Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane has called for deeper Mekong cooperation to strengthen digital growth, clean energy, and water resource management to improve the lives of people across the region.
Thongsavanh made his remark on 15 August at the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Anning, Yunnan Province, China.
There, he stressed the need for forward-looking collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to the region’s people.
The official urged member states to prioritize resilient economies, digital transformation, sustainable water management, human resource development, and responses to emerging security challenges, while highlighting agriculture, clean energy, and tourism as key growth sectors.
Thongsavanh also praised the LMC’s achievements over the past nine years, noting that the LMC Special Fund, established in 2017, has already financed more than 100 projects in Laos worth over USD 26 million.
The meeting, co-chaired by China and Thailand, reviewed progress under the LMC’s three pillars, including Political-Security, Sustainable Development, and Social-Cultural Exchange, and five priority areas: connectivity, water resource management, agriculture and poverty reduction, cross-border trade, and production capacity.
Laos Reaffirms Support for Myanmar Peace, Regional Security
On the same day, the Lao foreign minister joined a special meeting with China, Thailand, and Myanmar to discuss regional security and the evolving situation in Myanmar.
He reaffirmed Laos’ support for a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” political process, stressing that stability there is vital for regional peace and development.
In addition, the ministers reviewed Myanmar’s situation since the military takeover in 2021, including plans for a general election in late 2025 or early 2026. They pledged closer cooperation to combat transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lancang-Mekong-Ministerial-Meeting.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-19 12:30:002025-09-02 10:13:01Laos Calls for Stronger Mekong Cooperation on Digital Growth, Clean Energy, and Water Management
Attapeu province’s economy expanded by 2.81 percent in the first half of 2025, but authorities say more work is needed to meet the full-year target of 5.4 percent.
Deputy Governor Thanouxay Banxalith reported the figures during the 9th Ordinary Session of the 2nd Provincial People’s Council on 7 August, noting that the province’s total economy is currently valued at about LAK 1,922 billion (USD 88.4 million), or roughly a quarter of the year’s goal.
Thanouxay said the average annual income per person in Attapeu now stands at LAK 21.9 million (USD 1,007). While some sectors have shown promising results, others are falling behind expectations, requiring stronger coordination in the months ahead.
Agriculture and Industry Lead Growth
According to the official, agriculture and forestry remain the province’s primary growth drivers, expanding by 3.64 percent and contributing 49.47 percent of total GDP. Dry-season rice production reached 63 percent of the annual target, with yields averaging 3 tonnes per hectare and totaling 1,519 tonnes.
Other dry-season crops achieved 56 percent of the goal, while meat, fish, and egg production stood at 52 percent. Cash crops such as watermelon, tobacco, cassava, and coffee also made notable contributions.
Industry grew by 1.85 percent, accounting for 22.32 percent of GDP. Thanouxay reported that processed goods were valued at LAK 513 billion (USD 23.5 million), reaching 20 percent of the annual target.
Electricity generation exceeded 2,196 gigawatt-hours, bringing in over USD 113 million, THB 10 billion, and LAK 14 billion in revenue. Mining also continued to play an important role, with active extraction of gold, silver, iron ore, and bauxite.
Services and Tourism Lag Behind
The provincial deputy governor noted that the services sector saw the slowest growth, at just 1.33 percent, making up 28.2 percent of GDP. Trade value surpassed LAK 8 trillion (USD 368 million), achieving 48 percent of the yearly target.
Tourism welcomed 71,677 visitors in the first six months of the year, which is 47 percent of the annual goal. Revenue from tourism reached LAK 33 billion (USD 1.51 million), or 52 percent of the yearly projection, according to the deputy governor.
To close the gap and meet the 2025 growth target, Thanouxay called for stronger collaboration between sectors, timely project implementation, and effective execution of policies outlined in the province’s socio-economic development plan.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Landscape-view-of-Attapeu-Province.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-18 09:00:002025-09-02 10:15:13Attapeu’s Economy Grows 2.8% in First Half of 2025
The Ministry of Education and Sports, in partnership with World Vision International Laos, has expanded its efforts to improve early childhood education in rural communities with the official launch of a new phase of a long-term learning initiative in Xonnabouly district.
The launch, held on 8 August, included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony and a start-up workshop, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Savannakhet Province and World Vision.
The second phase of the Improving Learning Outcomes for Early Childhood and Primary Education project will support children, parents, and schools in 10 remote villages.
The same day, officials from the Ministry visited Savannakhet to observe how the project is being implemented on the ground, as part of routine monitoring activities.
Tackling Barriers to Learning
The initiative, funded by World Vision International, aims to give children aged 3 to 5 a stronger start in school and improve reading and writing skills among pupils in Grades 1 to 3. The project also promotes safe, inclusive, and healthy learning environments.
Officials observed classroom activities in local preschools, reviewed teaching materials developed by community educators, and met with parents and local leaders.
Special attention was given to the inclusion of children with disabilities, as part of a broader commitment to education for all.
Two Phases, One Goal
Phase I of the project began with the signing of an MoU on 21 October 2022 in Attapeu Province. The first phase is being implemented in Sanamxay district, where 13 schools across 12 villages are receiving support.
Running through to September 2025, this phase benefits more than 11,500 people and is backed by USD 800,000 in funding.
Phase Two, which officially launched this month, will continue until September 2028.
It will support ten schools across ten villages in Xonnabouly district, reaching approximately 6,380 people.
With a total investment of USD 840,000, this phase builds on the successes of the first by placing greater emphasis on parental involvement and stronger school-community partnerships to make education more accessible and sustainable.
