Vientiane Times
Canada eyes economic cooperation potential.
- Title
- Canada eyes economic cooperation potential.
- Runtime
- 2:58
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Mining, energy, agriculture and forestry, as well as aerospace have been among the sectors that Canada has expressed cooperation interest in, seeking to boost ties and trade with Laos.
Canadian Minister of International Trade, Chrystia Freeland revealed the Canadian intention in her exclusive interview with Vientiane Times and Lao National Television on Thursday during her visit to Laos and her attendance in the outgoing 48th Asean Economic Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane.
“There are real opportunities in mining in Laos, which is an area of real expertise for Canadian companies. Laos is very involved in the energy sector where Canada also has a lot of expertise,” Ms Freeland said.
There is a lot of focus on infrastructure where Canada has expertise, in particular public and private partnerships in that space, according to the minister, who said aerospace is another possibility for cooperation as well as information technology.
Men...
- Title
- PM proposes seven point agenda to pursue Asean economic goals
- Runtime
- 5:27
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has raised a seven-point agenda calling for Asean economic ministers to place discussion focus on pursuing the 2025 Asean economic goals.
The PM proposed the agenda while he was delivering his opening remarks at the 48th Asean Economic Ministers' Meeting that took place yesterday at Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane.
To pursue the Asean Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025, which was adopted by Asean leaders at the 27th Asean Summit held in November last year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Lao Prime Minister raised the seven-point agenda as follows:
1.To ensure the effective implementation of the ACE Blueprint 2025 by putting in place the appropriate mechanisms including the sectoral work plans, coordination mechanisms as well as a systematic monitoring and evaluation framework.
2. To continue to enhance the business environment through the reduction of business costs and improved trade facilitation, es...
- Title
- Asean economic officials agree to report Laos' priority deliverables
- Runtime
- 2:17
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Senior economic officials from the 10 Asean member states and delegates have agreed on the eight priority deliverables for the Asean Economic Community that Laos presented at the Preparatory SEOM Meeting in Vientiane yesterday.
“They agree to propose the eight priority deliverables to the 48th Asean Economic Ministers' Meeting (48th AEM) for consideration and approval, and for additional advice,” Deputy Director General of the Foreign Trade Policy Department, Mr Saysana Sayakone, said at the meeting.
The priority deliverables presented by Laos are the Asean Trade Facilitation Framework, Asean Food Safety Regulatory Framework, Asean Institutional Framework on Access to Finance for MSMEs, Enabling Environment for SME Establishment and Development, Pakxe Declaration on Ecotourism, Asean Sustainable Tourism Award, Guidelines for Special Economic Zone Development and Collaboration, and the Master Plan for CLMV Development.
The plans were approved at the A...
- Title
- Follow Party policy, VP advises business operators
- Runtime
- 5:35
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Business operators should understand Party policies and direction in depth and conduct their operations honestly to enable strong growth in the government and business sectors, Vice President Phankham Viphavanh has advised.
Mr Phankham, who is also Standing Member of the Secretariat Committe of the 10th Party Central Committee, delivered the advice when speaking at a meeting of business leaders in Vientiane yesterday hosted by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explain the Resolution adopted by the 10th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
He highlighted the progress made in implementing the Resolution, saying it had contributed to the country's construction and development.
Laos has also raised its profile on the regional and international stages after successfully hosting the 10th Asean Summit in 2004 and the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting in 2012, he added.
However, Laos had also faced various shortcomings and chal...
- Title
- US Secretary of State lays groundwork for future cooperation
- Runtime
- 4:09
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- US Secretary of State John Kerry has highlighted key areas of cooperation with Laos ahead of President Barack Obama's historic visit to Laos in September.
Mr Kerry was in Vientiane from July 25-26 to attend a number of meetings including the Asean-US Ministerial Meeting, East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the Asean Regional Forum.
Speaking at a press conference in Vientiane yesterday, the Secretary of State said the US was keen to work with Laos in a number of fields to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
“Some of the areas we are looking at are education, healthcare, development, infrastructure, sustainability in climate and energy,” he said.
“Those are the things we think we could work together on. The United States could help show how some of the things we have learned through the years could be applied so that Laos doesn't make the same mistakes as we might have in some ways. We can share thoughts about...
