Today, Sujiro Seam, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN officially inaugurates 11 youth representatives from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste as the first ever cohort of the Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN (YSBEA).
Among the 11 inaugural members is Chilanhouth Nitvongkhay, a 22-year-old Lao digital skills advocate.
Chilanhouth’s inclusion in the YSBEA highlights his commitment to addressing the digital divide in Laos and promoting digital literacy. He has been active in equipping Lao youth with digital tools to advocate for climate action and environmental sustainability. His previous efforts include training 100 participants on using digital platforms for climate advocacy, leading to new community projects aimed at raising climate change awareness.
YSBEA will provide Chilanhouth and his peers a platform to influence EU policies on key issues such as digital infrastructure and sustainable development. This is particularly relevant as Laos, under its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2024, prioritizes digital transition to boost regional connectivity and economic growth. The YSBEA’s focus on empowering youth aligns with Laos’ efforts to close the digital gap and build a more inclusive, tech-savvy future.
The establishment of YSBEA is an initiative aimed to boost young people’s engagement in EU-ASEAN cooperation to act as a youth advisory group to the EU Delegation.
“The selection of YSBEA members is an acknowledgement of their outstanding leadership qualities and impressive achievements. YSBEA will provide a consultative space and platform for young people to strengthen the European Union’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. YSBEA participation will make the actions of the European Union more relevant and effective for young people,” Seam said.
“Young people are change-makers and essential partners in ensuring the success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Youth have an important role to play in deciding the future of this region: to build a better future that is greener, more inclusive, and digital. YSBEA members’ participation reflects their testament and commitment to make a difference,” he added.
YSBEA members had the opportunity to pay a courtesy call to Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs of ASEAN.
DSG Nararya highlighted the pivotal role of the youth in contributing to the achievement of key development goals within the region, noting that the ASEAN youth population accounted for around 34 percent of the overall population in 2020 and is projected to peak in 2038.
He emphasized that ASEAN recognizes the crucial role of youth as key drivers of growth, as reflected in the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Development of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision. This statement, adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in May 2023, underscores the importance of empowering youth to actively participate in shaping the future of the region.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN (YSBEA),” said representative from Cambodia, Vichny Chanchem. “I look forward to collaborating with like-minded fellow YSBEA members to strengthen EU-ASEAN cooperation on sustainable development that upholds the rights of the people in ASEAN.”
These 11 individuals are young activists who are passionate in the fields of the environment and climate change, education, science and technology, human rights, gender, entrepreneurship and health. The inauguration of YSBEA is part of a 3-day on boarding phase consisting of an induction and mentorship program on environment and energy; digital and infrastructure; gender equality; human development; migration and forced displacement; human rights, peace and governance; as well as sustainable growth and jobs.
YSBEA is among 30 Youth Sounding Board groups established by other EU Delegations worldwide as part of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) for EU external action. The YAP serves as the EU’s guiding framework to promote meaningful youth participation and empowerment globally for sustainable development, equality and peace. Focusing on three core areas of action: Engage, Connect and Empower, the YAP is a timely endeavor to engage young people in EU external actions.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/88-1536x1024-1.jpg10241536Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-27 09:25:572024-09-03 09:27:37European Union Inaugurates First Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN
Laos and Vietnam are set to Launch a new payment system enabling direct trade transactions in kip and dong currencies. Starting in September, the cross-border micropayment system will allow Vietnamese consumers to pay in Laos using QR codes.
On 22 August, the Bank of Laos (BOL) and the State Bank of Vietnam held a conference to promote the use of local currencies in bilateral trade. Attendees included representatives from commercial banks in both countries, as well as payment service providers like the Lao National Payment Network Co. Ltd (LAP Net) and the Vietnam National Payment Corporation (NAPAS).
The meeting introduced the Vietnam-Laos Cross-Border Retail Payment Connection Project, which will facilitate transactions through QR codes. The initial phase of the project will involve nine Vietnamese and 13 Lao banks. The joint payment system will be managed by NAPAS and LAP Net.
This initiative aligns with a broader ASEAN trend towards using local currencies for trade, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign currencies and mitigate risks associated with geopolitical and economic fluctuations. By using kip and dong directly, both Laos and Vietnam can streamline trade, lower transaction costs, and enhance financial stability.
According to the BOL, ASEAN countries, including Laos, tend to use local currencies to hedge against political and economic changes and to foster regional cooperation.
Vietnam is currently Laos’ third-largest trading partner, with a robust history of trade and investment cooperation. The introduction of the kip-dong payment system is anticipated to further solidify this partnership, paving the way for more integrated and resilient economic relations between the two nations.
China has introduced its first refrigerated freight train service from Yunnan Province to Laos via the Lao-China Railway, marking a significant step in enhancing the efficiency of transporting perishable goods across the region.
This service began on 23 August, carrying 400 tons of fresh vegetables. The train departed from China’s Yuxi City in Yunnan Province traveled to Vientiane, Laos, and continued by road to Bangkok, Thailand. The service features modern refrigerated containers designed to maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables throughout the journey.
According Zhang Guilan, Deputy Director of the Yuxi Municipal Trade Office, Yunnan Province aims to transport over 50,000 tons of high-quality fruits and vegetables annually to various countries in the Indochina Peninsula through this railway.
Moreover, Xu Jiefeng, Department director of the Kunming logistic center, China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co Ltd, highlighted that this efficient transportation channel not only meets customer needs for maintaining the temperature of frozen goods but also underscores the Lao-China Railway’s contribution to China’s international trade and economic expansion.
Since its inception in December 2021, the Lao-China Railway has transported over 10 million tons of goods.
European Union Inaugurates First Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN
Today, Sujiro Seam, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN officially inaugurates 11 youth representatives from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste as the first ever cohort of the Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN (YSBEA).
