Lao Airlines Maintains International Safety Standards

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February 23, 2019

Lao Airlines Maintains International Safety Standards

A signing ceremony was held yesterday at the Lao Airlines headquarters in Wattay between Mr Bounma Chanthavongsa, President of Lao Airlines, and Captain Ritzerwan Rashid, Executive Director of Avia Nautics.

Captain Rashid’s company will act as consultant for Lao Airlines in extending the Enhanced IATA Operational Safety Audit Program (E-IOSA), an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline.

Lao Airlines maintains strict air safety standards, ensuring the highest levels for each aircraft and guaranteeing passenger safety.

The airline has continually achieved the IATA International Air Transport Association (IATA) global safety and security standards every year since 2015.

Cabinet Strengthens Gov Agencies Leeway To Act on Land Concessions

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February 22, 2019

Land Concessions, giving development and usage rights to various individuals and corporate domestic and international investors, has long been considered one of the critical levers to leverage local and foreign investment, economic activity and job creation in Laos.

A form of long term rental, the usage rights to state land have been ceded to investors for projects from shopping malls to banana farms.

As with all investments, the results have been mixed. Amid the successes, it is now those cases of incomplete and inactive investments, environmental pollution and failed developments that have long proved a recurring issue, leading to disquiet for those affected and headaches for Laos’ policymakers, legislators and regulating authorities as Laotian Times has previously reported.

The lack of progress on a total of 81,879 hectares held under some 201 land concession projects has spurred a new round of government efforts to resolve the discrepancies under the country’s laws and respective contract conditions.

Prompting the cabinet to act were the findings of a report indicating that some 240 state land concession projects had been causing environmental damage, the nation’s press representatives were informed on February 20, 2019.

Based on such revelations, country’s cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun has instructed the country’s state agencies to revoke the land concession licenses held by investors who fail to proceed with developments in accordance with their agreements.

The meeting also approved measures to encourage investors to develop the land for which they had received concessions.

Measures approved include the authorization for state agencies to cancel concessions or fine those companies that fail to utilize state property in ways they were required to under the agreements they signed, government spokesperson Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher told the press conference held at the conclusion of the monthly cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Other key topics discussed include measures to improve the business climate, tax collection, rural area development and urban planning for the future needs of the capital towards 2030 and beyond.

The latest moves by the government to regulate and in cases revoke rights for failure to abide by agreements in state land concession projects comes after National Assembly members debated the issue in December.

Foremost among several cases of complaints from local communities aired at the National Assembly regarded pollution caused as a result of the activities at banana plantations in several provinces.

It saw the NA resolve that the government agencies actively push such concession holders to ensure their investments and activities abide by contract conditions for the use of state land while complying with related laws and policies.

The cabinet directed state agencies and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to improve assessment of all land in question following the laws and guidelines before granting investors the right to a concession.

This could also better permit the Ministry of Finance to collect revenue in the form of land concession fees from project developers, Dr Chaleun said.

Land concession projects could only be approved in accordance with national and provincial land development master plans approved by the relevant authorities, investors and agencies were reminded.

Relevant state agencies were also instructed to work together to ensure that forests and other wildlife habitat areas were protected from damage by investment projects.

Future Is Great: Learning, Life Opportunities On Show at UK Study Fair

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February 21, 2019

As more and more students from Laos and fellow South East Asian nations look to study abroad, the UK’s Education is Great roadshow drives on with efforts to promote its considerable offerings in the sector in the form of the UK Study Fair 2019 in the capital Vientiane.

International education opportunities abound, yet for students and parents looking to make the best possible choice, the options available may appear overwhelming. How do you know which path will lead you into the right degree and many career options beyond?

UK Study Fair 2019 in Vientiane, Laos credit Laos Briefly — Education was a key theme as Panyathip International School Students Explored Their Futures Through Drama at UK’s #InspireMeFestival 2018 in Vientiane, Laos.

Culture? Lifestyle? Visas? Language? For students opting to study abroad, there are many factors to consider in choosing an education destination.

It can be confusing to decide where to study, and make sure you understand the whole process from application to life after graduation and beyond.

Just in time to de-mystify some of these options is the UK Study Fair on Saturday, February 23.

OK, What’s so great an education in the UK?

The UK touts education as a strength that is widely considered to present some of the very best educational options anywhere.

