ASEAN Talks Next Chapter: Laos Wraps Up Key Foreign Ministers’ Summit

Vientiane recently hosted the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and other related gatherings. From 24-27 July, the event, led by Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saleumxay Kommasith, encompassed a series of discussions, bilateral talks, and strategic agreements, underscoring the region’s commitment to unity and progress.

Strengthening Regional Bonds

During the AMM, 25 ministerial meetings took place, focusing on critical areas such as regional community building, economic integration, and security. The foreign ministers reviewed advancements in ASEAN’s strategic plans, including the forthcoming ASEAN Community Vision 2045, slated for adoption next year. The plan aims to enhance regional integration, economic cooperation, political stability, socio-cultural development, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring a cohesive and resilient Southeast Asian community. 

Another key outcome of the AMM was the reaffirmation of the commitment to engage nuclear-armed states—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—in acceding to the Protocol to the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ).

Expanding Alliances

Additionally, Timor-Leste’s accession to this treaty was approved, marking a step towards its full ASEAN membership, as it is currently an observer. 

Discussions also covered major global issues, including the situation in Myanmar, the Korean peninsula, the South China Sea, Ukraine, and the Middle East. The ministers emphasized the importance of reinforcing ASEAN unity and centrality in dealings with external partners, aiming to foster mutual trust and create an inclusive regional architecture centered around ASEAN.

The AMM also noted growing interest from non-regional countries in joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Algeria, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain, and Mexico are among the nations anticipated to accede to the treaty soon.

Building Strategic Partnerships

The ASEAN foreign ministers engaged in 11 Post-Ministerial Conferences with their counterparts from dialogue partners, including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These meetings reviewed cooperative progress across various sectors, including trade, investment, connectivity, food and energy security, youth, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn started his first bilateral meeting by meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith. (Photo: ASEAN/Facebook)

The discussions highlighted significant anniversaries, such as the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue relations and the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership. 

Several key documents were also adopted, including the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025-2029) and joint statements with China, Russia, the UK, and South Korea on various strategic partnerships.

Mekong Cooperation

Laos, in collaboration with Japan, South Korea, and the US, hosted three key ministerial meetings under the Mekong framework.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith. (Photo: ASEAN/Facebook)

These included the 15th Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 12th Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the 3rd Mekong-US Partnership Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The focus was on reviewing past cooperation and discussing future collaboration directions.

As the meetings concluded, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay expressed gratitude to all participants and the media, encouraging them to explore Laos further during their stay. He stated that these successful outcomes set the stage for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, scheduled for October in Vientiane.

This year, Laos has assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship for the third time, under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/30/asean-talks-next-chapter-laos-wraps-up-key-foreign-ministers-summit/

Xesap Area Named National Park to Boost Conservation

A new decree has upgraded the Xesap protected area in Salavanh and Sekong provinces to national park status. This change aims to protect the rich biodiversity of the Annamite mountain range and contribute to global conservation goals.

The park now covers 202,300 hectares, incorporating the 49,000-hectare Pale area, which is known for its relatively untouched habitats. This expansion aligns with the global “30X30” agenda, which seeks to safeguard 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

Located in the biodiversity-rich Annamite mountains, Xesap is home to many rare species, including the elusive Saola, often referred to as the “Asian Unicorn.” The park is also noted for its frequent discoveries of new species, particularly large mammals.

Surrounded by nearly 35 villages, Xesap is now one of Laos’s seven national parks. 

The World Wide Fund for Nature in Laos (WWF-Laos) has been a key player in supporting conservation in the area through the Carbon and Biodiversity (CarBi) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment. The German Development Bank (KfW), has also played a crucial role in these efforts.

Loris Palentini, Country Director of WWF-Laos, commended the Lao government for this significant move and reaffirmed WWF-Laos’ commitment to supporting park management through local partnerships. Vibeke Christensen from KfW also called the announcement a significant milestone for regional conservation.

Molly McUsic, President of the Wyss Foundation, highlighted Xesap as a key example of successful conservation partnerships. Meanwhile, James Deutsch, CEO of Rainforest Trust, commended the Lao government for its dedication to protecting Xesap’s biodiversity.

