Vientiane Times
Third Congress adopts first five-year Socio-Economic Development Plan
- Title
- Third Congress adopts first five-year Socio-Economic Development Plan
- Runtime
- 2:49
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Footage from the Cinema Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism
www.vientianetimes.org.la
Vientiane Times is publishing a series of articles detailing the development and leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to mark the 10th Party Congress which takes place this month
The Third Congress of the Lao People's Party took place in Vientiane from April 27-30, 1982, and was attended by 228 representatives out of the Party's more than 35,000 members.
Third Congress adopts first five-year Socio-Economic Development Plan
Vientiane Times is publishing a series of articles detailing the development and leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to mark the 10th Party Congress which takes place this month
The Third Congress of the Lao People's Party took place in Vientiane from April 27-30, 1982, and was attended by 228 representatives out of the Party's more than 35,000 members.
The congress was also att...
- Title
- Second Party Congress introduces political programme
- Runtime
- 2:46
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- A footage from the Cinema Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism
www.vientianetimes.org.la
Vientiane Times is publishing a series of articles detailing the development and leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to mark the 10th Party Congress which takes place this month
As part of efforts to liberate the nation from foreign aggression, the Lao People's Party held its second Congress from February 3 to 6, 1972, in Viengxay district, Huaphan province.
During the conference the Party changed its name to the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
Some 125 Party members representing the 21,000 members nationwide attended the congress, which focused on ethnic solidarity to overthrow aggressors, liberate the nation, and fulfil the goals of the revolution.
The 1972 congress also saw President Kaysone Phomvihane elected as the Party's Secretary General. The Party was born in an agricultural country with a predominantly peasa...
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- Ford awards grant to tourism training institute
- Runtime
- 1:07
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Ford Motor Company, together with its local partner, Lao Ford City, on Thursday awarded a US$20,000 grant to the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH) to further the education of eight students.
As the latest recipient of the annual Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants in Laos, LANITH will use the funds to serve both education and community needs, helping eight young people attain a high quality tourism education through the school's scholarship programme, according to a press release from Ford.
Tourism has a high potential to create employment opportunities in Laos, and research has shown the income generated by the industry can help to raise living standards and increase family income levels by up to 40 percent.
The Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, founded in 2008, has a diploma programme that responds to the needs of the tourism industry in Laos, with the aim of giving locals the opportunity to devel...
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- 10 th Party Congress kicks off in Vientiane
- Runtime
- 2:19
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- More than 1,000 attendees including 685 full Party members representing more than 250,000 members nationwide and over 400 guests are attending the congress, which runs until January 22. Participants heard a report on the Party's work by the Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao President Choummaly Sayasone before Prime Minster Thongsing Thammavong delivered a report on socio-economic development in the Lao PDR.
- Title
- First Party Congress held amid Indochina War
- Runtime
- 5:08
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- A footage from the Cinema Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism
www.vientianetimes.org.la
Vientiane Times is publishing a series of articles detailing the development and leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to mark the 10th Party Congress which takes place this month.
The Party's first congress took place from March 22 to April 6, 1955, at Ban Namaeo in Viengxay district, Huaphan province, the country's revolutionary stronghold, when participants agreed on the name of the Lao People's Party ( Phak Paxaxon Lao ).
Some 20 representatives out of 400 Party members nationwide attended the congress and agreed on 12 themes to guide the direction of the Party in its fight against foreign aggressors to liberate the country.
The 12 themes were as follows:
First was to fight against the Americans and the French who had violated the peace agreement and created divisions and discriminatio...
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- KOLAO releases All-New Optima
- Runtime
- 1:45
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- KOLAO, the nation's first largest car distributor of KIA, released its new Optima, a midsize sedan brand this week.
The fifth-generation Optima comes 20 years after the brand debuted in 1995. The new Optima is developed in pursuit of the world-class sport design and bulked-up figure.
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- Furniture fair raises profile of Lao wood products
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Lao Furniture Association hopes that the furniture fair, which opened in Vientiane yesterday, will attract more domestic and foreign investors in the sector and promote Lao wood products on regional and international markets.
The Lao Furniture Association yesterday officially opened its 2nd Lao Wood Furniture Fair at Lao-ITECC. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister ThongsingThammavong, Minister of Industry and Commerce Ms Khemmani Pholsena, Vientiane Vice Mayor Dr Anouphab Tounalom, other government officials, representatives from the private sector, and foreign ambassadors to Laos.
