Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong traveled to Vientiane, Laos this week. The visit from 15-16 May, followed the successful visit to Australia by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith in October last year.
The visit built on Australia’s deep and enduring friendship with Laos of over 70 years and provided an opportunity for Minister Wong to listen to and understand Laos’ national priorities for trade and investment, development cooperation, and regional connectivity. Minister Wong’s time in Laos reflects the commitment made between our Prime Ministers last November when they announced an intention to elevate the Laos-Australia relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.
Minister Wong held productive discussions with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, and Head of the External Relations Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
Discussions acknowledged the considerable changes underway in the region and navigating these changes together, including through ASEAN. Australia and Laos shared views on priorities for cooperation in education, growing human resource capacity, the energy sector, water resource management, and people-to-people links.
The visit confirmed Australia’s commitment to deepening its economic engagement with the region, including through the development of a Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, to be released later this year.
Australia and Laos will lift cooperation in the energy sector. Minister Wong and Laos’ Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr. Phosay Sayasone, signed the Laos-Australia Sustainable Energy Partnership which will work to support a more sustainable, reliable, and profitable energy sector in Laos.
To advance shared priorities for the environment and sustainability, Australia will partner with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Global Green Growth Institute to establish a national framework for participation in international carbon markets.
The friendship between the two countries is grounded in mutual respect and trust, forged through many years of close relations and longstanding people-to-people links. Minister Wong and Mr. Thongsavanh signed a Declaration of Shared Intent to establish a Laos-Australia Friendship Association to enhance dialogue, understanding, and people-to-people connections between Australia and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
Australia and Laos will work together on shared goals with our regional partners, for example, through trilateral cooperation with Vietnam. Australia is pleased to be working with Laos and Vietnam on initiatives to share experiences in attracting high-quality foreign direct investment.
The Minister met emerging Lao business leaders from Australia’s university alumni network to discuss ways to build Laos’ future together. Australia’s alumni make an enormous contribution to Laos, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith. We are proud of this shared history and pleased we can continue to strengthen these people-to-people connections.
Australia’s support for Laos’ education sector was on display during the visit to Na Haidiew Primary School in Vientiane. Minister Wong met with Laos’ Vice Minister of Education and Sports, Dr. Sisouk Vongvichit and the school community. Australia’s support for the implementation of the new National Curriculum nationwide will help raise the education levels of Laos’ future workforce.
The Minister was pleased to announce further support for the COVID-19 vaccine and routine immunization, including at the sub-national level through a partnership with the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization, building on the USD 25.2 million provided to date.
Minister Wong reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting Laos to deliver a successful ASEAN Chair in 2024. Laos has an important role to play in Southeast Asia’s future and Australia is committed to working together to build a safe, stable, and prosperous region where ASEAN and ASEAN-led institutions hold the canter.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/16/australian-foreign-affairs-minister-visits-laos-to-foster-friendship-and-cooperation/
Laos Gears Up to Host ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024
Preparations are underway as Lao tourism authorities gear up to host the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum next year, which will take place in Vientiane Capital from 22-27 January.
According to Ms. Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum’s theme will be “Quality and Responsible Tourism-Sustaining Asean Future”, and it will feature a tourism exhibition where businesses and vendors will display and sell tourism-related products.
Ms. Suanesavanh said that the forum will provide an opportunity for Lao tourism operators to have direct access to their target markets, buy and sell tourism products, and network with fellow business owners.
She also noted that, during the event, the organizers will present the ASEAN Tourism Awards for 2023, which will encourage tourism and enable associated businesses to develop and improve their services.
The government and associated travel operators are currently making preparations to ready the opening and closing locations of the forum, the site of the tourism exhibition, and invitations to ASEAN member countries, international organizations, and other attendees. The forum is expected to bring more international tourists to Laos.
Laos previously hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2004 and 2013, which successfully publicized the country’s many tourist attractions. This year’s forum is a golden opportunity for Laos to showcase its tourism industry and reach a large global audience.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/16/laos-gears-up-to-host-asean-tourism-forum-2024/
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Visits Laos to Foster Friendship and Cooperation
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong traveled to Vientiane, Laos this week. The visit from 15-16 May, followed the successful visit to Australia by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith in October last year.