As well as being host to the top two ranking universities in the world, UK universities consistently come out on top in the QS employer reputation ranking, showing that UK degrees are highly prized wherever one may go.

The UK is also considered a top destination for aspiring political and state leaders, with one in four world leaders having studied there.

These days, you do not even need to leave the ASEAN region to receive a UK education – many UK universities have institutions in the surrounding regions as well.

What to expect from the UK Study Fair 2019?

At the UK Study Fair, which runs from 09:30 – 15:00 on Saturday 23rd February at ITECC, students will be able to hear firsthand from ranking UK universities, take part in interactive workshops (about Chevening scholarships, acing the IELTS test, UK visas, IGCSE science and maths and more).

Learn more about the UK’s cultures with a fun UK quiz.

Education is GREAT t-shirts, notebooks, pens and bags are set to go to the first 200 folk into the fair, so be sure to get there early to grab a memento.

UK's #InspireMeFestival2018 at Crowne Plaza Vientiane — UK’s #InspireMeFestival2018 at Crowne Plaza Vientiane via Laos Briefly

Public Speaking Contest

Set to inspire and reward students seeking to improve their language and presentation skills is an English language speech contest. Finals will take place at midday during the fair – come and cheer on your friends as they compete for big prizes!

Welcome one and all to the fair to learn, enjoy and be inspired by opportunities afforded by a UK education!

For questions or inquiries contact bevientiane@gmail.com.

Vientiane Bans Sale of Alcohol before 4pm

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Laotian Times

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February 20, 2019

(Lao Post)

In a drastic move to promote health and safety among members of Lao society, the Mayor of Vientiane has taken measures to ban the sale of alcohol or alcoholic beverages in the capital before 4pm.

According to a Decision issued 21 December 2018 by the Office of the Mayor of Vientiane Capital on Measures for Reduction of Accidents and Road Safety Promotion, retailers and other establishments who sell alcohol or alcoholic beverages will be subject to routine inspections and fines starting 1 July.

Similarly, civil servants or government employees in violation of these regulations, or who do not assist police officers in apprehending those responsible, will be subject to strict disciplinary measures.

Implementation of this Decision will be pivotal to its success, and the government hopes all citizens will take part in order to reduce the number of accidents in the nation’s capital caused by consumption of alcohol, and damage caused by drink driving.

Snakes on A Pier! Smuggled Serpents Intercepted En Route from Thailand to Laos in Their Thousands

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February 19, 2019

Snakes Seized in Mukdahan, Thailand (The Nation)

Bound for a liquor-infused finale of serpentine-inspired, aphrodisian fantasies (fallacies?), the disruption of a criminal smuggling racket in Thailand’s Mukdahan Province has led to a lucky escape for more than 2,700 snakes all set to be smuggled cross-border bound for Laos and apparently some horny drinkers and all-too-hopeful Cassanovas beyond.

The sizeable seizure of snakes worth about a million baht (US32,000 or 275 million Lao Kip) reportedly netted some 182 baskets containing 2,730 rat snakes and cobras headed to Laos from Thailand via a long tail boat.

The smuggling operation was intercepted as the illicit slithering cargo was about to be shipped across the river from Thailand into Laos.

Thailand’s The Nation reported that checkpoint head Sathit Pisaisawat led the snake seizure effort that included his own officers plus those of Surasakmontree Military Camp’s task force and the Navy’s Mukdahan’s Mekong Patrol Operation Command at 8.30pm on Sunday evening.

The seizure on Thailand’s side of the shared border occurred at Ban Bang Sai Noi pier in Mukdahan’s Wan Yai district.

The successful disruption reportedly followed a tip-off regarding the planned smuggling operation.

It was reported that from surveillance, some 3-4 persons were seen to be moving what appeared to be plastic baskets with closed lids from a pick-up truck onto the pier for transport by long-tail boat. The persons scattered upon the approach of authorities.

Some 15 live snakes were found inside a net sack in each basket.

These were seized as evidence as the search for those involved continues. Should they be caught, suspects should expect to be charged with having wildlife in their possession without permission and importing wildlife without permission under Thailand’s Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act 1992, it was reported.

In Laos, the snakes could be expected to be on-sold to Chinese intermediaries in order to make alcoholic beverages produced by infusing whole snakes in grain liquor.