- Title
- Canada opens diplomatic office in Vientiane.
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Canada has opened a diplomatic office in Vientiane in an effort to boost economic and political ties with Laos.
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Stéphane Dion led the opening ceremony held on Monday at the Australian Embassy, which will be the home of the Canadian office.
“The opening of the office marks a new stage in Canadian -Lao relations but Laos-Canada connections go back a long way,” said a statement in a document commemorating Canada's participation in the 1954 Geneva Accords that ended the first Indochina war.
Canadians were also members of the International Control Commission and were stationed in Vientiane.
In his remarks at the opening ceremony Minister Dion said “I want to officially open this diplomatic office of the government of Canada that will prove that Canada is in Laos and will stay in Laos to reinforce the friendship between Canada and Laos. Canada will remain in Laos!”
“This office th...
- Title
- 49th AMM, related meetings close after fruitful discussions
- Runtime
- 4:13
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The 49th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings hosted by Laos officially ended yesterday after comprehensive, candid and fruitful discussions between Asean members and their dialogue partners that began on July 21.
During the meetings, Asean and its dialogue partners as well as other external parties also had fruitful deliberations on important political, security and development cooperation issues.
This was the key message of a statement delivered by Minister of Foreign Affairs MrSaleumxayKommasith during a press conference on the outcome of the 49th AMM and related meetings.
MrSaleumxay noted that Laos had chaired the 49th AMM and related meetings for four days from July 23-26, when 22 ministerial meetings took place. These included three meetings between Asean Foreign Ministers relating to specific regions.
There were also 14 meetings with external partners under Asean-led mechanisms, namely AseanPlus One, Asean Plus...
- Title
- Asean, dialogue partners vow to boost cooperation
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Asean member countries will continue to work with China after seeing the progressive growth of Asean-China relations in past years, particularly in terms of trade and investment.
Asean nations expressed appreciation to China for its continued support for the Asean Community building process and the progress made in the implementation of cooperative activities, including China's initiative under the Cooperation Framework for Asean-China Relations, particularly the establishment of the Asean Infrastructure Investment Bank.
These matters were referred to yesterday during the Asean-China Ministerial Meeting, one of the related events held on the same day as the Asean Post Ministerial Conference 10+1 Sessions with Dialogue Partners, chaired by Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith. The meeting also acknowledged the 25th anniversary of Asean-China Dialogue Relations and discussed the deliverables of the Asean-China Commemorative Summit to be held on...
- Title
- Asean Plus Three meeting
- Runtime
- 1:24
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Title
- The 49th ASEAN Foreign Minister's Meeting-Plenary Session
- Runtime
- 3:40
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Title
- The officially opening ceremony of the 49th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane
- Runtime
- 4:42
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Regional representatives discuss upcoming Asean meetings
- Runtime
- 2:57
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Representatives from Asean nations gathered at the National Conference Centre in Vientiane this morning to prepare content for upcoming Asean meetings in the capital.
Participants attended the 11/2016 Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representative to Asean which will continue until July 26. Upcoming meetings to be held include those with the Asean Foreign Ministers, Asean Dialog Partners including the Post Ministerial Meeting, Asean Plus Three, East Asia Summit and the Asean Regional Forum.
- Title
- The 17th COCI Meeting in Vientiane
- Runtime
- 2:41
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The 17th COCI Meeting in Vientiane
- Title
- Lao devotees welcome Buddhist Lent nationwide
- Runtime
- 4:25
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Yesterday was Buddhist Lent festival day and Lao people welcomed and celebrated this important event nationwide by giving alms and presenting offerings at their local temples.
Many people, especially devotees, enjoyed taking part to mark the welcoming of the Buddhist Lent and celebrating by making merit throughout the day, giving alms and offerings in the morning and attending the candle lit procession in the evening.
Many religious activities were also held in the afternoon and evening in temples around the country such as Dhamma preaching, praying, and meditation.
Anyone could present something at any time of the day from the morning to the evening.
The most important was the alms giving session held in the morning at all temples, with hundreds of devotees visiting each temple.
