In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi swept across Laos, primarily affecting the northern regions. The storm caused widespread devastation, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The northern provinces bore the brunt of the typhoon, experiencing severe flooding that inundated homes, schools, temples, hospitals, and farms.
Following the disaster, Laos received support from both the Lao government and the international community which provided assistance for infrastructure rebuilding.
Japan, among others, pledged its help in restoring critical infrastructure, including the provision of equipment for bridge repairs.
To strengthen post-typhoon recovery efforts, Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu and Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavanh Sisoulath signed the “Exchange of Notes on Economic and Social Development Plan (Bridge Repair Equipment)” on 6 March at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane.
The Government of Japan is providing JPY 1.7 billion (approximately USD 11 million or LAK 2.5 trillion) in grant assistance to enhance Laos’ disaster relief capabilities.
This support includes essential construction and disaster prevention equipment, such as steel bridge girders, rough terrain cranes, super long front crawler excavators, and emergency shelters.
Japan has long contributed to Laos’ sustainable economic growth by developing high-quality road infrastructure, including the Second Mekong International Bridge, Pakse Bridge, Route No. 9, and Route No. 1 in Vientiane Capital. Strengthening these key logistics routes will not only improve safety and convenience for residents but also boost economic, industrial, and trade development, aligning with Laos’ policy of transforming from land-locked to land-linked.
The partnership between Japan and Laos continues to deepen, with both countries recently elevating their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
On 6 March, the Government of Laos and the United Nations country representative signed off on a project aiming to strengthen large-scale food fortification in Laos.
Rice, the cornerstone of the Lao diet, could become a game-changer in battling malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiency, also called hidden hunger, is caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, which stunts growth and development in Laos.
Around 40 percent of women of childbearing age and 44 percent of children under five are plagued by iron deficiency anemia, leading to severe and lasting health issues.
The project, agreed on jointly on 6 March, titled “Strengthening Large-Scale Food Fortification in Laos: The Case for Investing in Rice Fortification,” will be implemented over the next two years.
It aims to enhance the nutritional quality of rice by adding essential vitamins and minerals. Food fortification is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions to reduce micronutrient deficiencies at scale.
“Fortification is not an entirely new agenda point for Laos. Since 1995, our Ministry of Health has regulated the standards for the production and importation of iodized salt in Laos, making the fortification of salt mandatory. Glutinous rice, which is the most important element of our national food culture, is a good source of energy but does not contain micronutrients such as vitamins A, B, iron, and zinc, which people generally lack in our country. Adding such micronutrients is an opportunity in our fight against malnutrition,” said Aphone Visathep, Vice Minister of Health.
The Government of India also supports this intervention with USD 1 million over two years through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
“India’s investment into fortification has been a national success, reaching 400 million people in India with fortified rice to counter micronutrient deficiencies. India is proud to share its knowledge and experience in rice fortification with Laos. This partnership reflects our strong bilateral relations and our commitment to supporting sustainable development in the region,” said Yogeshwar Sangwan, Ambassador of India to Laos.
“The United Nations plays a vital role as a partner for governments globally in transforming food systems with evidence-based and cost-effective solutions. Staple food fortification is a cost-effective way to bring micronutrients into the diets of all Lao people and leave no one behind. It’s an accelerator towards eradicating malnutrition and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We are thankful for the partnership with India to deliver such an important initiative, which exemplifies the power of South-South cooperation,” said Bakhodir Burkhanov, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos.
Since 2013, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been a leading partner to the Government on rice fortification. “WFP brings 30 years of global expertise in food fortification.
The cooperation we signed today aims to implement the steps laid out in Laos Food Fortification Strategic Action Plan. Strong political will combined with the expertise of the Republic of India and WFP will open opportunities for the public and private sectors to enhance national capability to fortify rice and improve the diet of millions of people in Laos,” said Marc-Andre Prost, World Food Programme Representative and Country Director in Laos.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Signed-off-on-a-project-ceremony-aiming-to-strengthen-large-scale-food-fortification-in-Laos.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-03-26 01:22:002025-03-11 09:24:22Fortified Rice Project Launched to Help Reduce Malnutrition in Laos
Laos’ popular world heritage town of Luang Prabang has clinched third place in the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards for “Destination Management” at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, on 4 March.
The award celebrates the city’s successful efforts in sustainable tourism, including responsible visitor management and crisis recovery.
This recognition highlights Luang Prabang’s commitment to preserving its World Heritage status while fostering sustainable tourism growth.
The Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards highlights the most inspiring sustainable tourism initiatives across six categories: Destination Management, Nature & Scenery, Environment & Climate, Culture & Tradition, Thriving Communities, and Business & Marketing. These awards are based on nominations for the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories.
Laos is the first country in the CLMV group (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) to receive such an honor.
Looking ahead, Luang Prabang’s provincial government plans to enhance the criteria and indicators for each area as part of its application for Green Destination Certification.
This certification, awarded by the Green Tourism Organization—a global leader in sustainability certification for tourism destinations and businesses, and recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—will further solidify the town’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Japan Grants Funds for Infrastructure Repairs in Laos
In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi swept across Laos, primarily affecting the northern regions. The storm caused widespread devastation, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The northern provinces bore the brunt of the typhoon, experiencing severe flooding that inundated homes, schools, temples, hospitals, and farms.
