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Officials Give Green Light to Vientiane Expressway Project

Vientiane Expressway Project

In an attempt to ease city congestion, the government has given their blessing to move forward  on a proposed 14km Vientiane expressway project, linking the city center to the outskirts in Xaythany District.

Government spokesman Prof. Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher confirmed that the project was discussed last week at the government’s monthly meeting for February. The notion of the multi-million dollar project was presented and examined during the two-day meeting.

“In principle, the government agrees to build the expressway,” Prof. Dr Chaleun said.

The six-lane Vientiane expressway, with a planned width of 70 metres, will be built parallel to Kaysone Phomvihane Road and will run from the Lao International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC) in Xaysettha district to Dongmakkhai village in Xaythany district.

Amidst the 14 kilometre stretch of road, the interstate will also link with several key roads including Road No. 13, the 450 Year Road and the much anticipated Laos-China railway once it has reached completion.

However, before the construction of such a large project can begin, the relevant departments  have been required by officials to complete a thorough study and analysis to guarantee its effectiveness as the project would require a substantial investment and involve particular technical standards.

Once the study and analysis are complete, details of the Vientiane expressway project will be studied, deliberated and approved before it can be implemented, the spokesman announced.

vientiane expressway diagram
A model of the proposed Vientiane expressway

An estimated 87 houses will be affected by the expressway, while the rest of it will pass through farmland. Families who have to relocate to make way for the expressway will be compensated.

The estimated cost for this immense project is expected to be between US$150 million and US$200 million, relevant authorities were urged to look into methods of investment for funding before the conclusion of the meeting.  

Dr Bouavone Souklasaeng said that the road corridor is designed to avoid densely populated communities to minimize impact.

She explained that although the expressway will be built parallel to Kaysone Phomvihane Road, the two roads will have quite a bit of distance in between, so buildings, shops and businesses running along the Kaysone Phomvihane Road will remain unaffected.

It has been suggested in regard to funding for the project, to take the form of a Public Private Partnership, which in this case involves two likely scenarios.

According to Dr Bouavone, the first scenario would see the state provide 70 percent of the funding and the private sector 30 percent.

The second is for the state to contribute 60 percent of the cost and the private sector 30 percent, while local people whose properties are affected would contribute 10 percent by giving up their land.

If the second scenario were to happen, citizens affected by the expressway would receive a dividend from the project annually.

The Vientiane expressway is expected to be a toll road in which one car is  expected to pay about 5,000 kip per trip.

Four More Reasons to Visit The Pizza Company

Four-More-Reasons-to-Try-The-Pizza-Company

When people think of ‘pizza’  it’s undeniable that The Pizza Company will be one of the places that will pop into their heads. Known for their assortment of high quality toppings and efficient service, The Pizza Company does so much more than just pizza. From a fully stocked salad bar, to a plethora of pasta dishes, to juicy BBQ chicken wings, to an assortment of starters, it’s hard not to indulge when faced with the decision of what to order.

So when The Pizza Company invited The Laotian Times to sample the newest addition to their menu, we jumped at the chance. Beginning February 25th, four new menu items have been added to the already extensive menu including; Multigrain chicken salad, Multigrain chicken, BBQ pork ribs, and Chicago style pizza.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”20″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]The multigrain chicken and the multigrain chicken salad were the two dishes I was the most apprehensive about. Something about ‘eating healthy’ correlates with ‘tasteless’ for me, however this was not the case for these little golden bites rolled in a array of grains. The chicken was juicy on the inside while being crispy on the outside. I enjoyed them both ways; with the tangy dipping sauce it was served with and added atop the salad with Caesar dressing. I would definitely order these again, without guilt.

The BBQ pork ribs and Chicago style pizza  are two of many dishes I would get out of bed and dressed for (or at the very least dial 1112 for). The BBQ  melt-in-your-mouth-fall-off-the-bone ribs are drenched in a savory, tangy sauce and are served with a side of fries that keep you coming back for more. The Chicago style pizza was loaded with toppings including chicken,herbs, veggies, and a massive amount of cheese. The crust was baked to golden perfection and had a crunch when I bit into it, it was like a tiny party in my mouth.