Laos Calls for Stronger Mekong Cooperation on Digital Growth, Clean Energy, and Water Management
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane has called for deeper Mekong cooperation to strengthen digital growth, clean energy, and water resource management to improve the lives of people across the region.
Thongsavanh made his remark on 15 August at the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Anning, Yunnan Province, China.
There, he stressed the need for forward-looking collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to the region’s people.
The official urged member states to prioritize resilient economies, digital transformation, sustainable water management, human resource development, and responses to emerging security challenges, while highlighting agriculture, clean energy, and tourism as key growth sectors.
Thongsavanh also praised the LMC’s achievements over the past nine years, noting that the LMC Special Fund, established in 2017, has already financed more than 100 projects in Laos worth over USD 26 million.
The meeting, co-chaired by China and Thailand, reviewed progress under the LMC’s three pillars, including Political-Security, Sustainable Development, and Social-Cultural Exchange, and five priority areas: connectivity, water resource management, agriculture and poverty reduction, cross-border trade, and production capacity.
Laos Reaffirms Support for Myanmar Peace, Regional Security
On the same day, the Lao foreign minister joined a special meeting with China, Thailand, and Myanmar to discuss regional security and the evolving situation in Myanmar.
He reaffirmed Laos’ support for a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” political process, stressing that stability there is vital for regional peace and development.
In addition, the ministers reviewed Myanmar’s situation since the military takeover in 2021, including plans for a general election in late 2025 or early 2026. They pledged closer cooperation to combat transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/18/laos-calls-for-stronger-mekong-cooperation-on-digital-growth-clean-energy-and-water-management/
Attapeu’s Economy Grows 2.8% in First Half of 2025
Attapeu province’s economy expanded by 2.81 percent in the first half of 2025, but authorities say more work is needed to meet the full-year target of 5.4 percent.
Deputy Governor Thanouxay Banxalith reported the figures during the 9th Ordinary Session of the 2nd Provincial People’s Council on 7 August, noting that the province’s total economy is currently valued at about LAK 1,922 billion (USD 88.4 million), or roughly a quarter of the year’s goal.
Thanouxay said the average annual income per person in Attapeu now stands at LAK 21.9 million (USD 1,007). While some sectors have shown promising results, others are falling behind expectations, requiring stronger coordination in the months ahead.
Agriculture and Industry Lead Growth
According to the official, agriculture and forestry remain the province’s primary growth drivers, expanding by 3.64 percent and contributing 49.47 percent of total GDP. Dry-season rice production reached 63 percent of the annual target, with yields averaging 3 tonnes per hectare and totaling 1,519 tonnes.
Other dry-season crops achieved 56 percent of the goal, while meat, fish, and egg production stood at 52 percent. Cash crops such as watermelon, tobacco, cassava, and coffee also made notable contributions.
Industry grew by 1.85 percent, accounting for 22.32 percent of GDP. Thanouxay reported that processed goods were valued at LAK 513 billion (USD 23.5 million), reaching 20 percent of the annual target.
Electricity generation exceeded 2,196 gigawatt-hours, bringing in over USD 113 million, THB 10 billion, and LAK 14 billion in revenue. Mining also continued to play an important role, with active extraction of gold, silver, iron ore, and bauxite.
Services and Tourism Lag Behind
The provincial deputy governor noted that the services sector saw the slowest growth, at just 1.33 percent, making up 28.2 percent of GDP. Trade value surpassed LAK 8 trillion (USD 368 million), achieving 48 percent of the yearly target.
Tourism welcomed 71,677 visitors in the first six months of the year, which is 47 percent of the annual goal. Revenue from tourism reached LAK 33 billion (USD 1.51 million), or 52 percent of the yearly projection, according to the deputy governor.
To close the gap and meet the 2025 growth target, Thanouxay called for stronger collaboration between sectors, timely project implementation, and effective execution of policies outlined in the province’s socio-economic development plan.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/11/attapeus-economy-grows-2-8-in-first-half-of-2025/
Education Ministry, World Vision Strengthen Early Childhood Education Efforts
The Ministry of Education and Sports, in partnership with World Vision International Laos, has expanded its efforts to improve early childhood education in rural communities with the official launch of a new phase of a long-term learning initiative in Xonnabouly district.
The launch, held on 8 August, included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony and a start-up workshop, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Savannakhet Province and World Vision.
The second phase of the Improving Learning Outcomes for Early Childhood and Primary Education project will support children, parents, and schools in 10 remote villages.
The same day, officials from the Ministry visited Savannakhet to observe how the project is being implemented on the ground, as part of routine monitoring activities.
Tackling Barriers to Learning
The initiative, funded by World Vision International, aims to give children aged 3 to 5 a stronger start in school and improve reading and writing skills among pupils in Grades 1 to 3. The project also promotes safe, inclusive, and healthy learning environments.
Officials observed classroom activities in local preschools, reviewed teaching materials developed by community educators, and met with parents and local leaders.
Special attention was given to the inclusion of children with disabilities, as part of a broader commitment to education for all.
Two Phases, One Goal
Phase I of the project began with the signing of an MoU on 21 October 2022 in Attapeu Province. The first phase is being implemented in Sanamxay district, where 13 schools across 12 villages are receiving support.
Running through to September 2025, this phase benefits more than 11,500 people and is backed by USD 800,000 in funding.
Phase Two, which officially launched this month, will continue until September 2028.
It will support ten schools across ten villages in Xonnabouly district, reaching approximately 6,380 people.
With a total investment of USD 840,000, this phase builds on the successes of the first by placing greater emphasis on parental involvement and stronger school-community partnerships to make education more accessible and sustainable.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/13/education-ministry-world-vision-strengthen-early-childhood-education-efforts/