The fair will run from January 14-19 and aims to boost the capacity of Lao wood products to compete in local and international markets.
The association is using the event as a platform to encourage the increased efficiency, quality and value of products made from wood, bamboo and rattan. It also wants to promote sustainable forest preservation through the use of mod...
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- The changing lifestyle of coffee farmers
- Runtime
- 5:34
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
At about 8pm on a cold night in a small village, the smell of burning coffee beans is spreading throughout the village, encouraging everyone to have a hot cup of coffee; with this smell, everyone in the village knows that this house is having a coffee party.
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- Korean cuisine, a different dining option in Vientiane
- Runtime
- 2:17
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
Food is an integral part of the cultures of people from all parts of the world and anyone who is away for long enough will surely find themselves longing for a taste of home.
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- PM advises on development in Xaysomboun
- Runtime
- 2:49
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong has stressed the need for local residents to become civil servants and serve local administrations in Xaysomboun province.
Mr Thongsing made the call when he met with provincial leaders, civil servants, military and police officers in the province yesterday.
The occasion served to mark the New Year and the second anniversary of the former remote district in Vientiane province as the nation's 17th province.
He said it was important for young people to become civil servants in various areas of employment, to build the capacity of public administration in the province.
Xaysomboun was declared a province on December 31, 2013. With a population of more than 81,000 people, the province covers an area of 8,500 square kilometres and comprises the districts of Hom, Longxan, Anouvong, Longchaeng and Thathom.
However, the province is facing a shortage of workers both in terms of quantity and quality. So...
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- . New Year celebrations dazzle as revellers turn out in force
- Runtime
- 3:25
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Residents and tourists in Vientiane joined the world on Friday night in welcoming in the New Year with the traditional rousing 3-2-1 countdown.
Those in search of a party in the city centre had a choice of three locations: Nam Phou, the National Culture Hall, or Lao-ITECC, with the latter being the scene of the official countdown to 2016.
Coloured lights adorned the streets and entertainment venues played music at full throttle as revellers danced the night away and the much-anticipated New Year finally arrived.
While the parties in Vientiane might be not on the same lavish scale as those in New York, Sydney or other cities around the world, people here nonetheless celebrated the occasion with an abundance of enthusiasm and goodwill.
The country's top entertainers provided a spectacular line up of live music, modern dance and the more genteel traditional lamvong as party-goers all over the city wished each other a Happy New Year, good healt...
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- Asean set to become a dynamic community
- Runtime
- 4:46
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has become an official community with a single market and production base from today onwards, with a population of 622 million people and combined GDP of almost US$2.6 trillion.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongloun Sisoulith presided over a ceremony held yesterday in Vientiane to celebrate the 10 nations in the region finally becoming a united community.
Speaking at the event in his capacity as representative of the Political-Security Community pillar, Mr Thongloun reminded the audience about the journey of the regional association so far and the road it has travelled over the past nearly five decades.
Also present to represent the community's other two pillars were Prof Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, representing the Social-Cultural Community, and Ms Khemmani Pholsena, representing the Economic Community.
The leaders of the 10 Asean countries opened up a new chapter in ...
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- Laos prepares for New Year 2016 tonight
- Runtime
- 1:39
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- A large number of people, including both local and foreign residents, tourists and visitors, will gather tonight for the countdown to New Year 2016 and of course there are many venues preparing to welcome them.
Many people will leave home after dinner to have a drink or two at various entertainment venues where businesses are preparing for the New Year celebrations.
While everyone prepares to welcome the New Year with a fun night with friends and relatives, the authorities are reminding people to be careful and stay safe on the roads in order to avoid accidents.
Vientiane is the socio-economic centre of Laos so many entertainment venues are preparing to welcome customers with large crowds of revellers expected on the night.
According to a Vientiane Times survey, the Lao International Exhibition and Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC) will be the main venue for the official countdown and celebration this New Year.
The celebratio...
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- NA ends final session with approval of national plans
- Runtime
- 7:52
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The National Assembly (NA) has closed its final ordinary session after a five year term that saw the legislative body act in the public interest and for the benefit of the state.
The session, which ran from December 8 to 26, approved the amendment of the national constitution, or Constitution 2015, which was promulgated by President Choummaly Sayasone on December 15.
