On 3 March, Luang Prabang City was officially declared poverty-free, as announced by Mayor Viengthong Hatsachan. The declaration follows significant improvements in infrastructure and the economy, including better roads, transportation, and utilities.
The ceremony, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Governor Khamkhan Chanthavisouk, and 115 village chiefs, highlighted the province’s economic progress. The mayor noted that Luang Prabang’s economic stability, bolstered by the growing tourism sector, has directly improved residents’ living standards.
According to official reports, 16,355 families in 113 villages, or 98.3 percent of the population, have moved out of poverty under the government’s development regulations. Families are considered out of poverty if they meet criteria such as stable employment, a permanent home, at least secondary-level education for family members, and access to basic healthcare, clean water, and energy.
Moreover, the province’s economy has steadily grown over the past decade, strengthening financial stability and improving residents’ living standards. This growth is believed to be closely tied to the rising popularity of the tourism industry, which has enhanced Luang Prabang’s appeal with its unique cultural offerings and facilities.
In 2024, the province saw over 2 million visitors, surpassing its target of 900,000, and generating an estimated USD 560 million in revenue. This success is linked to the “Visit Laos Year” campaign and growing international exposure.
Looking ahead, Luang Prabang is continuing to focus on tourism development, with new initiatives like a free bus trial to improve traffic and public transportation.
On 1 March, the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest took place at the Lao-Japan Budo Center in Vientiane Capital. Japanese-language learners in Laos delivered speeches in front of a large audience, with their teachers, friends, and families cheering them on.
This year, 17 participants competed in the reading section, 14 in the one-minute speech section, and 9 in the three-minute speech section. They were chosen from 137 applicants through a preliminary selection process by the organizing committee, which includes representatives from the Japanese Embassy and Japanese language institutes in Laos.
Japan’s Ambassador to Laos, Koizumi Tsutomu, encouraged the contestants and thanked everyone involved in improving Japanese language education in Laos. He stated, “The Embassy of Japan is happy to support students learning Japanese, as well as those who help them.”
The competition focused on language ability, knowledge, and communication skills.
In the three-minute speech section, Nilanda Somphouthaveep took first place, with Lia Yang coming in second and Angkham Vonglachit placing third.
In the one-minute speech section, Vilatda Phiakham won first place, followed by Soulideth Khammany in second place and Khueangern Chanlivong in third place.
The contest plays a key role in developing people who can strengthen ties between Japan and Laos. Many past winners have continued studying Japanese, with some going on to study in Japan or work for Japanese companies.
Officials and guests at the event included Ponmek Dalaloy, Former President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association and Daravone Kittaphan, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports.
This contest has been held every year since 2004, giving Japanese-language learners a chance to demonstrate their skills in public. It also helps them improve their communication and public speaking abilities.
By encouraging interest in the Japanese language and fostering mutual understanding between the two countries, the contest is expected to continue in the future.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28AD9D73-2DF5-426E-A21C-522EF2666BFF-2048x1122-1.jpeg11222048Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-03-18 01:06:002025-03-11 09:07:58Lao Students Showcase Skills at Japanese Speech Event
On 26 February, Laos launched the Lao-China 500-kilovolt Interconnection Project with a ceremony in Vientiane Capital. This project is part of a broader effort to enhance regional energy integration.
Phoxay Sayasone, Laos’ Minister of Energy and Mines, explained that the system will connect Laos’ power grid with neighboring countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China.
Expected to be completed by 2026, the interconnection will allow power transmission to begin that year. Once operational, it will facilitate the exchange of 1,500 megawatts of electricity between Laos and China, along with the transmission of around 3 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually, boosting the energy sector in both countries.
The initiative is a key element of Laos’ five-year strategic energy development plan (2021-2025), which seeks to strengthen the country’s economic potential. The connection with China will help Laos systematically develop its energy resources and establish a reliable energy exchange.
The system will include a new 500-kilovolt substation in Namor district, Oudomxay Province, linking to Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, China, via a 183.5 km cross-border transmission line. Additionally, two 230-kilovolt lines will connect to the main line in northern Laos.
Divided into two phases, the first phase will be developed by Electricité du Laos Transmission (EDL-T), while the second phase will be handled by CSG.
Once fully operational, Laos is expected to become a clean energy hub within the Lancang-Mekong region, linking and distributing electricity across neighboring countries.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Laotian-Times-Feature-Image.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-03-17 01:04:002025-03-11 09:06:11Laos, China 500kV Link to Drive Clean Energy Growth and ASEAN Connectivity
Luang Prabang Declared Poverty-Free Amid Economic Growth
On 3 March, Luang Prabang City was officially declared poverty-free, as announced by Mayor Viengthong Hatsachan. The declaration follows significant improvements in infrastructure and the economy, including better roads, transportation, and utilities.
