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/
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.
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/
First Meteorological Tower to be Installed for Savannakhet Wind Farm Projects
On 22 August, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the first meteorological tower in Nathou village, Phin district, Savannakhet Province. This tower will collect crucial wind data to assess wind farm projects in the region.
This installation is part of a project developed under a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the Lao government and Naseng-Wayo Renewable Resources Development and Investment Company Limited, in collaboration with UPC Vietnam (Singapore). The project aims to produce clean energy for export to Thailand and Vietnam, with the tower expected to be operational by the end of September.
Earlier this year, the Lao government also signed an agreement with Savan Vayu Renewable Energy Co., Ltd. to develop a 1,200 MW wind power project in Sepon district, Savannakhet Province, marking the largest wind power project in Laos to date. With an investment of approximately USD 2 billion, this project will enhance Laos’ renewable energy capacity and position the country as a significant power exporter in Southeast Asia. The wind farm is projected to be operational by early 2026.
Laos has been expanding its renewable energy projects, aiming to meet its 2030 renewable energy targets and increase its role as an energy supplier in the region. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Laos currently has 94 power plants with a total installed capacity of over 11,600 MW. About 80 percent of the country’s electricity is exported, primarily to Thailand and Vietnam, which are the largest markets for Lao electricity.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/26/first-meteorological-tower-to-be-installed-for-savannakhet-wind-farm-projects/
Laos Boosts Modern, Traditional Medicine Management to Improve Public Health
The Lao Ministry of Health has introduced a set of measures aimed at improving the management of both modern and traditional medicines in a bid to improve public health safety. These steps are designed to address emerging challenges and ensure the highest standards in the healthcare sector across the country.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various sectors, has developed strategies to combat issues related to addictive substances and ensure the safety of food, medicine, and medical products.
Key among these initiatives is the Food and Drug Administration’s active campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with unregulated cosmetics, food supplements, and collagen products, particularly those sold through unregistered online platforms.
Enhancing Traditional Medicine
A major focus this year has been on improving the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies. The Ministry has established a systematic monitoring system to oversee the procurement and distribution of medicines, medical supplies, and chemicals to central hospitals, medical centers, and provincial facilities.
Additionally, a nationwide meeting was held to coordinate these efforts, and data collection on antibiotic use in private pharmacies has been intensified. The Ministry has also trained 89 technicians from central and provincial hospitals in the maintenance and repair of medical equipment.
In parallel, the government has made strides in promoting and developing traditional medicine. Research into various traditional Lao medicines has led to the creation of new products, including medicinal teas, capsules, and massage oils. Efforts have also been made to document medicinal biodiversity, with a comprehensive list of 270 medicinal plant species compiled and educational textbooks developed to preserve and teach traditional Lao and Hmong medicine.
Beefing Up Quality
Quality control was also a key focus of the discussion. The Ministry has reportedly conducted extensive research on the quality of food, drugs, and medical products. The research laboratory received international certification for studying food microorganisms in drinking water. In the first half of 2024 alone, the laboratory analyzed 1,162 samples, primarily focusing on drinking water and drug samples.
The Ministry has also been active in inspecting food and medicine markets in Vientiane Capital, targeting outlets selling unregistered cosmetic products and counterfeit items. These inspections led to a meeting to address the issue of medicine sales in minimarkets, and monitoring was conducted at 23 pharmacies in the capital.
To further streamline the healthcare sector, the Ministry has worked on improving trade processes and explored ways to speed up the issuing of import-export licenses, including online licenses for controlled chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, traditional medicines, and health supplements.
These ongoing efforts are set to bring substantial improvements in healthcare quality and accessibility across the nation.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/26/laos-boosts-modern-traditional-medicine-management-to-improve-public-health/
Laos Advances Disability Rights with New Driving License Agreement
Laos is continuing to strengthen its commitment to improving the lives of its disabled citizens. Recent developments include the publication of a new agreement on driver’s licenses and driving tests specifically designed for people with disabilities.
This move is part of Laos’s broader commitment to enhancing accessibility and support for its disabled population, in collaboration with the International Organization of Disabled Persons.
A senior official from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport noted that the 2015 nationwide survey identified disabled individuals as comprising 2.8 percent of the population aged five and above.
In 2014, the government took a key step by adopting the Decree on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aligning with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This decree outlines the rights of disabled individuals to income security and decent living conditions.
Additionally, the establishment of the National Commission for Disabled Persons provides a cross-ministerial body to advise on national policies and programs, while the Decree on Social Security for Corporate Employees supports allowances for work-related accidents and long-term disabilities.
Laos has been a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities since 2009.
Amid Laos’s legislative progress on disability rights, people with disabilities, like Sivanh Sibounhueang, known as “Vanh,” continue to thrive and make a mark in their fields After losing both arms in a construction accident at 16, Vanh adapted his passion for art by learning to draw with his foot and creating an improvised painting tool.
His art, including pieces like “Goat Prisoner,” has achieved significant success, with one work auctioned for LAK 3.1 million (USD 146.91).
His recent international exhibition in Malaysia highlighted his commitment to disability inclusion.
In a recent visit to Laos, Sara Minkara, the Special Adviser on International Disability Rights at the United States Department of State, advocated for greater inclusion of disabled individuals.
Her trip highlighted the need for Laos to integrate disability rights more deeply as it prepares to chair the ASEAN Summit in 2024. Minkara emphasized leveraging media platforms and local leader training to reach remote areas and engage key stakeholders to promote effective policy implementation.
Through legislative progress, inspiring individual achievements, and international collaboration, Laos continues to work toward a deep commitment to supporting and empowering its disabled citizens.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/23/laos-advances-disability-rights-with-new-drivers-license-agreement/
Tawan Taekwondo Shine with Gold at International Championship
The Lao Tawan Taekwondo Club is set to continue its winning streak at the upcoming Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Cup in Luang Prabang province this September.
The anticipation follows a successful performance at the 7th Heroes Taekwondo International Championship in Bangkok, Thailand from 10 to 12 August, where the club’s junior members won several medals.
Vinarinthone Ngonvorarath clinched a gold medal in the boys’ 18 kg U-6 category, while Natxanon Santivilakone achieved gold in the boys’ 49 kg U-14 category, alongside securing two silver and two bronze medals. The event saw 3,069 fighters from 30 countries, with 15 young athletes from the Tawan Taekwondo Club competing.
“The fact that they won gold medals certainly exceeded my expectation, and I’d like to consider that a jackpot,” said the club president, Soutthida Phommavong.
According to Soutthida, her students underwent a five-day-a-week training over two months before the competition.
Looking ahead, the Tawan Taekwondo Club plans to enter 45 fighters in the Korean Ambassador’s Cup, supported by six trainers and the club’s president. With high hopes and a goal of securing 25 gold medals, the club aims to replicate their success from two years ago.
“I would always reassure my students to do their best despite the results. Because, in the end, winning or losing doesn’t matter; it’s all about gaining new experience,” she added.
Apart from their recent victory in Bangkok, the club also triumphed at the Governor of Vientiane’s Cup in June.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/23/tawan-taekwondo-shine-with-gold-at-international-championship/