News
Solar, wind advances offer Mekong countries alternatives to dams, coal: Experts
Mekong Region countries like Cambodia should reconsider their plans to expand hydropower dams and coal plants, as the costs of alternative energy sources, such as solar power, are rapidly falling, a U.S. think-tank said, while improved regional grid connections can also ease growing energy demand.Experts ...
Nem Sopheakpanha, Seourn Vathana, and Sun Narin
Asia growth outlook brightens on strong exports - ADB
The Asian Development Bank raised its 2017 and 2018 growth forecasts for the region, reflecting rising exports as manufacturers of smartphones to cars to other consumer goods benefited from improving global demand. Developing Asia – made up of 45 countries in the Asia-Pacific region – is ...
Insurers help to pay for Asia's infrastructure needs
A recent $150 million refurbishment of two decades-old geothermal power plants on the Philippine island of Luzon may sound like just another project aimed at overcoming the country’s severe electricity shortages. But, for Asia’s insurance companies, there is more to it. Bonds issued to pay ...
Savannakhet University set to become first model uni in Laos
Savannakhet University is set to become the first model university on business administration and economic studies in Laos, an initiative it is now developing and intends to reach the goal by 2020. President of Savannakhet University, Assoc Prof. Dr Bounpong Keorodom told a media team ...
Cambodia eyes AIIB loan
Cambodia will begin applying for a loan from the newly established China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank from next year in response to the current need for infrastructure development. Visiting AIIB vice president and chief investment officer D.J. Pandian met with Vongsey Vissoth, secretary of state at ...
Funding sourced for bus rapid transport project
Finance has been sourced for construction of the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project, also known as the Bus Rapid Transit, project to improve public transport and ease traffic congestion in central Vientiane, an official in charge of the project has said. The Asian Development Bank ...
PM okays new bypass, road in Mekong Delta
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has approved construction of a bypass and road that will connect with National Highway No. 91. The 15.3-km long bypass, which will go around Long Xuyên City, will extend from National Highway No. 80 and the Lộ Tẻ intersection to ...
Int'l community supports Vietnam’s climate change response
Vietnam is one of the countries worst hit by climate change. In 2016, the national climate change strategy has received strong support from the international community. The Global Climate Index indicates that Vietnam ranks 5th among countries most affected by natural disasters, which kill hundreds of ...
ADB to provide more support for development in Laos
The Asian Development Bank will provide US$32 million for the Climate-Friendly Agribusiness Value Chains Sector Project in Laos next year. This information was confirmed on Monday by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr Khamlian Pholsena after returning from the 21st GMS Ministerial Conference, held ...
The AIIB and shifting economic dynamics in Southeast Asia
The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which seeks to help plug Asia’s infrastructure-funding gap, has begun shifting the economic balance of power and influence in Southeast Asia, a region in which Japan and the United States have traditionally been the key external economic players. While ...