And the most colourful activity was the candle lit processions held in the evenings and attracting huge groups of people.
The festi...
- Title
- PM pushes for greater connectivity between Asia, Europe
- Runtime
- 5:53
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has called for Asia and Europe to work together even more closely to promote greater connectivity between the two regions to boost development and drive growth.
The Lao PM made the comment when addressing the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit held on July 15-16 in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia.
Chaired by Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, the summit brought together 53 delegations from Asia and Europe.
The summit, which also marked the 20th anniversary of ASEM, reviewed the group's achievements over the past two decades.
ASEM leaders also discussed ways to broaden their cooperation in politics, economics, trade, finance, investment, and social and cultural matters, as well as people-to-people exchanges.
In his speech, Mr Thongloun said the summit, under the theme “20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity”, once again reaffirmed the imp...
- Title
- Communities give back to nature by replenishing fish stocks
- Runtime
- 3:53
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Communities across the country yesterday marked National Fish Releasing and Conservation of Aquatic and Wildlife Day by adding fish to natural waterways to replenish stocks. .
- Title
- PM asks media, ministry to work harder
- Runtime
- 3:57
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has asked the media to expose issues of social concern in a constructive manner in line with the Media Law, in order that solutions can be reached.
The premier issued the advice during a two-day national meeting of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism held at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane, which ended yesterday.
Minister Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, deputy ministers and officials working in the three sectors from around the country attended the meeting.
The Prime Minister described the media as an effective tool in disseminating the Party's policies, state laws and the government's socio-economic development plans.
The media also plays an important role in giving the public useful information, bringing problems into the open and providing recommendations that lead to solutions, while also fulfilling people's needs, he said.
The Prime Minister advised television and ...
- Title
- Concerns rise over locust invasion
- Runtime
- 2:19
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Authorities have warned of more severe locust infestations this year following an increasing number of reports concerning the insect pests.
Last year locusts appeared in 140 places but this year they have been reported in more than 500 locations in 14 districts of three provinces, despite stronger measures to prevent them.
The government has declared a state of emergency in the three provinces of LuangPrabang, Huaphan and Phongsaly and pumped an enormous amount of resources into battling the locust army.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Agriculture Department met with their counterparts from Thailand in Vientiane on Tuesday to discuss the prevention and control of locusts.
Director General of the Agriculture Department MrVilaysoukKhennavong outlined the general situation concerning locust infestations in Laos as well as the cooperation Laos has received from neighbouring countries including China.
Lao an...
- Title
- Investing in adolescent girls seen as key to sustainable development
- Runtime
- 6:49
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The government needs greater
investment in adolescent
girls across all sectors, as this
will yield a huge return on
investment to Laos.
Minister of Planning
and Investment Dr Souphan
Keomixay made the statement
yesterday at a high-level
forum titled “How Investing
in Adolescent Girls Today
Can Ensure Sustainable
Development for Laos”.
The meeting was part
of activities to mark World
Population Day which is
observed every July 11 in over
90 countries.
The day seeks to focus
attention on the urgency and
importance of population
issues, particularly in the
context of overall development.
The theme for this year is
“Investing in adolescent girls”.
It is widely acknowledged that
girls aged 10-19 around the
world face more and greater
challenges than their male
counterparts.
Dr Sou...
- Title
- Asean journalists vow to build closer ties
- Runtime
- 3:22
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Asean journalists have agreed to build better understanding and contacts and make more exchange visits to each other and to the peoples of the region.
Representatives from journalists' associations decided to strengthen their bonds at their meeting held in Vientiane on Friday to discuss the work of the Confederation of Asean Journalists (CAJ).
They met for the first meeting of the CAJ Working Group under the presidency of the Vietnam Journalists' Association (VJA) of the confederation from 2015-2017.
Speaking at the meeting, Executive President of the VJA Ho Quang Loi asked member organisations to promote their activities by regularly sharing information through social networks such as Facebook and by establishing groups of CAJ journalists.
“Through the CAJ's fanpage created by the VJA under its 2015-2017 presidency, I hope that all CAJ member countries will promote their activities by providing information, encouraging Asean journa...
