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Laos Must Focus on Family Planning in Order to Prosper

familyplanning
familyplanning

In line with nationwide efforts to graduate Laos from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2020, Laos strategically held its First National Conference on Family Planning at the beginning of this month.

Themed, “Investing in Family Planning for Economic Prosperity”, the Ministry of Health initiated the conference that gathered more than 200 delegates, which included officials from key government ministries, provincial governors, vice governors, health officials  and members from both civil and private sectors.

Supported by the UNFPA, the May 3-4 conference was a milestone in its own right, assembling key representatives who focused and discussed family planning goals for the nation,  in context to economic and social growth.

Laos’ deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Phouthone Muongpak, stated in his keynote address, “This is our vision for the future.”

In recent years, Laos has seen tremendous progress in regards to maternal mortality and access to contraception, however, death rates are still critically high on a global scale.

There are still 206 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, a rate beyond those in developed nations.

The adolescent pregnancy rate is estimated to be 1 in 10, contraception prevalence stands at just 50 percent and 20 percent of family planning needs remain unmet nationwide.

With Laos ranking one of 69 priority countries identified by the Family Planning 2020 initiative, officials have vowed to support women and their right to decide when and how many children they choose to bear.

FP2020’s executive director, Beth Schlachter stated,  “We believe … that access to contraception is a fundamental human right and has important impacts on gender equality, and access to rights for women and girls.”

Family planning is critical to Laos in order to evolve a skilled workforce that can sustain the country long-term and to repress escalating pressures on the health system.

Dr. Kikeo Chanthboury, Laos’ Vice Minister of Planning and Investment explained, “Increasing our government’s investment in family planning commodities, including contraception, will be cost-effective on so many fronts. Spending $1 on contraceptives can reduce the cost of pregnancy related care by $7, and eventually help save millions of dollars in direct healthcare costs averted.”

Though the Lao government has pledged to prioritize family planning, with several development agencies on board to offer support, the conference also provided a platform for those who are on the front lines – provincial governors and health workers – to voice their concerns.

The issue of access to contraception and the demand for additional trained health workers and midwives was paramount, for some.

For others, whose provinces are home to ethnic groups living in remote areas, culturally specific information and local language literature and dissemination methods were essential.

With the support of UNFPA, the government is preparing to implement new measures and has drafted a proposal that outlines how much will be required to assist Laos on graduating from LDC status. The proposal asses an estimated $15 million USD is needed, to be utilized over the span of four years across 18 different provinces.

Funding will be used towards promoting and providing information on long-acting reversible contraception, increasing the number of midwives able to provide such contraception, improving capacity at health centers and campaigns targeting young people.

“I think we really made history here,” UNFPA representative, Frederika Meijer stated. Adding,  “Before, family planning was mainly seen as simply birth control, limiting the amount of people, and the governors were very concerned they wouldn’t have enough working population. But here, there has been a huge mind shift. They see now that family planning is about saving lives, working on quality of life, and having an influence on economic prosperity and social development.”

 

Source: NewsDeeply

Laos to Link to Vietnamese Oil Pipeline

laos-vietnam-oil-pipeline

A feasibility study has shown that a proposed oil pipeline designed to connect Hon La Harbor in Vietnam to Kammuan province in Laos, will reduce petroleum prices for the country significantly.

As previously reported by The Laotian Times, the Laos-Vietnam oil pipeline project is an ambitious plan to import diesel and petrol fuels to Laos from Vietnam by way of a 306km pipeline.

The study has been submitted to the Lao government for consideration, and suggests  that gasoline prices in Khammuan province would be reduced by as much as 600 kip per litre – 7,500 kip per litre to 6,900 kip – once the project is fully functional by 2026.

During a signing ceremony in April, governments from both countries endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction project of the Hon La Oil Stockpile and an oil pipeline from Hon La Harbour in Vietnam’s Quang Binh province to Laos’ Khammuan province.

