From 8 to 11 October, Vientiane welcomed United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Throughout his visit and during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Blinken reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening ties with Laos. He highlighted key areas such as economic cooperation, the advancement of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, and addressing pressing geopolitical challenges, including the Myanmar crisis, disputes in the South China Sea, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Representing President Joe Biden, Blinken’s visit also emphasized two critical priorities: developing human capacity through skills training and continuing the work of clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) from past conflicts.
During a press conference in Vientiane on 10 October , Blinken spoke about the evolution of the US-Lao comprehensive partnership, which was first established in 2016.
He also highlighted the shared responsibility of both nations to update and strengthen their collaboration to meet the needs of the Lao people.
“Our countries have been partners for some time,” Blinken said. “But the comprehensive partnership that we established in 2016 guides the relationship. What we’re doing is constantly working to update it, strengthen it, and make sure that it’s addressing the needs of people. That’s our responsibility.”
A significant part of this responsibility, Blinken noted, is helping to build human capacity in Laos, particularly among the country’s youth. He emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly global economy.
The US aims to support Laos through initiatives focused on upskilling and reskilling, which Blinken said would become “increasingly central” to the partnership.
The US-Lao partnership also extends to the pressing issue of unexploded ordnance (UXO), a deadly legacy of the Vietnam War era that continues to threaten lives in Laos.
Blinken reiterated the US’s long-standing commitment to UXO clearance, stating, “In terms of the unexploded ordnance, this is an ongoing imperative, and something that we’re deeply committed to.”
According to the US Secretary of State, since 1993, the US has provided nearly USD 400 million to help Laos remove unexploded ordnance. Blinken pointed out that this funding has allowed for significant progress, reducing the number of injuries and fatalities caused by UXO.
However, he stressed that the work is far from over.
“This is an ongoing necessity and an ongoing responsibility that we take very seriously.”
Beyond these key areas, Blinken highlighted broader regional issues and US-ASEAN cooperation. He praised Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone for Laos’s leadership of ASEAN and underlined the significance of the Indo-Pacific to America’s future.
“I’ve now taken 20 trips to the Indo-Pacific in this job, and I’ve gone to eight of the 10 ASEAN countries. I’m here in Laos because, as President Biden often says, so much of our future will be written in the Indo-Pacific,” he remarked.
Economic ties were also at the forefront of Blinken’s visit. He pointed out that the US remains ASEAN’s top provider of foreign direct investment and emphasized the importance of continued economic collaboration. Notably, the US is working to modernize the region’s trade infrastructure through the ASEAN Single Window initiative, which has already saved USD 6.5 billion by streamlining trade processes.
Technology and education were additional areas of focus. Blinken discussed US support for building digital skills in ASEAN countries and the creation of an online education platform to equip people with knowledge in fields like science, technology, and entrepreneurship. He also announced a US-ASEAN leader statement on artificial intelligence, aimed at fostering safe, secure, and trustworthy AI development.
Geopolitical tensions, including the South China Sea dispute, Myanmar’s crisis, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, were also central to Blinken’s discussions.
He reiterated the US’s firm stance on maintaining freedom of navigation in the South and East China Seas and the need for peace across the Taiwan Strait. Addressing Myanmar’s situation, Blinken called for a peaceful and inclusive resolution. He also reaffirmed US support for Ukraine, advocating for sovereignty and territorial integrity against external aggression.
The US’s commitment to education and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and the US was underscored with the expansion of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) and the ASEAN Fulbright program. “We now have a remarkable partnership that involves over 160,000 young people,” Blinken said, emphasizing the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/12/us-lao-ties-in-focus-blinken-addresses-global-issues-uxo-clearance/
Scoot Airlines Expands Flights to Laos Starting December
Singapore’s Scoot Airlines will increase its flights to Laos from three to four per week beginning in December.
This announcement follows Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s choice to fly economy class with Scoot on his return from the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane on October 11. A video of Prime Minister Wong boarding the airline received positive reactions from Singaporean travelers, especially since tickets were priced at under USD 200.
His decision sparked widespread interest on social media across the region. According to Marketing Interactive, customer satisfaction for Scoot Airlines surged to 89.1 percent, largely attributed to the Prime Minister’s endorsement.
During the ASEAN Summit in Laos, Prime Minister Wong emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations, despite geographical challenges. He highlighted Singapore’s commitment to support Laos in various sectors, including electricity purchases, leadership training for Lao civil servants, cultural exchange programs, and improvements in food security and healthcare. These initiatives aim to deepen long-term cooperation between the two ASEAN members.
