Laos has taken another step toward expanding its clean energy sector by signing a USD 1.45 billion agreement with China Western Power Industrial and a Singapore-based construction firm.

The deal, announced in a stock exchange filing on 24 March, involves designing, supplying, and constructing an 1,800-megawatt clean energy power project in Xekong, southern Laos.

The project, undertaken in partnership with the province’s thermal power plant, is set for completion by early 2030, with initial designs expected to be finalized by the end of this year. However, details on the project’s energy source were not disclosed.

The Chinese company has also signed a USD 228.8 million power transmission deal with the same Lao entity on the same day.

This latest agreement follows a 2022 supply and service deal worth USD 409 million between China Western Power and another Lao power company.

Last year, Laos and China further agreed to expand a wind and solar energy base in the north of the country.

Laos has historically relied on hydropower, generating about 80 percent of its electricity from this source over the past decade.

However, efforts to scale up solar and wind energy have been ongoing. Electricity exports to neighboring Thailand and Vietnam continue to play a key role in Laos’ economic strategy.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/25/laos-signs-clean-energy-deal-with-chinese-singaporean-firms/

On March 20, the Lao Red Cross (LRC), in collaboration with the Swiss Red Cross (SRC), inaugurated a new Blood Transfusion Center in Salavanh Province

The ceremony was co-presided by LRC President Khamlavanh Chanthalvanh, Somchai Ounchit, Provincial Party Standing Committee Member and Deputy Governor of Salavanh Province, and SRC Country Representative Binita Poudel. Distinguished attendees included representatives from the LRC Headquarters, SRC in Laos, National Blood Transfusion Institute (NBTI), Salavanh Provincial Red Cross Branch, Blood Transfusion Center (BTC), and various provincial offices and organizations.

The construction of the Blood Transfusion Center was made possible through the support of the Swiss Red Cross, with a total investment of LAK 1,721,001,000 (approximately USD 79,473). This significant contribution aims to enhance blood transfusion services in Salavanh Province, improving healthcare access and ensuring the availability of safe blood for those in need.

Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, President of the Lao Red Cross, expressed gratitude to the Swiss Red Cross for their steadfast support, saying, “This new facility stands as a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the availability of safe blood for all.” 

He further highlighted the significance of the Swiss Red Cross’s contribution, noting that their ongoing partnership has been instrumental in advancing the Lao Red Cross’s mission to improve national blood transfusion services. 

Somchai Ounchit, Deputy Governor of Salavanh Province, highlighted thel role of the newly established Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center in enhancing the province’s healthcare infrastructure. 

He remarked, “The establishment of this center marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide timely and safe blood transfusions to those in need.” He further emphasized that the center’s operations align with the Lao Red Cross’s mission to improve national blood transfusion services, ensuring the availability of safe blood for all citizens.

Binita Poudel, Country Representative of the Swiss Red Cross, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting Laos, stating, “Our collaboration with the Lao Red Cross reflects our shared vision of strengthening healthcare services and ensuring that every citizen has access to essential medical resources.” She emphasized that this partnership aims to enhance community well-being and resilience through improved healthcare infrastructure and services.

Chanthala Souksakhone, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Institute, stresses the role of the newly inaugurated Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center in addressing the nation’s increasing blood demand, stating, “With rising demand and medical needs, this center will play a crucial role in meeting the nation’s blood transfusion requirements.” 

He outlined the national goal to collect 120,000 blood bags annually by 2030, with Salavanh Province’s targets set at 2,100 units in 2025, 2,300 in 2026, 2,800 in 2027, and reaching 4,500 by 2030.

Souksakhone expressed confidence that, under the leadership of provincial authorities and with the support of the Salavanh Provincial Red Cross Branch and blood transfusion center staff, the Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center will significantly contribute to achieving these objectives.

Davanh Phuangchampa, Acting Director of the Salavanh Provincial Red Cross Branch, accepted stewardship of the newly inaugurated Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center on behalf of the provincial Red Cross. 

He expressed, “We are honored to take stewardship of this facility, which will undoubtedly save countless lives and strengthen our community’s health infrastructure.” Representing the eight districts of Salavanh Province, Phuangchampa emphasized the center’s significance in enhancing local healthcare services and ensuring timely access to safe blood transfusions for all residents. 

The inauguration and handover of the Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center represent a significant advancement in enhancing blood donation and transfusion services within Salavanh Province. 

This development is poised to substantially bolster the region’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring timely access to safe blood transfusions and thereby improving the overall health and well-being of local communities.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/22/salavanh-opens-new-blood-transfusion-center-with-swiss-support/

On 21 March, as the world celebrates International Forest Day, Laos stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s most natural landscapes. The country usually greets visitors with a vast green cover. 

Fun fact: Laos has the highest percentage of forest area in the region, according to the Global Resource Information Database.

However, rapid economic changes and industrial deforestation present serious challenges, the National Assembly said.

The International Day of Forests is observed globally to raise awareness about the importance of trees and their role in supporting human life. The day has been celebrated annually since a UN General Assembly resolution in 2012.

Almost a decade later, in 2021, as part of the global movement toward sustainability, Laos set a target to restore its forest cover to 70 percent of the country by 2025, up from 62 percent in the previous five-year plan.

According to data from the Lao Statistics Bureau, Laos has seen significant changes in its forest cover over the years.

In 1950, forests covered 70 percent of the country’s land area, which is equivalent to 16.6 million hectares. By 2019, the forest area had decreased to 13.2 million hectares, indicating a gradual decline in forest cover. 

This trend continued into 2022, when the forest area further decreased to 13.1 million hectares. Despite the reduction, forests remain a crucial part of Laos’ environmental landscape.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/21/international-day-of-forests-laos-tops-region-in-forest-coverage/

In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Sofitel Luang Prabang hosted the “HERitage: A Celebration of Lao Women in Handicraft exhibition,” where visitors can now purchase local handicrafts as souvenirs, supporting the work of Lao artisans.

The exhibition will be open until 31 March and marks the official launch of La Boutique. This initiative offers a retail selection of locally sourced products while supporting local craftsmanship.

For generations, Lao women have preserved the country’s rich traditions, especially in handicrafts such as weaving. These skills, passed down over time, not only aim to keep the culture alive but also contribute significantly to the local economy. 

Today, these traditions continue to thrive, with modern adaptations blending seamlessly with the original styles.

The recent event in Luang Prabang was opened by Andrew Gianfranco, the new General Manager of Sofitel Luang Prabang and 3 Nagas – MGallery.

“We contributed by supporting local artisans and businesses through partnerships and procurement, offering educational programs and cultural experiences to guests, and also promoting responsible tourism practices that respect and preserve the city’s traditions,” Gianfranco said.

The exhibition featured intricate textiles, handmade jewelry, and other artisan crafts, showing off the skills and cultural contributions of Lao women artisans, including Viengkham Nanthavongdouangsy (Khang), Boutsaya Viengviseth (Boutsaya Craft), Touk Maicome (Maicome), Vanida Phimphachanh (Saneha Jewellery), and Sui Thammamonty & Petra Racz (P.S. Collective). 

“We will create a tour for tourists so they can learn about Lao culture, and also partner with local artisans, historians, and cultural institutions to offer more valuable experiences for them such as the opening of our La Boutique,” Gianfranco added. “It’s not just a shop; it’s a way for guests to take a piece of the local culture home with them.”

Sofitel Luang Prabang, a historic hotel originally a French governor’s residence, is located in the Old Town area by the Mekong River. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/17/heritage-women-artisans-exhibition-launches-in-luang-prabang/