The planned Laos-Vietnam Railway, running from Thakhek district in Khammouane province to the Lao-Vietnamese border, is expected to be completed and open for service in 2028.
The Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL), in cooperation with Yooshin Engineering Corporation and Korea National Railway, will conduct a detailed design study of the railway before construction begins.
A cooperation agreement on the project was signed in Vientiane last week by the President of Petroleum Trading Lao Public (PTL) Company, Mr. Chanthone Sitthixay, the President of Yooshin Engineering Corporation, Mr. Chon Kyung-soon, and the Executive Director of Korea National Railway, Mr. Park Jin-Hyun.
The signing ceremony was attended by the President of the Executive Board of Strategy and Planning at PTL Holding Company Limited, Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun, senior government officials from the ministries of Planning and Investment, Natural Resources and Environment, and Public Works and Transport, as well as other relevant government bodies and company representatives.
The Laos-Vietnam Railway will be built over a distance of 250 kilometers and will cost USD 2 billion to construct, Mr. Chanthone said.
“Our company has been granted the right to be the developer. We have made every effort to fulfill our obligations under the project and have already achieved key milestones such as the completion and approval of the economic and technical feasibility study and the environmental impact study.”
“The signing of the concession agreement and the detailed design study will pave the way for the construction phase in the future,” he added.
“Yooshin Engineering Corporation and Korea National Railway of the Republic of Korea have proven their high level of competency and great experience internationally about their outstanding expertise in engineering, design, construction, technology, and the management of railway projects globally and with great efficiency for over 60 years.”
“For this reason, I would like to express my deep appreciation of this step forward in cooperation through the detailed design study at this time and the further dedication of our company to this project.”
“I have full confidence that under the guidance and support of the Party and Lao government, the Laos-Vietnam Railway will be built as planned and that targets will be achieved,” Mr. Chanthone said.
When built and put into service, the Laos-Vietnam Railway will contribute to the development of a modern and standardized transport infrastructure system.
In addition, it will reduce the cost of transport to enhance the socio-economic development of Laos and will be a reliable source of revenue for the government’s budget over the long term.
The railway will strengthen Laos’ connectivity as a transport and trade hub within ASEAN and beyond, all of which will bring great benefits to the people of Laos, and the country will become more and more prosperous in a sustainable way.
The overall aim of the project is to support the Lao government’s vision and the country’s development strategy of transforming Laos from a landlocked country into a land-linked country.
The Laos-Vietnam Railway is a part of the Laos Logistics Link Project, which includes a number of sub-projects such as the Thanaleng Dry Port and Vientiane Logistics Park, the Laos-Vietnam Railway, Vung Ang Seaport, and the Boualapha Coal Fired Power Plant.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/04/laos-vietnam-railway-set-to-open-for-service-in-2028/
Laos Symbolically Takes Over ASEAN Chairmanship from Indonesia
During a handover ceremony at the closing of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Laos took over the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from Indonesia on Thursday, 7 September.
During the ceremony, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone received the gavel of ASEAN Chairmanship from Indonesian President Joko Widodo and pledged to build a more connected and resilient ASEAN during the country’s chairmanship in 2024.
PM Sonexay expressed his sincere congratulations to the Indonesian President as well as the Indonesian government and people on the successful hosting of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related summits and said that Laos is prepared to cooperate closely with other ASEAN members and partners to ensure the success of its chairmanship.
“Laos is honored to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024,” PM Sonexay said. “We will build upon the achievements made under Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and the success of ASEAN over the past years.”
Under the theme “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”, PM Sonexay affirmed that Laos will continue to work together with other ASEAN member countries to strengthen the ASEAN community and create opportunities to address geopolitical and geo-economic challenges and changes.
Additionally, PM Sonexay said that Laos will work to expand ASEAN’s external relations, strengthen ASEAN’s centrality and unity, and develop a regional architecture for stability, peace, and development in the ASEAN region during its chairmanship.
“We will continue to enhance connectivities, narrow the development gaps (among ASEAN countries), promote carbon neutrality, and advance digital transformation in the region and economic integration,” Sonexay added.
Although the chairmanship was symbolically transferred, Indonesia will continue to carry out chairmanship responsibilities until Laos officially takes over early next year.
Laos will assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024, followed by Malaysia in 2025. The Philippines will take over the chairmanship in 2026 instead of Myanmar, which is currently in political turmoil.
The ASEAN leaders agreed that the chairmanship rotation after the Philippines will follow the alphabetical order of member countries’ names unless otherwise decided.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/08/laos-symbolically-takes-over-asean-chairmanship-from-indonesia/
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia PMs Meet to Discuss Cooperation Efforts During ASEAN Summit
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for a working breakfast on Tuesday, 5 September, while attending the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Jakarta.