The amended constitution states that the National Assembly is the highest state power, apart from the two other state powers - the executive and judicial bodies.
In her closing remarks, NA President Ms Pany Yathotou said the Assembly's approval of the constitution created a master law that would facilitate the continued development and improvement of state powers at every level.
“The constitution more clearly defines the position, mission, role, rights and obligations of each state body and government agency, and outlines methods for their coordination and mutual oversight. T...
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- Media outlets to promote information on Laos, China
- Runtime
- 3:37
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Lao and Chinese media agencies are seeking to promote the interests and affairs of both countries to local audiences after an official signing ceremony yesterday in Vientiane between Lao Press in Foreign Languages and the Yunnan Daily Press Group.
Both media agencies agreed to promote information sharing between Laos and China through their media by exchanging information on socio-economic affairs, culture and other fields to members of the public through both electronic and print media, aiming to enlarge the amount of information available to their readers in each other's countries.
Lao Press in Foreign Languages' Director General and Editor-in-Chief Mr Thonglor Duangsavanh said during his opening remarks at the ceremony that this cooperation with the press group was not only about exchanging information but will also centre on officials' development as well as the development of their media outlets to ensure wider and more rapid coverage of events, to be equivalen...
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- Five-year plan aims to raise Laos above LDC status
- Runtime
- 3:06
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The 8th national five-year socio-economic development plan (2016-2020) currently being drawn up sets annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth at not lower than 7.5 percent, which should drive Laos out of Least Developed Country status, the government told parliament yesterday.
Minister of Planning and Investment Somdy Duangdy, representing the government, presented the draft five-year plan to the ongoing ordinary session of the National Assembly (NA).
Per capita GDP is expected to reach US$3,100 in 2020 when the Lao population is expected to reach 7.3 million. This means gross national income (GNI) per capita will be US$2,450, Mr Somdy said.
To achieve this rate of GDP growth, the government will strive for 3.2 percent annual average growth in the agriculture and forestry sector, which will account for 19 percent of GDP in 2020. Industry is set to increase by 9.3 percent on average representing 32 percent of GDP, while services should increase by 8.9 ...
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- Laos, Cambodia enhance friendship and cooperation ties
- Runtime
- 2:36
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia arrived in Vientiane yesterday for a state visit to Laos from December 21-23 at the invitation of President Choummaly Saysasone.
This is the first visit by the Cambodian King to Laos since he ascended the throne in 2004.
“The visit will be a significant contribution to the continued strengthening of the long-standing friendship and cooperation ties between our two countries,” a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The visit began with a greeting ceremony led by President Choummaly Sayasone at the Presidential Palace and attended by government officials, members of the National Assembly, heads of mass organisations from central and local offices, military and police officers, and representatives of the people of Vientiane.
At an official meeting held at the Presidential Palace in the afternoon, the two heads of state reported on the socio-economic developments in the...
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- Deputy PM advises on information, culture and tourism
- Runtime
- 3:23
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The new Party Committee of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has been advised to strengthen its leadership and guidance in deepening knowledge of the Party's resolutions concerning the information, culture and tourism sector.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, Mr Phankham Viphavanh, representing the Politburo, gave the advice to the ministry's newly elected Party Committee yesterday, saying it would help to broaden the sector and bring about more effective management.
The ministry has about 16,000 civil servants, of whom 750 are Party members.
The ministry's Party organ, which held its fourth Congress on Friday, elected 21 Party members as the ministry's committee members, of whom seven form the Standing Committee.
Minister Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara was reelected as the ministry's Party Secretary and Mr Buangeun Xaphouvong was elected as Deputy Secretary.
Prof. Dr Bosengkham delivered ...
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- NA debates law on human trafficking
- Runtime
- 3:12
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- A newly drafted law to combat human trafficking was presented to the National Assembly (NA) yesterday for consideration and approval.
Minister of Public Security Major General Somkeo Silavong introduced the new law, saying human trafficking had become a highly profitable business that now ranked third behind the arms trade and drug trafficking.
He cited the statistics for 2012 from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which pointed out that about 27 million people in 127 countries around the world fall victim to human trafficking every year, of whom 70-80 percent are women and children.
Maj Gen Somkeo said the existing Law on Women's Advancement and Protection defined measures against human trafficking, especially the trafficking of women and children, but did not contain any reference to males aged over 18.