The visit built on Australia’s deep and enduring friendship with Laos of over 70 years and provided an opportunity for Minister Wong to listen to and understand Laos’ national priorities for trade and investment, development cooperation, and regional connectivity. Minister Wong’s time in Laos reflects the commitment made between our Prime Ministers last November when they announced an intention to elevate the Laos-Australia relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.
Minister Wong held productive discussions with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, and Head of the External Relations Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
Discussions acknowledged the considerable changes underway in the region and navigating these changes together, including through ASEAN. Australia and Laos shared views on priorities for cooperation in education, growing human resource capacity, the energy sector, water resource management, and people-to-people links.
The visit confirmed Australia’s commitment to deepening its economic engagement with the region, including through the development of a Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, to be released later this year.
Australia and Laos will lift cooperation in the energy sector. Minister Wong and Laos’ Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr. Phosay Sayasone, signed the Laos-Australia Sustainable Energy Partnership which will work to support a more sustainable, reliable, and profitable energy sector in Laos.
To advance shared priorities for the environment and sustainability, Australia will partner with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Global Green Growth Institute to establish a national framework for participation in international carbon markets.
The friendship between the two countries is grounded in mutual respect and trust, forged through many years of close relations and longstanding people-to-people links. Minister Wong and Mr. Thongsavanh signed a Declaration of Shared Intent to establish a Laos-Australia Friendship Association to enhance dialogue, understanding, and people-to-people connections between Australia and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
Australia and Laos will work together on shared goals with our regional partners, for example, through trilateral cooperation with Vietnam. Australia is pleased to be working with Laos and Vietnam on initiatives to share experiences in attracting high-quality foreign direct investment.
The Minister met emerging Lao business leaders from Australia’s university alumni network to discuss ways to build Laos’ future together. Australia’s alumni make an enormous contribution to Laos, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith. We are proud of this shared history and pleased we can continue to strengthen these people-to-people connections.
Australia’s support for Laos’ education sector was on display during the visit to Na Haidiew Primary School in Vientiane. Minister Wong met with Laos’ Vice Minister of Education and Sports, Dr. Sisouk Vongvichit and the school community. Australia’s support for the implementation of the new National Curriculum nationwide will help raise the education levels of Laos’ future workforce.
The Minister was pleased to announce further support for the COVID-19 vaccine and routine immunization, including at the sub-national level through a partnership with the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization, building on the USD 25.2 million provided to date.
Minister Wong reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting Laos to deliver a successful ASEAN Chair in 2024. Laos has an important role to play in Southeast Asia’s future and Australia is committed to working together to build a safe, stable, and prosperous region where ASEAN and ASEAN-led institutions hold the canter.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/16/australian-foreign-affairs-minister-visits-laos-to-foster-friendship-and-cooperation/
Laos to Host 5th International Mountain Tourism Day
Laos has been chosen to host the 5th International Mountain Tourism Day and conference from 28 May to 1 June in Vientiane capital and Luang Prabang.
Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Ounthuang Khaophanh, met with a representative of China’s International Mountain Tourism Alliance on Thursday to discuss and prepare for the event.
Mr. Khaophanh welcomed the event and praised the Alliance for choosing Laos as the venue. He said that Laos has great potential for mountain tourism and that the event will provide a good opportunity to enhance tourism cooperation and showcase the country’s potential.
The event will feature a variety of activities, including a conference, exhibitions, and cultural performances. It is expected to attract over 1,000 participants from around the world.
The Ministry’s technical department will cooperate with the International Mountain Tourism Alliance to jointly implement the event. Laos will also invite foreign embassies in Laos, government departments, business operators, and the media to participate.
The International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2017 by the governments of China, France, and Switzerland. The goal of IMTA is to promote sustainable mountain tourism and to protect mountain ecosystems.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/15/laos-to-host-5th-international-mountain-tourism-day/
Khammouane Approves 71 French Colonial Buildings as Historical Heritage Sites
Khammouane Province has designated 71 French colonial buildings and houses as historical heritage sites for educational purposes and tourism.
