On 8 August, Japan handed over road and bridge repair equipment and machinery worth JPY 1.5 billion (about USD 10.5 million) to the Lao Government under the 2023 Economic and Social Development Programme.
The assistance was provided in response to a request from the Laos’ Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) for a complete set of heavy construction machinery to improve and maintain roads for long-term use.
Japanese Ambassador to Laos Koizumi Tsutomu highlighted Japan’s long-standing support for Laos’ infrastructure development, citing major projects such as the Second Mekong Friendship Bridge, Pakse Bridge, Sekong Bridge, the upgrade of Wattay International Airport, and improvements to National Road No. 1 in Vientiane Capital.
He noted that many infrastructure assets have deteriorated over time.
The Lao minister of public works, Leklay Sivilay, expressed gratitude, noting this is the second such grant from Japan.
Previously, Japan gave JPY 800 million (about USD 5.6 million) to repair and upgrade roads nationwide damaged by natural disasters.
Severe floods and landslides in recent years have damaged road networks across Laos, disrupting travel, goods transport, and economic connectivity.
The newly donated equipment will be allocated to three MPWT state enterprises to strengthen their capacity in surveying, upgrading, maintenance, and construction, gradually improving road quality nationwide.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Japan-donates-USD-10.5-million-to-Laos.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-11 14:03:512025-08-21 11:21:04Japan Donates USD 10.5 Million in Road Repair Equipment to Laos
Lao Mobile Money Sole Co., Ltd., the operator of M moneyX, has signed a major partnership with global payments giant VISA to bring secure and convenient digital payment services to Laos.
The deal aims to expand access to cashless transactions, especially for the unbanked, and support the country’s push toward a digital economy.
Signed in Hanoi by M moneyX CEO Alounnadeth Barnchit and VISA Country Manager Dang Tuyet Dung, the agreement will allow M moneyX users to make everyday transactions such as QR payments, mobile top-ups, and international money transfers.
The partnership also includes plans for co-branded VISA cards, cross-border remittance features, and seamless global payments through VISA Pay.
“We want the Lao people to realise that using M moneyX service is not complex or difficult, but it is a tool for everyone, making life easier, money safer, and payments possible anywhere,” Alounnadeth said.
Witnesses to the signing included top officials from Lao Telecom, the parent company of Lao Mobile Money.
This collaboration marks a step forward in creating a more inclusive and modern financial ecosystem for the Lao population.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-12.46.48.png498968Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-04 14:00:052025-08-21 11:27:13VISA Partners with M moneyX to Expand Digital Payments in Laos
At the 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum held in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, representatives from Laos emphasized the country’s determination to modernize its media landscape while preserving its cultural diversity and ensuring fair representation on global platforms.
The forum, which gathered nearly 100 media professionals from over 50 countries, served as a space for exchanging ideas on how to strengthen global cooperation among journalists.
Discussions touched on the role of media in bridging cultural gaps, the impact of artificial intelligence on reporting, and the need for more inclusive narratives in global news.
Balancing Modernization, Cultural Preservation in Journalism
Speaking at the forum, Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists Association, highlighted the dual responsibility that journalists face today: adapting to new technologies while upholding human values and protecting cultural identity.
“The theme of this forum, ‘Promoting Civilizational Dialogues and Global Modernization with Power of Journalists,’ captures precisely the dual responsibility that we, as storytellers, now shoulder,” he said.
“To modernize responsibly, embracing digital tools, data, and AI without abandoning the human values that give journalism its meaning; and to preserve, celebrate and connect cultures, so that progress remains inclusive and no voice is drowned out.”
Savankhone noted that Laos, with more than 50 ethnic groups and a growing young population, continues to find innovative ways to communicate despite limited resources.
“Our experience demonstrates that small markets need not be silent ones,” he added, pointing to efforts in bilingual reporting, cross-border collaboration, and social media integration.
Savankhone concluded by saying that the Lao Journalists Association aims to learn from larger countries how to improve content quality, develop sustainable revenue models, and apply AI in ways that assist rather than replace editorial judgment.
Laos Urges Collective Action on Media Fairness in Digital Age
Also representing Laos at the forum was Aditta Kittikhoun, Senior Partner at RDK Group, one of the country’s largest media conglomerates.
He focused on the structural challenges that small media markets like Laos face when dealing with powerful tech companies that shape how news is distributed online.
“As a small market, Laos alone lacks the leverage to negotiate with major tech platforms for equitable media distribution policies,” Aditta said.
“However, when we join forces through regional blocs like ASEAN or networks such as the BRJN, we amplify our voice. This collective approach is sure to increase the likelihood of bringing these companies to the table to address issues of profound public interest ranging from algorithmic transparency to the sustainability of journalism in our region.”
New Initiatives Promote Regional Collaboration, Support for Journalists
Building on these challenges, The forum also saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at strengthening ties among journalists across borders.
These included the “International Home of Journalists” volunteer program and the official opening of the Belt and Road Journalists’ Station in Jiangxi, designed to support foreign media working in China.
With a focus on building lasting networks and sharing experiences, the event provided valuable opportunities for participants to visit cities like Nanchang and Jingdezhen, gaining firsthand insight into local development and deepening their understanding of cultural and technological changes shaping the region.