He also pointed to Article No. 134 of the Criminal Law, which addresses the trafficking of people of both sexes and all...
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- Govt to issue foreigners with temporary working visas
- Runtime
- 3:49
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The government will register foreigners and issue them with temporary working visas in a bid to regulate the increasing number of undocumented migrant workers in Laos.
Registration and issuance of temporary working visas for foreigners will begin this month and end in March next year.
The plan was outlined at a press conference yesterday in Vientiane co-chaired by Director General of the Labour Management Department under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Phongxaysak Inthalath, and Acting Director General of the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, Lieutenant Colonel Saysaming Sivilay.
The government has assigned the labour-social welfare and security sectors to coordinate the registering and issuing of temporary visas for overseas workers. The move aims to effectively address the problem and ensure social order while protecting the rights and interests of migrant workers as the Asean Economic Community comes i...
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- Laos, Republic of Korea enhance ties
- Runtime
- 2:51
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Republic of Korea has agreed on the framework for the provision of continued assistance for socio-economic development in Laos.
The agreement was reached yesterday during the visit of a high-ranking delegation from the Republic of Korea (ROK), led by Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn at the invitation of Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong.
The cooperation framework signed during the visit included a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the ROK's Official Development Assistance projects to Laos for 2016, and the soft loan project from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) for the period from 2016 to 2019.
The visit of Prime Minister Hwang is taking place as the two nations celebrate this year's 20th anniversary (October 25, 1995) of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
At the bilateral meeting in Vientiane led by the two prime ministers, the two sides reviewed the implementation of their relations and cooperation over the pa...
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- President Kaysone Phomvihane's 95th birthday celebrated
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Viengxay district, Huaphan province: Thousands of people from the area yesterday joined with the participants of a car rally that had travelled up from Vientiane for a ceremony to commemorate the 95th anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane's birth.
President Kaysone Phomvihane was instrumental in leading Laos to liberation from foreign domination in 1975. Every year on December 13, the date of his birth, people around the country come together to commemorate his valiant deeds in spearheading the revolutionary movement.
Although he died in 1992, President Kaysone Phomvihane remains highly revered and is considered a national hero.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong recalled how the inspirational leader joined the revolutionary movement at the age of 24.
In 1949, he was accepted as a member of the Communist Party of Indochina.
In 1955, with the support of the Communist Party of Indochina, the Lao P...
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- Railway essential for development, Parliament told
- Runtime
- 3:56
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The development of an efficient railway system is essential to boost investment and spur socio-economic development of landlocked Laos, the Deputy Prime Minister told the National Assembly (NA) on Friday.
Mr Somsavat Lengsavad made the comment when speaking about the railway that will link Vientiane to the Chinese border following a groundbreaking ceremony earlier this month for the 38.7 billion yuan (US$6.04 billion) project.
Mr Somsavat, who is in charge of production and goods circulation, said investors have been asking him if Laos plans to build a railway network as companies want to cut costs by using cheaper rail transportation.
“The cost of transporting goods by road is high, making it difficult [for businesses] to compete with their [rivals] in other countries in the region,” he told lawmakers as he explained why the government had decided to go ahead with the costly project.
Studies showed the railway could yield economic bene...
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- Car rally begins journey to former revolutionary stronghold
- Runtime
- 2:46
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- More than 500 hundred people representing government offices and businesses left Vientiane yesterday on a five-day trip to Viengxay district, Huaphan province.
They are making the journey in convoy from December 11-15 under a progamme titled “Return to the Birthplace - Glorification to the Revolution of Laos”.
They were waved off early yesterday morning at That Luang by Deputy Prime Minister Bounpon Bouttanavong and other invited guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, said the main objective of the trip was to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on December 2 and the 95th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane on December 13. It would also promote tourism in northern Laos.
The travellers will journey a distance of about 670 km, passing through Borikhamxay, Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces. They will have th...
- Title
- Caravan to promote tourism in northern region
- Runtime
- 5:00
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism is organising a caravan from Vientiane to Viengxay district in Huaphan province and back to promote tourism in the country's north.
The caravan “Return to the Birthplace-Glorification to the revolution of Laos” to Viengxay district will run from December 11-15. The trip will start from That Luang Esplanade in the capital to Xieng Khuang on its way to Huaphan province.