I am already a frequenter of The Pizza Company, and these delicious additions to the menu have only made me a bigger fan of the company and their food. Their fun atmosphere, along with fast and friendly service is always appreciated, but it’s the variety, and consistent flavor that always keeps me returning for more.

Drop by one of their 5 Vientiane locations today or call 1112 for delivery.

Liberia Seeks Assistance from Laos in Rice Production and Sustainability

Liberia Seeks Laos Assistance

Liberia’s recently accredited ambassador to Lao PDR, Dudley McKinley Thomas, has presented his Letters of Credence to President Bounnhang Vorachith, during an official ceremony at the presidential palace.

Ambassador Thomas is the first Liberian Envoy accredited to Laos since the two countries established diplomatic relations on August 12, 2016.

During the meeting, Amb. Thomas expressed the good wishes of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the health and longevity of President Vorachith, along with the prosperity and continued well being for the people of Laos.

It was  communicated to President Vorachith by the ambassador that President Sirleaf hopes to  develop, promote and expand a relationship with Laos, for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their people.

As developing countries, Laos and Liberia both face similar challenges in providing for the health, education and the general well-being of their people and future growth.  

“I believe that Liberia and Lao PDR can share experiences; we can learn from each other as both of our countries pursue the goal of sustainable development,” Ambassador Thomas stressed, identifying food security as an essential area.

“We understand that Lao PDR is self-sufficient in rice production, and is now exporting to China and other countries,” he said, adding, “Liberia’s staple diet is also rice, which the government would welcome a rapid acceleration of efforts to establish a bilateral cooperation mechanism between the two countries, which would help Liberia move from being an importer to that of becoming self-sufficient and an exporter of rice in the West Africa region in partnership with Lao PDR,” Ambassador Thomas urged.

It was highlighted that under the leadership of President Sirleaf, development of Liberia’s agriculture sector is a  primary focus for the Liberian Government.

President Vorachith assured Ambassador Thomas of Laos’ support to Liberia . He also affirmed the government’s consideration of requests for aid in the areas of rice production and electricity.

President Vorachith used the meeting to extend an official invitation to President Sirleaf to visit Laos.

Photo: Liberian Observer

Temple View Cafe: More Than Just The View

Temple View Food

By Jasmina


You may have heard the saying, “out with the old, in with new”. As we collect new things in life, we tend to shove the old towards the back of the closet, or in this case, our minds. The same can be said for some of our favorite eateries. As trendy new cafes and restaurants are popping up aplenty across our city, it’s easy to get lost with the newer, shinier shops.

I’m guilty of this, when my significant other asks the dreaded question, “so, what do you want to eat?’, I’ll rack my brain for what’s the newest or latest that has been hyped up on social media. But I’d like to take a step back to appreciate a quaint underrated eatery that has never disappointed me. Nestled behind the new EU building right in the middle of town, next to Haysok temple (did someone say temple parking?) sits a charming little cafe that has been with us since July of 2015.

The ambiance at Temple View cafe is cozy and peaceful, making it a great place to read or catch up with a friend while you wait for your food. The interior is decorated with soft cushions and throw pillows and feels as though you are lounging in a comfortable space at home or at a friend’s house (if your friend were serving you delicious food and you were paying them to do so). The tables are covered with pages from old literary books (sorry, bibliophiles), and you can appreciate how much love and thought has been put into building the place.

