Vietnamese investment in Laos has reached a total of USD 5.5 billion across 256 projects.
These figures were released on 18 August at a conference in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, which reviewed the progress of the Vietnam-Laos cooperation plan for 2024 and set strategic directions for the 2021-2025 bilateral cooperation agreement.
Since 2021, Laos has granted investment licenses for Vietnamese projects totaling USD 869.9 million. In the first half of 2024, Laos approved six new Vietnamese projects, amounting to USD 339 million. These projects span sectors such as mining, electricity, and health care, according to Phet Phomphiphak, Lao Minister of Planning and Investment and chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee.
The disbursed capital by Vietnamese enterprises in Laos has reached approximately USD 2.8 billion.
Trade between the two countries has also surged, with bilateral trade hitting a 11.1 percent increase from the previous year.
Both nations are actively pursuing new cooperative projects, including the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway and the Vientiane-Tha Khek-Tan Ap-Vung Ang Railway. They are also focusing on the development of Vung Ang Ports I, II, and III.
Phet Phomphiphak highlighted the importance of improved cooperation between Vietnamese and Lao ministries to better manage investments, resolve issues, and oversee joint ventures. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong also mentioned the proactive coordination between both countries despite global challenges.
Looking ahead, Vietnam and Laos plan to focus on implementing high-level agreements and advancing infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on human resource development and innovations in high-tech manufacturing, mining, and e-commerce.
Both nations are also committed to boosting bilateral trade, enhancing connectivity, and improving energy cooperation by connecting power grids between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
On 14 August, Laos unveiled a new job search website, developed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MOLSW) with support from the ILO-China Partnership Program. The initiative, first launched in 2023, is part of the “Project to Strengthen Skills Development in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar through South-South and Tripartite Cooperation,” and aims to tackle ongoing labor market issues.
Laos has faced economic and societal challenges due to a low minimum wage, which has not kept pace with inflation or the depreciating kip. Despite recent wage adjustments, many businesses struggle to meet wage demands, leading to labor shortages and a trend of workers seeking opportunities abroad.
To address these challenges, MOLSW, in collaboration with an enterprise partner, launched the website to improve labor market efficiency. The site, managed by the Department of Employment, provides comprehensive information on job regulations, services, legislation, and freelance opportunities, making it a valuable resource for job seekers.
The new website launch follows a job festival held in Vientiane on 22 March, where 1,800 positions across 56 companies were advertised, highlighting the country’s struggle with workforce retention. The new website is designed to enhance job accessibility, providing tools and resources for users in both central and local areas.
By improving job placement and offering access to opportunities domestically and internationally—particularly in countries like Thailand, South Korea, and Japan—the website is expected to boost employment rates and support economic growth.
On 13 August, Laos celebrated the 74th Anniversary of Mass Media and Publishing Day with a series of discussions aimed at examining the evolving role of media in the country. The events, which included meetings and seminars, addressed key issues such as combating fake news, the impact of social media, and the leveraging of artificial intelligence in the modern newsroom.
In preparation for the event, the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism (MCIT) along with the Lao Journalists Association hosted a seminar on 8 August focused on combating misinformation on social media, with aims to cultivate a more informed press corps capable of effectively countering fake news. The goal was to develop a more informed press corps capable of effectively countering fake news. Deputy Minister Phosy Keomanivong, who attended the seminar, emphasized the need for better public-private sector cooperation and closer ties with international media to attract investment and maintain stability in the media sector.
Prior to this seminar, the MCIT organized another forum on 2 August, hosted by the LJA and MCIT with support from the European Union and the International Care Organization, discussions included the role of artificial intelligence in journalism, including AI’s potential in news verification, translation, and content creation, aiming to equip journalists with necessary skills and strategies for digital monetization
Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists’ Association (LJA), speaks at the media seminar organized by MICT
Speaking at the forum was Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists’ Association (LJA), who acknowledged the dual nature of social media. While it enhances the speed of information dissemination, it also brings risks related to the spread of misinformation.
The LJA president urged Lao journalists to stay updated with modern media systems, verify sources, and ensure alignment with government interests.
Speakers at the seminar
Other speakers featured Aditta Kittikhoun, Senior Partner at RDK Group, who highlighted the critical need to grasp Facebook’s algorithms, given the platform’s dominant role in distributing news in Laos. He pointed out that although Lao media uses Facebook for distribution, the platform also presents significant competition.