Looking ahead, WWF-Laos is planning to enhance its collaboration with local and provincial authorities to improve park management and ensure long-term conservation success that benefits both residents and nature.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/26/xesap-area-named-national-park-to-boost-conservation/

Flights Without Limits: Switzerland, Laos Forge New Air Services Deal

Switzerland and Laos have signed a new bilateral agreement on scheduled air services. Finalized on 26 July, the document replaces the outdated accord from 15 December 1999 and introduces modern provisions that boost operational flexibility for airlines.

This allows airlines from both countries greater freedom in their operations. Airlines can now be designated without numerical restrictions, paving the way for more carriers to enter the market and increasing the frequency and variety of flights available to travelers. Also, the agreement authorizes code-share flights, enabling airlines to offer tickets on each other’s flights, thereby expanding the range of destinations accessible to passengers.

One of the most notable features of the agreement is the right granted to designated airlines to operate direct flights without frequency limitations. This development is expected to streamline travel between Switzerland and Laos, making it more convenient for tourists, businesses, and cargo shipments. The enhanced connectivity is set to develop closer economic ties, boosting tourism, trade, and investment between the two nations.

The agreement will come into force once both countries have completed their respective legal formalities and exchanged diplomatic notes confirming this.

Information provided by the Swiss Cooperation Office and Consular Agency in Laos

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/26/flights-without-limits-switzerland-laos-forge-new-air-services-deal/

Laos-Vietnam Pact Promises Top-Tier Tourism Education

In a significant step towards enhancing vocational education for the tourism sector, Laos and Vietnam have formalized a cooperation agreement, highlighting their commitment to improving training quality in both countries. The agreement was signed on 22 July by Nouphanh Outsa, Director-General, Department of Technical and Vocational Education, Ministry of Education and Sports, and Pham Ba Hung, Rector, Hue Tourism College. 

Over the last 20 years, Hue Tourism College has evolved into one of Vietnam’s top vocational education and training institutions in the tourism and hospitality sector. Founded in 1999 in the heart of the imperial city, the college’s development has been supported by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

Through financial support and technical assistance, the college enhanced the capacity of its teachers, developed its curricula, and constructed modern training facilities, including the Villa Hue Hotel, which serves as a practical training venue for students and an important source of revenue for the college. The Villa Hue hotel training facility, similar to The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant in Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province, provides students with hands-on experience and prepares them for successful careers in the tourism industry, in courses such as Business administration, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management and E-Tourism.

With Vietnam’s significant development and reduced need for support, Luxembourg Development Cooperation has scaled back its aid to the country in recent years and increased its development cooperation portfolio in Laos. LuxDev is making an important contribution to vocational skills development in Laos through initiatives like the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (STAF) Program (LAO/336), which is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the European Union (EU). The STAF Program aims to advance skills development in Laos by supporting the upgrading of training facilities, the development of relevant curricula, and the provision of teacher training in vocational schools and colleges in target locations.

This newly signed agreement between the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Hue Tourism College was facilitated by the STAF Program. Under the Agreement, starting in August 2024, 64 Lao teachers will participate in a two-week training program across four subjects – Vietnamese Cookery, Barista, Bakery, and Bartending, led by experienced trainers from Hue Tourism College. The aim is to improve the quality of vocational skills development in Laos, ensuring that Lao students are trained to international standards. It will also provide an opportunity for representatives from Hue Tourism College to learn about tourism and hospitality standards in Laos and better understand the approach to vocational education and training in the country.

On a recent visit to Hue Tourism College, Nouphanh Outsa had an opportunity to meet with the trainers and witness first-hand the college’s impressive facilities and capabilities. During the visit, Nouphanh Outsa stated, “This partnership between Hue Tourism College and our Lao vocational schools and colleges is a very positive development. It demonstrates the power of collaboration and mutual support in driving educational excellence. We are confident that the initiative will greatly enhance the skills of our teachers and, in turn, benefit our students. This is a shining example of how neighboring countries can work hand in hand, leading to sustainable development and regional progress.”