Thakek District, located in Khammouane Province, Laos, is set to become a municipality by 2024, with Deputy Governor Singuan Inthalath announcing the decision on Friday.,
He said that Thakek has significant potential for investment, trade, and tourism.
Thakek is also home to some 71 French colonial-era buildings. Of these, 28 are state-owned and 43 are privately owned.
The old French buildings are currently undergoing review to be registered as national heritage. This will help to preserve them for future generations and allow people to learn about Thakek’s history under French colonization.
Thakek’s old French buildings have become one of the key tourist attractions for both locals and foreigners. The declaration of these buildings as heritage sites is expected to bring more tourists, boost tourism, and create jobs in Khammouane Province.
The decision to turn Thakek District into a municipality is a positive step for the development of the area. It will help to attract investment, promote trade, and boost tourism.
The old French buildings are a valuable asset to Thakek and their preservation will help to ensure that the area’s history and culture are preserved for future generations.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/15/khammouane-approves-71-french-colonial-buildings-as-historical-heritage-sites/
Lao-Thai Railway Completes Second Phase of Construction and Ready for Public Use
The Lao-Thai Railway is expected to start operations this year following the completion of the second phase of the railway construction, according to the developer.
Vientiane Times reports that the Phase II of the Lao-Thai Railway Construction Project has been completed and it is currently awaiting the finalization of the Thailand-Laos train license agreement before opening it to the public.
“We expect to launch the train service between August and October,” the developer of the project said.
The extension comprises a 7.5-kilometer railway line from Thanalaeng station at the Thai border to Khamsavath station, costing about THB 900 million, 30% of which is a grant from Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).
The Lao-Thai Railway started construction in 2019 and was expected to be finished by 2021, but due to some delays, the project is finally completed two years later.
Thai delegations visited the station in January and discussed the feasibility of a China-Laos-Thailand railway link that would help reduce cargo transport costs by 30-50% over the next three to five years.
The Lao-Thai Railway and Laos-China Railway are planned parts of a regional rail network that will connect China to Singapore via Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/11/lao-thai-railway-completes-second-phase-of-construction-and-is-ready-for-public-use/
Vientiane Riverside Night Market to Undergo Major Makeover This Month
The Mekong riverside night market near Chao Anouvong Park in Vientiane Capital will undergo renovations in May.
Despite the ongoing refurbishment work, the night market will continue to be accessible to vendors and visitors as usual.
Mr. Nantha Sanouvong, Deputy Director of Vientiane’s Department of Industry and Commerce, said that the improvement is part of preparations to welcome more domestic and foreign tourists and visitors, especially during the upcoming ASEAN Summit in 2024.
The upgrade will focus on improving existing services, promoting domestic production, and the display of provincial agriculture and handicraft products within the market, according to Mr. Nantha.
Authorities are hopeful that the revamp will allow the setting up of 70 local shops in the areas of Wat Chanthaboury that will focus on selling craft products, souvenirs, items from the district, and other local products.
The department apologized for any inconvenience the upgrade may cause visitors and vendors, and it plans to discuss the matter with shopowners by the middle of this month.
In March this year, authorities in Vientiane Capital ordered the closure of the Sihom Night Market, also referred to as “Hengboun Food and Culture Street,” and designated nearby areas for the walking street.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/04/vientiane-riverside-night-market-to-undergo-major-makeover-this-month/
Lao Prime Minister to Attend 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia This Month
Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation will attend the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, scheduled to take place on May 9-11.
Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will be visiting Labuan Bajo, a fishing town located at the western end of the large island of Flores in the Nusa Tenggara region of east Indonesia, where the 2023 ASEAN Summit is slated to take place.
During the summit, he will participate in several important meetings, including those between ASEAN leaders and representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly(AIPA), ASEAN Youth Organization, ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and a high-level task force discussing the ASEAN post-2025 vision.
This year’s summit will also focus on strengthening ASEAN capacity, approving Timor-Leste’s full membership as an ASEAN member nation, combating human trafficking, and protecting fishing workers.
According to the Indonesian magazine Tempo, the annual event will also see discussions on the health sector, village networks, electric vehicle ecosystems, and payment connectivity in the region.
