Monsoon Wind Power Project in Laos to Start Ahead of Schedule

The 600 MW Monsoon wind power project in Laos is set to start trial operations in late December, two months earlier than the initially planned February 2025 launch. The updated timeline was announced during a project review meeting with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) on 28 August.

Nguyen Tai Anh, Deputy General Director of EVN, confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the National Electricity System and the Market Operation (NSMO) to adjust the legal framework to meet the revised schedule, according to Vietnamese media.

This project, valued at USD 950 million, spans Sekong and Attapeu provinces in Laos and features 133 wind turbines along with a 22-kilometer transmission line crossing the Laos-Vietnam border. Upon completion, it will be Laos’s first wind power project and one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

Investment in the project comes from a consortium of international investors, including Thailand’s Impact Electrons Siam Group and BCPG Public Company limited, Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation, and Laos’s SMP consultation Sole Company Limited, among others.

Currently, EVN has already signed A 25-year power purchase agreement with the project’s investors. 

This initiative marks the first cross-border renewable energy project in Southeast Asia and is a central component of the Laos-Vietnam energy cooperation plan, which aims to transmit 5,000 MW of electricity from Laos to Vietnam by 2030.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/03/monsoon-wind-power-project-in-laos-to-start-ahead-of-schedule/

Vientiane Announces Major Overhaul for City Streets, Local Stalls

Vientiane Capital is getting a makeover starting 23 August. The Department of Industry and Commerce is rolling out new rules to clean up and organize the city. This includes revamping streets and relocating local stalls to improve safety and order.

The new initiative, originally approved by the Vientiane Administration on 20 December, 2017, focuses on restructuring disorganized stores, minimarts, and street vendors that currently use road pavements for selling goods without official permission. This unregulated use of public space has led to traffic congestion and a cluttered cityscape, the authorities said. The project will address issues such as unauthorized extensions, disorderly advertisement signs, and littering.

Under the new regulations, all local stalls and street vendors must relocate from pavements and ensure their selling practices comply with city guidelines. Managers of markets, shopping centers, and supermarkets are also required to enforce these rules, ensuring that vendors do not obstruct sidewalks or roadways. The objective is to improve pedestrian and vehicular movement, enhance the city’s aesthetic, and ensure public safety.

The Department of Industry and Commerce urges consumers to purchase only from authorized vendors to avoid contributing to the disorganization. Vendors who do not comply with the new rules may face fines or legal action.

The announcement has elicited concerns from long-standing vendors. 

“I have been selling food here for over 30 years. If I have to move, I’m worried I’ll lose my customers,” said one vendor from Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane. 

Pheng, another food vendor in the same street questioned the logistics of relocating and how it would impact their business.

“How will the government manage the vendors that have already moved? Where are we supposed to sell our food? Because this is where we have always been,” he said.

As the city moves forward with these changes, residents will be watching to see if the new regulations effectively improve organization and safety while addressing the concerns of local vendors.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/03/vientiane-announces-major-overhaul-for-city-streets-local-stalls/

MAG Receives Funding to Expand UXO Clearance in Khammouane, Laos

The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has secured over USD 800,000 from the Freeman Foundation and Restoration Laos to fund UXO clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) in Khammouane Province for 2024-2025.

Khammouane, heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, remains a high-risk area due to unexploded ordnance. This funding will enable MAG to clear more than 500,000 square meters of contaminated land and support an EOD team in the region.

On 30 August, MAG and the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Vientiane to formalize this effort. The event was attended by Acting Director-General of the NRA, Bounpheng Sisawath, and MAG Country Director Eli Mechanic, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and authorities from Khammouane Province.

MAG country director Eli Mechanic emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering safety in Laos, allowing communities to pursue everyday activities like farming and building without the fear of UXO. He highlighted that through ongoing clearance efforts and risk education, MAG is working towards a future where Laos is no longer threatened by unexploded bombs.

Since its inception, MAG has cleared over 127 million square meters of land in Laos, conducted more than 35,000 EOD tasks, and removed over 326,000 UXO items, benefiting nearly 1.1 million people. MAG has also provided more than 4,360 risk education sessions, reaching close to 150,000 individuals.