In line with these efforts, Scoot Airlines’ increased flights will enhance travel options, supporting tourism and business exchanges between Singapore and Laos.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/16/scoot-airlines-expands-flights-to-laos-starting-december/
ASEAN-UK Creative Economy Program Launched to Boost Regional Ties
The United Kingdom’s Mission to ASEAN and the British Council have officially launched the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy (ACE) program, an initiative aimed at strengthening the creative economies across the region.
The program is designed to foster collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK) and focuses on key areas such as professional development, knowledge exchange, and networking among policymakers and creative practitioners.
The ACE program will be structured around three main strands. The first comprises a series of Professional Development Courses, which will target creative economy policy development and festival management. These tailored courses are designed to support the growth of policymakers, festival producers, and creative professionals by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and manage creative economies and cultural events more effectively.
The second strand of the program emphasizes knowledge exchange between the UK and ASEAN. This will be facilitated through delegations to the UK for ASEAN festival managers and policy development roundtables. These exchanges will provide an opportunity for participants to collaborate, share best practices, and learn from the UK’s vast experience in fostering a successful creative economy. The goal is to establish strong, lasting partnerships between the two regions.
The third strand focuses on Research into the ASEAN Arts Sector. This includes initiatives such as conducting a regional perception poll and mapping the arts and creative technology landscape across ASEAN. Additionally, the program will map ASEAN festivals to gain valuable insights that will inform future collaborations and strategic decisions in the creative sector.
This new initiative aligns with ASEAN’s broader Connectivity agenda, specifically under the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity, which prioritizes people-to-people connections. By promoting engagement and cooperation between ASEAN and the UK, the ACE program aims to enhance the creative sector’s growth and integration within the global economy.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/16/asean-uk-creative-economy-program-launched-to-boost-regional-ties/
Laos Reports Progress in Poverty Reduction Efforts
Recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry highlights significant strides in poverty alleviation across Laos, although challenges remain as the country aims for developed status.
In 2023, 83.13 percent of families in Laos, or approximately 1,026,083 households, were reported to be above the poverty line, leaving 16.87 percent, or 208,231 families, still living in poverty. Bouahong Khamha, Director General of the Department of Rural Development, announced, as reported by state media.
According to Bouahong, 5,855 villages—69.69 percent of the total—have successfully risen above the poverty line. Conversely, 2,547 villages, accounting for 30.31 percent, continue to grapple with poverty. The district-level data is similarly telling, with over 70 districts (48 percent) still classified as impoverished, while 77 districts (52 percent) have successfully transitioned out of poverty.
In terms of development, 841,454 families—68.17 percent—have been recognized as developed, with 2,828 villages, or 33.66 percent, achieving developed status nationwide.
Looking ahead, the government aims to enhance basic living conditions, focusing on nutrition, housing, healthcare, transportation, and other essential services. Bouahong outlined ambitious targets for the coming year, including lifting 100,000 families, 1,000 villages, and 25 districts out of poverty, while simultaneously establishing 200,000 developed families, 2,000 developed villages, and 20 resilient districts.
Despite these advancements, Laos faces ongoing challenges, including a predominantly agricultural economy and unstable incomes. Infrastructure remains inadequate in many areas, and access to essential services such as electricity and transportation is still limited for numerous communities.
Laos is classified as one of 45 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by the United Nations as of December 2023.
To graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, Laos must meet three criteria established by the UN: a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of at least USD 1,305 (Laos currently stands at USD 1,996), a Human Assets Index (HAI) score of 66 or above (Laos has achieved 72.8), and an Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI) score of 32 or below (Laos is currently at 33.7).
Despite these achievements, challenges persist. Issues such as income inequality, limited access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), instability in exports of goods and services, fluctuations in agricultural production, and a need for improved data and qualified personnel hinder progress.
Recent data indicates that Laos has not yet achieved graduation from LDC status primarily due to its high EVI, which remains above the UN threshold. Nevertheless, the Lao government is committed to transitioning out of LDC status by 2026, as affirmed by Khamjane Vongphosy, Laos’ Minister of Planning and Investment. The government plans to focus on human resource development, economic regulation, and poverty reduction to meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve overall stability.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/16/laos-reports-progress-in-poverty-reduction-efforts/
Vientiane Province’s Checkpoint Upgraded to International Status
The Ban Vang Local Checkpoint has been officially upgraded to an international border checkpoint, connecting Laos’s Vientiane Province to Thailand’s Loei Province. This development aims to facilitate cross-border trade, tourism, and cooperation between the two provinces.
