The Vientiane Times
Govt widens ban on timber exports, tightens wood business
The government has announced a new ban on the export of various tree species, timber products and ornamental plants in a move to take ownership of and maximise the benefits of Laos’ natural resources. Prime Minister ThonglounSisoulith issued an order last week imposing the ban on ...
Farmers irked by irrigation pump charges
Many farmers are reluctant to use irrigation systems that involve electrical pumps to deliver water to rice fields, as they are charged for the electricity consumed. This was confirmed by the former Minister of Agriculture and Forestry when speaking to the media recently.Keep reading ...
ASEAN labour ministers formulate joint action plans
The 24th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (24th ALMM) kicked off in Vientiane on 15 May to consider and adopt plans towards ensuring better conditions and prospects for the region’s workforce. The meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and attended by labour ministers from ...
WHO extends support for health sector reform
The World Health Organisation has provided US$6 million to the Lao government to improve the sustainable development of the health sector. Associate Prof. Dr Bounkong said this was an opportunity to reaffirm the continuing collaborative relationship between the ministry of health and the WHO in supporting ...
Asean labour officials discuss draft of Vientiane Declaration
The draft of the Vientiane Declaration on Transition from Informal Employment to Formal Employment towards Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN was the key topic of discussion at the 12th ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting held on 11 May in Vientiane. The meeting was hosted by the ...
Govt approves development of Champa Nakhone SEZ
The government has granted approval for the development of the Champa Nakhone Specific Economic Zone in Pakxe district within the Special Economic Zone of Champassak province. The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone, Company President Mr Laty Sisouphannavong and other provincial ...
Asean debates rights of migrant workers
The 9th Meeting of the Asean Committee on the Implementation of the Asean Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers opened in Vientiane on 10 May. The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. Participants also discussed the ...
Officials, experts mull agricultural research priorities
Lao officials and international researchers met in Vientiane on 10 May to discuss how agricultural research can best be aligned with the priorities laid out in key government documents. According to a document released at the meeting, the ministry’s strategic direction targets food and nutrition security, ...
New support to protect Lao wetlands from climate change
The Global Environment Facility has pledged US$4.7 million to protect Lao wetlands from climate change. Laos has defined two wetland areas under the Ramsar Convention on ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ which covers all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use. These wetland areas are Xe Champone in ...
Ten Vientiane industrial plants discharging unclean water
The Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment of Laos has confirmed that 10 industrial plants in Vientiane are discharging unclean and untreated water, some of which contains potentially harmful chemicals. Director General of the ministry’s Department of Pollution Control, Mr Khamphanh Nanthavong, addressed the issue on ...