The contributions from the Freeman Foundation and Restoration Laos will play a vital role in continuing MAG’s mission to clear UXO and provide risk education in rural areas of Khammouane Province, empowering communities to use their land safely.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/02/mag-receives-funding-to-expand-uxo-clearance-in-khammouane-laos/

Laos Ranks Among Top Three Travel Spots for Thai Tourists, New Survey Shows

Laos has emerged as one of the top three destinations for Thai travelers, according to the latest Agoda’s Return Visitor Ranking. The survey highlighted that Laos, alongside Japan and Taiwan, has won the hearts of Thai tourists, who are drawn back by its local cuisine, cultural richness, and convenient accessibility.

This survey, conducted earlier this month, revealed that 74 percent of Thai tourists chose Japan, Taiwan, and Laos as their preferred destinations for return visits, with Hong Kong and Vietnam following closely behind. 

A closer look at the motivations behind these choices shows that 32 percent of respondents are drawn to adventure, while 23 percent are enticed by the prospect of savoring local cuisine. Additionally, 20 percent of travelers are attracted to the arts and cultural heritage of these destinations. Reuniting with family and friends is another important factor for some travelers.

Over half of the Thai respondents have visited their preferred destinations between one and three times in the past decade. Factors such as ease of travel, safety, and cleanliness contribute to Laos’s growing appeal, according to the survey.

This popularity is further validated by international recognition, with CNN Travel naming Laos one of the 23 best places to visit in 2023. Luang Prabang also earned a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 50 greatest places to visit, highlighting its unique charm and natural beauty.

As Laos continues to draw repeat visitors, it solidifies its reputation as a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure, culture, and peace.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/30/laos-ranks-among-top-three-travel-spots-for-thai-tourists-new-survey-shows/

Blue Chair Film Festival Returns to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang will once again host its biennial film festival, previously known as the Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF), now rebranded as Blue Chair.  With a rich history of connecting regional filmmakers, supporting the Lao domestic film industry, and presenting a free, curated selection of contemporary Southeast Asian film, Blue Chair has been a force in the region for more than 12 years.

This year’s festival is officially scheduled to take place from 5-9 December, across three different venues in the city. As is customary, the entire five-day event will be free-of-charge and completely open to the public for attendance, with the full program schedule to be available as a downloadable app for easy accessibility. In addition to the films presented, this year’s festival will include panels and discussions, live evening performances, as well as special screenings and discussions around these additions.

The visual theme of this year’s festival will feature the iconic gecko as a regional mascot, paying homage to the rich biodiversity of Laos.

Blue Chair Film Festival flyer 2024. (Supplied)

As always, official selections for the program were made by filmmakers and critics from across Southeast Asia and represent a curated selection of the finest contemporary films from their respective nations. This year, Blue Chair expects to showcase a slate of films from at least 10 of 11 regional countries, including Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. By working with regional expert curators with an inside understanding of their communities’ film scenes, Blue Chair presents a unique program that consistently delivers some of the strongest voices from across the region.

Once again, filmmakers will join in-person for the event. Blue Chair has become well-known as a unique forum for regional professionals to network internationally and exchange diverse ideas and experiences.

Founded in 2009, Blue Chair, originally known as the LPFF, is an annual celebration of Southeast Asian cinema held in Luang Prabang, Laos. This not-for-profit initiative promotes cross-cultural dialogue and supports the Lao film industry through cultural events, educational activities, and the Lao Filmmakers Fund, which offers grants to help Lao artists realize their film projects.

Among the festival’s supporters this year are The Asia Foundation, Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia, Laos Buffalo Dairy, and EXO Travel. The event is produced in collaboration with the Luang Prabang Department of Culture, Information, and Tourism. Longtime hotel partners across Luang Prabang are also supporting the event, in addition to local businesses, community organizations and individual donors. Blue Chair is also a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a US-based non-profit independent media arts organization.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/30/blue-chair-film-festival-returns-to-luang-prabang/

Joint Organ Transplant Surgery Marks Milestone in Laos’s Healthcare

On 23 August, a landmark organ transplant surgery was successfully carried out at Military Hospital 103 in Vientiane, Laos. This achievement was the result of a collaborative effort between Lao and Vietnamese surgeons, marking the progress in Laos’s healthcare and strengthening the bond between the two nations.