During their interaction, the three leaders shared information about the economic and social development of their countries and discussed areas of common cooperation and regional and international issues of interest.
The three leaders agreed to work together in a number of areas, including national defense and security, economics and trade, and investment, particularly in supporting each other in regional and international frameworks, such as the ASEAN Cooperation Framework and the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
Additionally, the leaders also agreed to promote educational exchanges by providing financial support for students to study in each other’s countries and learn about their cultures and languages, to boost future relations between the three nations.
The leaders also agreed to continue implementing agreements and conventions, hold regular joint mechanism meetings, and research ways to facilitate trilateral trade among the three countries.
On this occasion, PM Sonexay and PM Pham Minh Chinh took the opportunity to congratulate Cambodia on the success of its election, the overwhelming victory of the Cambodian People’s Party, and the election of Hun Manet as the new Prime Minister.
PM Sonexay also invited PM Hun Manet to visit Laos in the future and expressed hope for future support and cooperation from Vietnam and Cambodia during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/06/laos-vietnam-cambodia-pms-meet-to-discuss-cooperation-efforts-during-asean-summit/
Lao PM Attends 43rd ASEAN Summit, Calls for Business-Friendly Environment in Region
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone along with other high-ranking delegates arrived on Monday in Jakarta, Indonesia, to attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings that are being held under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” from 4-7 September.
Upon arrival in Jakarta, PM Sonexay and his delegates attended the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit 2023, which was organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).
The summit brought together key stakeholders from ASEAN and its dialogue partners to discuss ways to boost trade and investment in the region, with over 2,000 delegates from 50 countries attending the event.
In his speech, PM Sonexay highlighted opportunities and challenges faced by ASEAN in areas of economic integration, climate change, and sustainable development. He also called on ASEAN to work together for a business-friendly environment and centrality in regional and global economies.
PM Sonexay also witnessed the handover of the chairmanship of the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit (ABIS) from Indonesia to Laos. The new chairman is Mr. Oudet Souvannavong, the president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as Laos will host the next ABIS meeting in 2024.
source: https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-admin/post-new.php?post_type=post
Lao PM Holds Bilateral Talks With Australia, Timor-Leste and IMF at ASEAN Summit
Prime Minister, Sonexay Siphandone, held bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Australia and Timor-Leste, along with the Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday.
During the meeting with Antony Albanese, Australia’s Prime Minister, both leaders acknowledged the long-standing bilateral relationship and collaboration between the two nations, spanning 71 years.
According to the Lao National Radio, both leaders also expressed eagerness to continue developing the Lao-Australian Comprehensive Partnership in the near future.
Additionally, both leaders conveyed appreciation for joint efforts by the two nations within the ASEAN-Australia cooperation framework, particularly during Laos’ role as the ASEAN-Australia coordinating country from 2021-2024.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone then met with Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, reaffirming Laos’ support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership.
Currently, Timor-Leste is only a part of the bloc in principle, however, a road map for the nation’s full membership has been agreed upon after its first submission to become a member over a decade ago.
Both leaders expressed high regard for the strong friendship and cooperation between Laos and Timor-Leste over the past two decades as well.
On the same day, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone also met with Mrs. Kristalina Georgieva, Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Their discussions focused on past cooperation between Laos and the IMF, as well as plans for future collaboration.
The IMF’s support for economic and financial development since 1961 has significantly contributed to the socio-economic progress of Laos, and it is hoped that this support will continue, especially as Laos prepares for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.
Laos’ Prime Minister also witnessed the handover of the chairmanship of the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit (ABIS) from Indonesia to Laos, during his official visit to Jakarta this week.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/07/lao-pm-holds-bilateral-talks-with-australia-timor-leste-and-imf-at-asean-summit/
Laos-Vietnam Railway Set to Open for Service in 2028
The planned Laos-Vietnam Railway, running from Thakhek district in Khammouane province to the Lao-Vietnamese border, is expected to be completed and open for service in 2028.
The Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL), in cooperation with Yooshin Engineering Corporation and Korea National Railway, will conduct a detailed design study of the railway before construction begins.
A cooperation agreement on the project was signed in Vientiane last week by the President of Petroleum Trading Lao Public (PTL) Company, Mr. Chanthone Sitthixay, the President of Yooshin Engineering Corporation, Mr. Chon Kyung-soon, and the Executive Director of Korea National Railway, Mr. Park Jin-Hyun.
The signing ceremony was attended by the President of the Executive Board of Strategy and Planning at PTL Holding Company Limited, Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun, senior government officials from the ministries of Planning and Investment, Natural Resources and Environment, and Public Works and Transport, as well as other relevant government bodies and company representatives.