The signing of the agreement showcases how support from the Luxembourg Development Cooperation can empower an institution to transition from a beneficiary of capacity-building support to a provider of such support. It also underscores the sustainable impact of development assistance and highlights the potential of South-South cooperation, which fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and successful initiatives in specific areas, ultimately driving regional development.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/26/laos-vietnam-pact-promises-top-tier-tourism-education/

Lao Tour Guides Trained to Meet International Standards

To promote the growing tourism sector in Laos, the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism recently organized an intensive training course to enhance the standards of Lao tour guides to meet ASEAN benchmarks.

The training, held from 6 May to 19 July in Vientiane, attracted 83 aspiring Lao tour guides, offering a blend of theoretical and practical sessions to improve the quality of their qualification, insights, and skills. 

Phouthone Dalalom, Director of Hospitality and Tourism Training Division of Vientiane Capital highlighted the significance of this initiative. 

“Our expectation is to increase the number of tour guides, especially those with multilingual skills, to meet the international demands of the tourism sector and ensure tourists are satisfied with the service,” he said. “We also aim to create new opportunities for those who have left the profession.”

Dalalom added that the training has so far met 80 percent of its implementation goals. The course covered a comprehensive range of topics, including guiding tourists to sites, problem-solving, competency-based training, and refreshing knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It also provided a platform for participants to ask questions and share their experiences and opinions on tourism.

Director General of the Institute of Mass Media, Culture, and Tourism, Khamla Yoisaykham, emphasized the need for collaboration with both domestic and international organizations to ensure that Lao tourism personnel are well-prepared and competitive on a regional scale.

One of the participants, Viengsavanh Southammavong, an international guide, shared her experience.

“I feel delighted to be part of the course. I learned a lot of Lao traditions such as the  original way of dancing and singing, information about Phathat Luang Stupa in Vientiane, and more details about Lao ethnic groups,” she said. “I will share this information and knowledge with foreigners to help them understand more about Laos as a representative of the country.”

Phonephililoun Khaminxou, another participant, emphasized the role of guides as ambassadors for Laos. She noted that the training equipped her with essential skills and techniques, including first aid, time management, problem-solving, Lao history, and Buddhism. 

“I learned a lot in the course, and I’m excited to apply this knowledge in my guiding duties,” she said.

The course aimed to ensure that guides are multilingual and professional, capable of serving tourists efficiently. Additionally, it fostered a network for sharing experiences and emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation with local and international entities to continually enhance the quality of tourism personnel.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/25/lao-tour-guides-trained-to-meet-international-standards/

New Expressway Section from Oudomxay to Boten Gets Green Light

The Lao government has approved the construction of the fourth section of the Laos-China expressway connecting Oudomxay Province to Boten at the Chinese border in Luang Namtha Province.

Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Fang Hong, recently met with Laos’ Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ngampasong Muongmany, to discuss various infrastructure projects. During their talks, they agreed to urge the developers of this expressway section to speed up construction to maximize the benefits.

This section is part of an ongoing project to improve transportation links between Laos and China, which is divided into four phases. The newly approved fourth section will cover a distance of 63 kilometers from Oudomxay to Boten, according to local media.

Phase 1, which stretches 109 kilometers from Vientiane Capital to Vang Vieng district, was completed in 2021. This section has quickly gained popularity among travelers, as it has cut travel time from more than three hours to just one hour.

Meanwhile, the construction of Phase 2, connecting Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, and Phase 3, linking Luang Prabang to Oudomxay Province, is currently under review for contract renewal.

The Vientiane-Boten expressway project is funded jointly by the Lao government and China’s Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding (YCIH) Group, with YCIH holding a 95 percent stake and the Lao government contributing 5 percent. This is the first highway project of its kind in Laos.

Once completed, the expressway will be operated under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model for 50 years.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/24/new-expressway-section-from-oudomxay-to-boten-gets-green-light/

Champion Coffee Brewer: Soubin Phetsomphou to Compete on World AeroPress Stage

Soubin Phetsomphou has brewed his way to a sensational victory as the champion of the Lao AeroPress Championship 2024 (LAC24), held in Vientiane on 14 July. This triumph has earned him the honor of representing Laos at the World AeroPress Championship from 19-21 September in Lisbon, Portugal. There, a 44 year-old from Luang Prabang will compete against more than 5,000 of the world’s most skilled brewers from 60 countries.

