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
Ahead of his official visit to the Russian Federation from 30 July to 1 August, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Laos and Russia.
In a message published by both Russia’s state news agency and Lao state media, President Thongloun, himself a former student in Russia, described the visit as a heartfelt return. He called it a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and reaffirm the enduring relationship that continues to support peace, development, and mutual progress.
The roots of Lao-Russian relations stretch back to Laos’s struggle for independence, when the Soviet Union supported the Lao revolutionary movement. Formal diplomatic relations were established on 7 October 1960.
Following the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975, the Soviet Union played a key role in rebuilding the war-torn country, supporting healthcare, education, defence, and economic recovery.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Laos recognised the Russian Federation as its successor state in 1991. Their partnership entered a new phase with the signing of the 1994 Treaty on the Principles of Friendly Relations. Since then, cooperation has expanded across political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural sectors. The relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2011.
President Thongloun praised Russia’s humanitarian efforts, particularly its assistance in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. He expressed deep gratitude, calling the effort lasting proof of Russia’s friendship.
Economic ties have also grown, particularly in the mining, energy, and investment sectors. In 2024, more than 48,000 Russian tourists visited Laos, a sign of strengthening people-to-people connections.
The President also highlighted Russia’s contributions to capacity-building, noting that many Lao professionals have benefited from Russian educational programmes.
The visit coincides with several significant occasions: the Victory Day celebrations marking the end of the Second World War, the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Laos and Russia, and the 60th anniversary of the Lao-Russian Friendship Associations.
President Thongloun had initially planned to visit Russia in May to attend Victory Day celebrations, but the trip was postponed due to a COVID-19 infection. Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane represented him in his absence.
Following that visit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed appreciation for Laos’s support in providing medical and psychological care to Russian military personnel.
Later this year, the two countries are scheduled to hold the Laros-2025 joint military exercises in Laos, further solidifying defence cooperation.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lao-President-Thongloun-and-Russian-President-Putin.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-01 10:02:322025-08-21 11:18:47Lao President Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Ties with Russia Ahead of Official Visit
ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025
Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity.
Held under the theme “United Journey – Stronger Together,” the forum brought together tourism officials and business leaders from Laos, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam to discuss ways to improve cross-border travel.
A key session was the first Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Private Sector Workshop on 25 June, which focused on strengthening regional connectivity through initiatives such as the ARTC.
The ARTC aims to link major cities, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Nong Khai, Vientiane, and Boten, through upgraded rail systems and streamlined immigration processes to make travel across Southeast Asia more efficient.
Phase 1 of the project (2024–2029) will focus on infrastructure readiness, border coordination, and intergovernmental collaboration. It builds on existing networks like the Laos–China Railway and the Laos–Thailand rail link, which have already enhanced mobility in the region.
By expanding these connections, the ARTC is expected to drive tourism growth and support more sustainable, inclusive development across the Greater Mekong Subregion.
The forum also introduced the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, a regional framework designed to encourage high-quality, sustainable tourism and help the region recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strategy prioritizes development in lesser-known destinations and aims to distribute tourism benefits more evenly.
MTF 2025 concluded with the announcement that Myanmar as the next host of the forum in 2026.
Local Experiences and Regional Recovery in Focus
Alongside the main sessions, a tourism exhibition showcased cultural products, local food, and community-based travel experiences, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Phouthone Dalalom, Deputy Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department at Laos’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, emphasized the importance of visitors from neighboring countries and said he hopes the forum will help increase tourist arrivals and strengthen regional ties.
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/
Lao President Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Ties with Russia Ahead of Official Visit
Ahead of his official visit to the Russian Federation from 30 July to 1 August, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Laos and Russia.
In a message published by both Russia’s state news agency and Lao state media, President Thongloun, himself a former student in Russia, described the visit as a heartfelt return. He called it a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and reaffirm the enduring relationship that continues to support peace, development, and mutual progress.
The roots of Lao-Russian relations stretch back to Laos’s struggle for independence, when the Soviet Union supported the Lao revolutionary movement. Formal diplomatic relations were established on 7 October 1960.
Following the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975, the Soviet Union played a key role in rebuilding the war-torn country, supporting healthcare, education, defence, and economic recovery.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Laos recognised the Russian Federation as its successor state in 1991. Their partnership entered a new phase with the signing of the 1994 Treaty on the Principles of Friendly Relations. Since then, cooperation has expanded across political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural sectors. The relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2011.
President Thongloun praised Russia’s humanitarian efforts, particularly its assistance in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. He expressed deep gratitude, calling the effort lasting proof of Russia’s friendship.
Economic ties have also grown, particularly in the mining, energy, and investment sectors. In 2024, more than 48,000 Russian tourists visited Laos, a sign of strengthening people-to-people connections.
The President also highlighted Russia’s contributions to capacity-building, noting that many Lao professionals have benefited from Russian educational programmes.
The visit coincides with several significant occasions: the Victory Day celebrations marking the end of the Second World War, the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Laos and Russia, and the 60th anniversary of the Lao-Russian Friendship Associations.
President Thongloun had initially planned to visit Russia in May to attend Victory Day celebrations, but the trip was postponed due to a COVID-19 infection. Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane represented him in his absence.
Following that visit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed appreciation for Laos’s support in providing medical and psychological care to Russian military personnel.
Later this year, the two countries are scheduled to hold the Laros-2025 joint military exercises in Laos, further solidifying defence cooperation.
source:https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/30/lao-president-reaffirms-commitment-to-deepening-ties-with-russia-ahead-of-official-visit/
ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025
ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025
Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity.
Held under the theme “United Journey – Stronger Together,” the forum brought together tourism officials and business leaders from Laos, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam to discuss ways to improve cross-border travel.
A key session was the first Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Private Sector Workshop on 25 June, which focused on strengthening regional connectivity through initiatives such as the ARTC.
The ARTC aims to link major cities, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Nong Khai, Vientiane, and Boten, through upgraded rail systems and streamlined immigration processes to make travel across Southeast Asia more efficient.
Phase 1 of the project (2024–2029) will focus on infrastructure readiness, border coordination, and intergovernmental collaboration. It builds on existing networks like the Laos–China Railway and the Laos–Thailand rail link, which have already enhanced mobility in the region.
By expanding these connections, the ARTC is expected to drive tourism growth and support more sustainable, inclusive development across the Greater Mekong Subregion.
The forum also introduced the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, a regional framework designed to encourage high-quality, sustainable tourism and help the region recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strategy prioritizes development in lesser-known destinations and aims to distribute tourism benefits more evenly.
MTF 2025 concluded with the announcement that Myanmar as the next host of the forum in 2026.
Local Experiences and Regional Recovery in Focus
Alongside the main sessions, a tourism exhibition showcased cultural products, local food, and community-based travel experiences, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Phouthone Dalalom, Deputy Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department at Laos’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, emphasized the importance of visitors from neighboring countries and said he hopes the forum will help increase tourist arrivals and strengthen regional ties.