The Laos-Vietnam Railway will be built over a distance of 250 kilometers and will cost USD 2 billion to construct, Mr. Chanthone said.
“Our company has been granted the right to be the developer. We have made every effort to fulfill our obligations under the project and have already achieved key milestones such as the completion and approval of the economic and technical feasibility study and the environmental impact study.”
“The signing of the concession agreement and the detailed design study will pave the way for the construction phase in the future,” he added.
“Yooshin Engineering Corporation and Korea National Railway of the Republic of Korea have proven their high level of competency and great experience internationally about their outstanding expertise in engineering, design, construction, technology, and the management of railway projects globally and with great efficiency for over 60 years.”
“For this reason, I would like to express my deep appreciation of this step forward in cooperation through the detailed design study at this time and the further dedication of our company to this project.”
“I have full confidence that under the guidance and support of the Party and Lao government, the Laos-Vietnam Railway will be built as planned and that targets will be achieved,” Mr. Chanthone said.
When built and put into service, the Laos-Vietnam Railway will contribute to the development of a modern and standardized transport infrastructure system.
In addition, it will reduce the cost of transport to enhance the socio-economic development of Laos and will be a reliable source of revenue for the government’s budget over the long term.
The railway will strengthen Laos’ connectivity as a transport and trade hub within ASEAN and beyond, all of which will bring great benefits to the people of Laos, and the country will become more and more prosperous in a sustainable way.
The overall aim of the project is to support the Lao government’s vision and the country’s development strategy of transforming Laos from a landlocked country into a land-linked country.
The Laos-Vietnam Railway is a part of the Laos Logistics Link Project, which includes a number of sub-projects such as the Thanaleng Dry Port and Vientiane Logistics Park, the Laos-Vietnam Railway, Vung Ang Seaport, and the Boualapha Coal Fired Power Plant.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/04/laos-vietnam-railway-set-to-open-for-service-in-2028/
Boat Racing Festival Program, 05-14 September, 2023
Wake up early in the morning, wear new clothes, go to Lorat, take photos at the fountain… Only the people of Luang Prabang understand… See you on September 13-14, 2023, the 9th month festival, wrapped in rice and decorated with rice in the capital of Prabang.
source: https://fb.watch/m_xp6jh4XX/?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Vang Vieng Improves Tourist Facilities Ahead of Visit Laos Year 2024
Vang Vieng district authorities have made improvements to various facilities and services in the hopes of making a great first impression on visitors during Visit Laos Year 2024.
Mr. Atthayasai Manivanh, the head of the Vang Vieng Information, Culture, and Tourism Office, said that checks have been made at hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants to ensure that quality of services, cleanliness, and safety standards have been improved and met a high standard.
District authorities have also taken steps to reduce noise pollution at entertainment venues near Nam Song River, repaired a 26-kilometer stretch of road along the river, and improved a six-kilometer access road to Kaeng Yui waterfall, the Vientiane Times reported.
Vang Vieng officials have made improvements to existing infrastructure as well, including the construction of a car park, a bridge, restaurants, and shops. They are also planning to hold several festivals, such as the Vang Vieng music festival in the winter, off-road racing in the wet season, and other adventure activities.
However, a current labor shortage has slowed down infrastructure upgrades in the riverside town along with numerous other parts of the country. Additionally, construction work was affected by flooding last month, which also affected tourism businesses.
According to the Vang Vieng Information, Culture, and Tourism Office, the Vang Vieng district welcomed over 300,000 tourists in the first six months of 2023, with more than 100,000 of them coming from other countries. The authorities are expecting the district to attract more tourists in the upcoming year.
Additionally, Sekong provincial authorities are also planning to improve the tourism infrastructure and amenities at Tad Fai Mai waterfall to attract more visitors for Visit Laos Year 2024.
Laos aims to attract over 2.7 million tourists in 2024, as it has been declared the “Year of Tourism“, to help the industry with post-pandemic recovery.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/01/vang-vieng-improves-tourist-facilities-ahead-of-visit-laos-year-2024/
Sekong Province to Improve Facilities Near Tad Fai Mai Waterfall for Visit Laos Year 2024
Sekong provincial authorities are planning to upgrade the tourism infrastructure and provide better facilities at Tad Fai Mai waterfall to welcome more tourists next year.
The Governor of Sekong Province, Mr. Leklay Sivilay, and other provincial and district officials visited Palengtay village in Thataeng district last week to survey the Tad Fai Mai waterfall and understand how the area could be improved to make it an attractive and sought-after tourist destination.
