International Women’s Day 2019 (and the associated national holiday, this year in long weekend form) has come and gone for another year, but the memories made participating in 2019’s festivities linger.
Women’s Day, Sporting Week: Girls & Ladies’ Participation Lifts Levels, Spirits In Laos
Safety First: Lao Airlines Flight to Shanghai Heads Back to Vientiane’s Wattay Airport For Brake Check
Mechanical investigations have followed after a brake system warning led to a Lao Airlines flight from the capital to China’s city of Shanghai returning to Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport Sunday.
The aircraft conducted loops above the Nam Ngum Reservoir to burn up fuel before attempting its landing at Vientiane’s Wattay Airport, which it did safely, Aviation site Aerolaos reported.
ລາຍງານເພີ່ມກ່ຽວກັບຖ້ຽວບິນຂັດຂ້ອງ: ທີ່ ສະໜາມບິນວັດໄຕ ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ, ໃຫ້ຮູ້ວ່າໃນເວລາ 21:00 ຄໍ່າຄືນຂອງວັນທີ 10/3/2019…
Posted by AeroLaos on ວັນອາທິດ ທີ 10 ມີນາ 2019
While rescue units had been readied, the 129 passengers and crew of the Airbus A320-214 were returned to their departure point at Wattay safely, with plans being made to reschedule flights amid disruption to passengers business and recreational travel plans.
Act Green for Greener Mekong River As Efforts Rewarded via Social Media
The Mekong River is a source of water for millions, the world’s most productive freshwater fishery, and a lifeline shared by people of five nations. What better reasons to “Act Green for a Greener Mekong”?
Now, our own green actions have a chance to be recognized and rewarded as the region celebrates Mekong Day on 4 April 2019.
To be eligible for a reward, first you’ll have to be a fan of the Mekong River Commission on Facebook.
After that, all you have to do is:
a) take a photo or/and video of your green action.
b) post on your Facebook in public mode with hashtags #GreenMekongDay and #MekongRiverCommission.
You can share with what are you doing to achieve green goals such as to reduce plastic bags, recycle waste and encourage others to be green and create as many posts on these topics as you’d like until March 29, 2019.
The MRC will select each week top 10 of Facebook posts with the most interactions (likes, shares, and comments) to select one Winner of the week who will receive a prize of US$50.
The top posts/photos/videos will be showcased at a ceremony for Mekong Day 2019 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Please spread the word to your friends. And let’s act for a greener Mekong!
#GreenMekongDay #MekongRiverCommission #MRC
Mekong (Lancang) River Basin
Goût as Gold: French Cuisine’s Global Celebration Goes Provençal in Laos’ Capital Vientiane
France’s Provence in the spotlight as the inspirations from UNESCO-recognized cuisine make their annual return to Vientiane via Goût de France.
“For the past 5 years, Goût de France has been bringing together restaurateurs from all over the world and food lovers to celebrate in March the gourmet French meal, recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO,” Ambassador of France in Laos Mrs. Florence Jeanblanc-Risler told restaurateurs and assembled news media personnel
“Goût de France highlights all of these elements united by the word “pleasure”. We are excited to see this festival grow year by year: in total more than 5000 restaurants will participate in the 2019 edition in more than 150 countries. In Laos, Goût de France is also growing: 9 restaurants and establishments will participate in the various events planned in Vientiane during this month of March.
“First of all, on March 15th here at the Residence, several restaurants in Vientiane will join forces to offer an exceptional meal with the flavors of this region. To the sound of a jazz band, you will be able to enjoy the most typical dishes: zucchini flower stuffed with ratatouille, Bouillabaisse, Tropézienne strawberry lavender etc.
“We are talking about good cuisine but also a certain universal art of “good way of eating” with the choice of quality products and season, the “good way of drinking” with an agreement between dishes and wines, and also about a “lifestyle” and about the French service that combines the cuisine to choose plates, cutlery and glasses and how to serve them.”
“It is finally the meal as a moment of sharing and conviviality, between family and friends.
“For the 2019 edition of Goût de France, two themes were chosen: Provence, and Sustainable Development.
“Provence because this region of the South of France has a strong image evocative of sun, sea and mountains so often painted by the impressionists. It also produces a great variety of sun-ripened fruits and vegetables, very beautiful wines; it is also a welcoming region due to its climate and the warmth of its inhabitants. Everyone knows Marseille, Nice, Cannes, the Cote d’Azur but also the “small Alps” called the Alpilles.
“From March 20 until April 1, the region Provence will be on the tables of several restaurants in Vientiane: l’Adresse, l’ATMO, le Bistro 22, la Cage du Coq, ParadIce and Nadao will offer menus that will celebrate, each in their own way, this region rich in culinary traditions.