The LAC is a national competition where coffee enthusiasts compete to represent Laos in the annual World AeroPress Championship. Since 2022, LAC has been the only official AeroPress competition in Laos that sends the winner to compete on the global stage.

This year, the LAC24 was held in Vientiane’s Lane Xane Muay Lao gym, featuring 17 participants. The event aimed to blend various communities – coffee, boxing, music, and creative minds – while strengthening connections within the barista community.

“I want to support Laos baristas to show that even though Laos is a small country, we can be on the international stage with other countries,” said David Viron, owner of Dam Dam cafe and host of the annual Lao AeroPress Championship.

David also discussed expanding opportunities for foreigners living in Laos to join the competition and encouraging more women to participate.  

“This year’s competition has higher standards compared to the previous two years. Applications are currently only for Lao people, but in the future, it will be more open to other nationalities because I’ve seen many coffee lovers in Laos that aren’t Lao. I also support every gender to join too, especially women because coffee is for everyone.” he said.

This year’s winner, Soubin, shared his motivation for entering this competition. 

“I love drinking coffee. One day, I tried special drip coffee and found it very interesting and more than just a coffee. Since then, I started to study about it,” he said. “Currently, I’ve ordered some coffee beans to practice brewing and create recipes for the upcoming world competition. My dream is to be the world champion. I will do my best and will bring victory to Laos.”

In both the national and international AeroPress competitions, contestants have five minutes per round to brew coffee using the same ingredients, such as water and coffee beans. After brewing, international judges conduct a blind test to choose the winner.

Interest in coffee brewing in Laos began to grow significantly in the early 1900s with the French protectorate, which introduced coffee plants to the region. They initially planted Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica varieties in the northern part of Laos. Despite setbacks during World Wars I and II, coffee cultivation gradually resumed and expanded over the years.

Today, most of Laos’ coffee is grown in Paksong district on the Bolaven Plateau, situated about 4,265 feet (1,300 meters) above sea level and receiving plenty of rainfall. Robusta is the most produced coffee in Laos compared to Arabica or Liberica. In 2022, Robusta accounted for 15,000 tons and Arabica a mere 5,000 tons.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/24/champion-coffee-brewer-soubin-phetsomphou-to-compete-on-world-aeropress-stage/

Lao Taekwondo Athletes Win Two Golds at South Korean Championship

Six Lao Taekwondo athletes secured five medals, including two gold, one silver, and two bronze, at the Seongnam Open International Taekwondo Championship 2024 in South Korea on 21 July.

Among the medalists, two athletes stood out by clinching gold. Lattanaphone Lattanapaseuth from PMS Taekwondo Club in Vientiane Capital won gold in “fighting category,” while Maya Sone from Luang Prabang triumphed in a Poomsae category, which involves a sequence of Taekwondo techniques and fight matches.

Lattanaphone, elated by his victory, shared his experience with the Laotian Times, revealing that he trained five days a week for several weeks leading up the competition. 

“It was quite a hard fight, but I’m happy I came out on top,” said the 13-year-old athlete. 

Although he has previously competed in Thailand and won several medals, he noted that the South Korean competition was the biggest stage of his life.

“I was really excited to compete; I wanted to fight so badly,” said Lattanaphone’s clubmate, Nalinda Khemmala after winning a bronze medal in the fighting category.  

Nalinda expressed confidence in improving her performance in future competitions.

Douangsivilay Phimmasone, owner of PMS Taekwondo Club, accompanied the athletes and expressed his pride and surprise at their achievements. 

“I am very happy and did not expect my athletes to win a gold medal,” he said. Looking ahead, Douangsivilay mentioned that both Lattanaphone and Nalinda have more competitions lined up.

