Asia News Network
Laos' Luang Prabang dam reaches key development stage
The Luang Prabang hydropower project has reached another key development stage after the government asked the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to host the prior consultation on the project. The government authorised the Vietnam Petro Power Corporation to build the Luang Prabang hydro plant in 2007. As ...
Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Laos, Korea to partner in clean energy systems
Laos and the Republic of Korea are keen to set new heights for expanding their energy ties after becoming strategic partners in the hydropower sector. The Laos-Korea Energy Experts Joint Workshop, with the theme “Cooperation in the Power Sector”, was held in Vientiane yesterday as part ...
Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
CLMTV highlights protection of workers’ rights
Laos will continue to cooperate with regional and development partners to protect migrant workers’ rights, a conference in Siem Reap, Cambodia was told last week. Conducted under the theme ‘Toward the Protection of Migrant Workers in CLMTV Countries: Cooperation in Social Security’, the opening of the ...
Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
Japanese trade group promotes investment in Lao SEZs
The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Vientiane will work with the developers of four special economic zones (SEZs) to encourage more investment by Japanese companies, to boost trade and economic ties between Laos and Japan. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in Vientiane on Tuesday by ...
Gold mining operation kicks off in Xaysomboun
A feasibility study of exploration and processing at a 234.6 square kilometre gold mining site at Naty village area in Longchaeng district, Xaysomboun province, has begun after the government gave the green light. The project is a partnership between the Jo Bounmy Mining Development Co., Ltd. ...
Laos plans regulatory reforms to boost trade at border crossings
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce will continue efforts to improve or remove unnecessary measures and regulations relating to exports and imports to bolster cross-border trade. Officials in charge of trade facilitation met in Vientiane last week for the 2nd Trade Facilitation Committee Secretariat meeting to ...
Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
Economic growth rebounding but further reform needed: World Bank
The World Bank is optimistic about economic growth in Laos, which is projected to rebound to 6.5 per cent in 2019, rising from 6.3 per cent recorded last year. Despite continued fiscal tightening, the pickup is expected to be driven by robust investment in mega infrastructure ...
Somsack Pongkhao
Laos takes steps to tackle six urgent issues
The government has called for the sectors responsible to shoulder more responsibility in finding solutions to six pressing issues that are affecting socio-economic development. The issues were tabled at the government’s monthly meeting held in Vientiane on July 23-24 when cabinet members discussed possible measures to ...
Somsack Pongkhao
Xayaboury dam on track to start commercial operation at year’s end
The Xayaboury hydropower plant yesterday began a trial operation of its fifth generator, setting the first run-of-river dam in the lower Mekong basin on track to begin commercial operation at the end of this year. A senior official at the Xayaboury Energy and Mines Department said ...
Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Lao Anti-drug trafficking efforts highlighted on control group’s bridge visit
Members of the Illicit Drug Control Sector Working Group (IDSWG) visited the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane last week to better understand the role of Lao Customs and Immigration officials in the fight against drug trafficking. The event was attended by Deputy Head of Office of ...