The owner, also the chef, has crafted a menu using his love for food and diverse palette. My partner and I are the ‘stick to what you know’ kind of folk, but this is the one place where we have been adventurous, since everything we’ve ever been served has been packed with so much flavor that we’ve never been left with the taste of regret in our mouths (not like too-much-tequila-the-night-before kind of regret, that’s a whole other type of regret). Their menu hosts an array of fusion dishes from Crispy Wonton Pad Thai to Steaks to Kapao Pizza Sandwiches. They have a short menu, but what they do do ( that’s right, I said do do), they do well.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”19″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]On this sleepy Saturday afternoon however, we did order our usual. We started with the handmade shrimp and crab dumplings, (as suggested by the chef) and potato wedges with truffle sauce (as suggested by the fact that my partner does not share food, you can call him Joey). The dumplings were stuffed with a generous portion of filling, paired along with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. The first bite was an explosion of flavor in my mouth, if the chef makes a suggestion for you to try while you are there, my advice is for you to try it. The potato wedges with truffle sauce came next, and I have to tell you, I would eat cardboard if it was drenched in that creamy truffle sauce.

Our main courses followed, my partner had ordered his favorite chicken breast steak and I had the pork chop. As soon as he cut into the tender piece of meat, I could tell how juicy it was just by the clear juices running from it. This too, came with the truffle sauce (to be honest, I don’t know if all of his steaks come with the truffle sauce, or their own sauce because we only ever request it with this sauce) a side of potato wedges (I told you, Joey doesn’t share food) and a small side salad. My pork chop had the same juicy cook on it, along with the same sauce, wedges and side salad. There’s not a lot of fuss to his style of cooking, just simple and delicious, to-the-point flavors.

I finished with a  hot green tea latte, it was good I suppose. I’ve never been a coffee (or any type of hot beverage) connoisseur, so I can’t accurately rate the coffee at this establishment, coffee is coffee to me. I am a HUGE fan of his iced pumpkin latte, though. It’s not flavored with a pumpkin syrup, like most places, so it’s not like drinking a candle. He adds actual pumpkin puree to the coffee which thickens it and gives it a rich, creamy texture without leaving a heavy taste in your mouth.

The entire meal cost us just 173,000 LAK, which is reasonable for two starters, two main courses (both steaks) and a beverage. The portions are fair, it was too much for me to finish my pork chop for lunch but my partner had finished his chicken steak and my leftovers with ease. The downside to this cafe is that it does take awhile to get your food, so if you are on a lunch break or on a time crunch you may want to call ahead and place your order, otherwise the wait is well worth it.

Temple View Cafe is open daily Monday- Saturday from 9AM-4:30PM.

Please visit their Facebook page for more information https://www.facebook.com/Temple-VIEW-CAFE-111609369181227/ or call 020 222 13122

Officials Take Action Against Illegal Fuel Imports

Fuel Imports

It is estimated that 45 to 50 percent of the fuel Laos imports are used in Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province.

At the January 24-25 Vientiane Government monthly meeting, an announcement revealed new requirements are to be imposed on companies anticipating to import petroleum.

During the two-day conference chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the government set forth guidelines for the reduction of fuel companies from twenty-two to five.

The Lao Petroleum and Gas Association warns that those who fail to meet the new requirements will be directed to cease their venture in petroleum and urged to explore other business opportunities.

Deputy Director of Lao State Fuel Enterprise and senior official from the association, Mr Phayboun Phomphaphi explained, that it is necessary to reduce the number of fuel companies to make it easier to manage and that there are currently several fuel companies that are too small and do not meet standard requirements.

“Over the past years, illegal imports of oil have been reported in Laos and I believe that the adjustment and improvements will contribute to address the problem,” he stated.

Further research and analysis must be made before determining the probability of the adjustment. If made, four state petrol companies could possibly be reduced down to just one or two.

However, it was not specified when the adjustment of the fuel companies be executed.

Last month, the government announced that three companies would no longer be able to transport imported fuel through Laos to neighboring countries.

According to Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Bounchom Ubonpaseuthm, the maneuver aims to eliminate loopholes that could result in illegally imported fuel and only companies that comply with the country’s laws and government’s obligations will be permitted to continue to operate.

Based on a government report, petrol must only be imported across officially recognised international border crossings. Fuel brought into the country at local border crossings will not be permitted.