Petro Lao has also recently submitted a request to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, to present the research data of the feasibility study and the project’s concept next month.

According to the feasibility study certified by both British and Vietnamese consulting firms, the project is to cost an estimated US$380 million and has identified four main facilities to be developed under the project.

They are Hon La Harbour and Hon La Oil Stockpile in Vietnam, a 306 km oil pipeline from Hon La to Thakhek, capital of Khammuan province and an oil stockpile to be built in Thakhek district.

Once the government gives approval to develop the project, Petro Lao says it will seek joint venture partners. Officials have stated that the project is expected to be 100-percent invested by Lao petroleum companies.

An official of the project, Mr Veth stated, “Some companies have expressed their interests in joining the project development. We are currently opened to welcoming business partners.”

However, in the case that there are no other companies interested in a joint venture, Mr Veth has claimed that Petro Lao is financially capable of solely investing in the project.

Statistics gathered from 22 petroleum companies around the country have shown that just 1.2 billion litres of oil were imported into Laos in 2015.

Once the project has completed, studies estimate that 2.5 billion litres of refined oil will be imported annually, doubling the current amount of  Lao useage.

The project will be set in two phases, with Phase I consisting of the construction of the harbour and Hon La Oil Stockpile, scheduled to be completed in 2019. Phase II will see the construction of an oil pipeline and oil stockpile in Thakhek.

Once Phase I is completed, oil can be imported directly from Singapore to Hon La Stockpile, then imported to Laos by land. Oil prices will be reduced due to eliminating the middleman, saving importers on transport costs, resulting in lower gas prices for consumers.

 

Read more about the pipeline here: https://www.laotiantimes.com/2017/01/05/laos-vietnam-oil-pipeline/

Laos and France Bolsters Ties

france flag
france flag

In an effort to propel Laos from Least Developed Country status by 2020, the French government is continuing to support and assist many sectors within the country.

Since 1994, the French Development Agency (AFD) has supplied EUR 80 million in loans and has dispensed EUR 150 million into grants, pledging an estimated total of EUR 230 million to Laos.

During a discussion on Thursday, previous efforts were reviewed along with planning for next year’s bilateral cooperation. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr Kikeo Chanthaboury, Ambassador of France to Laos, Ms Claudine Ledoux, along with other officials.

Dr Kikeo stated, “The government of France has supported and assisted many sectors of the Lao government, especially agriculture and rural development, urban and socio-cultural development, governance, education, and health. This conforms to the goals of the 8th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2016-2020) which is targeting the removal of Laos from Least Developed Country status.”

The AFD has been earnestly involved with agriculture and rural development by supporting the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in its approach of ensuring food security, promoting competitive commodities and developing clean, safe and sustainable agriculture.

In a presentation made by the World Heritage Offices of Luang Prabang and Vat Phou, AFD’s long-term connection with cultural heritage conservation and urban development was highlighted and commended. The objective is to build capacity among local authorities so they are able to balance heritage conservation with urban development.

The French Embassy gave a presentation on its ongoing action in the field of governance which has two priorities: respect for the rule of law and the emergence of civil society in Laos.

France has been working closely with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to design and implement a master plan for justice in Laos, focusing on the professional training of Lao magistrates and lawyers, a field in which France has excelled in.

French development assistance to Laos is evaluated at an estimated US$15 million each year and US$25 million globally, including France’s financial aid through multilateral channels (European Union, United Nations, etc.), which also benefits Laos.

 

 

National Assembly Seeks Price Stability

expired foods

The price of merchandise in Laos, specifically food products, has been under tough scrutiny by the public for many years. Social media has given disgruntled citizens a platform to criticize the cost of goods that can vastly differ between markets and shops within the same city, suggesting to the government that there are flaws in the system.

Due to public contention regarding the cost of goods, the National Assembly has approved measures proposed by the government on the management of goods prices and service fees, while also urging the related Prime Ministerial Decree be upgraded to a law.