Among the 11 inaugural members is Chilanhouth Nitvongkhay, a 22-year-old Lao digital skills advocate.
Chilanhouth’s inclusion in the YSBEA highlights his commitment to addressing the digital divide in Laos and promoting digital literacy. He has been active in equipping Lao youth with digital tools to advocate for climate action and environmental sustainability. His previous efforts include training 100 participants on using digital platforms for climate advocacy, leading to new community projects aimed at raising climate change awareness.
YSBEA will provide Chilanhouth and his peers a platform to influence EU policies on key issues such as digital infrastructure and sustainable development. This is particularly relevant as Laos, under its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2024, prioritizes digital transition to boost regional connectivity and economic growth. The YSBEA’s focus on empowering youth aligns with Laos’ efforts to close the digital gap and build a more inclusive, tech-savvy future.
The establishment of YSBEA is an initiative aimed to boost young people’s engagement in EU-ASEAN cooperation to act as a youth advisory group to the EU Delegation.
“The selection of YSBEA members is an acknowledgement of their outstanding leadership qualities and impressive achievements. YSBEA will provide a consultative space and platform for young people to strengthen the European Union’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. YSBEA participation will make the actions of the European Union more relevant and effective for young people,” Seam said.
“Young people are change-makers and essential partners in ensuring the success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Youth have an important role to play in deciding the future of this region: to build a better future that is greener, more inclusive, and digital. YSBEA members’ participation reflects their testament and commitment to make a difference,” he added.
YSBEA members had the opportunity to pay a courtesy call to Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs of ASEAN.
DSG Nararya highlighted the pivotal role of the youth in contributing to the achievement of key development goals within the region, noting that the ASEAN youth population accounted for around 34 percent of the overall population in 2020 and is projected to peak in 2038.
He emphasized that ASEAN recognizes the crucial role of youth as key drivers of growth, as reflected in the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Development of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision. This statement, adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in May 2023, underscores the importance of empowering youth to actively participate in shaping the future of the region.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN (YSBEA),” said representative from Cambodia, Vichny Chanchem. “I look forward to collaborating with like-minded fellow YSBEA members to strengthen EU-ASEAN cooperation on sustainable development that upholds the rights of the people in ASEAN.”
These 11 individuals are young activists who are passionate in the fields of the environment and climate change, education, science and technology, human rights, gender, entrepreneurship and health. The inauguration of YSBEA is part of a 3-day on boarding phase consisting of an induction and mentorship program on environment and energy; digital and infrastructure; gender equality; human development; migration and forced displacement; human rights, peace and governance; as well as sustainable growth and jobs.
YSBEA is among 30 Youth Sounding Board groups established by other EU Delegations worldwide as part of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) for EU external action. The YAP serves as the EU’s guiding framework to promote meaningful youth participation and empowerment globally for sustainable development, equality and peace. Focusing on three core areas of action: Engage, Connect and Empower, the YAP is a timely endeavor to engage young people in EU external actions.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/28/european-union-inaugurates-first-youth-sounding-board-for-eu-in-asean/
Laos, Vietnam to Introduce Kip-Dong Cross-Border Payment System
Laos and Vietnam are set to Launch a new payment system enabling direct trade transactions in kip and dong currencies. Starting in September, the cross-border micropayment system will allow Vietnamese consumers to pay in Laos using QR codes.
On 22 August, the Bank of Laos (BOL) and the State Bank of Vietnam held a conference to promote the use of local currencies in bilateral trade. Attendees included representatives from commercial banks in both countries, as well as payment service providers like the Lao National Payment Network Co. Ltd (LAP Net) and the Vietnam National Payment Corporation (NAPAS).
The meeting introduced the Vietnam-Laos Cross-Border Retail Payment Connection Project, which will facilitate transactions through QR codes. The initial phase of the project will involve nine Vietnamese and 13 Lao banks. The joint payment system will be managed by NAPAS and LAP Net.
This initiative aligns with a broader ASEAN trend towards using local currencies for trade, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign currencies and mitigate risks associated with geopolitical and economic fluctuations. By using kip and dong directly, both Laos and Vietnam can streamline trade, lower transaction costs, and enhance financial stability.
According to the BOL, ASEAN countries, including Laos, tend to use local currencies to hedge against political and economic changes and to foster regional cooperation.
Vietnam is currently Laos’ third-largest trading partner, with a robust history of trade and investment cooperation. The introduction of the kip-dong payment system is anticipated to further solidify this partnership, paving the way for more integrated and resilient economic relations between the two nations.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/28/laos-vietnam-to-introduce-kip-dong-cross-border-payment-system/
First Cold-Chain Train Connects Yunnan with Vientiane
China has introduced its first refrigerated freight train service from Yunnan Province to Laos via the Lao-China Railway, marking a significant step in enhancing the efficiency of transporting perishable goods across the region.
This service began on 23 August, carrying 400 tons of fresh vegetables. The train departed from China’s Yuxi City in Yunnan Province traveled to Vientiane, Laos, and continued by road to Bangkok, Thailand. The service features modern refrigerated containers designed to maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables throughout the journey.
According Zhang Guilan, Deputy Director of the Yuxi Municipal Trade Office, Yunnan Province aims to transport over 50,000 tons of high-quality fruits and vegetables annually to various countries in the Indochina Peninsula through this railway.
Moreover, Xu Jiefeng, Department director of the Kunming logistic center, China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co Ltd, highlighted that this efficient transportation channel not only meets customer needs for maintaining the temperature of frozen goods but also underscores the Lao-China Railway’s contribution to China’s international trade and economic expansion.
Since its inception in December 2021, the Lao-China Railway has transported over 10 million tons of goods.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/27/first-cold-chain-train-connects-yunnan-with-vientiane/