On 15 October, the opening ceremony, taking place in Vientiane Province, observed attendance from key figures, such as Vientiane Provincial Governor Khamphan Sitthidampha, Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Loei Province Vice Governor Kittikun Bhutkun, and Thai Ambassador to Laos Morakot Sisavat.
The Ban Vang Checkpoint in Muen district, Vientiane Province, has been operational since 1993, serving as a border checkpoint on the Mekong River. It faces Thailand’s International Checkpoint in Loei Province. The upgrade is viewed as a crucial opportunity for fostering economic and social development in both Laos and Thailand.
The Vientiane Provincial Governor highlighted how the new international status will help ease the movement of goods and people, boost local businesses, and create a closer working relationship between the two provinces. It is part of broader national poverty alleviation and sustainable development goals in Laos.
Additionally, this move is part of Laos’s broader strategy to promote its 2024 tourism campaign, “Travels Laos, Travels Vientiane: Safe, Cultural, Natural, and Historic Appreciation.”
Vientiane Province is strategically positioned as a tourism hub connecting major attractions alongside world heritage sites in Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang Provinces, among others.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/15/vientiane-provinces-checkpoint-upgraded-to-international-status/
New Building at Mahosot Hospital Opens, Marks Laos-China Cooperation Milestone
A ceremony to inaugurate the new building at Mahosot Hospital took place on 12 October, attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos and Prime Minister Li Qiang of China, along with high-level delegations from both nations. This project was launched in November 2017 and represents a significant milestone in Laos-China cooperation as a part of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative.
The new building is designed to provide state-of-the-art medical care, utilizing advanced technology to benefit patients in Laos while offering convenience for healthcare providers.
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Li Qiang acknowledged the project’s origins, noting that its foundation was laid under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He emphasized the close attention and cooperation between the two countries, highlighting that despite various challenges during the construction process, the project has now reached completion—a significant achievement for both nations.
Prime Minister Sonexay also delivered a speech, expressing gratitude for China’s ongoing support.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a robust partnership and outlined plans for future cooperation in key sectors such as development, investment, banking, and tourism.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/15/new-building-at-mahosot-hospital-opens-marks-laos-china-cooperation-milestone/
Canadian Prime Minister Visits MRC, Marking Historic Milestone in Development Cooperation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada made an official visit to the Mekong River Commission (MRC) headquarters in Vientiane, Laos, on 11 October, becoming the first head of government from an MRC Development Partner to visit the organization.
The visit, which took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit hosted by Laos, underscores Canada’s growing commitment to the sustainable management of the Mekong River, which supports the livelihoods of millions of people in Southeast Asia.
During his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau met with local fishers and farmers who depend on the Mekong River for their livelihoods. Accompanied by his Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng, and MRC Secretariat CEO Anoulak Kittikhoun, the Prime Minister engaged directly with them, listening to their stories of how the river sustains their daily lives. He also learned firsthand about the challenges they face due to climate and environmental changes, as well as cross-border water management issues.
Prime Minister Trudeau praised the MRC’s role in fostering collaboration among the Mekong countries—Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Viet Nam—and its efforts to ensure that communities living along the river continue to benefit from its rich resources.
“Canada recognizes the vital importance of the Mekong River, not just as a source of development but as a lifeline for millions of people,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. “The Mekong River Commission is doing essential work by bringing countries together to manage and protect these shared resources. Canada is proud to support this mission, and we will continue to work alongside the MRC to safeguard Mekong for future generations.”
Canada has recently formalized its development partnership with the MRC, contributing CAD 2 million (approximately USD 1.5 million) through its Global Affairs Canada, the government department responsible for managing diplomatic relations, international trade, and development assistance. This funding is aimed at supporting the MRC’s critical initiatives, including transboundary water management, river monitoring, and forecasting, with a special focus on enhancing community resilience to water-related challenges.
Kittikhoun said Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit underscored Canada’s vital support in advancing the MRC’s mission and the country’s engagement in the region.
“We’re honoured by Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit, which marks a new chapter in our cooperation with Canada,” Kittikhoun said. “Canada’s support comes at a crucial time as we intensify our efforts to manage the Mekong’s water resources for the benefit of all the people in the region and their governments. We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership as we tackle the complex challenges of sustainable water resource management together.”