- Title
- Strong laws pave way for development: minister
- Runtime
- 3:31
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Having strong laws that are enforced will bring about more investment and business operations, while cutting costs in both the public and private sectors.
This was the consensus among government officials, business and other stakeholder representatives at a seminar held yesterday in Vientiane to discuss the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) guidelines.
The Ministry of Justice together with development partners has compiled the guidelines to help in the assessment of draft legislation.
Speaking at the seminar, Minister of Justice MrXaysiSantivong noted the importance of RIA for the improvement of legislation, saying it would help to create a better investment environment.
He cited the Ease of Doing Business index drawn up by the World Bank, which saw Laos rise in the rankings from 139 in 2014, to 134 last year, out of 189 countries.
The need for RIA in Laos was first evidenced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)/Ministry ...
- Title
- Laos strives for Asean chairmanship excellence.
- Runtime
- 2:56
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Laos will try its best to deliver an outstanding performance as the chair of Asean when the Asean summit takes place in Vientiane in September.
- Title
- US to expand cooperation with Laos
- Runtime
- 3:33
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The United States will increase funding for UXO clearance in Laos, while the government will also expand cooperation with Laos, according to a statement from the US Embassy to Vientiane on US Independence Day on Monday.
Speaking at the embassy on July 4, US Ambassador to Laos Daniel A. Clune told the press that the US government will expand cooperation with Laos in new areas which will be explained by President Barack Obama when he visits Laos in September.
- Title
- Japan gives boost to human resource development in Laos
- Runtime
- 5:31
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- The government of Japan is providing grant assistance of 308 million yen (over 24 billion kip) for the continuation of the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Project in Laos.
An agreement was signed yesterday in Vientiane by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Khamphao Eunthavanh and Japanese Ambassador to Laos Mr Takeshi Hikihara.
The project is part of the priority framework of the Lao government to strengthen human resources development through improvements to the education system, especially by improving students' learning capacity to meet national, regional and international standards.
Over the past year, the government of Japan has continued to provide Official Development Assistance to develop Laos in many areas, including basic infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and other related fields.
This assistance has contributed to the 8th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2016-2020, which was accep...
- Title
- Vat Pa Pha Bard enshrines the peace of Buddhism
- Runtime
- 4:54
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- As Vat Pa Pha Bard Phou khao Khauy is surrounded by forest, it's a perfect site to sit and meditate or wander around the holy place to learn about Lao Buddhist temple arts.
Back in 1991, Monk Khamtun Vorarath discovered Buddha's footprint in the Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area and believed it would become an a important place for Lao Buddhists.
Then in 1997, he asked the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, and especially local people to build a temple in the jungle.
The temple was given the go ahead in 1998 with the central hall constructed first to enshrine Buddha's footprint.
It is designed in an Indian style mixed with Lao art; a balance of beauty and sanctity.
In more recent years, Monk Khamtun has organised the erecting of Buddha statues at important places around the temple.
Unfortunately, Monk Khamtun passed away earlier this year but believers continue to travel to pay homage to Buddha's footprint as well as enjoy the temp...
- Title
- Governance workshop mulls sustainable development goals
- Runtime
- 3:24
- Date posted
- 10 years ago
- Description
- Members of the Governance Sector Working Group (GSWG) gathered in Vientiane on Friday to share information on the country's Sustainable Development Goals and discuss the roles and duties of the People's Provincial Assemblies (PPAs).
The governance workshop was chaired by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Dr Khammoune Viphongxay, Deputy Minister of Justice Prof. Ket Kiettisak, and UNDP representative Mr Charles Chauvel.
Deputy Director General of the Planning Department under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ms Phonevanh Outhavong, explained the 17 Sustainable Development Goals required for most countries and noted that Laos had one additional goal, to reduce the impact of UXO.
Other goals include continued political stability, graduation from Least Development Country status by 2020 through inclusive and sustainable growth, maximising effective management, utilisation of natural resources, and participation in regional and international inte...
- Title
- Violence against women costing US$13.5 million
- Runtime
- 3:05
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Resources required for delivering across-the-board support services for Lao women and girls experiencing violence for 2015-2017 has reached an estimated US$13.5 million, or equal to 2.25 percent of national GDP in 2014.