Statistics taken from Lao Petroleum and Gas Association shows an increase of eight percent in petrol imports to Laos annually. The oil import figures for 2016 have yet to be concluded, though the association estimates the figure to be around 1,400 million liters of oil.

The demand for fuel in the country is at an all-time high due to the persistent expansion of the Lao economy, particularly in the industrial sector.

Clear Lands, Safe People: Illusion or Reality?

Clear Lands Safe People

Imagine a country of mountainous landscapes, lush green forests and quietly flowing rivers. Imagine its people, who sport their positive attitude like a national badge. Imagine their broad smile as they appreciate the peace they have enjoyed, for the best part of 40 years.

This country exists. A country with one of the kindest people I have ever met, a country rarely making international headlines.

In this mental image, however, we are immobile, taking our environment in from a stationary position. If we start walking, this pleasant experience may burst like a bubble, any second.

It did so for 58 people last year in Lao PDR. And it wasn’t a bubble bursting, but a violent explosion, in their face, under their feet, changing their lives forever. 58 is the number of persons injured and killed last year through exploding bombs, from a war that ended over 40 years ago. And although the number of casualties has dwindled in the past decade, the question is still out there: Will I be safe if I walk across this hill, thrust my shovel into the warm earth, throw my fishing net into this river, pick up from the ground what looks like a fruit, or start a fire in the undergrowth of this forest clearing? Who is there to ask? Who will be able to tell, with authority, that I will not experience the blast, the heat, the shock and the pain of a bomb going off, unchallenged for decades, but triggered by my unwitting action?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is working to bring responses to these questions.

We already know that only an estimated 70% of the 270 million cluster munitions dropped on Laos between 1964 and 1975 exploded upon impact. We also know that as many as 14 of the 18 Lao provinces are affected, nine of them heavily. What is not known, however, is their exact location.

Clear Lands

In the past years, UNDP has worked with the Government and development partners to shift to a new, efficient technique to find areas where the number of unexploded bombs sleeping in the soil is the highest, and search these and surrounding areas thoroughly. This new method closely involves villagers, who point out places they fear hide bombs. Surveying teams then scan the area in question, and around it. Within the next few years, we should have a clear picture of which lands are safe, and which are not.

Surveying is, however, just one step towards clearing the bombs. So far, a total of 600 square kilometers have been cleared. For the last 20 years, since the establishment of the national clearance operator UXO Lao and the National Regulatory Authority, UNDP has been building national capacities within the two institutions to promote clearance work and contribute to an environment where the people of this country can enjoy the fulfillment of their basic rights to live without fear.

Our rationale at UNDP has been that with limited funding and capacity for clearance, we need to put a focus on telling villagers how to live a life together with the bombs. Mine risk education has contributed to the huge decrease in casualties over the years, from 302 in 2008 to 58 in 2016.

Lao PDR has, perhaps for the first time ever, enough well-trained teams to start the largest and most efficient clearance operation in the history of the country. Recent surveys are already supplying us with thousands of locations where clearance should be prioritized. The country continues to receive commitments from development partners to provide funding and technical expertise. Lao PDR’s own national 18th Sustainable Development Goal on unexploded ordnance, adding to the 17 global goals, aims to make Lives safe from UXO by 2030.

With the means, the timeline, the goal and commitment, the opportunity is unprecedented to scale up clearance across the affected provinces and target the areas most at risk.

We at UNDP are dedicated to continue our joint work with our partners so that a Laos free of bombs can be as real and tangible as the smile on the faces of its people.

by Kaarina Immonen

Kaarina-Immonen

Kaarina Immonen is the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Lao PDR. She began her career in the United Nations in 1990. Her most recent appointment before her arrival to Laos was as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic. She has also worked in Moldova, the Russian Federation, Georgia, Cambodia and Vietnam.