The organising committee is inviting everyone who is interested to join the caravan activities planned over the five days of the journey.
The group will visit the Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial, Caves of the Government Leaders and join a photo exhibition at Xang-Lot Cave in Viengxay district.
Meanwhile, during their trip participants will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Lao PDR and the 95th anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane's birthday.
The caravan will return to Xamneua district in the ev...
- Title
- National Assembly Meeing
- Runtime
- 2:46
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Laos marks 40 years of national pride
- Runtime
- 3:16
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- All Lao hearts were beating with national pride following the spectacular celebrations in the capital yesterday to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR.
The sound of music rang out around That Luang esplanade, motivating the spectators to concentrate their eyes on 48 inspiring parades featuring over 15,000 marchers from all sections of Lao society.
A large crowd of spectators lined the esplanade from early morning to witness the eagerly-awaited parades which highlighted the nation's achievements over the last 40 years.
As Laos trumpeted its success to the world, the parades reflected national growth, notably the accomplishments in the two strategic tasks of national protection and development over the past 40 years. Meanwhile, Lao people living in the provinces and overseas watched live television coverage of the celebrations on National Day.
Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of ...
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- Laos-China railway project construction commences
- Runtime
- 0:58
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Laos and China broke ground yesterday in Vientiane to kick off construction of the historic railway project linking Vientiane with the Chinese border over a distance of 427.2 kilometres.
Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Choummaly Sayasone and other leaders, Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, Mr Zhang Dejiang and officials of both sides attended the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday in the Lao capital.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place as people across the country celebrated the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (December 2, 1975 – December2, 2015).
Lao Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the project Somsavat Lengsavad told the ceremony that construction of the 38.7 billion yuan (US$6.04 billion) Vientiane-Boten railway would take about five years to complete.
The 1.435-metre standard-gaug...
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- Foreign diplomats extend well wishes on National Day
- Runtime
- 3:39
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Members of the diplomatic corps and international organisations accredited to the Lao PDR extended well wishes to the Party and government leaders and the people of Laos on Tuesday on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lao PDR.
Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao PDR Choummaly Sayasone, Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, other leaders and members of the diplomatic corps and international organisations attended the well-wishing ceremony at the Presidential Office. Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Dato' Than Tai Hing, as the Dean of the diplomatic corps on behalf of the members of the diplomatic corps, conveyed the well wishes to the Lao leaders and people.
- Title
- Despite living overseas, businessman cannot forget life in Laos
- Runtime
- 3:55
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Many people like to say that “time will change your mind and make you forget anything” but one thing that Mr Hom Songpadith has never erased from his mind is the many fond memories he has of his hometown.
Of course, home towns have a lot of good memories for anyone; you may end up moving on later in life but you never forget the place where you grew up.
Mr Hom Songpadith was born in 1942 in Hinboun district, Khammuan province and will always have fond memories of the simple existence there.
He went to Lieu Tou Secondary School in Vientiane, graduating from lower secondary school in 1959 before moving to Vientiane and opening a small business in the capital.
A few years later, many people started moving overseas for work or study and Mr Hom thought he would also like to give this a try but he also knew that it would be prohibitively expensive.
He went to Taiwan to complete his upper secondary school in 1964 and then he came ...
- Title
- President calls for enhancing cohesive solidarity among ethnic groups
- Runtime
- 5:56
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao PDR Choummaly Sayasone has called for multi-ethnic groups in Laos to further enhance their cohesive solidarity as a collective force for national development and protection.
The leader delivered his speech at a grand meeting yesterday in Vientiane attended by hundreds of respected elderly people who represented their multi-ethnic groups nationwide.
The event was one of the activities being organised to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (December 2, 1975 - December 2, 2015).
“Increasing internal cohesive solidarity and conciliation within the nation under the leadership of the Party is an objective essential, which all Lao people are obliged to participate in, so as to create favourable conditions for national development and social security,” President Choummaly said at the grand meeting held at the National Convention C...
- Title
- Society unites for final national day anniversary dress-rehearsal
- Runtime
- 1:55
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Some 48 groups from a wide cross-section of society came together in Vientiane on Saturday for a final dress-rehearsal parade ahead of this Wednesday's national day anniversary on December 2.
