On 24 October, government officials, agricultural experts, and representatives from the private sector gathered to discuss enhancing the Lao durian sector for export to China, where demand for this tropical fruit is rapidly increasing. The talks aimed to improve both the production and quality of Lao durians, making them more competitive in the international market.
Attendees also explored strategies for expanding durian farming and optimizing logistics to meet Chinese import standards. A key highlight was China’s offer of a 98 percent tax exemption on durian exports, which presents a substantial opportunity for Laos to strengthen its position in the export market.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry emphasized the need for quality control measures and certifications that align with Chinese regulations to ensure long-term success in the export market.
Participants also discussed how to support local farmers by providing better farming techniques and resources, as well as forming partnerships with Chinese distributors. Improving farmers’ skills will enhance durian quality and increase their income.
Laos boasts ideal conditions for durian cultivation, and experts believe that with the right investments and training, the country could substantially increase its durian exports.
However, it faces stiff competition from established producers like Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as Thailand, which is planning to develop 20,000 to 30,000 rai of land for durian farming. With similar agricultural conditions and lower labor costs, Laos has the potential to emerge as a new competitor in the Southeast Asian durian export market.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Durian-farm-in-Vang-Vieng.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-11-24 10:55:332024-11-01 10:56:53Lao Durian Sector to Focus on Export Growth to China
The Government of Japan has awarded a grant of USD 107,000 to improve schools in Bokeo Province, Laos, with the goal of reducing student dropout rates.
On 24 October, Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu signed a grant contract with Somphit Chanthavong, Director of the Office of Education and Sports for Huayxay district, in Vientiane. The event was attended by Khamphaya Phompanya, Vice Governor of Bokeo Province.
This funding will be used to construct a new school building and toilet facilities for Toup Kindergarten and Primary School. It will also provide school furniture and relocate the school to higher ground to safeguard it from floods.
Bokeo Province is highly vulnerable to flooding, which disrupts school attendance and damages infrastructure, according to the World Bank. Reports show that Laos faces severe educational challenges in the province, including dropout rates of 30 to 40 percent, particularly in villages that do not offer access to grades 4 and 5.
In the 2023–24 academic year, over 5,000 children dropped out of primary, lower, and upper secondary schools in Bokeo Province, as reported by the provincial education department earlier this year. Factors contributing to this alarming dropout rate include the long distance to schools, lack of student dorms, financial hardships prompting children to work, and a perception that further education is not valuable.
The province has seen a total of 5,781 children drop out, with a decline of 654 enrollments in lower and upper secondary schools compared to the previous year. Poor school management, teacher shortages, and insufficient cooperation among educators, parents, and officials further discourage school attendance.
In response, the Bokeo Provincial Education and Sports Department plans to collaborate with local authorities to improve employment opportunities, enhance school attendance awareness, and upgrade school infrastructure. These efforts align with the government’s goal of improving education quality and increasing enrollment nationwide, as highlighted by a significant drop in university enrollments from over 9,000 in the 2020–21 academic year to 6,688 in 2023–24. The Lao government is committed to addressing these challenges through various projects in its National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2021-2025.
Since 1992, Japan has contributed over USD 1 million to projects in Bokeo Province, focusing on education, infrastructure, and agriculture.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Laos-Government-Outlines-Plans-to-Tackle-Rising-School-Dropout-Rates.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-11-23 10:53:222024-11-01 10:55:08Japan Supports School Improvements in Bokeo to Reduce Dropout Rates
Cambodia has officially withdrawn from the regional development pact with neighboring Laos and Vietnam. The decision was announced by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on 20 September, citing concerns about national sovereignty and increasing political opposition.
The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Triangle Development Area (CLV-DTA) was established in 1999 and took effect in 2004 to develop 13 border provinces including four in Cambodia, five in Vietnam, and four in Laos. The agreement focused on poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and trade enhancement. While it has contributed to regional collaboration, Cambodia’s withdrawal raises questions about the pact’s future.
Prime Minister Manet cited rising domestic concerns that the CLV pact compromised Cambodia territorial sovereignty, specifically regarding the country’s northeastern provinces. In his announcement, Manet referenced political extremists using the pact as a tool to attack the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) for allegedly ceding land to Vietnam. To “disarm the extremists” and respond to growing public outcry, Cambodia decided to withdraw from the agreement.
The controversy surrounding the pact gained traction on social media and led to protests in August, both in Cambodia and among Cambodian communities abroad. This pressure prompted the government to rethink its participation in the development initiative.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the cooperation mandate had been fulfilled, and each country can now manage its own development.