This figure was disclosed yesterday in Vientiane at a meeting to launch the results of a study on the costs of violence against women.
The meeting was co-chaired by Acting President of National Commission for the Advancement of Women MsBandithPathoumvanh and UN Women's Deputy Regional Director Ms Anna-Karin Jatfors.
The study is particularly timely considering the launch of the first national violence prevalence survey in Laos earlier this year.
Having data and evidence on the prevalence and costs of violence and responses were a critical first step for preventing and eliminating such violence, MsJatfors said.
The estimation derives from interviews and data collected from the sectors of Women's Union, publ...
- Title
- Thai trade fair showcases products in Vientiane.
- Runtime
- 3:18
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- More than 170 exhibitors with 300 booths are taking part in the thai top Brands Exhibition on the 7th floor of ITECC Mall in Vientiane from June 29- July 3.
- Title
- Human resources key to development: education minister
- Runtime
- 3:25
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Laos needs to strengthen human resource development through ongoing improvements to the education system with the top priorities being the upgrade of basic education and reduction of dropout rates.
Although the dropout and failure rates have been decreasing annually, these issues still pose a challenge and need to be addressed urgently.
So far this academic year, some 37,000 students have dropped out of school and more than 41,000 were unable to pass their exams.
This was the main message of a keynote speech delivered yesterday by Minister of Education and Sports MsSengdeuaneLachanthaboun at the annual National Administrator Education meeting on improving education standards.
“Making sure that children are able to stay in school and complete the full five grades of primary schooling remains a major challenge, especially in the rural areas of Laos,” she said.
The objective of the meeting was to assess the progress made...
- Title
- Handmade art promotes conservation of Lao culture
- Runtime
- 6:15
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- By Sisouphan Amphonephong
A local teacher has dedicated all of his time to creating his handmade art from the love of conserving the traditional Lao Khon performance and preserving Lao culture in general.
His own two hands plus his experiences being an artist for several years have made Mr Savaeng Sengaphay, now a teacher at National School of Arts, wake up to the value of creating art and his love for transforming Khon performances by making Khon heads.
Mr Savaeng, 50 years old, responding to the Head of Education at the National School of Arts, encouraged students at the school to see the beauty in the arts.
His love of Khon performances started during his studies in Cambodia where he received a scholarship in 1986 to learn the performances of “ Khon ” or “the giant” and also “ Hanouman ” a Hindu monkey god.
He performed Khon after graduating in 1990 and was invited to show in many countries both in Europe ...
- Title
- Tobacco companies to display graphic health warnings on cigarette packets
- Runtime
- 2:58
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The government will soon require tobacco companies to display graphic health warnings on cigarette packets in the hope of reducing the number of deaths from smoking-related illnesses.
Tobacco companies will need to display these warnings relaying information on the dangers of smoking by October of this year.
Laos is still finding it difficult to implement health and legal policies to further reduce smoking in the country due to the influence of the tobacco industry, according to officials.
Director General of the Hygiene and Health Promotion Department under the Ministry of Health, Dr Phath Keungsaneth, spoke to the media on Wednesday at a meeting to build understanding of Articles 37 and 38 of the Law on Tobacco Control.
The graphic health warning on cigarette packets required described in Article 37 is very important for communicating information to people who cannot read. They can now see and understand some of the dangers of smoki...
- Title
- Meeting reviews development progress of poorest Asia-Pacific nations
- Runtime
- 2:50
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Representatives from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Asia and the Pacific, United Nations organisations, civil society and the private sector met in Vientiane yesterday to discuss continued implementation of the Mid-term Review of the Istanbul Programme of Action, especially the challenges and opportunities for Asia-Pacific LDCs.
The regional workshop on the Adaptation of the 2030 Agenda and the Istanbul Programme of Action at the National Level for LDCs in Asia and the Pacific was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment DrKhamlienPholsena and ESCAP's Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division Director DrAynulHasan.
During the first half of the implementation period of the programme, it is noted that the Asia-Pacific least developed countries made remarkable progress towards meeting the criteria for graduation.
Graduation from least developed country status is, however, not enough, as many of these countries a...