The 48 groups comprising 15,000 people from government and private sectors gathered at That Luang esplanade from the early morning to prepare for the final dress-rehearsal parade.
When sound of music rang out the groups of marchers began following one another until the end of the parade.
The rehearsal aimed to evaluate the readiness of all marchers ahead of Wednesday's big official parade.
Senior government officials were also present at the rehearsal to see firsthand the progress of preparations for the national day anniversary.
Officials in charge of the parade told Vientiane Times that rehearsals for the national day celebrations had been taking place periodically for several months and all sectors were now ready for the main even...
- Title
- First Vientiane Expo opens marking 40th anniversary
- Runtime
- 3:06
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Vientiane Expo 2015 has opened to mark the 40th anniversary of the Lao PDR and highlight the nation's socio-economic and product development achievements in the lead up to Asean integration.
The exhibition was officially opened on the seventh floor of the new Lao ITECC building in Vientiane on Saturday by Prime Minister Mr Thongsing Thammavong. Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad; Vientiane Mayor, Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoun; Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ms Khemmani Pholsena; Deputy Secretary-General of Asean for Asean Economic Community, Dr Lim Hong Hin along with other leading government officials, ambassadors and representatives from international organisations.
The exhibition is publicising many great achievements of national development over the last 40 years under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, in particular products and goods that have become a source of national income and supported projects suc...
- Title
- New partnership declaration to guide development action
- Runtime
- 3:32
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The government and its development partners have endorsed a new ten-year framework for development cooperation in Laos with the “Vientiane Partnership Declaration” signed yesterday.
The endorsement signing of the declaration took place at the 12th High-level Round Table Meeting held in the capital.
The declaration would help ensure that all funds, efforts and knowledge for development bring about the maximum possible impact, to 2025 and beyond, according to a press release distributed at the meeting.
The declaration aims to maximise the use of Official Development Assistance, which makes up less than 7 percent of the country's Gross National Income, and to align it fully with government development priorities, while also boosting domestic income for development.
The declaration includes commitments to enhance local development planning, build an inclusive financial sector and develop knowledge sharing networks, including the transfer of...
- Title
- Lao emigrants proud to visit their homeland
- Runtime
- 6:45
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- People of Lao origin living abroad are extremely proud to revisit their homeland and see firsthand the rapid changes in the country's development since leaving decades ago.
Many left Laos after 1975 to live in other countries including France, the United States of America, Australia, Canada and so on, but they have been inspired to revisit their home-country and relatives here in Laos.
Over 60 people of Lao origin living abroad have been invited to a grand official ceremony of the 40th anniversary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic next week.
They met with President of the National Assembly Ms Pany Yathotou on Thursday in Vientiane, where they asked the NA President various questions including about doing business and retiring in Laos.
Mr Xayasith Yangxao, who left Laos 40 years ago to live in America, said his reason for leaving Laos was due to global changes.
“I'm happy that Laos will be part of the Asean community and...
- Title
- E-passports to be operational next year
- Runtime
- 2:18
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Laos will begin using E-passports next year thanks to cooperation between the Lao and Russian governments, and Russian company International Book-Security.
The project, which began in 2012, was revealed on Wednesday at a reception in Vientiane to mark the 50th anniversary of Lao-Russian and Russian-Lao Friendship Associations.
According to the project plan, the use of E-passports for diplomats would begin on January 15 with E-passports for government officials and ordinary citizens set for the middle of next year.
All equipment and infrastructure for production of the passports is in place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Vientiane, while the control gate for travellers holding the passports has also been installed at Wattay International Airport.
At the reception, Russian Ambassador to Laos Mr Mikhail Baranov, representing the Russian government, pinned a Friendship Medal on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs...
- Title
- Thousands pay homage to That Luang stupa
- Runtime
- 4:18
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Crowds of well-dressed women wearing silk skirts and blouses, and men supporting belts waited patiently yesterday morning to present offerings to monks at the end of the That Luang Festival.
Devotees had more space than last year to put offerings into monks' bowls, after concerned authorities announced to safekeep areas at That Luang esplanade for celebrating the Lao National Day next week.
“It is more convenient than last year, because devotees have more space to walk and sit when waiting to give their offerings to the monks, when last year everything was crowded and there were a lot of booths” a resident of Saphanthong Tai village, Ms Nivanda said.
She agrees that product booths should be placed outside the That Luang Stupa, to provide more space for festival-goers and almsgiving.