“If you want to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude effectively, first understand the primary AI impacting you daily—Facebook’s evolving algorithms. For media to embrace digitalization, they must think like Facebook, aligning with its machine learning logic that captures attention through user data,” he said. “Though many see Facebook as a tech company, it’s more accurately Laos’s largest media company. While Lao media relies on Facebook for distribution, it’s also their biggest competitor.”
Adding depth to Aditta’s emphasis on AI, Thanousone Phonamart, President of the Lao ICT Association, explored the foundational technologies behind AI and their applications on an international scale. Bounheng Southichack, Managing Director of Lao Youth Radio, provided insights into how various AI tools are being integrated into different aspects of newsroom operations, enhancing efficiency and content creation. Minaxay Philavong, Director General of the Lao National Internet Center, discussed the legal frameworks surrounding fake news, emphasizing the challenges and responsibilities that come with regulating information in the digital age.
Somsavath Phongsa, Director General of the Mass Media Department at the Ministry, speaks on stage
Somsavath Phongsa, Director General of the Mass Media Department at the MTCI, noted the significant impact of social media on information dissemination, leading to misinformation and public confusion. He emphasized the need for the media to address these challenges by improving practices and educating the public.
The mass media director also stated that many media professionals in Laos are still grappling with challenges such as the effective use of digital tools and understanding target audiences. He suggested improving human resources to meet the demands of the digital era and highlighted the advantages of digital media, including its speed and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional media.
The forum concluded with a call for media professionals to uphold high standards, continually expand their skills, and adhere to media laws and regulations.
Media and Publishing Day is a significant occasion for the media, publishing, and distribution sectors, highlighting their essential contributions to the nation’s progress. Throughout the journey toward independence and the development of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has recognized the crucial role of information in driving social and economic advancement. In this context, media, publishing, and distribution—particularly through the Party’s newspaper and various forms of print and digital media—have played a vital role in promoting national unity and supporting the country’s development goals.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Laos-Celebrates-74th-Mass-Media-and-Publishing-Day-with-Focus-on-Media-Transformation.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-09 08:45:352024-09-03 08:46:57Laos Marks 74th Mass Media Day with Focus on Digital Media Challenges, AI Integration
Vietnam’s Investment in Laos Hits USD 5.5 Billion
Vietnamese investment in Laos has reached a total of USD 5.5 billion across 256 projects.
These figures were released on 18 August at a conference in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, which reviewed the progress of the Vietnam-Laos cooperation plan for 2024 and set strategic directions for the 2021-2025 bilateral cooperation agreement.
Since 2021, Laos has granted investment licenses for Vietnamese projects totaling USD 869.9 million. In the first half of 2024, Laos approved six new Vietnamese projects, amounting to USD 339 million. These projects span sectors such as mining, electricity, and health care, according to Phet Phomphiphak, Lao Minister of Planning and Investment and chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee.
The disbursed capital by Vietnamese enterprises in Laos has reached approximately USD 2.8 billion.
Trade between the two countries has also surged, with bilateral trade hitting a 11.1 percent increase from the previous year.
Both nations are actively pursuing new cooperative projects, including the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway and the Vientiane-Tha Khek-Tan Ap-Vung Ang Railway. They are also focusing on the development of Vung Ang Ports I, II, and III.
Phet Phomphiphak highlighted the importance of improved cooperation between Vietnamese and Lao ministries to better manage investments, resolve issues, and oversee joint ventures. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong also mentioned the proactive coordination between both countries despite global challenges.
Looking ahead, Vietnam and Laos plan to focus on implementing high-level agreements and advancing infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on human resource development and innovations in high-tech manufacturing, mining, and e-commerce.
Both nations are also committed to boosting bilateral trade, enhancing connectivity, and improving energy cooperation by connecting power grids between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/19/vietnams-investment-in-laos-hits-usd-5-5-billion/
Laos Launches New Job Search Website to Address Labor Market Challenges
On 14 August, Laos unveiled a new job search website, developed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MOLSW) with support from the ILO-China Partnership Program. The initiative, first launched in 2023, is part of the “Project to Strengthen Skills Development in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar through South-South and Tripartite Cooperation,” and aims to tackle ongoing labor market issues.
Laos has faced economic and societal challenges due to a low minimum wage, which has not kept pace with inflation or the depreciating kip. Despite recent wage adjustments, many businesses struggle to meet wage demands, leading to labor shortages and a trend of workers seeking opportunities abroad.