Goût de France – Good France 2019 in Vientiane, Laos
“The second theme chosen is the one of sustainable development. We all need producers, consumers, restaurateurs to protect our planet; the 2019 edition of Goût de France is therefore under the sign of a more responsible cuisine.
“As a continuation of the Paris agreement on the fight against climate change and to translate these commitments in the field of food, France is at the forefront of the global mobilization for the environment. Goût de France, the major event on the calendar of French gastronomy, is therefore in 2019, seeking an approach that is more respectful of the resources of the planet.
I wish here to highlight the actions of the chefs among us who put their cooking at the service of the globe.
The participating restaurants at Goût de France gave priority to short circuits and feed on local products. Many institutions have banned the use of plastic in their kitchens.
In addition to these two themes that will be highlighted by restaurants around the world, the French Embassy in Laos also wanted to put Goût de France in Laos under the sign of youth which represents the future.
Several young Laotians will be offered free tickets to the prestigious meal of Goût de France at the Residence of March 15. In addition, we have launched via social networks a presentation contest on French and Laotian gastronomy.
“Winners will be eligible to receive invitations at participating restaurants and the first prize will receive an invitation for two guests on the evening of March 15th.
Before closing this presentation, I would like to thank our chefs here again.
“Gentlemen restaurateurs, you proudly fly in Vientiane the colors of the French gastronomy! Often established a long time in this country, you practice a cuisine that uses French techniques enriched products and Laotian influence.
“French gastronomy is welcoming and open and I am very happy to see two Laotian chefs participating in the event this year!”
Participating restaurateurs: l’Adresse, l’ATMO, Bistro 22, la Cage du Coq, ParadIce, Trio Coffee, Chef Panh, M by K Cafe and Nadao.
Event sponsors include Pernod Ricard’s Mumm champagne, also known for its “Ricard” pastis and the Landmark Mekong River Hotel for tables, chairs & tableware.
Thailand Visa Applicants Beware: Fortnight Wait As Consulate Appointment Bookings Bank Up in VTE
Foreign nationals seeking visas to ever-popular Thailand for residence or travel can expect waits of up to two weeks for appointments for visa application or renewal via the country’s consulate in Vientiane, Laos.
Waits of up to two weeks are being noted for appointments for visas to Thailand through the consulate appointment system at https://thaivisavientiane.com/.
Foreign nationals applying for either a Thailand’s tourist, non-immigrant or transit visa first need to schedule an online appointment before submitting the visa application in person.
Appointment wait times have reportedly blown out since the introduction of the online booking system whose February 1 launch was reported in The Laotian Times.
The British Business Group in Vientiane sent a missive advising members of the current status of application appointments.
The topic is also trending on The Nation’s Thai Visa Forum.
Vientiane is a popular destination for visa applicants to the Kingdom.
A Lot To Take In: First Real Estate Expo Attracts Exhibitors, Investors to Laos’ Capital Vientiane
Laos’ first ever Real Estate Expo has kicked off in the capital Vientiane from March 1-2 at Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane.
The first day made good on the promise of opportunity aplenty as Laorealestate.la, and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) teamed up with Laos’ leading online marketplace, www.yula.la for the expo.
The expo sees savvy clients & suppliers and B2B’s hunting for trade and investment opportunities alike.
Exhibitors from property construction, sales, rental, and management were joined by those offering ancillary products and services. Laos Briefly was there with Laotian Times, Laopost & Champa Meuanglao to capture the action.
Laorealestate.la x Laorealestate.la Expo 2019 image Laos Briefly via The Laotian Times
Posted by The Laotian Times on ວັນພະຫັດ ທີ 28 ກຸມພາ 2019
“The LNCCI is proud to be a partner of the first ever specialized real estate investment expo in Laos” – Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), Mr. Daovone Phachanthavong.
APA Insurance x Lao National Chamber Of Commerce And Industry – LNCCI @ Laorealestate.la Expo 2019
Posted by Laos Briefly on ວັນສຸກ ທີ 1 ມີນາ 2019
According to organizers, Laorealestate.la Expo 2019 brings together Laos’ top property developers, architects, builders, real estate agencies, plot land vendors, banks offering home loans, insurance companies, law firms, and even international property investments with more than 40 firms exhibiting in the one room.
The event is expecting over 3000 local and international attendees. Laos’ best luxury car brands and related businesses will also exhibit at the entrance of the event.
On top of a variety of property offerings, the Laorealestate.la Expo offers attendees access to a dedicated free seminar room with over 20 seminars from Laos’ leading real estate agents, property development experts, economists, lawyers, financiers, and Government officials.
Various international guests will present in the seminar room, to take a look at Laos’ real estate market in a regional context.