The waterfall is located in a beautiful forest and has a fascinating history. The governor hopes that the province will be able to attract some financial investment to develop the region of the waterfall while preserving the forest and creating jobs for the local community.
Mr. Chanthaboun Thalongsengchan, head of the Sekong Information, Culture, and Tourism Department, said that provincial leaders and other stakeholders have made tourism a priority in attracting domestic and foreign investment. This will generate income for residents and improve the lives of people in the surrounding areas.
Additionally, Mr. Chanthaboun revealed that Sekong Province currently has 42 tourist attractions. Of these, 21 are natural attractions, 7 are cultural attractions, 10 are historical attractions, and 4 are agricultural attractions. He added that the province has allowed entrepreneurs to develop three natural tourist attractions.
Laos is currently preparing for Visit Laos Year 2024, targeting to welcome 2.7 million tourists to boost the post-pandemic recovery of the tourism industry.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/08/31/sekong-province-to-improve-facilities-near-tad-fai-mai-waterfall-for-visit-laos-year-2024/
Cambodia to Launch Flight Routes to India in Early 2024
As Cambodia and India move closer to finalizing a bilateral free trade agreement, residents of both nations can anticipate the introduction of direct flight routes by early next year.
This development aligns with the remarkable growth in diplomatic relations between the two countries in recent times, as highlighted by the Cambodian Ambassador to India, Kuong Koy. He also expressed optimism that direct flights would commence in early 2024.
When this plan becomes a reality, Cambodia stands to benefit significantly, with increased tourism, expanded trade opportunities, and heightened investment prospects, akin to the positive outcomes seen with direct flights between India and other ASEAN member nations.
Given India’s status as a nation with over 1 billion people, countries worldwide, especially ASEAN member states, have actively been seeking a share of India’s lucrative tourism market.
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, nearly 990,000 Indians visited Thailand in 2022, second only to Malaysia. Initial data for the first five months of 2023 places India among the top sources of visitors to Thailand, with more than 600,000 Indian tourists arriving in Thailand up to May. The TAT anticipates welcoming 2 million Indian visitors this year.
“India has always been and remains a significant and primary tourism market for Thailand,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways International, also emphasized the importance of the flag carrier’s expansion into the Indian market, given India’s vast population and strong cultural and economic ties with Thailand.
After launching direct flight routes to India in June 2022, Vietnam also reported an uptick in tourist numbers in the country.
According to India’s Ministry of Tourism, in 2022, 21,096,217 Indian nationals traveled abroad, as countries gradually reopened their borders to tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Laos has been unable to tap into the surge of Indian tourists, primarily due to the absence of a direct flight route between Laos and India at present.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/08/29/cambodia-to-launch-early-flight-routes-to-india-in-2024/
Laos Gears Up to Host ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting & Tourism Forum 2024
Laos is currently making comprehensive preparations to host the 27th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the 42nd ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Vientiane between 22 and 27 January 2024.
Mr. Khom Douangchantha, Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department, revealed recently that the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) has established a 13-member preparatory committee, which will be responsible for a host of duties, including venue selection and preparing invitation cards.
For venue selection, the committee is currently focusing on six hotels that have been designated as official venue partners for the event. The Landmark Hotel will be the venue for the official meeting, while the 20 other hotels will accommodate delegates attending the meetings and exhibitions.
Meanwhile, the committee has completed drafting an invitation card and is now coordinating with the ASEAN Secretariat to review the list of tourism ministers and other invitees, such as ASEAN plus 3 tourism ministers, delegates from ASEAN-India, ASEAN-Russia, and other international organizations.
Alongside, Mr. Khom said that the committee is working on a tourism program for delegates to enjoy during their time in Vientiane Capital. This is being arranged in coordination with the Department of Tourism Business Management, and the Department of Tourism in Vientiane Capital, which are part of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
While the security arrangements are still being finalized, the committee is also working with travel companies to create itineraries for delegates so that they can travel to other provinces in Laos as well. These tours will be available for purchase at designated hotels, where delegates can easily access information and book their trips.
Additionally, the transport arrangements are being made collaboratively with tour operators, and they will include government-provided vehicles and for-rent vehicles.
Mr. Khom said that the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the ATF are important events that will promote tourism in Laos and the ASEAN region. The Lao government is committed to making the event memorable and successful for all participants.
It is estimated that more than 800–1,000 people will attend the meeting. The committee is working on the budget allocation for the meeting and will soon submit it to the government for approval.
Preparations are also in full swing for Visit Laos Year 2024, during which the country is projected to welcome more than 2.7 million tourists to stimulate post-pandemic economic growth.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/08/28/laos-gears-up-to-host-asean-tourism-ministers-meeting-tourism-forum-2024/