The NA used the final day of its third ordinary session to brainstorm a resolution on the management of goods prices, service fees and the measures in place to reduce the impact of high prices on productivity and livelihoods.

In an effort to reduce unnecessary fees and brokerage, the National Assembly urged the government to purchase first-hand goods directly from the manufacturers and then marketing them to the final consumer, resulting in a reduction of costs in imported goods and leading to higher profits from exports.

The National Assembly proposed upgrading the Prime Ministerial Decree on the management of prices to a law, as well as declaring additional decrees to strengthen the management and inspection of the importation and distribution of food products.  The NA also advised that an accurate price structure for each category of product and set guidelines for the reduction of product costs should be developed .

The Assembly also called for tougher measures against unregulated and illegal importers and traders, including goods without labels, counterfeit or expired goods, as well as curbing the soaring price of food products and medicine.

Ms Valy Vetsaphong, assembly member for Vientiane mentioned that the larger trading companies who pay their taxes in line with the law, were struggling to compete with smaller retailers, who generally sold goods that had been illegally imported. She urged for measures to protect legal business operators and prevent traders from evading the payment of taxes, especially import tax.

Member for Savannakhet province, Mr Souksavanh Xaysombath, proposed that the centralization of importation should receive special attention, which could limit the unregulated import of goods by individuals.

Mr Souksavanh stated, “the people who benefit from illegal importation by individuals, are the importers themselves and some government officials. Large-scale business units, who pay a large amount of taxes legally, cannot compete with the ‘ant parade’.” He added, “this is a situation that causes price instability.”

The production of foodstuffs offers Laos opportunities in organic agriculture and environmentally friendly production that symbolizes the traditions of certain localities.

Free Healthcare For Young Children; A Work in Progress

healthcare for young children
healthcare for young children

In a country that is considered below par on accessible healthcare, Lao officials are putting their best foot forward and attempting to provide free healthcare to all children under five at government hospitals.

According to the Ministry of Health, the new policy aims to upgrade health facility development and provide all children under five, in all provinces across the nation, better access to health services within a three month time span. Free health checks and treatments will be made available at government hospitals and dispensaries under the program.

The policy was designed in hopes of standardizing healthcare services, specifically aimed towards maternal and child health. With the high rate of mortality amongst children under five looming over the country’s population year after year, this program was initiated to encourage more parents to seek medical attention for their sick children.

Though health authorities have already publicly announced the policy, the ambitious vision for accessible healthcare countrywide has yet to be successfully implemented mainly due to lack of government funding.

The ministry has requested for all hospitals to submit proposals detailing how the policy would be executed under their supervision, specifically, how much funding would be required.

Deputy Director of the National Mother and Newborn Hospital in Vientiane, Dr Sivanesay Chanthavongsak, confirmed that their proposal has been submitted, however the ministry has yet to contact them on how to proceed. She stated, “we are prepared to carry out the government’s new policy if the ministry provides us with a budget.”

Vientiane Expressway Route Reviewed

Vientiane Expressway Project

Much has been speculated on the six-lane, 14 km Vientiane expressway that will run from Lao-ITECC in Xaysettha district to Dongmakhai village in Xaythany district. With completion slated for 2019, ministries are now examining where the route will pass through to ensure that densely populated areas are avoided.

As previously reported by The Laotian Times, government officials gave their blessing last February on the expressway in an attempt to ease city congestion. With construction aimed to begin later this year, government bodies are carrying out a thorough study and analysis to verify that the project will be beneficial, and with the sizable investment required, feasible.

According to Dr Bouavone Souklasaeng, an official close to the project, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has completed 80 percent of its study, while the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance are researching funding options. Project officials will inquire on financing for the expressway from several sources.

The expressway is projected to cost an estimated US$150 million to US$200 million. Various major banks in Laos were recently invited by authorities to assess the cost that would be incurred by people whose property and farmland would be demolished so that the new road could be built.