For Laos, engaging in such collaborative platforms marks a step toward greater influence and partnership within the global media community.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Laos-Highlights-Challenges-Aspirations-at-2025-Belt-and-Road-Journalists-Forum.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-04 10:34:462025-08-14 11:51:56Laos Highlights Challenges, Aspirations at 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum
Japan Donates USD 10.5 Million in Road Repair Equipment to Laos
On 8 August, Japan handed over road and bridge repair equipment and machinery worth JPY 1.5 billion (about USD 10.5 million) to the Lao Government under the 2023 Economic and Social Development Programme.
The assistance was provided in response to a request from the Laos’ Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) for a complete set of heavy construction machinery to improve and maintain roads for long-term use.
Japanese Ambassador to Laos Koizumi Tsutomu highlighted Japan’s long-standing support for Laos’ infrastructure development, citing major projects such as the Second Mekong Friendship Bridge, Pakse Bridge, Sekong Bridge, the upgrade of Wattay International Airport, and improvements to National Road No. 1 in Vientiane Capital.
He noted that many infrastructure assets have deteriorated over time.
The Lao minister of public works, Leklay Sivilay, expressed gratitude, noting this is the second such grant from Japan.
Previously, Japan gave JPY 800 million (about USD 5.6 million) to repair and upgrade roads nationwide damaged by natural disasters.
Severe floods and landslides in recent years have damaged road networks across Laos, disrupting travel, goods transport, and economic connectivity.
The newly donated equipment will be allocated to three MPWT state enterprises to strengthen their capacity in surveying, upgrading, maintenance, and construction, gradually improving road quality nationwide.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/09/japan-donates-usd-10-5-million-in-road-repair-equipment-to-laos/
VISA Partners with M moneyX to Expand Digital Payments in Laos
Lao Mobile Money Sole Co., Ltd., the operator of M moneyX, has signed a major partnership with global payments giant VISA to bring secure and convenient digital payment services to Laos.
The deal aims to expand access to cashless transactions, especially for the unbanked, and support the country’s push toward a digital economy.
Signed in Hanoi by M moneyX CEO Alounnadeth Barnchit and VISA Country Manager Dang Tuyet Dung, the agreement will allow M moneyX users to make everyday transactions such as QR payments, mobile top-ups, and international money transfers.
The partnership also includes plans for co-branded VISA cards, cross-border remittance features, and seamless global payments through VISA Pay.
“We want the Lao people to realise that using M moneyX service is not complex or difficult, but it is a tool for everyone, making life easier, money safer, and payments possible anywhere,” Alounnadeth said.
Witnesses to the signing included top officials from Lao Telecom, the parent company of Lao Mobile Money.
This collaboration marks a step forward in creating a more inclusive and modern financial ecosystem for the Lao population.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/04/visa-partners-with-m-moneyx-to-expand-digital-payments-in-laos/
Laos Highlights Challenges, Aspirations at 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum
At the 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum held in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, representatives from Laos emphasized the country’s determination to modernize its media landscape while preserving its cultural diversity and ensuring fair representation on global platforms.
The forum, which gathered nearly 100 media professionals from over 50 countries, served as a space for exchanging ideas on how to strengthen global cooperation among journalists.
Discussions touched on the role of media in bridging cultural gaps, the impact of artificial intelligence on reporting, and the need for more inclusive narratives in global news.
Balancing Modernization, Cultural Preservation in Journalism
Speaking at the forum, Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists Association, highlighted the dual responsibility that journalists face today: adapting to new technologies while upholding human values and protecting cultural identity.
“The theme of this forum, ‘Promoting Civilizational Dialogues and Global Modernization with Power of Journalists,’ captures precisely the dual responsibility that we, as storytellers, now shoulder,” he said.
“To modernize responsibly, embracing digital tools, data, and AI without abandoning the human values that give journalism its meaning; and to preserve, celebrate and connect cultures, so that progress remains inclusive and no voice is drowned out.”
Savankhone noted that Laos, with more than 50 ethnic groups and a growing young population, continues to find innovative ways to communicate despite limited resources.
“Our experience demonstrates that small markets need not be silent ones,” he added, pointing to efforts in bilingual reporting, cross-border collaboration, and social media integration.
Savankhone concluded by saying that the Lao Journalists Association aims to learn from larger countries how to improve content quality, develop sustainable revenue models, and apply AI in ways that assist rather than replace editorial judgment.
Laos Urges Collective Action on Media Fairness in Digital Age
Also representing Laos at the forum was Aditta Kittikhoun, Senior Partner at RDK Group, one of the country’s largest media conglomerates.
He focused on the structural challenges that small media markets like Laos face when dealing with powerful tech companies that shape how news is distributed online.
“As a small market, Laos alone lacks the leverage to negotiate with major tech platforms for equitable media distribution policies,” Aditta said.
“However, when we join forces through regional blocs like ASEAN or networks such as the BRJN, we amplify our voice. This collective approach is sure to increase the likelihood of bringing these companies to the table to address issues of profound public interest ranging from algorithmic transparency to the sustainability of journalism in our region.”
New Initiatives Promote Regional Collaboration, Support for Journalists
Building on these challenges, The forum also saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at strengthening ties among journalists across borders.
These included the “International Home of Journalists” volunteer program and the official opening of the Belt and Road Journalists’ Station in Jiangxi, designed to support foreign media working in China.
With a focus on building lasting networks and sharing experiences, the event provided valuable opportunities for participants to visit cities like Nanchang and Jingdezhen, gaining firsthand insight into local development and deepening their understanding of cultural and technological changes shaping the region.
For Laos, engaging in such collaborative platforms marks a step toward greater influence and partnership within the global media community.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/25/laos-highlights-challenges-aspirations-at-2025-belt-and-road-journalists-forum/