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Lao Brewery Company (LBC) is advancing its sustainability efforts with new green energy initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to the environment.

As part of Carlsberg Group’s “Together Towards ZERO and Beyond” program, LBC is stepping up efforts to cut its carbon footprint and support Laos’ sustainability goals.

LBC is making a major shift by partnering with VN Green Energy Company to open Laos’ first biomass energy factory. Starting February 2025, this factory will supply LBC’s Vientiane brewery with steam energy from biomass waste, replacing fossil fuels and covering over 80 percent of the plant’s energy needs.

This transition will significantly reduce carbon emissions at the Vientiane Brewery, helping LBC reach net zero five years earlier than planned. It also contributes to Carlsberg’s goal of net-zero emissions across all breweries by 2030. LBC is also exploring renewable energy options for its Pepsi plant in Vientiane and brewery in Pakse.

Henrik Juel Andersen, Managing Director of LBC

“Sustainability is at the heart of our business, and we are proud to take this major step towards reducing our carbon footprint in Laos,” said Henrik Juel Andersen, Managing Director of LBC.

“By implementing biomass energy and continuing to explore further renewable energy solutions, we hope to lead by example—not only in Laos but across the region.”

Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg Group

The announcement coincides with a three-day visit to Laos by Carlsberg Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen, emphasizing the company’s global sustainability commitment.

“Carlsberg’s ‘Together Towards ZERO and Beyond’ program is about taking concrete action to reduce emissions and drive sustainability in all our markets.

LBC’s transition to biomass energy and ongoing exploration of broader renewable energy sources is a great example of how our breweries can play a pivotal role in building a more sustainable future,” said Aarup-Andersen.

Beyond renewable energy, LBC leads in sustainability through initiatives like the Sustainable Rice Farming Project. This program promotes organic farming, supports local farmers with technology, and trains them in regenerative agriculture for a fully sustainable rice farming system.

LBC has also improved water conservation, packaging sustainability, and waste reduction. Since 2018, its Zero Packaging Waste program has achieved a 97 percent collection rate for empty 640ml Beerlao bottles, reusing each bottle up to 14 times before recycling.

LBC’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its business. As Laos’ largest taxpayer, contributing over LAK 5.1 trillion (USD 239 million) in taxes in 2024, LBC plays a key role in national development. It also invests in social initiatives, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

During his visit, Aarup-Andersen and Andersen will meet with Lao government officials to discuss LBC’s role in the country’s green transition and strengthening public-private partnerships for sustainable growth.

“We are not just brewing beer; we are brewing a better future for Laos and beyond,” added Andersen. “Our ambition is to set the standard for sustainable brewing in the region, proving that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/22/lao-brewery-company-steps-up-sustainability-with-biomass-energy/

On 20 February, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during his visit to Thailand, aiming to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.

The leaders discussed expanding economic cooperation, boosting trade, investment, and connectivity. 

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during his visit to Thailand
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

They focused on developing key transportation routes, including land and railways, as well as the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which will connect Bueng Kan Province in Thailand to Bolikhamxay Province in Laos. The bridge is expected to be completed in December.

Other key projects include a railway bridge, the Mekong bridge Crossing River Chomphet-Luang Prabang, and enhancement Route 12 link to the East-West Economic Corridor. The 793-kilometer-long In Laos route 12 connects Thakhek in Khammouane Province to the Na Phao border checkpoint with Vietnam, the purpose of Route 12 the East-West Economic Corridor is to improve trade and logistics among Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Unveiled the symbol of 75th anniversaries of diplomatic relationship Laos and Thai
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Unveiled the symbol of 75th anniversaries of diplomatic relationship Laos and Thai

In addition, the two countries agreed to further collaborate on electricity grid interconnection, promote bilateral investment in agriculture, and focus on fuel imports in Laos. 

They also committed to continued cooperation in a variety of development sectors, including health, education, agriculture, natural resources and the environment, tourism, justice, and labor. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/21/laos-thailand-sign-four-joint-agreements-to-strengthen-bilateral-ties/

On 17 February, police officers from the Kaenthao District in Xayaboury Province arrested a group of drug smugglers attempting to transport drugs across the Nam Hue border at the Kon Veng point in Chomkeo village. This location faces Ban Pak Khan Port in Thali District, Loei Province, Thailand. 

The authorities quickly identified the suspects and detained three individuals: one Lao citizen and two Thai nationals. They seized heroin (in the form of white powder) hidden in a box of materials (disguised as a box of white skin cream) inside two empty bags. Each bag contained 44 boxes, for a total of 88 boxes, weighing 44 kilograms.

Arrest of 02 Thai men and 01 Lao man with Heroine as evidence
Arrest of 02 Thai men and 01 Lao man with Heroine as evidence

The arrested individuals were Xay Xaema, 44, and Voutthixay Xaema, 25, both residents of Sirirath village, Phop Phra district, Tak Province, Thailand, as well as Nonthawee Sisenglat, 21, a resident of Chomkeo village, Kaenthao district, Xayaboury Province.

In the wake of the incident, both the Lao and Thai governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional security and combating transnational crime.

On 19 February, Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met with his Lao counterpart, Khamliang Outhakaysone, to discuss enhanced cooperation in combating call-center scam gangs and drug trafficking. Both officials agreed that addressing issues like drug trafficking along the border and technological crime requires strengthened security cooperation that cannot be tackled by either country alone.

Phumtham discusses call-centre scams, drug issues with Lao defence minister
Phumtham discusses call-centre scams, drug issues with Lao defence minister

To address technological crime, both sides agreed to collaborate with relevant government agencies and work together to resolve the issue. The 30th Thai-Laos General Border Committee (GBC) meeting was hosted by Laos.

Following the GBC meeting, Phumtham is scheduled to meet with Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security. Liu is expected to brief Phumtham on the outcomes of his recent visit to Mae Sot district in Tak and his discussions in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, regarding efforts to crack down on call-center scam gangs.

During their meeting, Liu Zhongyi is expected to present four key proposals to enhance regional security: establishing a tri-partite mechanism between Thailand, Myanmar, and China to address call-center scams, cutting electricity and oil supplies to disrupt operations, strengthening border controls to prevent relocations, and facilitating the repatriation of affected Chinese nationals.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/21/laos-thailand-strengthen-security-cooperation-following-major-drug-bust/

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