Infrastructure
Transport and shipping
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 ...
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 ...
Thai deputy transport minister hints at S44 for dual-track projects
Section 44 of the interim charter could be invoked by the prime minister to expedite six double-track rail projects, Deputy Transport Minister Ormsin Chivapruck says. In a radio interview on 29 October, Mr Ormsin said the six projects need a shot in the arm to speed ...
Vietnam to let private company operate Da Lat tourist rail line: report
The Ministry of Transport is looking for a private company to operate a tourist rail line in the Central Highlands resort town of Da Lat, following decades of losses, news website Saigon Times Online reported on 28 October. Keep reading ...
Bringing order to tuk-tuk services in Laos
It has been observed that the drivers of some tuk-tuks and jumbos in Vientiane are rude to foreigners when they question the often exorbitant charges cited by drivers. While most Lao people prefer not to use tuk-tuks and jumbos, visitors often have no choice but to ...
Phnom Penh congestion costing ‘$6 million a month’
Phnom Penh authorities on 27 October offered an economic argument for ministries, motorists and citizens to respect traffic laws, claiming that congestion-related costs in the capital were setting the country back about $6 million per month. Speaking at a national seminar, Effects of Traffic Congestion on Environment ...
Unclean air: Study finds pollution at dangerous level in Ho Chi Minh City's new urban areas
A new study from Ho Chi Minh City’s environment department has found an increase in dust and toxic gas in many urban areas, warning that motorbike riders can be exposed to major health risks. According to local media, the environment observation and analysis center measured the ...
Vietnam to open up airports to private, foreign investors
The government has announced a new decree which for the first time will allow private and foreign investors to provide certain services at Vietnamese airports. According to the decree, which will take effect on 12 December, private investors will be allowed to purchase rights to manage ...
Ramp plan for public areas gets push from Cambodian government
In efforts to improve conditions for its disabled citizens, the government on 26 October announced that it plans to order the installation of ramps and access signs at all public places. Speaking at the launch of the government’s disability policy in Phnom Penh, Em Chan Makara, secretariat ...
Myanmar car accidents leave high human and financial toll: police
Deadly carnage on the country’s roads is costing billions, police say. More than 3000 people have died in accidents so far this year, with nearly 20,000 injured in more than 11,000 accidents. The toll of deaths and injuries consumes one-quarter of the national health budget. Keep reading ...