A former Australian teacher managing a coffee company and cafe in central Laos sees the scheme as key to alleviating poverty among hill tribes.
Aussie Helps Laos Hill Tribes Grow Coffee

6,000 Family Books, ID Cards Issued to Foreigners
Security authorities have issued family books to 2,802 foreign families and 3,198 ID cards to foreigners over the past three years, which entitle them to live in Laos permanently.
Lavrov Praises ‘Long, Glorious History’ of Russian-Laotian Partnership
Russia praises relations of partnership with Laos, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday at a meeting with Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.
Kerry Urges Southeast Asia Unity on South China Sea Disputes

VIENTIANE, Laos — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday urged the divided nations of Southeast Asia to forge a consensus on how to address disputes with China in the South China Sea, appealing to the 10 countries to embrace a rules-based international system to resolve those differences peacefully.
Flash Flooding Hits Farmers in Xayaboury
Almost 200 families in Botaen district, Xayaboury province, have lost some or all of their crops to flash flooding after heavy rains last weekend but luckily no deaths or injuries were reported.
Pregnant Women in Need of Better Healthcare
Pregnant women are in need of more information concerning healthcare which should be provided by specialists including midwives, to reduce Laos’ high rate of child mortality.
ASEAN Breaks Deadlock on South China Sea at Laos Meeting
VIENTIANE (Reuters) – Southeast Asian nations overcame days of deadlock on Monday when the Philippines dropped a request for their joint statement to mention a landmark legal ruling on the South China Sea, officials said, after objections from Cambodia.