Cambodia’s decision may be seen as an effort to address domestic political pressures while marking a shift in its regional relations, potentially affecting Southeast Asian cooperation.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cam-exits.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-11-22 11:37:002024-10-09 11:39:19Cambodia Withdraws from Development Pact with Laos, Vietnam
Lao Durian Sector to Focus on Export Growth to China
On 24 October, government officials, agricultural experts, and representatives from the private sector gathered to discuss enhancing the Lao durian sector for export to China, where demand for this tropical fruit is rapidly increasing. The talks aimed to improve both the production and quality of Lao durians, making them more competitive in the international market.
Attendees also explored strategies for expanding durian farming and optimizing logistics to meet Chinese import standards. A key highlight was China’s offer of a 98 percent tax exemption on durian exports, which presents a substantial opportunity for Laos to strengthen its position in the export market.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry emphasized the need for quality control measures and certifications that align with Chinese regulations to ensure long-term success in the export market.
Participants also discussed how to support local farmers by providing better farming techniques and resources, as well as forming partnerships with Chinese distributors. Improving farmers’ skills will enhance durian quality and increase their income.
Laos boasts ideal conditions for durian cultivation, and experts believe that with the right investments and training, the country could substantially increase its durian exports.
However, it faces stiff competition from established producers like Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as Thailand, which is planning to develop 20,000 to 30,000 rai of land for durian farming. With similar agricultural conditions and lower labor costs, Laos has the potential to emerge as a new competitor in the Southeast Asian durian export market.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/28/lao-durian-sector-to-focus-on-export-growth-to-china/
Japan Supports School Improvements in Bokeo to Reduce Dropout Rates
The Government of Japan has awarded a grant of USD 107,000 to improve schools in Bokeo Province, Laos, with the goal of reducing student dropout rates.
On 24 October, Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu signed a grant contract with Somphit Chanthavong, Director of the Office of Education and Sports for Huayxay district, in Vientiane. The event was attended by Khamphaya Phompanya, Vice Governor of Bokeo Province.
This funding will be used to construct a new school building and toilet facilities for Toup Kindergarten and Primary School. It will also provide school furniture and relocate the school to higher ground to safeguard it from floods.
Bokeo Province is highly vulnerable to flooding, which disrupts school attendance and damages infrastructure, according to the World Bank. Reports show that Laos faces severe educational challenges in the province, including dropout rates of 30 to 40 percent, particularly in villages that do not offer access to grades 4 and 5.
In the 2023–24 academic year, over 5,000 children dropped out of primary, lower, and upper secondary schools in Bokeo Province, as reported by the provincial education department earlier this year. Factors contributing to this alarming dropout rate include the long distance to schools, lack of student dorms, financial hardships prompting children to work, and a perception that further education is not valuable.
The province has seen a total of 5,781 children drop out, with a decline of 654 enrollments in lower and upper secondary schools compared to the previous year. Poor school management, teacher shortages, and insufficient cooperation among educators, parents, and officials further discourage school attendance.
In response, the Bokeo Provincial Education and Sports Department plans to collaborate with local authorities to improve employment opportunities, enhance school attendance awareness, and upgrade school infrastructure. These efforts align with the government’s goal of improving education quality and increasing enrollment nationwide, as highlighted by a significant drop in university enrollments from over 9,000 in the 2020–21 academic year to 6,688 in 2023–24. The Lao government is committed to addressing these challenges through various projects in its National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2021-2025.
Since 1992, Japan has contributed over USD 1 million to projects in Bokeo Province, focusing on education, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/25/japan-supports-school-improvements-in-bokeo-to-reduce-dropout-rates/
Cambodia Withdraws from Development Pact with Laos, Vietnam
Cambodia has officially withdrawn from the regional development pact with neighboring Laos and Vietnam. The decision was announced by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on 20 September, citing concerns about national sovereignty and increasing political opposition.
The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Triangle Development Area (CLV-DTA) was established in 1999 and took effect in 2004 to develop 13 border provinces including four in Cambodia, five in Vietnam, and four in Laos. The agreement focused on poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and trade enhancement. While it has contributed to regional collaboration, Cambodia’s withdrawal raises questions about the pact’s future.
Prime Minister Manet cited rising domestic concerns that the CLV pact compromised Cambodia territorial sovereignty, specifically regarding the country’s northeastern provinces. In his announcement, Manet referenced political extremists using the pact as a tool to attack the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) for allegedly ceding land to Vietnam. To “disarm the extremists” and respond to growing public outcry, Cambodia decided to withdraw from the agreement.
The controversy surrounding the pact gained traction on social media and led to protests in August, both in Cambodia and among Cambodian communities abroad. This pressure prompted the government to rethink its participation in the development initiative.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the cooperation mandate had been fulfilled, and each country can now manage its own development.
Cambodia’s decision may be seen as an effort to address domestic political pressures while marking a shift in its regional relations, potentially affecting Southeast Asian cooperation.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/02/cambodia-withdraws-from-development-pact-with-laos-vietnam/