The PMS Taekwondo Club athletes are scheduled to participate in the E-San League in Khon Kaen, Thailand, on 27 July, the Hero International Taekwondo Championships 2024 in Bangkok from 10-12 August, and another international contest in Nongkhai on 18 August.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/23/lao-taekwondo-athletes-win-two-golds-at-south-korean-championship/

Bastille Day Reception in Laos Highlights Franco-Lao Diplomatic Ties

The French Embassy in Laos marked Bastille Day (14 July) with an Olympic-themed reception attended by Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, the mayor of Vientiane, and several ministers. This event, held on 12 July, also aimed at renewing France’s commitment to strengthen diplomatic ties with Laos, a year after the 70th anniversary of the France-Laos Treaty of Friendship.

The French Ambassador to Laos, Siv-Leng Chhuor, active in the country since 2021, highlighted France’s ongoing commitment to Laos. Throughout her tenure, the ambassador has visited 16 of Laos’s 18 provinces, meeting with provincial authorities, the French community, and local partners to discuss sustainable development and mutual priorities.

Meanwhile, France and Laos are continuing to enhance their relationship through several projects. These include the CHAMPA initiative for heritage preservation at Vat Phu Champassak and various projects in Savannakhet Province. Additionally, France collaborates with Team Europe on the Green Cup project under the Global Gateway Initiative. These efforts aim to advance renewable energy, agriculture, water management, heritage, and health sectors in Laos.

Educational cooperation continues to be a cornerstone of Franco-Lao relations. In 2024, key projects were completed to enhance the Lao-French bilingual education system, benefiting around 200 teachers and over 4,000 students.

The French Institute in Laos will also celebrate its 30th anniversary during the 3rd France-Laos Festival, featuring events that showcase vibrant cultural exchanges. Highlights include the Francophonie Festival at Chao Anouvong Park and a breakdance collaboration between a French Olympic star and Fanglao Studio during the Lao Hip Hop Festival.

With Laos chairing ASEAN this year, France reaffirmed its support for ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific strategy. As a development partner since 2020, France is committed to addressing global issues and strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties within the region.

This year marks other key anniversaries for French agencies in Laos: 30 years of AFD (French Development Agency), 80 years of IRD (French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development), and 40 years of CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development).

Bastille Day in Laos this year not only commemorates a significant moment in French history but also celebrates the evolving partnership between France and Laos.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/23/bastille-day-reception-in-laos-highlights-franco-lao-diplomatic-ties/

USAID Pledges USD 15 Million to Aid Persons with Disabilities in Laos

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is set to provide Laos with up to USD 15 million to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Laos.

This initiative is part of the second phase of the Okard Project, which spans from 2024 to 2027   and focuses on helping persons with disabilities gain equal access to health and social services. 

The new phase will build on the successes of Phase I, which took place from 2017 to 2023. 

On 17 July, the Lao government signed two agreements with the World Education (WE) to promote inclusive development and improve rehabilitation services in Vientiane Capital, and Xieng Khouang, Savannakhet, and Sekong provinces.

The Okard project is set to address four critical areas: health, economic empowerment, stakeholder engagement, and community-based inclusive development. 

Speaking at the event,  Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Leepao Yang expressed gratitude for USAID’s additional support for the Okard Project. He emphasized the government’s efforts to support persons with disabilities through social policies and facilities that cater to their needs according to local socio-economic conditions.

Meanwhile, David Sintasath, USAID’s Acting Office Director of Health and Governance also acknowledged the growing partnership between the US and Laos. He noted that the agreement marks a significant step in supporting persons with disabilities through equal access to rights and social services.

Over the past six years, the project has helped over 29,000 people with disabilities improve their daily living and skills. It has also provided specialized assistive devices to more than 2,000 people, connected over 8,000 individuals with health and rehabilitation services, and trained over 5,000 service providers.

Despite this success, in 2020, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) revealed that Laos has over 160,000 individuals who have a disability. The rate is higher in remote areas and among various ethnic groups, with 3.33 percent in roadless rural areas.

UNFPA stated that people with disabilities over 10 have lower employment rates and higher unemployment compared to those without disabilities and that youth and women with disabilities are particularly excluded from education, vocational training, and the workforce.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/19/usaid-pledges-usd-15-million-to-aid-persons-with-disabilities-in-laos/