The Ban Vang Local Checkpoint has been officially upgraded to an international border checkpoint, connecting Laos’s Vientiane Province to Thailand’s Loei Province. This development aims to facilitate cross-border trade, tourism, and cooperation between the two provinces.
On 15 October, the opening ceremony, taking place in Vientiane Province, observed attendance from key figures, such as Vientiane Provincial Governor Khamphan Sitthidampha, Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Loei Province Vice Governor Kittikun Bhutkun, and Thai Ambassador to Laos Morakot Sisavat.
The Ban Vang Checkpoint in Muen district, Vientiane Province, has been operational since 1993, serving as a border checkpoint on the Mekong River. It faces Thailand’s International Checkpoint in Loei Province. The upgrade is viewed as a crucial opportunity for fostering economic and social development in both Laos and Thailand.
The Vientiane Provincial Governor highlighted how the new international status will help ease the movement of goods and people, boost local businesses, and create a closer working relationship between the two provinces. It is part of broader national poverty alleviation and sustainable development goals in Laos.
Additionally, this move is part of Laos’s broader strategy to promote its 2024 tourism campaign, “Travels Laos, Travels Vientiane: Safe, Cultural, Natural, and Historic Appreciation.”
Vientiane Province is strategically positioned as a tourism hub connecting major attractions alongside world heritage sites in Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang Provinces, among others.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BVV.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-05 10:31:002024-11-01 10:32:53Vientiane Province’s Checkpoint Upgraded to International Status
A ceremony to inaugurate the new building at Mahosot Hospital took place on 12 October, attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos and Prime Minister Li Qiang of China, along with high-level delegations from both nations. This project was launched in November 2017 and represents a significant milestone in Laos-China cooperation as a part of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative.
The new building is designed to provide state-of-the-art medical care, utilizing advanced technology to benefit patients in Laos while offering convenience for healthcare providers.
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Li Qiang acknowledged the project’s origins, noting that its foundation was laid under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He emphasized the close attention and cooperation between the two countries, highlighting that despite various challenges during the construction process, the project has now reached completion—a significant achievement for both nations.
Prime Minister Sonexay also delivered a speech, expressing gratitude for China’s ongoing support.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a robust partnership and outlined plans for future cooperation in key sectors such as development, investment, banking, and tourism.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/banner-15-1024x683-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-04 10:14:002024-11-01 10:16:04New Building at Mahosot Hospital Opens, Marks Laos-China Cooperation Milestone
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada made an official visit to the Mekong River Commission (MRC) headquarters in Vientiane, Laos, on 11 October, becoming the first head of government from an MRC Development Partner to visit the organization.
The visit, which took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit hosted by Laos, underscores Canada’s growing commitment to the sustainable management of the Mekong River, which supports the livelihoods of millions of people in Southeast Asia.
During his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau met with local fishers and farmers who depend on the Mekong River for their livelihoods. Accompanied by his Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng, and MRC Secretariat CEO Anoulak Kittikhoun, the Prime Minister engaged directly with them, listening to their stories of how the river sustains their daily lives. He also learned firsthand about the challenges they face due to climate and environmental changes, as well as cross-border water management issues.
Prime Minister Trudeau praised the MRC’s role in fostering collaboration among the Mekong countries—Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Viet Nam—and its efforts to ensure that communities living along the river continue to benefit from its rich resources.
“Canada recognizes the vital importance of the Mekong River, not just as a source of development but as a lifeline for millions of people,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. “The Mekong River Commission is doing essential work by bringing countries together to manage and protect these shared resources. Canada is proud to support this mission, and we will continue to work alongside the MRC to safeguard Mekong for future generations.”
Canada has recently formalized its development partnership with the MRC, contributing CAD 2 million (approximately USD 1.5 million) through its Global Affairs Canada, the government department responsible for managing diplomatic relations, international trade, and development assistance. This funding is aimed at supporting the MRC’s critical initiatives, including transboundary water management, river monitoring, and forecasting, with a special focus on enhancing community resilience to water-related challenges.
Kittikhoun said Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit underscored Canada’s vital support in advancing the MRC’s mission and the country’s engagement in the region.
“We’re honoured by Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit, which marks a new chapter in our cooperation with Canada,” Kittikhoun said. “Canada’s support comes at a crucial time as we intensify our efforts to manage the Mekong’s water resources for the benefit of all the people in the region and their governments. We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership as we tackle the complex challenges of sustainable water resource management together.”
The MRC plays a critical role in coordinating cooperation between the Mekong countries and other international partners and stakeholders. It is at the forefront of transboundary water resource management, which is vital for the region’s ecological and socio-economic well-being. As climate change and increased development continue to strain water resources, the MRC’s work is becoming more important and relevant than ever.
With Canada’s support and Prime Minister Trudeau’s historic visit, the MRC is positioned to strengthen its efforts to promote sustainable development, enhance regional cooperation, and improve the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on the Mekong River.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_4942-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-03 10:12:002024-11-01 10:14:10Canadian Prime Minister Visits MRC, Marking Historic Milestone in Development Cooperation
Vientiane Province’s Checkpoint Upgraded to International Status
The Ban Vang Local Checkpoint has been officially upgraded to an international border checkpoint, connecting Laos’s Vientiane Province to Thailand’s Loei Province. This development aims to facilitate cross-border trade, tourism, and cooperation between the two provinces.
