friendly relations among nations.
The award ceremony took place yesterday at the Russian Embassy in Vientiane, with the Russian Ambassador to Laos, Mr Mikhail Baranov bestowing the honou...
- Title
- Monks honour their leader in special ceremony.
- Runtime
- 3:04
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- A large number of people and monks from around the country attended a special ceremony yesterday to honour the President of the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organisation by sprinkling him with holy water, at That Luang Neua temple in Vientiane.
The ceremony to pay tribute to the leader of the monk body, His Holiness Manha-ngon Damrongboun, took place following an almsgiving.
The event was attended by the President of the Lao Front for National Construction, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, Vientiane Mayor Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, officials, monks from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, and members of the public.
The ceremony began with rituals and cultural performances before participants walked around the That Luang stupa three times.
His Holiness Manha-ngon Damrongboun rode on a special carriage in the procession, which was led by 17 cultural and traditional groups with monks, officials and members of the public walking behind.
Afte...
- Title
- Law on alcoholic beverage control remains ineffective.
- Runtime
- 3:34
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Awareness of the dangers of alcohol seems not to be taking root despite efforts in this regard, and to the contrary alcohol consumption and promotion appear to be growing all the time.
Members of the Lao Women's Union, government officials and representatives of IOGT International in Laos attended a consultation workshop last Friday on the implementation of the Law on Alcoholic Beverage Control, which aims to protect women and children and minimise the dangers of alcohol.
The purpose of the workshop was to promote the Law on Alcoholic Beverage Control, raise awareness of the risks and dangers of alcohol, reduce its consumption, and minimise violence against women and children. The workshop was supported by IOGT International of Sweden.
Vice President of the Lao Women's Union and National Assembly member, Ms Bandith Pathoumvanh, said the law was approved on December 19, 2014, at the eighth ordinary session of the National Assembly's seventh legisla...
- Title
- Kasikornthai Bank supports syndicated loan to EDL.
- Runtime
- 3:16
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Kasikornthai Bank has released a syndicated loan to Electricite du Laos (EDL) for development and expansion of the electricity network to supply the nation's remote areas and export.
- Title
- Lao fresh milk increases growth chances
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Lao Dairy Farm (LDF) is seeking to carve out a share of the fresh milk market in the country, with the selling point that its quality is equal to that of international imported milk brands.
Farm manager, MsSengmaniYathortu explained on Tuesday that the farm is equipped with modern technology that ensures all the milk is hygienically produced.
The farm is looking forward to promote its brand Crysta among Lao people to become more widely recognised, and be able to compete with milk brands imported from overseas.
LDF is now distributing Crysta milk product at minimarts in the capital, and has so far expanded its distribution from four to eight minimarts.
MsSengmani said that her products are made from milk on the farm including fresh milk and yogurt.
Our products can be freshly distributed, which will be a strong point when competing with imported international brands, she stressed.
MsSengmani added recently her...
- Title
- Challenges remain for sustainable tourism growth
- Runtime
- 4:00
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Although Laos has a robust and fast-growing tourism industry, the country faces challenges regarding the sector's sustainable development, according to a leading official.
Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr SounhManivong, made the comment recently to Vientiane Times while attending a tourism seminar.
To address sustainability in the sector the government is prioritising the tourism development strategy for 2016-2020 and vision for 2030.
The United Nations has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development which will encourage the public and private sectors, and international organisations, to jointly make plans and promote tourism to ensure it moves closer to sustainability.
�Laos is focusing on three issues for tourism sustainability. Firstly, on tourist site development and traditional customs conservation which will highlight the nat...
- Title
- Bureau seeks to overcome statistical challenges.
- Runtime
- 3:10
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The country has made progress in the development of its statistical systems, but improvement to international standards remains challenging for the sector.
The issue was a topic of a meeting of the Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) that opened yesterday in Vientiane to discuss provision of official information for supporting the implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).
Last year's successful hosting of the 6th session of the Asean Community Statistical System Committee was recounted by participants as a key achievement of the sector in the country.
�Across the entire system we have to enhance the production of official statistical figures raising their quality to international standards,� Deputy Minister and Head of the LBS Dr Samaychanh Boupha said. Another challenge is the preparation of indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals in monitoring their progress in the short term, which he said had close relations ...