The MRC plays a critical role in coordinating cooperation between the Mekong countries and other international partners and stakeholders. It is at the forefront of transboundary water resource management, which is vital for the region’s ecological and socio-economic well-being. As climate change and increased development continue to strain water resources, the MRC’s work is becoming more important and relevant than ever.
With Canada’s support and Prime Minister Trudeau’s historic visit, the MRC is positioned to strengthen its efforts to promote sustainable development, enhance regional cooperation, and improve the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on the Mekong River.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/14/canadian-prime-minister-visits-mrc-marking-historic-milestone-in-development-cooperation/
US-Lao Ties in Focus: Blinken Addresses Global Issues, UXO Clearance
From 8 to 11 October, Vientiane welcomed United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Throughout his visit and during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Blinken reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening ties with Laos. He highlighted key areas such as economic cooperation, the advancement of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, and addressing pressing geopolitical challenges, including the Myanmar crisis, disputes in the South China Sea, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Representing President Joe Biden, Blinken’s visit also emphasized two critical priorities: developing human capacity through skills training and continuing the work of clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) from past conflicts.
During a press conference in Vientiane on 10 October , Blinken spoke about the evolution of the US-Lao comprehensive partnership, which was first established in 2016.
He also highlighted the shared responsibility of both nations to update and strengthen their collaboration to meet the needs of the Lao people.
“Our countries have been partners for some time,” Blinken said. “But the comprehensive partnership that we established in 2016 guides the relationship. What we’re doing is constantly working to update it, strengthen it, and make sure that it’s addressing the needs of people. That’s our responsibility.”
A significant part of this responsibility, Blinken noted, is helping to build human capacity in Laos, particularly among the country’s youth. He emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly global economy.
The US aims to support Laos through initiatives focused on upskilling and reskilling, which Blinken said would become “increasingly central” to the partnership.
The US-Lao partnership also extends to the pressing issue of unexploded ordnance (UXO), a deadly legacy of the Vietnam War era that continues to threaten lives in Laos.
Blinken reiterated the US’s long-standing commitment to UXO clearance, stating, “In terms of the unexploded ordnance, this is an ongoing imperative, and something that we’re deeply committed to.”
According to the US Secretary of State, since 1993, the US has provided nearly USD 400 million to help Laos remove unexploded ordnance. Blinken pointed out that this funding has allowed for significant progress, reducing the number of injuries and fatalities caused by UXO.
However, he stressed that the work is far from over.
“This is an ongoing necessity and an ongoing responsibility that we take very seriously.”
Beyond these key areas, Blinken highlighted broader regional issues and US-ASEAN cooperation. He praised Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone for Laos’s leadership of ASEAN and underlined the significance of the Indo-Pacific to America’s future.
“I’ve now taken 20 trips to the Indo-Pacific in this job, and I’ve gone to eight of the 10 ASEAN countries. I’m here in Laos because, as President Biden often says, so much of our future will be written in the Indo-Pacific,” he remarked.
Economic ties were also at the forefront of Blinken’s visit. He pointed out that the US remains ASEAN’s top provider of foreign direct investment and emphasized the importance of continued economic collaboration. Notably, the US is working to modernize the region’s trade infrastructure through the ASEAN Single Window initiative, which has already saved USD 6.5 billion by streamlining trade processes.
Technology and education were additional areas of focus. Blinken discussed US support for building digital skills in ASEAN countries and the creation of an online education platform to equip people with knowledge in fields like science, technology, and entrepreneurship. He also announced a US-ASEAN leader statement on artificial intelligence, aimed at fostering safe, secure, and trustworthy AI development.
Geopolitical tensions, including the South China Sea dispute, Myanmar’s crisis, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, were also central to Blinken’s discussions.
He reiterated the US’s firm stance on maintaining freedom of navigation in the South and East China Seas and the need for peace across the Taiwan Strait. Addressing Myanmar’s situation, Blinken called for a peaceful and inclusive resolution. He also reaffirmed US support for Ukraine, advocating for sovereignty and territorial integrity against external aggression.
The US’s commitment to education and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and the US was underscored with the expansion of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) and the ASEAN Fulbright program. “We now have a remarkable partnership that involves over 160,000 young people,” Blinken said, emphasizing the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/12/us-lao-ties-in-focus-blinken-addresses-global-issues-uxo-clearance/
Vientiane Capital Launches District Competition for Smoke-Free ASEAN City 2026
To address smoking-related issues and ensure the health and safety of citizens in Laos, Vientiane Capital is launching a competition among its nine districts. While the details of the competition are yet to be disclosed, the winning district will have the chance to participate in the Smoke-Free ASEAN City program in 2026, according to the Department of Health.
