News
Johanna Powell: Laos river death inquest to 'take three months'
An inquest into the death of a Cardiff woman on holiday in south-east Asia should be completed within three months, a pre-inquest review has heard. BBC Wales picture editor Johanna Powell, 37, died in Laos on 11 April. Keep reading ...
France repatriates 150 smuggled rare tortoises seized on route to Laos
Some 150 rare tortoises are to be returned to Madagascar by French customs, who seized them in December while they were being smuggled to Laos. The reptiles needed several months of intensive care after being transported hidden in cases of sea cucumbers. Keep reading ...
Poverty reduction for Laos receives boost from further World Bank financing
The Government of Laos and the World Bank on 17 August signed agreements for three projects aiming to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity, to improve women’s and children’s health and nutrition, and to enable the construction of vital infrastructure including schools, health clinics, roads, ...
Lack of press freedom mars Lao media anniversary
Reporters in Laos must cover the news in greater depth, an official said as the country marked the 65th anniversary of Media and Publication Day, but sources claim journalists are hamstrung by a lack of press freedom in the communist nation, with the public increasingly ...
Floods damage Vientiane rice crop
Farmers in two districts of Vientiane are unable to replant their rice after seedlings in thousands of low-lying plots recently disappeared under floodwater. Parts of Sangthong and Naxaithong districts were inundated following torrential rain earlier this month and farmers are dismayed because they say it is ...
Mekong Hospital opens in Vientiane
The privately-owned Mekong Hospital in Saphangmuek village, Xaythany district, Vientiane, opened its doors to the public on 15 August. Hospital Director Mr Huangsubin said the Mekong Hospital will not only treat illnesses but will investigate the prevention of disease and carry out research, while also providing ...
Vietnamese companies to mine rock salt in Khammuan, Laos
Two Vietnamese companies have inked a deal for a joint venture rock salt mining project in Khammuan province, Laos, with an engineering, procurement and construction contract signed in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 14 August. Vietnam Chemical Group and Vietnam Lao Chemical and Rock Salt Limited Company signed ...
Laos, Thailand seek cooperation on SEZs
Laos and Thailand are seeking bilateral cooperation at special and specific economic zones along the border of the two countries. Laos’ National Committee for Special Economic Zones and Thailand’s Policy Committee on Special Economic Zone Development are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding to inaugurate ...
India must focus on expanding banks network in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam
Expansion of Indian banks network in CLMV – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam- countries would help in enhancing trade and investment relations with these nations, a report has suggested. The Commerce and Industry Ministry report – “India’s Strategy for Economic Integration with CLMV” was prepared by think ...
Recent arrests highlight Laos drug problems
Seizures of large quantities of synthetic drugs and their precursor chemicals by Lao police in recent months point to renewed efforts by authorities to slow growing rates of addiction in the impoverished, one-party state, sources say. In a major haul on 23 July at a warehouse ...