 

Lao Leaders Car Auction Delayed, Chinese Businesspeople Particularly Interested

Lao Leaders Cars Auction Delayed

The auction of cars reclaimed from Lao leaders has been delayed once again. Originally scheduled for Tuesday this week, the auction is now to take place next Tuesday, February 28, at 3pm. 

Preparations had been delayed after it was decided that the cars would be sold at auction instead of offering vehicles for tender as originally planned.

The first batch of fourteen cars remain on show at the National Convention Center, and have been in use since 2012.  One source reports that Chinese businesspeople have been particularly interested in the luxury vehicles.

There are seven BMW 730 models with up to 21,000km on the odometer, and seven Mercedes Benz S350 with up to 19,000km recorded on the odometer.

Take a closer look at the vehicles on offer below:

 

2012 BMW 730

BWM 7 Series
BWM 7 Series

A full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of by German automaker BWM.  The 2012 vehicles are 5th generation models, including V8 and V12 turbocharged engines.

Retail price (Laos): US$170,000
Auction starting price: US$100,000

 

2012 Mercedes Benz S350

mercedes-benz s350
Mercedes-Benz s350

The S-Class is a series of flagship vehicles produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz, and is ranked as the world’s best-selling luxury sedan. The engine includes V6, V8, and V12 powertrains and includes special interior features and safety systems.

Retail price (Laos): US$155,000
Auction starting price: US$60,000

 

Prime Minister Declares Land as Focus for Transport Development

Prime-Minister Thongloun Sisoulith

During the annual conference of the Public Works and Transport sector held this week, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith cautioned that decisions regarding water and air transportation projects must be thoroughly thought out in future.

The Prime Minister emphasized land transport to be the primary focus of transportation development in the country. He commended the sector for their accomplishments over the past forty years, noting that tremendous progress had been made in infrastructure development.

During the meeting, a number of leaders and officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, along with other participants including business professionals and retired officials, were reminded of the government’s efforts in converting the country from landlocked to land-linked and to create a transportation hub in the region.

A massive venture in this regard, PM Thongloun mentioned the expansion of the 3.5 km Laos-Thailand Railway to 7.5 km, a plan to build a railway to connect Khammuan Province’s capital to a port in Vietnam and the highly anticipated Laos-China Railway, among other projects.

Prime Minster Thongloun Sisoulith at the Public Works and Transport Sector Meeting

The Prime Minister has also disclosed information about a recent meeting with deputy prime ministers,  confirming a continued cooperation with Thailand and the development of a road system valued at 2 billion baht.

The PM stated,“From the geographic specification of our country, we have to focus on land transportation as key to the heart of transportation, travel and tourism.”

He urged the Ministry to improve the quality of road infrastructure by strategically planning and completing any road projects that had already been initiated, but to avoid the implementation of several projects simultaneously in fear of inadequate completion.

When referring to Build, Operate and Transfer projects, Prime Minister Thongloun specified that alternative options must be available aside from tollways.

The PM highlighted Lao civil aviation, stating that he appreciated the sector having received certification from the International Civil Aviation Organisation on Universal Safety, after scoring 73 percent in an audit.

However, Lao civil aviation services remain behind other ASEAN countries and need improvement in service quality. Detailed studies on any plans for airport construction were called upon, with the PM counseling against the construction airports in provinces that have no demand for passenger flights, such as Attapeu Province, where the airport was recently shut down.

When questioned whether water transportation could be an option for the country, the PM admirably reasoned with the Ministry to consider the matter thoroughly, wisely stating, “Do not do any unreasonable projects on the Mekong River. Let it be the river of life, it’s enough for small boats to float on it.” He continued making his case by referring to the Mekong River as the “Mother of property” and “Mother of life” to dependant citizens settled in the region.

Regarding the matter of urban planning and housing, Mr Thongloun proposed conserving old historic buildings while planning to develop more modern structures as well.

Prime Minister Thongloun is imploring the Ministry to be stricter on the rules and regulations to prohibit unregulated construction of residences and the violation of town and city plans.