On 15 October, the opening ceremony, taking place in Vientiane Province, observed attendance from key figures, such as Vientiane Provincial Governor Khamphan Sitthidampha, Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Loei Province Vice Governor Kittikun Bhutkun, and Thai Ambassador to Laos Morakot Sisavat.
The Ban Vang Checkpoint in Muen district, Vientiane Province, has been operational since 1993, serving as a border checkpoint on the Mekong River. It faces Thailand’s International Checkpoint in Loei Province. The upgrade is viewed as a crucial opportunity for fostering economic and social development in both Laos and Thailand.
The Vientiane Provincial Governor highlighted how the new international status will help ease the movement of goods and people, boost local businesses, and create a closer working relationship between the two provinces. It is part of broader national poverty alleviation and sustainable development goals in Laos.
Additionally, this move is part of Laos’s broader strategy to promote its 2024 tourism campaign, “Travels Laos, Travels Vientiane: Safe, Cultural, Natural, and Historic Appreciation.”
Vientiane Province is strategically positioned as a tourism hub connecting major attractions alongside world heritage sites in Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang Provinces, among others.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/15/vientiane-provinces-checkpoint-upgraded-to-international-status/
New Building at Mahosot Hospital Opens, Marks Laos-China Cooperation Milestone
A ceremony to inaugurate the new building at Mahosot Hospital took place on 12 October, attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos and Prime Minister Li Qiang of China, along with high-level delegations from both nations. This project was launched in November 2017 and represents a significant milestone in Laos-China cooperation as a part of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative.
The new building is designed to provide state-of-the-art medical care, utilizing advanced technology to benefit patients in Laos while offering convenience for healthcare providers.
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Li Qiang acknowledged the project’s origins, noting that its foundation was laid under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He emphasized the close attention and cooperation between the two countries, highlighting that despite various challenges during the construction process, the project has now reached completion—a significant achievement for both nations.
Prime Minister Sonexay also delivered a speech, expressing gratitude for China’s ongoing support.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a robust partnership and outlined plans for future cooperation in key sectors such as development, investment, banking, and tourism.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/15/new-building-at-mahosot-hospital-opens-marks-laos-china-cooperation-milestone/
Canadian Prime Minister Visits MRC, Marking Historic Milestone in Development Cooperation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada made an official visit to the Mekong River Commission (MRC) headquarters in Vientiane, Laos, on 11 October, becoming the first head of government from an MRC Development Partner to visit the organization.
The visit, which took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit hosted by Laos, underscores Canada’s growing commitment to the sustainable management of the Mekong River, which supports the livelihoods of millions of people in Southeast Asia.
During his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau met with local fishers and farmers who depend on the Mekong River for their livelihoods. Accompanied by his Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng, and MRC Secretariat CEO Anoulak Kittikhoun, the Prime Minister engaged directly with them, listening to their stories of how the river sustains their daily lives. He also learned firsthand about the challenges they face due to climate and environmental changes, as well as cross-border water management issues.
Prime Minister Trudeau praised the MRC’s role in fostering collaboration among the Mekong countries—Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Viet Nam—and its efforts to ensure that communities living along the river continue to benefit from its rich resources.
“Canada recognizes the vital importance of the Mekong River, not just as a source of development but as a lifeline for millions of people,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. “The Mekong River Commission is doing essential work by bringing countries together to manage and protect these shared resources. Canada is proud to support this mission, and we will continue to work alongside the MRC to safeguard Mekong for future generations.”
Canada has recently formalized its development partnership with the MRC, contributing CAD 2 million (approximately USD 1.5 million) through its Global Affairs Canada, the government department responsible for managing diplomatic relations, international trade, and development assistance. This funding is aimed at supporting the MRC’s critical initiatives, including transboundary water management, river monitoring, and forecasting, with a special focus on enhancing community resilience to water-related challenges.
Kittikhoun said Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit underscored Canada’s vital support in advancing the MRC’s mission and the country’s engagement in the region.
“We’re honoured by Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit, which marks a new chapter in our cooperation with Canada,” Kittikhoun said. “Canada’s support comes at a crucial time as we intensify our efforts to manage the Mekong’s water resources for the benefit of all the people in the region and their governments. We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership as we tackle the complex challenges of sustainable water resource management together.”
The MRC plays a critical role in coordinating cooperation between the Mekong countries and other international partners and stakeholders. It is at the forefront of transboundary water resource management, which is vital for the region’s ecological and socio-economic well-being. As climate change and increased development continue to strain water resources, the MRC’s work is becoming more important and relevant than ever.
With Canada’s support and Prime Minister Trudeau’s historic visit, the MRC is positioned to strengthen its efforts to promote sustainable development, enhance regional cooperation, and improve the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on the Mekong River.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/14/canadian-prime-minister-visits-mrc-marking-historic-milestone-in-development-cooperation/