- Title
- Philippine dancers light up Vientiane stage
- Runtime
- 4:07
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines in cooperation with the Embassy of the Philippines in Vientiane on Monday staged an exciting performance by the AlunAlun Dance Circle at Laos' National Culture Hall.
The troupe's performance of a dance titled “Water Symphony” sought to preserve Pangalay, a living link to traditional dance cultures in the Asian region where sensitivity is the key to learning and mastery of the many nuances of traditional dances.
The dancers performed in front of officials and members of the public after a speech to explain this dance form and encourage the audience to enjoy the show.
Pangalay has the closest affinity to the Indian, Javanese, Thai, Burmese and Cambodian styles of classical dancing, and unfortunately is one dance form in Asia that is being pushed to oblivion.
Amidst these challenges, there are dedicated teachers, dancers, social scientists and researchers who strive to con...
- Title
- First Asean ecotourism forum opens in Champassaks
- Runtime
- 4:44
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Pakxe district, Champassak province: The 1st Asean Ecotourism Forum officially opened yesterday in Pakxe district of Champassak province with Asean ministers and delegates as well as Asean plus 3 nations also attending.
The forum running from June 22-23 was opened yesterday by Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara and also attended by Asean ministers, deputy ministers, Champassak provincial Governor Dr Bounthong Divixay, Deputy Secretary General of Asean Lim Hong Hin, Director Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific of UN World Tourism Organisation Mr Xu Jing and other delegates from Asean as well as Lao officials.
Meanwhile, a coinciding Green Tourism Exhibition also opened featuring more than 80 display booths.
Prof. Dr Bosengkham said at the forum opening that Laos as Chair of Asean 2016 was determined to further the aspirations of Asean under the theme ‘Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic Asean Communit...
- Title
- Local organic agriculture needs to boost development
- Runtime
- 3:12
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Organic agriculture in Laos needs to expand production, undertake more promotion and develop towards international standards, according to a leading official.
This is despite the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, especially the Department of Agriculture, already cooperating with other sectors to encourage entrepreneurs and producers to improve organic agricultural quality and quantity around the country, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Bounkhouang Khambounheuang said.
He was speaking yesterday at the 5th Lao Organic Agriculture Forum under the theme “Moving towards organic agriculture sustainability in Laos” being held from June 15-16 in Vientiane aiming to help develop the sector.
While the department had also paid more attention to encouraging assistance and collaborating with international organisations, development partners and neighbouring friendships for technical development in organic agriculture the practice was st...
- Title
- Eco friendly accommodation with a view in world heritage town
- Runtime
- 3:24
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Asean professional women's forum tackles tourism issues
- Runtime
- 4:32
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- A networking forum for women professionals active in South-East Asia's tourism and travel sector was held in Vientiane yesterday.
More than a hundred female tourism professionals from across the region attended the forum which continues today to identify ways to develop aspects of their businesses and the region's potential as a premier destination for global travellers.
The forum is designed to enhance capacity as business in the region grows and women entrepreneurs play an increasingly important role in the development of the sector.
In his remarks at the forum's opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism MrSavankhoneRazmountry said that tourism contributions deepened social and cultural understanding among the people of Asean and beyond.
MrSavankhone hailed the capacity of the sector to provide jobs and generate economic opportunities within the Asean Community, including for those people in rural areas and peop...
- Title
- Education must help people work: Vice President
- Runtime
- 3:57
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Vice President Phankham Viphavanh has stressed to education administrators to improve curriculums of all education institutions, including pedagogic colleges and universities so graduates can help themselves earn a living.
Mr Phankham Viphavanh gave the guidance in his address to education administrators as a solution to further reform of the sector.
Ministry of Education and Sports convened a meeting with line ministries to review the past ten-year implementation of education reforms on Friday.
Vice President Phankham reminded participants the real purpose of education was human resource development, especially an individual's qualities so they could have professional qualifications to utilise working for a government organisation, private company, or themselves.
He noted that both formal and informal components of curriculums should improve, while compulsory subjects should be taught in all faculties. In addition, foreign languages ...
- Title
- Most workers' rights still not protected
- Runtime
- 3:02
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Some 90 percent of the Lao workforce not employed in factories continued to work for businesses and in occupations without sufficient protection of their rights under the Law on Labour.