To address these challenges, MOLSW, in collaboration with an enterprise partner, launched the website to improve labor market efficiency. The site, managed by the Department of Employment, provides comprehensive information on job regulations, services, legislation, and freelance opportunities, making it a valuable resource for job seekers.
The new website launch follows a job festival held in Vientiane on 22 March, where 1,800 positions across 56 companies were advertised, highlighting the country’s struggle with workforce retention. The new website is designed to enhance job accessibility, providing tools and resources for users in both central and local areas.
By improving job placement and offering access to opportunities domestically and internationally—particularly in countries like Thailand, South Korea, and Japan—the website is expected to boost employment rates and support economic growth.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/16/laos-launches-new-job-search-website-to-address-labor-market-challenges/
Laos Marks 74th Mass Media Day with Focus on Digital Media Challenges, AI Integration
On 13 August, Laos celebrated the 74th Anniversary of Mass Media and Publishing Day with a series of discussions aimed at examining the evolving role of media in the country. The events, which included meetings and seminars, addressed key issues such as combating fake news, the impact of social media, and the leveraging of artificial intelligence in the modern newsroom.
In preparation for the event, the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism (MCIT) along with the Lao Journalists Association hosted a seminar on 8 August focused on combating misinformation on social media, with aims to cultivate a more informed press corps capable of effectively countering fake news. The goal was to develop a more informed press corps capable of effectively countering fake news. Deputy Minister Phosy Keomanivong, who attended the seminar, emphasized the need for better public-private sector cooperation and closer ties with international media to attract investment and maintain stability in the media sector.
Prior to this seminar, the MCIT organized another forum on 2 August, hosted by the LJA and MCIT with support from the European Union and the International Care Organization, discussions included the role of artificial intelligence in journalism, including AI’s potential in news verification, translation, and content creation, aiming to equip journalists with necessary skills and strategies for digital monetization
Speaking at the forum was Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists’ Association (LJA), who acknowledged the dual nature of social media. While it enhances the speed of information dissemination, it also brings risks related to the spread of misinformation.
The LJA president urged Lao journalists to stay updated with modern media systems, verify sources, and ensure alignment with government interests.
Other speakers featured Aditta Kittikhoun, Senior Partner at RDK Group, who highlighted the critical need to grasp Facebook’s algorithms, given the platform’s dominant role in distributing news in Laos. He pointed out that although Lao media uses Facebook for distribution, the platform also presents significant competition.
“If you want to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude effectively, first understand the primary AI impacting you daily—Facebook’s evolving algorithms. For media to embrace digitalization, they must think like Facebook, aligning with its machine learning logic that captures attention through user data,” he said. “Though many see Facebook as a tech company, it’s more accurately Laos’s largest media company. While Lao media relies on Facebook for distribution, it’s also their biggest competitor.”
Adding depth to Aditta’s emphasis on AI, Thanousone Phonamart, President of the Lao ICT Association, explored the foundational technologies behind AI and their applications on an international scale. Bounheng Southichack, Managing Director of Lao Youth Radio, provided insights into how various AI tools are being integrated into different aspects of newsroom operations, enhancing efficiency and content creation. Minaxay Philavong, Director General of the Lao National Internet Center, discussed the legal frameworks surrounding fake news, emphasizing the challenges and responsibilities that come with regulating information in the digital age.
Somsavath Phongsa, Director General of the Mass Media Department at the MTCI, noted the significant impact of social media on information dissemination, leading to misinformation and public confusion. He emphasized the need for the media to address these challenges by improving practices and educating the public.
The mass media director also stated that many media professionals in Laos are still grappling with challenges such as the effective use of digital tools and understanding target audiences. He suggested improving human resources to meet the demands of the digital era and highlighted the advantages of digital media, including its speed and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional media.
The forum concluded with a call for media professionals to uphold high standards, continually expand their skills, and adhere to media laws and regulations.
Media and Publishing Day is a significant occasion for the media, publishing, and distribution sectors, highlighting their essential contributions to the nation’s progress. Throughout the journey toward independence and the development of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has recognized the crucial role of information in driving social and economic advancement. In this context, media, publishing, and distribution—particularly through the Party’s newspaper and various forms of print and digital media—have played a vital role in promoting national unity and supporting the country’s development goals.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/15/laos-marks-74th-mass-media-day-with-focus-on-digital-media-challenges-ai-integration/