The surgery involved teams from Laos’s Military Hospital 103 and Vietnam’s Military Hospital 103.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Chansamone Chanyalath expressed profound gratitude for this achievement. During a ceremony, he presented first, second, and third-class Labour Orders to units from the Vietnam Military Medical University (VMMU) in recognition of their contribution. 

Savaengxay Dalasath, Director of Laos’s Military Hospital 103, noted that the Vietnamese specialist teams took the lead in overseeing the procedures, employing rigorous techniques to ensure the operations were successful.

The surgical team comprised nearly 100 Lao medical staff and 8 specialists from Vietnam. Out of three evaluated kidney donors, two were approved for donation. 

This event follows another significant milestone achieved on 31 December, 2023, when Laos successfully performed its first two kidney transplants at the same Vientiane hospital. 

Nguyen Xuan Kien, Director of the Vietnam Military Medical University, also highlighted the positive impact of this collaboration on the partnership between Lao and Vietnamese military hospitals. He emphasized that the successful surgeries would strengthen bilateral relations and improve future medical cooperation. In support of ongoing efforts, the Vietnamese delegation also donated 1,000 sets of patient clothing and various medical supplies to Laos’s Military Hospital.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/29/joint-organ-transplant-surgery-marks-milestone-in-laoss-healthcare/

Cambodia to Sign Double Taxation Agreements with Laos, Philippines

Cambodia is set to sign double taxation agreements (DTAs) with Laos and the Philippines, following the completion of essential technical procedures, according to Cambodian media.

During a workshop on the Exchange of Information on DTA agreements held on 27 August, Cambodian officials announced that the agreements with Laos and the Philippines are ready for formal signing. These DTAs are essential tools for avoiding double taxation, fostering international investment, and strengthening Cambodia’s economic position globally.

The DTA with Laos is expected to boost trade and investment between the neighboring countries. By creating a more favorable tax environment, the agreement could lead to increased economic activity and growth opportunities for businesses in both nations..

Cambodia also plans to expand its network of DTAs to include seven additional countries, such as Myanmar, France, Japan, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, building on its existing agreements with ten other countries.

According to Cambodian media, this expansion aligns with Cambodia’s broader strategy to enhance its appeal as a destination for foreign direct investment, by creating a more favorable and predictable tax environment.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/29/cambodia-to-sign-double-taxation-agreements-with-laos-philippines/

European Union Inaugurates First Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN

Today, Sujiro Seam, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN officially inaugurates 11 youth representatives from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste as the first ever cohort of the Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN (YSBEA).

Among the 11 inaugural members is Chilanhouth Nitvongkhay, a 22-year-old Lao digital skills advocate.

Chilanhouth’s inclusion in the YSBEA highlights his commitment to addressing the digital divide in Laos and promoting digital literacy. He has been active in equipping Lao youth with digital tools to advocate for climate action and environmental sustainability. His previous efforts include training 100 participants on using digital platforms for climate advocacy, leading to new community projects aimed at raising climate change awareness.

YSBEA will provide Chilanhouth and his peers a platform to influence EU policies on key issues such as digital infrastructure and sustainable development. This is particularly relevant as Laos, under its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2024, prioritizes digital transition to boost regional connectivity and economic growth. The YSBEA’s focus on empowering youth aligns with Laos’ efforts to close the digital gap and build a more inclusive, tech-savvy future.

The establishment of YSBEA is an initiative aimed to boost young people’s engagement in EU-ASEAN cooperation to act as a youth advisory group to the EU Delegation.

“The selection of YSBEA members is an acknowledgement of their outstanding leadership qualities and impressive achievements. YSBEA will provide a consultative space and platform for young people to strengthen the European Union’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. YSBEA participation will make the actions of the European Union more relevant and effective for young people,” Seam said.

“Young people are change-makers and essential partners in ensuring the success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Youth have an important role to play in deciding the future of this region: to build a better future that is greener, more inclusive, and digital. YSBEA members’ participation reflects their testament and commitment to make a difference,” he added. 

YSBEA members had the opportunity to pay a courtesy call to Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs of ASEAN. 