Former Indonesian Attorney-General and Co-Founder of the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, Marzuki Darusman, stated that the summit was the appropriate time to evaluate the five points of consensus produced by this Southeast Asian bloc institution to resolve the crisis in Myanmar.
Former Lao Prime Minister Phanhkham Viphavanh participated in the 40th and 41st ASEAN and Related Summits in November 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/09/lao-prime-minister-to-attend-42nd-asean-summit-in-indonesia-this-month/
Laos Attracts Over 800,000 Tourists in First Quarter of 2023
Laos has seen a boom in tourism in the first quarter of 2023, with over 800,000 international visitors, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
The Tourism Statistics Division of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism released its latest figures on tourism in Laos, revealing a total of 831,248 tourists visiting the country between January and March 2023.
At 344,405 arrivals, Laos received its most foreign visitors from Thailand, followed by Vietnam at 179,885, and China at 143,312. South Korea and the United States came next with 45,756 and 16,998 visitors respectively.
Laos also saw a significant number of tourists from Europe, with 57,408 visitors in the first quarter of 2023. The majority of these tourists came from Russia with 11,573 visitors, while Africa and the Middle East lagged behind in tourist numbers.
The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism has set a goal of attracting 1.4 million international visitors by the end of 2023, with a revenue target of up to USD 340 million. Officials have been urged to improve tourism infrastructure in the country and develop new products to achieve this target.
Laos’ tourism industry has recently received a lot of international acclaim for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. In March, Forbes named Laos as the most charming country in Southeast Asia, highlighting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang as a must-visit destination.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/05/laos-attracts-over-800000-tourists-in-first-quarter-of-2023/
Transport Ministry Cancels New Lao Airlines Route to Houaphanh
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has suspended the operations of a new Lao Airlines route to the Nongkhang Airport in Sam Neua, Houaphanh Province.
The ministry issued a notice on Friday stating that the suspension was to ensure safety and comply with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Civil Aviation Department in Laos has informed Lao Airlines State Enterprise to suspend the operation of flights QV701 and QV702 from Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport to Sam Neua, Nongkhang Airport.
Accoding to the notice, the Nongkhang Airport is currently undergoing the process of airport registration and flight safety assessment. Once this is complete, the Civil Aviation Department will approve flight routes to the new airport, according to regulations.
Lao Airlines had earlier announced that the flag carrier will be operating three flights a week to the new airport starting May 12, after the completion of its construction.
In April, an aircraft from the Thai Aviation Company “AEROTHAI” with the registration number HS-AIM successfully landed at the Nongkhang Airport after testing its landing guide system for flights.
Due to the significant setback of about ten years since the airport was approved for its construction in 2013, the airport has not yet made an official announcement regarding its completion.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/09/transport-ministry-cancels-new-lao-airlines-route-to-houaphanh/
Lao President Concludes His Official Visit to Cambodia
President Thongloun Sisoulith is back in Laos after his official state visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he participated in several successful discussions with the country’s leaders and attended the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games.
The President went to Cambodia last week after being invited by the King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni. The Lao leader received a royal audience from King Norodom, and also paid respects to the King’s late father, Norodom Sihanouk, at his memorial in Phnom Penh.
During the visit, President Thongloun also met with Cambodia’s prime minister Hun Sen, and the President of the Senate, Say Chhum.
The two nations shared a mutual commitment to further enhance existing bilateral relations, with PM Hun Sen quoting President Thongloun as saying, “Relations between Laos and Cambodia are at the top, but we are united in our commitment to take it to (an) even higher level.
“We intend to implement existing agreements and seek to cooperate further in the areas of tourism, investment, and security. In addition, we are prepared to offer a unified response to natural disasters,” he added.
Both governments agreed to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, including politics, security, defense, economics, trade, investment, energy, education, and connectivity, reports Vientiane Times.
The two nations also agreed to further enforce anti-tax evasion measures and fast-track talks on a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Relevant ministries on both sides were encouraged to effectively implement the Action Plan for 2023-2027 to support the long-lasting and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Treaty on Delimitation of the State Border between Laos and Cambodia, and other agreements made between the two sides.
On 5 May, the President also attended the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium, which had a live audience of 75,000 people.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/08/lao-president-concludes-his-official-visit-to-cambodia/