This initiative was announced on 23 October, where officials discussed strategies to enhance smoke-free spaces within the capital to qualify for a Smoke-Free Zone award.
During the meeting, officials from the Department of Health acknowledged the challenge of achieving this goal independently and emphasized the necessity for collaboration from the community at large. To promote this objective, the department devised a competition among the nine districts, each of which must establish smoke-free areas in workplaces and public spaces.
Although the competition’s participation criteria and scoring system were discussed, details have not yet been disclosed.
Deputy Governor of Vientiane Capital, Phouvong Vongkhamsao, highlighted the persistent issue of smoking in Laos and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safety for non-smokers, particularly women and children. He stated that it is crucial to protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
The deputy governor also noted that creating smoke-free environments aligns with the International Convention on Tobacco Control, to which Laos has been a signatory since 2006.
The Ministry of Health reported in 2022 that Laos experiences approximately 7,000 deaths annually due to smoking-related illnesses, which equates to about 19 deaths per day. This figure includes non-smokers who are affected by secondhand smoke.
Through this competition, Vientiane Capital hopes to promote public health and achieve its goal of becoming a smoke-free city by 2026.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/28/vientiane-capital-launches-district-competition-for-smoke-free-asean-city-2026/
Lao Students Head to Japan for Sports, Sustainability Exchange
A delegation of nine Lao high school students and one supervisor are headed to Tokyo and Fukushima, Japan to participate in the ASEAN-Japan Sports x SDGs Exchange from 28 October to 4 November, as part of the JENESYS program.
Supported by the Government of Japan, the regional exchange program aims to improve human ties between Southeast Asia nations and Japan through the exchange of views as well as sports and cultural exchanges between members of the young generation.
The nine Lao students were selected in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos. Lao participants, together with those from other Southeast Asia countries, will attend a joint practice of football at the J Village, National Training Centre in Fukushima Prefecture, as well as an exchange with local high school students and football team.
In addition, these young people from Laos and the Southeast Asia countries can learn more about SDGs through attending interactive lectures, experiences, and exchanges while deepening their understanding of Japanese culture and society.
They are also expected to share their own experiences, learnings, and insights with wider audiences by utilizing tools including social networking services (SNS) during their stay in Japan and after returning home to Laos.
A youth-focused people-to-people exchange program between Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, JENESYS stands for Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths. More than 2,300 Lao young people have been to Japan for such exchanges since JENESYS’ establishment in 2007.
It is expected that these exchanges will continue to promote mutual trust and understanding among the younger generations to build strong foundations for long-term friendship and cooperation between Japan and Laos.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/28/lao-students-head-to-japan-for-sports-sustainability-exchange/
Laos, Japan to Boost Cooperation on Green Energy, Infrastructure
Laos and Japan are set to deepen their economic partnership, with a focus on enhancing Laos’s connectivity and sustainability.
During a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on 11 October, both leaders discussed plans to boost Laos’s economic growth through green energy initiatives, infrastructure development, and disaster prevention efforts.
PM Ishiba emphasized Japan’s commitment to helping Laos reduce its carbon emissions by promoting clean energy and expanding electricity connections with neighboring countries.
This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Laos’s goal of achieving zero carbon emissions. Additionally, the two countries are considering the joint construction of electric grids to further strengthen the region’s energy infrastructure.
The enhancement of Wattay International Airport also featured prominently in the discussions. Japan has pledged to support the upgrading of the airport’s facilities, including repairing the taxiways, to improve Laos’s transportation infrastructure. This move is aimed at increasing Laos’s connectivity and boosting trade and tourism in the region.
Another critical area of cooperation is Japan’s continued assistance in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) from Lao soil, along with disaster prevention initiatives. These efforts are vital for ensuring both economic and social resilience in the country, providing a safer environment for development and future investments.
PM Ishiba’s visit to Laos, which was his first international trip after assuming office, highlighted the importance Japan places on its relationship with Laos.
Sonexay welcomed his Japanese counterpart and expressed his condolences for the recent earthquake in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture near the northern coast of Noto Peninsula. In return, PM Ishiba extended his sympathies to the people of Laos who were affected by Typhoon Yagi and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to providing disaster insurance and emergency support.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/11/laos-japan-to-boost-cooperation-on-green-energy-infrastructure/