These workers around the country are not sufficiently protected and are employed in unsafe workplaces with unregulated sanitation and hazardous conditions such as in the construction and service sectors, an official confirmed.
According to a senior official from the Laos Federation of Trade Unions, Mr Bounthanh Xayvong the government has policies and laws which aim to improve working conditions but these only covered the rights of factory workers.
“We will create labour associations for the workers in other sectors under the Laos Federation of Trade Unions to help protect their benefits and rights according to the government's policies because this will allow them to collectively bargain and obtain a fair share of benefits and provide a measure of security agains...
- Title
- Laos, Vietnam highly value time-honoured ties, vow to deepen cooperation
- Runtime
- 4:06
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- President Bounnhang Vorachit and his visiting Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang highly valued the time-honoured bilateral relationship and vowed to deepen comprehensive cooperation between the two neighbours.
President Quang and his delegation arrived Vientiane yesterday for a three-day state visit to Laos in response to an invitation from his Lao counterpart.
A welcoming ceremony was held at the Presidential Office followed by bilateral talks headed by the two presidents.
The presidents spoke highly of the traditional friendly relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam. They agreed to maintain regular exchange visits by delegations of both sides at all levels, according to a press release from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The sides agreed to deepen cooperation in economics, trade, and investment as agreed by the two governments. Both sides accorded that they would work together to constr...
- Title
- Draft regulatory framework for healthcare professionals needed in Laos
- Runtime
- 3:15
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Laos will need a draft regulatory framework to ensure proper licensing among healthcare professionals aimed at assuring the quality of healthcare treatment across the country, officials say.
Director Cabinet of the Ministry of Health, DrNaoBoutta said yesterday during a meeting in Vientiane that a draft regulatory framework for the registration and licensing of healthcare professional in Laos must be presented. The framework would be crucial in ensuring that healthcare professionals use the standards of professional practice and the code of professional ethics and behaviour to guide their daily practices.
He said qualifications and standards of practices are recognised by regulatory authorities in Asean and others countries but that foreign healthcare professional practices are much safer than those used in Laos.
Doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills must be up to date while promoting quality ...
- Title
- President advises Lao Front to serve as national spiritual centre
- Runtime
- 3:24
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Lao Front for National Construction needs to renovate its own mechanisms seriously in order to shoulder the role of unification and consolidate the great solidarity of the multiethnic groups, multi-strata, multi-religion nation.
It is from this foundation which great strength will be built for national defence and development in the new era, said President BounnhangVorachit.
He made the statement in his address to the new Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction, led by DrXaysomphonePhomvihane.
The 10th meeting of the Front's representatives nationwide which ended yesterday, elected DrXaysomphone, who is a Politburo member as President of the Front and Central Committee member MrKhambayDamlath, Party member MrKhamlaLingnasone, MsKhamchanhPhomsengsavanh, MrChanthavongSen-amathmonty, Assoc. Prof DrSom-OckKingsada, and MrYiakeuyaNochochongtua as Vice Presidents.
The newly formed committee of the Front has 224 members, of whom 18...
- Title
- Lao Front to have broader structure
- Runtime
- 2:57
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Lao Front for National Construction will have a broader organisational structure with the number of its Standing Committee members increased and a broadened personnel structure.
The approval of the plan has been in the agenda of the 10th meeting of the Front's representatives nationwide which continues today in Vientiane.
President Bounnhang Vorachit, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, National Assembly President Ms Pany Yathotou, Politburo members, Party Secretariat members, and representatives from other mass organisations, and invited guests attend the meeting's opening ceremony yesterday.
Former President of the Front Prof. Dr Phanduangchit Vongsa delivered the opening remarks at the meeting.
It was entitled: “Enhancing the conciliation and solidarity of the entire nation, mobilising people of all walks in enhancing patriotism and developmental spirit to implement the 10th Party resolution and the Eighth five-year National Socio-E...
- Title
- Asean socio-cultural ministers prepare documents for submission to 28th Asean Summit
- Runtime
- 4:20
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The 15th meeting of the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) convened in Luang Prabang on Saturday to consider several important documents for submission to Asean leaders for adoption at the 28th Asean Summit in September.
