Infrastructure
Proposed Xayaboury airport still up in the air
The go ahead for construction of a new airport in Laos’ Xayaboury province is still awaiting government approval with no decision in sight. The provincial Public Works and Transport Department sent plans for a new airport to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport earlier this ...
Vietnam needs greater efficiency of energy sources: WB
Greater energy efficiency, expansion in renewables and increased power trading in Asia could help Vietnam meet an expected 7-10 percent rise a year in power demand through 2030, the World Bank (WB) in Vietnam said. Keep reading ...
Laos ignores dam flak
The Lao government is forging ahead with the construction of the massive Don Sahong dam, close to the tri-border area with Thailand and Cambodia, within the next few weeks. The dam is yet another large-scale project being undertaken by Vientiane to make Laos “the battery of ...
Mekong dams 'a grave threat to river'
Experts are warning that the Lower Mekong Basin may soon face depleting fish stocks, further erosion of the coastline and rising salinity that will make rice fields uncultivable. The facts are stronger than ever,” said Marc Goichot, an expert on sustainable hydropower and river basin management, ...
Vietnam opens airport investment
Vietnam’s government will allow private and foreign investors to provide services at Vietnamese airports for the first time this December. Thanh Nien News reported that new legislation, which will take effect 12 December, will allow private investors to purchase rights to manage airports and provide some ...
Vietnam Airlines expands routes
Vietnam Airlines will open a domestic air route between the northern port city of Hai Phong and the central coastal city of Nha Trang, effective 15 November. The upcoming route will operate four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday using an Airbus A321. Keep reading ...
Thailand looks to start building own military weaponry
Thailand’s defence industry has advanced to such an extent it could begin developing its own equipment through partnerships with the private sector, Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs said on October 2, 2015. Keep reading ...
Laos to launch first satellite
Laos’ first telecommunications satellite (Lao Sat-1) will be launched into orbit on November 21 to spur many facets of development and industry. The satellite, which is owned by the Lao Sat-1 Joint Venture Company, will be part of a network of satellites in Laos and overseas ...
Ministry's IT skill standards expected to improve
The information and technology (IT) skill standards introduced by Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications will help training centres, employers and employees evaluate the competency of IT staff, experts have said. In May, the ministry issued a decree outlining skill standards for professional staff in the IT ...
Lao Government to negotiate for lower interest-rate rail loan
The Lao Government has entrusted a committee in charge to negotiate with China to lower the interest rate of a loan Laos intends to borrow from China to develop the planned Laos-China rail project. Minister of Public Works and Transport Dr Bounchanh Sinthavong told the recent ...