- Title
- Lao Food Festival 2017 opens at Chao Annouvong
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The 12th Lao Food Festival officially opened yesterday at Chao Anouvong Park in Chanthabouly district, with the food extravaganza set to open from 8:00am to 10:00pm over three days from January 25- 27.
President of the Lao Businesswomen's Association, MrsChanthachoneVongsay reported at the opening ceremony that the Lao Food Festival has been held every year since 2006, and that this year is the 12th such food festival.
One of the aims of the festival is to remind people to preserve and promote Lao traditions and culture such as Lao cuisine, Lao produce and also Lao traditional dress.
It also specifically aims to promote women's business units operating in small crops, stockbreeding, and cooking amongst other fields.
The festival is also intending to promote restaurants in Vientiane and the provinces by allowing them to exhibit and sell their goods.
It aims to promote opportunities for women entrepreneurs to exchange knowl...
- Title
- Lao Skyway mark 15th anniversary operation
- Runtime
- 2:37
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Airline Lao Skyway yesterday held a ceremony to celebrate its 15th anniversary and review its performance so far.
The ceremony took place at Lao Skyway office on Tuesday in Vientiane and was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defence, Major General OnesySenesouk, Deputy Minister of Finance, MrSilaViengkeo, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, MrLattanamanyKhounivong and officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director of Lao Skyway, Major BounmaChanthavongsa said Lao Skyway was established on 24 January 2002.
On December 8, 2003, the airline signed a lease-to-purchase agreement with Lane Xang Minerals Limited Company for the lease of a Cessna Grand Caravan to use on its charter services. The agreement signaled the start of its fixed-wing operation.
Major BounmaChanthavongsa said since 2003 the revenue of the company increased 15 percent per year.
Revenue amounted to 905 billion kip obligations paid to governme...
- Title
- Entrepreneurs debate trends and opportunities in Asean
- Runtime
- 2:49
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- More than 100 entrepreneurs from Laos, European and regional countries met yesterday to debate trends and opportunities in the Asean market at the Vientiane Economic Forum in Vientiane.
The forum was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Somchith Inthamith, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Thanongsinh Khanlagna, and President of the Europe Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos, Mr Guy Apovy.
The Vientiane Economic Forum is an essential business-focused event integrated into the Rendezvous de Vientiane which has a successful history as a major happening in Vientiane.
The conference on �Business Transforming Trends in the AEC� is the first of a planned series which we have labeled as the �Vientiane Economic Forum�.
The idea is to have a regular significant event in Vientiane which does not have its focus on Laos but takes a wider perspective, said Executive Director of the ...
- Title
- 1st Japan Film Festival kicks off in Vientiane
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The 1st Japan Film Festival opened in Vientiane last Friday to promote motion picture development in Laos as well as cultural exchange.
Ambassador of Japan to Laos, Mr Takeshi Chihara; Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Savankhone Razmountry; Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr Santisouk Simmalavong along with local and Japan Foundation Asia Centre officials and celebrities attended the opening.
Mr Chihara thanked the ministry for their successful collaboration with the Japan Foundation Asia Centre in Vientiane and ITECC Mall for screening Japanese films at the ITECC Cineplex.
The ambassador urged local audiences to enjoy the films which have already proven a hit with movie buffs in Japan.
A Japanese traditional music performance by Ms Noriko Tsuboi entertained the audience ahead of the screening of the festival's first film What a Wonderful Family.
The opening movie told the story of Shuzo who h...
- Title
- Deputy PM takes strong stance against corruption
- Runtime
- 4:55
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Building public awareness of corruption, taking note of complaints about unethical conduct, and bringing offenders to justice are some of the ways the government intends to clamp down on corruption.
Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Party and Government Inspection Authority and the Anti-Corruption Organisation, Dr Bounthong Chitmany, outlined these points yesterday in his address at the annual inspection meeting.
We have to build awareness of the dangers of corruption among members of the public, starting at a young age,� Dr Bounthong said, referring to the practices of many foreign countries.
Dr Bounthong, who is a member of the Politburo, reminded meeting participants about the hazards of corruption, which he said challenged the role, influence, and leadership of the Party.
Inspections were carried out among 786 targets in 15 ministries and government agencies, the provinces, and Vientiane last year. Officials found that more than 98...