DSG Nararya highlighted the pivotal role of the youth in contributing to the achievement of key development goals within the region, noting that the ASEAN youth population accounted for around 34 percent of the overall population in 2020 and is projected to peak in 2038. 

He emphasized that ASEAN recognizes the crucial role of youth as key drivers of growth, as reflected in the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Development of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision. This statement, adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in May 2023, underscores the importance of empowering youth to actively participate in shaping the future of the region. 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN (YSBEA),” said representative from Cambodia, Vichny Chanchem. “I look forward to collaborating with like-minded fellow YSBEA members to strengthen EU-ASEAN cooperation on sustainable development that upholds the rights of the people in ASEAN.”

These 11 individuals are young activists who are passionate in the fields of the environment and climate change, education, science and technology, human rights, gender, entrepreneurship and health. The inauguration of YSBEA is part of a 3-day on boarding phase consisting of an induction and mentorship program on environment and energy; digital and infrastructure; gender equality; human development; migration and forced displacement; human rights, peace and governance; as well as sustainable growth and jobs.

YSBEA is among 30 Youth Sounding Board groups established by other EU Delegations worldwide as part of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) for EU external action. The YAP serves as the EU’s guiding framework to promote meaningful youth participation and empowerment globally for sustainable development, equality and peace. Focusing on three core areas of action: Engage, Connect and Empower, the YAP is a timely endeavor to engage young people in EU external actions.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/28/european-union-inaugurates-first-youth-sounding-board-for-eu-in-asean/

Laos, Vietnam to Introduce Kip-Dong Cross-Border Payment System

Laos and Vietnam are set to Launch a new payment system enabling direct trade transactions in kip and dong currencies. Starting in September, the cross-border micropayment system will allow Vietnamese consumers to pay in Laos using QR codes.

On 22 August, the Bank of Laos (BOL) and the State Bank of Vietnam held a conference to promote the use of local currencies in bilateral trade. Attendees included representatives from commercial banks in both countries, as well as payment service providers like the Lao National Payment Network Co. Ltd (LAP Net) and  the Vietnam National Payment Corporation (NAPAS).

The meeting introduced the Vietnam-Laos Cross-Border Retail Payment Connection Project, which will facilitate transactions through QR codes. The initial phase of the project will involve nine Vietnamese and 13 Lao banks. The joint payment system will be managed by NAPAS and LAP Net.

This initiative aligns with a broader ASEAN trend towards using local currencies for trade, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign currencies and mitigate risks associated with geopolitical and economic fluctuations. By using kip and dong directly, both Laos and Vietnam can streamline trade, lower transaction costs, and enhance financial stability.

According to the BOL, ASEAN countries, including Laos, tend to use local currencies to hedge against political and economic changes and to foster regional cooperation. 

Vietnam is currently Laos’ third-largest trading partner, with a robust history of trade and investment cooperation. The introduction of the kip-dong payment system is anticipated to further solidify this partnership, paving the way for more integrated and resilient economic relations between the two nations.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/28/laos-vietnam-to-introduce-kip-dong-cross-border-payment-system/

First Cold-Chain Train Connects Yunnan with Vientiane

China has introduced its first refrigerated freight train service from Yunnan Province to Laos via the Lao-China Railway, marking a significant step in enhancing the efficiency of transporting perishable goods across the region.

This service began on 23 August, carrying 400 tons of fresh vegetables. The train departed from China’s Yuxi City in Yunnan Province traveled to Vientiane, Laos, and continued by road to Bangkok, Thailand. The service features modern refrigerated containers designed to maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables throughout the journey.

According Zhang Guilan, Deputy Director of the Yuxi Municipal Trade Office, Yunnan Province aims to transport over 50,000 tons of high-quality fruits and vegetables annually to various countries in the Indochina Peninsula through this railway.

Moreover, Xu Jiefeng, Department director of the Kunming logistic center, China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co Ltd, highlighted that this efficient transportation channel not only meets customer needs for maintaining the temperature of frozen goods but also underscores the Lao-China Railway’s contribution to China’s international trade and economic expansion.

Since its inception in December 2021, the Lao-China Railway has transported over 10 million tons of goods. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/27/first-cold-chain-train-connects-yunnan-with-vientiane/