Following the disaster, Laos received support from both the Lao government and the international community which provided assistance for infrastructure rebuilding.
Japan, among others, pledged its help in restoring critical infrastructure, including the provision of equipment for bridge repairs.
To strengthen post-typhoon recovery efforts, Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu and Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavanh Sisoulath signed the “Exchange of Notes on Economic and Social Development Plan (Bridge Repair Equipment)” on 6 March at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane.
The Government of Japan is providing JPY 1.7 billion (approximately USD 11 million or LAK 2.5 trillion) in grant assistance to enhance Laos’ disaster relief capabilities.
This support includes essential construction and disaster prevention equipment, such as steel bridge girders, rough terrain cranes, super long front crawler excavators, and emergency shelters.
Japan has long contributed to Laos’ sustainable economic growth by developing high-quality road infrastructure, including the Second Mekong International Bridge, Pakse Bridge, Route No. 9, and Route No. 1 in Vientiane Capital. Strengthening these key logistics routes will not only improve safety and convenience for residents but also boost economic, industrial, and trade development, aligning with Laos’ policy of transforming from land-locked to land-linked.
The partnership between Japan and Laos continues to deepen, with both countries recently elevating their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/07/japan-grants-funds-for-infrastructure-repairs-in-laos/
Fortified Rice Project Launched to Help Reduce Malnutrition in Laos
On 6 March, the Government of Laos and the United Nations country representative signed off on a project aiming to strengthen large-scale food fortification in Laos.
Rice, the cornerstone of the Lao diet, could become a game-changer in battling malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiency, also called hidden hunger, is caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, which stunts growth and development in Laos.
Around 40 percent of women of childbearing age and 44 percent of children under five are plagued by iron deficiency anemia, leading to severe and lasting health issues.
The project, agreed on jointly on 6 March, titled “Strengthening Large-Scale Food Fortification in Laos: The Case for Investing in Rice Fortification,” will be implemented over the next two years.
It aims to enhance the nutritional quality of rice by adding essential vitamins and minerals. Food fortification is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions to reduce micronutrient deficiencies at scale.
“Fortification is not an entirely new agenda point for Laos. Since 1995, our Ministry of Health has regulated the standards for the production and importation of iodized salt in Laos, making the fortification of salt mandatory. Glutinous rice, which is the most important element of our national food culture, is a good source of energy but does not contain micronutrients such as vitamins A, B, iron, and zinc, which people generally lack in our country. Adding such micronutrients is an opportunity in our fight against malnutrition,” said Aphone Visathep, Vice Minister of Health.
The Government of India also supports this intervention with USD 1 million over two years through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
“India’s investment into fortification has been a national success, reaching 400 million people in India with fortified rice to counter micronutrient deficiencies. India is proud to share its knowledge and experience in rice fortification with Laos. This partnership reflects our strong bilateral relations and our commitment to supporting sustainable development in the region,” said Yogeshwar Sangwan, Ambassador of India to Laos.
“The United Nations plays a vital role as a partner for governments globally in transforming food systems with evidence-based and cost-effective solutions. Staple food fortification is a cost-effective way to bring micronutrients into the diets of all Lao people and leave no one behind. It’s an accelerator towards eradicating malnutrition and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We are thankful for the partnership with India to deliver such an important initiative, which exemplifies the power of South-South cooperation,” said Bakhodir Burkhanov, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos.
Since 2013, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been a leading partner to the Government on rice fortification. “WFP brings 30 years of global expertise in food fortification.
The cooperation we signed today aims to implement the steps laid out in Laos Food Fortification Strategic Action Plan. Strong political will combined with the expertise of the Republic of India and WFP will open opportunities for the public and private sectors to enhance national capability to fortify rice and improve the diet of millions of people in Laos,” said Marc-Andre Prost, World Food Programme Representative and Country Director in Laos.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/07/fortified-rice-project-launched-to-help-reduce-malnutrition-in-laos/
Luang Prabang Earns Global Recognition for Sustainable Tourism
Laos’ popular world heritage town of Luang Prabang has clinched third place in the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards for “Destination Management” at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, on 4 March.
The award celebrates the city’s successful efforts in sustainable tourism, including responsible visitor management and crisis recovery.
This recognition highlights Luang Prabang’s commitment to preserving its World Heritage status while fostering sustainable tourism growth.
The Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards highlights the most inspiring sustainable tourism initiatives across six categories: Destination Management, Nature & Scenery, Environment & Climate, Culture & Tradition, Thriving Communities, and Business & Marketing. These awards are based on nominations for the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories.
Laos is the first country in the CLMV group (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) to receive such an honor.
Looking ahead, Luang Prabang’s provincial government plans to enhance the criteria and indicators for each area as part of its application for Green Destination Certification.
This certification, awarded by the Green Tourism Organization—a global leader in sustainability certification for tourism destinations and businesses, and recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—will further solidify the town’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/06/luang-prabang-earns-global-recognition-for-sustainable-tourism/