The road corridor is purposefully being designed to avoid crowded areas in order to minimize the impact, however compensation will be offered to families who do have to relocate to make way for the expressway.

Dr Bouavone is confident that the ministries will be ready to move forward by August, when the details of the project will be considered and approved so that construction can begin.

The six-lane expressway, with a planned width of 70 metres, will be built parallel to Kaysone Phomvihane Road and will pass through 13 villages in Xaysettha district and six villages in Xaythany district. Buildings, shops and other business premises along Kaysone Phomvihane Road will not be affected.

Over the 14 kilometres of its length, the expressway will connect with several key roads including Road No. 13, 450 Year Road and eventually linking to the Laos-China railway when it is completed in 2021.

2017 Road Tax Delayed Until August

road
road

With the Ministry of Finance issuing 2017 road tax stickers in August, vehicle owners should be prepared to pay a higher road tax this year.

Though an increase has been confirmed, the percentage it will be increased by is still undetermined. The Tax Department is currently in discussion with National Assembly members, who are concerned on what would be appropriate and affordable for certain types of vehicles and whether or not it may be beyond the means of citizens in rural areas.

An official with the Tax Department explained, “the existing road taxes were set in 2008, so it’s now become necessary to increase them.”

In previous years, road tax stickers were available for purchase in March, however the 2017 sticker has been delayed this year while the sector waits for the National Assembly to approve a presidential decree on the increase.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr Somdy Duangdy, expects the Assembly to approve the decree no later than this month.

Another change that has been implemented this year is the method of obtaining a road tax sticker. In an effort to seal the loopholes of an inefficient system, the ministry will no longer sell road tax stickers at outlets like in previous years.

Instead, banks will be accepting payments and allocating them to specific accounts designated for road tax payments. This ensures that all  tax payments are recorded and tracked efficiently, leaving no room for loopholes.

According to statistics from the Tax Department, Laos has about 1.8 million vehicles, but only about 30 percent of vehicle owners pay road tax each year.

Latest Ransomware Virus Targets Thailand, Is Laos Next?

wannacry
wannacry

‘WannaCry’’ ransomeware may sound like a silly name, however this computer virus is anything but.

This global cyberattack is the latest virus that has been rapidly sweeping across 150 countries and terrorizing over 200,000 victims. Though it has yet to be seen in Laos, several digital billboard advertisements were taken hostage in Bangkok earlier this week, and officials are urging for internet users to stay vigilant.

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has issued a warning for internet users to be actively cautious of the cyberattack and to avoid clicking on unsecured website or opening emails from unknown senders.

According to BGR, this malware is a type of trojan virus called “ransomware.” The virus in effect holds the infected computer hostage and demands that the victim pay a ransom in order to regain access to the files.

After being opened, the virus encrypts most of the files on a user’s computer. The software then demands that a ransom be paid in order to have the files decrypted, in this case, the software demands that the victim pays a ransom of $300 in bitcoins at the time of infection.

If no ransom is paid within three days, the amount doubles to $600. After seven days without payment, WannaCry will delete all of the encrypted files and all data will be lost.

In order to safeguard the community from the cyberattack, the ministry has urged the public to update their Windows XP, 7, 8, 9 operating systems or Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2012 and 2016.

If for some reason the computer’s operating system can not be updated, the ministry suggests to close the system’s Server Message Block or SMB and backup all documents and system files. Computer users should also have a current up-to-date antivirus program running.

Though there is no confirmed fix for WannaCry available at this time, antivirus companies and cybersecurity experts are tirelessly looking for ways to decrypt files on infected computers. Officials suggest users shutdown their computer immediately to stop the spread of the virus to other computers connected by a network.

To report an infection or for any inquiries about the virus, the public is urged to contact LaoCERT by emailing: report@laocert.gov.la or calling 030-5764222.

You can also visit https://www.laocert.gov.la for Windows operating system updates and more information on the virus.

Source: BGR, Vientiane Times