The meeting was opened by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and attended by Socio-cultural ministers from Asean member states, Asean Secretary General Le Luong Minh, associated officials and Asean delegates.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Thongloun said “This meeting is an important milestone. The ministers will jointly consider important documents before submitting them to Asean leaders for adoption at the 28th Asean Summit to be held in Vientiane in September.”
“The main documents are the Vientiane Declaration on Transition from Informal Employment to Formal Employment towards Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN, and the Vientiane Declaration on Reinforcing Cultural Heritage Cooperation in Asean.”
Mr Thongloun...
- Title
- Senior officials discuss Asean Vision 2025
- Runtime
- 3:11
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- LuangPrabang province: The 20th Meeting of the Senior Officials' Committee of Asean (SOCA) for the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) yesterday opened in LuangPrabang provincial capital to discuss the implementation of the Asean Vision 2025 and its blueprints for the three community pillars.
The meeting is chaired by the Director General of the Mass Media Department of Information, Culture and Tourism Ministry MrPinprathanaPhanthamaly, and runs from June 2-3.
It precedes the 15th ASCC ministerial-level meeting that Prime Minister ThonglounSisoulith will chair from June 4-6.
Opening yesterday's SOCA meeting, MrPinprathana said “As you all are aware, Laos has this year been entrusted to chair Asean for the second time. This is an important and meaningful year as it is the first year when Asean becomes a community and the first year for the implementation of the Asean Vision 2025 and its blueprints for the three community pillars.”
“Therefore, we h...
- Title
- Sacha Inchi: a trend for natural remedy
- Runtime
- 4:40
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Sangthong optimistic about organic rice exports
- Runtime
- 3:51
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Sangthong district in Vientiane expects to increase organic rice production to reach its export goal of 1,700 tonnes this year.
Deputy Director of Sangthong Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Somdeth said that last year, the district planted organic rice to yield a total harvest of 1,648 tonnes, recording growth of eight percent.
The district is currently encouraging 284 farmer families with 369 hectares of paddy rice to follow the international rice export regulations, aiming to enlarge its sales abroad.
For organic rice to be able to exported, it should be inspected by the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of China and granted approval for export to China or the EU.
This year, the district has eight villages planting organic rice but there are only 14 families who have been accepted according to the international standards. At present, the district is in the process of considering its ability in rega...
- Title
- Beef consumption outstrips supply in Vientiane
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The demand for beef in Vientiane is high but local farms are only able to meet about 10 percent of the market's needs, excluding beef shipped in from the provinces, a local businessman has said.
“Vientiane alone needs more than 500 cattle to supply its slaughterhous es to meet daily consumption needs,” the owner of Patthana Farm in Sangthong district, MrSysouphanhChanthalath, told Vientiane Times last week.
MrSysouphanh, who is Vice President of the Vientiane Cattle Breeding and Entrepreneurs' Association, was speaking on behalf of the association. He went on to say that long-term low interest bank loans were key to ensuring a sufficient supply of beef.
“Nowadays not many people dare to invest in breeding cattle. It takes a couple of years to make a profit, but the market price of beef shows no sign of decreasing even though the price of other products fluctuates,” MrSysouphanh said.
He said that if banks would allow a longer ...
- Title
- Indonesian Embassy organised a tradefair in Vientiane
- Runtime
- 3:22
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Indonesian Embassy organised a tradefair in Vientiane
- Title
- Consumers angry over EDL's response to high bills
- Runtime
- 5:35
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Despite reassurances by Electricite du Laos (EDL) that meters are operating normally and no price change has taken place, consumers are unhappy with the high bills they must pay and want further clarification.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the Director of EDL's Vientiane Power Distribution Department, MrMixayChittarath, said high electricity consumption does not drive up the tariff rate and household meters installed by EDL are still operating based on the price previously set by the government.
But his statement did little to allay public concerns and the response on Facebook was immediate, with people expressing their dissatisfaction over this weak response.
Large numbers of people are angry about the high electricity bills they have received this month, with many people saying it will hit their pockets hard and further drive up their living costs.
Although officials attempted to reassure the public that no changes in th...