“This year, everyone saved a lot of time as they had more space to walk and give offerings, and monks placed their bowls on long tables in the four corner...
- Title
- Vientiane hosts Asean journalists' workshop
- Runtime
- 3:43
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The “Asean Journalists to Cover the Biggest Cultural Event Workshop” was launched yesterday in Vientiane, which is running from November 23-26.
Media personnel from Asean member countries are attending the workshop to exchange their traditions and culture and also share news reporting skills on their biggest cultural events.
The workshop organised by Asean Committee for Culture and Information (Asean COCI) coincides with That Luang Festival, the nation's biggest festival, which has been a traditional meeting place for all Lao ethnic people since the 14th century.
The Asean journalists will have the opportunity to not only visit the splendid Lao historical site, but also some other cultural sites and then write stories for their respective media outlets.
They will also discuss and create an Asean journalists networking group in order to coordinate and facilitate covering important events as well as exchanging news and feature stori...
- Title
- Medics need to address malnutrition
- Runtime
- 3:30
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Government leaders at all levels have been urged to prioritise the implementation of effective measures to solve malnutrition in Laos, according to a leading official.
Speaking at the 3rd National Nutrition Committee Meeting and the 1st Nutrition Forum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, Mr Phankham Viphavanh, said last week that almost two million Lao women and children faced some form of malnutrition.
“Malnutrition not only impacts on an individual and family, but it also causes a huge amount of economic loss to the country,” said Mr Phankham, who also the President of the National Committee on Nutrition. It is estimated that Laos loses almost US$197 million related to malnutrition each year.
About 44 percent or 385,000 children under five are suffering from slow growth, chronic malnutrition (height not matching to age) and are at risk of slow brain development.
Chronic malnutrition is more likely to hap...
- Title
- Buddha Statue Maker
- Runtime
- 5:46
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Firefighters issue warning as weather changes
- Runtime
- 3:40
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Firefighting officials have reminded local residents to be more aw are of fires with the change in the weather, as it is now becoming drier and windier with the end of the rainy season, making fires more dangerous.
Deputy Director General of the Fire Prevention Police Department at the Ministry of Public Security, Lieutenant Colonel Vilaphone Vongkhammounty told Vientiane Times last week that the major causes of fire this year have been electrical short circuits as well as lighted incense sticks and candles.
“We would like people to increase their awareness about the potential for accidental fires because the rainy season has come to an end and now the weather is still warm but it is dry and windy so fires can start more easily,” he said.
The department reported that over 170 fires have occurred so far in 2015, claiming two lives and causing more than 60 billion kip in damages.
Lieutenant Colonel Vilaphone said the most serious in...
- Title
- Local man developing his neighbourhood into Vientiane model
- Runtime
- 5:10
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- A Vientiane man is changing an area in his beloved community Sithan Neua into a model tourism zone in the capital after discovering the answer from two visitors.
Mr Kongfar Phommachak, who has worked at the Ministry of Public Works for 20 years, still remembers the question in 2011 he asked two foreigners, who lived in Vientiane, after he saw them collecting garbage along the Mekong riverbank.
Mr Kongfar said, “What are you doing here?” They smiled and said, “We are cleaning your city.”
He then asked himself why as a native Lao he wasn't doing something to make his community cleaner and more beautiful.
“I think it's true that the Mekong's riverbank was much dirtier in the past with various kinds of garbage,” he observed.
Even when he asked his friends to walk or exercise along the Mekong they often refused because of its bad smell. He also noted while travelling in other countries that they had developed city ...
- Title
- Laos ready to launch its first satellite
- Runtime
- 3:39
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Laos is set to launch its first telecommunications satellite (Lao Sat-1) into the 128.5 degrees East orbital slot on November 21, which has been specifically allocated to Laos.
The US$259 million project will be launched from China but the control system will be in Laos after the launch, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Mr Hiem Phommachanh confirmed at a press conference in Vientiane yesterday.
A high-level Lao delegation is preparing to leave for China for the launch of the project, which is considered a landmark in Lao history, aiming to spur many facets of development and industry.
“Everything is now ready for the launch,” Mr Hiem said.
“The Lao Sat-1 will be very beneficial for our country because our country's terrain includes a lot of mountains. Our satellite can be used for many purposes, including education, health, defence, security, internet, television and so on.”