The ceremony, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Governor Khamkhan Chanthavisouk, and 115 village chiefs, highlighted the province’s economic progress. The mayor noted that Luang Prabang’s economic stability, bolstered by the growing tourism sector, has directly improved residents’ living standards.
According to official reports, 16,355 families in 113 villages, or 98.3 percent of the population, have moved out of poverty under the government’s development regulations. Families are considered out of poverty if they meet criteria such as stable employment, a permanent home, at least secondary-level education for family members, and access to basic healthcare, clean water, and energy.
Moreover, the province’s economy has steadily grown over the past decade, strengthening financial stability and improving residents’ living standards. This growth is believed to be closely tied to the rising popularity of the tourism industry, which has enhanced Luang Prabang’s appeal with its unique cultural offerings and facilities.
In 2024, the province saw over 2 million visitors, surpassing its target of 900,000, and generating an estimated USD 560 million in revenue. This success is linked to the “Visit Laos Year” campaign and growing international exposure.
Looking ahead, Luang Prabang is continuing to focus on tourism development, with new initiatives like a free bus trial to improve traffic and public transportation.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/04/luang-prabang-declared-poverty-free-amid-economic-growth/
Lao Students Showcase Skills at Japanese Speech Event
On 1 March, the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest took place at the Lao-Japan Budo Center in Vientiane Capital. Japanese-language learners in Laos delivered speeches in front of a large audience, with their teachers, friends, and families cheering them on.
This year, 17 participants competed in the reading section, 14 in the one-minute speech section, and 9 in the three-minute speech section. They were chosen from 137 applicants through a preliminary selection process by the organizing committee, which includes representatives from the Japanese Embassy and Japanese language institutes in Laos.
Japan’s Ambassador to Laos, Koizumi Tsutomu, encouraged the contestants and thanked everyone involved in improving Japanese language education in Laos. He stated, “The Embassy of Japan is happy to support students learning Japanese, as well as those who help them.”
The competition focused on language ability, knowledge, and communication skills.
In the three-minute speech section, Nilanda Somphouthaveep took first place, with Lia Yang coming in second and Angkham Vonglachit placing third.
In the one-minute speech section, Vilatda Phiakham won first place, followed by Soulideth Khammany in second place and Khueangern Chanlivong in third place.
The contest plays a key role in developing people who can strengthen ties between Japan and Laos. Many past winners have continued studying Japanese, with some going on to study in Japan or work for Japanese companies.
Officials and guests at the event included Ponmek Dalaloy, Former President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association and Daravone Kittaphan, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports.
This contest has been held every year since 2004, giving Japanese-language learners a chance to demonstrate their skills in public. It also helps them improve their communication and public speaking abilities.
By encouraging interest in the Japanese language and fostering mutual understanding between the two countries, the contest is expected to continue in the future.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/02/lao-students-showcase-skills-at-japanese-speech-event/
Laos, China 500kV Link to Drive Clean Energy Growth and ASEAN Connectivity
On 26 February, Laos launched the Lao-China 500-kilovolt Interconnection Project with a ceremony in Vientiane Capital. This project is part of a broader effort to enhance regional energy integration.
Phoxay Sayasone, Laos’ Minister of Energy and Mines, explained that the system will connect Laos’ power grid with neighboring countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China.
Expected to be completed by 2026, the interconnection will allow power transmission to begin that year. Once operational, it will facilitate the exchange of 1,500 megawatts of electricity between Laos and China, along with the transmission of around 3 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually, boosting the energy sector in both countries.
The initiative is a key element of Laos’ five-year strategic energy development plan (2021-2025), which seeks to strengthen the country’s economic potential. The connection with China will help Laos systematically develop its energy resources and establish a reliable energy exchange.
The system will include a new 500-kilovolt substation in Namor district, Oudomxay Province, linking to Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, China, via a 183.5 km cross-border transmission line. Additionally, two 230-kilovolt lines will connect to the main line in northern Laos.
Divided into two phases, the first phase will be developed by Electricité du Laos Transmission (EDL-T), while the second phase will be handled by CSG.
Once fully operational, Laos is expected to become a clean energy hub within the Lancang-Mekong region, linking and distributing electricity across neighboring countries.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/28/laos-china-500kv-link-to-drive-clean-energy-growth-and-asean-connectivity/