Seminars are focussed on educating buyers and sellers on the Lao investment climate, regulation, pitfalls, and upsides of the sector, and advice for first both first home and experienced buyers.
A special guest confirmed for the event is Dr. Somchai Charoenvarakiet, a Thai Feng Shui Real Estate consultant of over 20 years was set to offer his insights on how to maximize the positive energy of their home or office through Feng Shui design techniques.
All seminars will be translated via headsets in Lao, English and Chinese languages.
All the big names from the Lao real estate industry will be together under one roof, presenting the opportunity for local buyers and international investors to survey the country’s best property opportunities.
Property sellers and financiers will also bring special expo-only promotions to guests.
The event is supported by a wide array of Lao and international media partners, including major local media channels both on and offline, Lao’s most prominent business chambers, and an array of investor networks across ASEAN and in China.
Digital Classified Group (DCG), the Australian-based parent company of Yula.la & Laorealestate.la, is bringing the real estate show concept to Laos after having successfully run similar expos in several other markets internationally, including Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. It is boasting a track record of well over USD $80 million worth of property sales at those various events, 30,000 attendees and over 200+ exhibitors.
Samsung Opens Tech Institute to Budding Lao App Developers
The Samsung-Lao Tech Institute 2019 project will offer training in app development and basic Android programming skills to young Lao programmers and app enthusiasts.
Free applications are now open, and interested persons may visit the website here to apply. Places are limited to 40.
Classes will be run from 18-22 and 25-29 March 2019, from 17:00 to 20:00 in Vientiane at the Samsung Smart Class room, Faculty of Engineering (Sokpaluang). Interested persons may contact 020 59798822 for more information.
Successful applicants will be contacted by the 11th of March or by email.
Vientiane Hosts Vietnam’s Leader in Laos Ahead of US-DPRK Trump-Kim 2nd Nuclear Summit in Hanoi
The second US-DPRK summit on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula to be held between US president Donald Trump and North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un may be just days away in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, yet the neighboring country’s top leader has taken the time to visit close neighbor Laos and its capital Vientiane.
Laos’ President and Party Secretary-General Bounnhang Vorachit played host to his Vietnamese counterpart Vietnam President Nguyen Phu Trong from Feb 24-25 ahead of what promises to be another momentous occasion for diplomacy, this time on the other side of the Annamite range.
According to many angles and the official statements, visit itself reflected the latest reaffirmation of the tight links between the two nations, administrations and ruling parties and chances to ink more bilateral deals. The visit also comes following the death in office of Vietnam’s Tran Dai Quang from a viral illness in September 2018.
As was expected, the pair witnessed the signing of nine agreements with the aim of fostering more effective cooperation in economics, culture, education, public health, science and technology, defense and security and to prevent illegal border trade.
Key themes included financial cooperation, construction of the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway, and electricity and mines development, according to a joint statement.
Amid the efforts to strengthen the two nations’ famed “special solidarity,” there is no doubt that discussed behind closed doors was this week’s momentous second so-called Trump-Kim summit and its ramifications for both countries, the region and the world.
The Second Summit sees ASEAN member Vietnam playing a pivotal role in the hosting of the summit following the initial meeting in Singapore.
Following on from the previous meet in Singapore, the strategic choice of Hanoi provides an example of Vietnams increasingly deep economic links to the US while maintaining its Marxist-Leninist single-party political institutions.
Playing host just a few days in advance in Vientiane, Lao leaders and senior officials could have expected to be briefed on the preparations for the summit which have also serve as the latest step in rapprochement between Hanoi and Washington, whose bilateral relationship has been on a long and steady improve despite the weight of war history.
With diplomats professionally tight-lipped and precious little being made public about the insights shared by Lao and Vietnamese sides on the topic, one is left to speculate on what was discussed about the prospects for Trump and Kim’s second big meeting.
The move comes after US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told a news briefing that US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun said US-Vietnamese history “reflects the possibility for peace and prosperity.”
“We moved past conflict and division towards the thriving partnership we enjoy today,” Mr Palladino said.
Naturally, a similar thing could be same about US-Laos relations.
So with Vietnam being held out by the US as exemplar-in-chief of the potential benefits for a single-party state like the DPRK to embrace the market and a locally-acceptable form of state-led capitalism, the time appears ripe for Laos neighbor to capture some long sought for concessions as the recently awarded granting of permission to Vietnam Airlines to access the US.
How could Vietnam (and the US) help Laos to benefit too? Or do we wait patiently for the announcement of a Trump-Kim Summit Mk III, with Air Force One and the DPRK’s most famous train passenger finding a timely connection to VTE, LPB, ZVK, PKZ or perhaps in the tubing in VV?