He explained that there are two...
- Title
- FIFA bans Lao Football Federation president for two years
- Runtime
- 4:39
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Laos, China railway groundbreaking set for December 2
- Runtime
- 8:45
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- A groundbreaking ceremony to begin the construction of a high-profile rail project linking Vientiane with the Chinese border is scheduled to take place on December 2 – the day the Lao People's Democratic Republic marks its 40th anniversary.
The governments of Laos and China signed an agreement on November 13 in Beijing on the construction of the 40 billion yuan (US$6.28 billion) railway project.
“The signing of the agreement means the project has now begun,” Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport Lattanamany Khounnivong told at a press conference on Monday in Vientiane.
A Chinese delegation has arrived in Vientiane to work with the Lao side preparing for the groundbreaking ceremony to be held in Vientiane.
A Laos-China joint company was established early this month to develop the 418 km railway. Construction of the project is expected to take about four and a half years to complete, the deputy minister said.
...
- Title
- Laos seeks Japan's advice on private investment in infrastructure
- Runtime
- 2:54
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Laos is looking to Japan for advice on investment in infrastructure development that would not be a strain on the government's budget and would involve more private sector participation.
The matter was discussed on Monday by officials from Laos' Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Speaking to Vientiane Times on the sidelines of the meeting, Director of the Lao ministry's Division of Cooperation and Investment, Mr Chanthaphone Phanvisouk, stressed the need for private participation in infrastructure development, especially road building.
“We want the Japanese to help us to improve the regulations so that more private groups can invest in infrastructure,” he said.
According to a document released at the meeting, more than 73.6 trillion kip (US$9.2 billion) will be needed for public works projects in the next five years. However, the government's budget for this ...
- Title
- Laos launches logo, theme for Asean Chairmanship 2016
- Runtime
- 2:42
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Laos officially launched the logo, theme and website for its Asean Chairmanship 2016 on Friday as part of the country's preparations for the event.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongloun Sisoulith explained the meaning of the logo to officials during the launch .
The Asean 2016 theme is “Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic Asean Community” and the website is www.asean2016.gov.la.
The logo includes 10 connected circles, comprising an eye and joined hands, around the Asean Emblem symbolising the bonded-together Asean Community. The eye represents the Asean Community Vision 2025.
The joined hands reflect harmony, solidarity and close partnership as well as the aspiration of the Asean Member States to further strengthen and prosper the Asean Community through the implementation of the Asean Community Vision 2025 in accordance with the Asean 2016 theme.
The different colours used in the logo are...
- Title
- president Choummaly sayasone welcome new ambassadors.
- Runtime
- 3:23
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Asean nations call for scientific, technological innovation
- Runtime
- 2:28
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- The 70th Meeting of the Asean Committee on Science and Technology (Asean COST-70), currently taking place in Vientiane, has emphasised that shortcomings in scientific and technological development need to be urgently addressed.
The committee was established in 1978 and has become the focal point and driving force of Asean cooperation on science and technology. The meeting is taking place from November 2-6, as Laos is anticipating the inauguration of the Asean Community at the end of this year.
Current issues such as global warming, climate change, drought, floods, natural disasters, and epidemics have become major challenges to the development of science and technology.
Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Boviengkham Vongdara, said there must be stronger promotion of innovation and a culture of science and technology among Asean member states. It is necessary to lay a more solid foundation for collaboration to tackle these issues.
...
- Title
- Lao satellite to go into orbit this month
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 11 years ago
- Description
- Laos' first telecommunications satellite (Lao Sat-1) will be launched into orbit on November 21 to spur many facets of development and industry.
The satellite, which is owned by the Lao Sat-1 Joint Venture Company, will be part of a network of satellites in Laos and overseas that provide various communication services.
It will enhance communication links for government work, television transmission, rural and remote communications, long distance education, medical, telecoms and internet links, as well as facilitating relief efforts in times of natural disasters.
A shareholders agreement for the Lao Sat-1 Joint Venture Company was signed in Vientiane on Friday between the Lao government and three Chinese developers.
Representing the Lao government was Deputy Minister of Finance Mr Bounchom Ubonpaseuth. The Chinese shareholders were represented by the President of the China Asia-Pacific Mobile Telecommunications Satellite Co., Ltd. (APMT), Mr...