The product is believed to be sold to those who believe it may cure what ails them (or their beloved).

Wildlife Crime is not a Victimless Venture

Frivolity aside, cross-border wildlife smuggling is a serious crime in the region, as Laotian Times reported in February 2018.

Those with information of such incidences are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to authorities.

Organizations like IUCN, WWF and WCS and more are also engaged on the issues and welcome reports of suspected crimes.

Those on Facebook can engage with the issue via the Campaign to Abolish the Illegal Wildlife Trade in Laos.

Every time you buy… Nature pays!

Never Give Up! Rising Star Alita Gets Set to Shine At Cool & Kawaii Japan 2019

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February 15, 2019

Alita Alounsavath at Cool & Kawaii Japan 2019 in Vientiane, Laos

Laos’ singer and rising star Alita Alounsavath is set to perform in the capital Vientiane for Cool & Kawaii Japan 2018 on Saturday evening (Feb 16).

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E-Commerce Benefits Require Access, Digital Connectivity At Right Cost in Laos

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February 13, 2019

Taking Advantage of E-Commerce: Legal, Regulatory, and Trade Facilitation Priorities for Lao PDR

Barriers such as costs and strength of connectivity, infrastructure, facilitation must be overcome so ongoing development of e-Commerce in Laos can assist more women, small firms, people with physical disabilities, and those in isolated communities to benefit from trade, according to research from World Bank.

Technology, e-Commerce, and connectivity mean the potential for exporting goods and services from Laos has never been greater, yet obstacles remain to fully comprehend and grab some of the many opportunities on offer, according to research released by the multilateral financier, the World Bank.

The rapid growth of e-commerce globally, including in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), helps lower the costs of trade for exporters from Laos and reduces prices for consumers, the research paper entitled Taking Advantage of E-Commerce: Legal, Regulatory and Trade Facilitation Priorities for Lao PDR (English) has found.

It comes hot on the heels of the critical assessment on offer in the report Digital Connectivity in Lao PDR: Lagging Behind Peers featured by the Laotian Times: “Laos’ Online Connectivity Lagging Behind Peers As World Bank Research Reveals Extent, also in February 2019.

E-Commerce connectivity recommendations from World Bank via Taking Advantage of E-Commerce: Legal, Regulatory, and Trade Facilitation Priorities for Lao PDR.

What is e-Commerce?

“E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services digitally”, according to the definition used in the research,

“Although limited available information suggests that Lao PDR has a minimal presence of e-commerce, it has the potential to present many opportunities:”

E-commerce can help lower the costs of trade for Lao PDR exporters and lower prices for consumers.
It can also reduce barriers to people who face disadvantages participating in traditional trade (ie. women, people with disabilities, and isolated communities).
E-Commerce connectivity recommendations from World Bank via Taking Advantage of E-Commerce: Legal, Regulatory, and Trade Facilitation Priorities for Lao PDR.

Constraints to the e-commerce environment currently hold Lao PDR back from greater participation.

Limited internet connectivity, high costs of payments, incomplete regulatory infrastructure, and high trade facilitation and logistics costs are limiting factors.

The legal and regulatory framework needs strengthening in some areas to support greater participation in e-commerce.

Strengthening the protection of consumers participating in e-commerce and developing/implementing legislation for the protection of personal data will be key.
Taxation of e-commerce is also a priority policy area. Any reform should be informed by a careful assessment of costs and benefits to avoid restricting the early growth of e-commerce.

Trade facilitation also needs further reform to avoid posing undue costs on small firms or entrepreneurs trying to enter into e-commerce.

The earliest area of growth in international e-commerce would likely be cross-border trade.
Small firms and entrepreneurs are least equipped to manage costs related to shipment delays, lack of transparency, and unpredictable regulations.
Clarification on regulations for low-value goods imports and a formal framework to streamline the process are necessary.

The reports key recommendations:

Implement relevant ASEAN approaches to regulatory issues related to e-commerce, with a special focus on consumer protection, privacy, and electronic signatures.
Take a cautious approach to imposing new taxes on e-commerce.
Establish a transparent and consistently applied procedure for handling low-value cross-border trade.
Move away from submission or paper documents for trade clearance and toward electronic submission of documents.
Increase effort to apply risk management principles in processing cross-border shipments.
Confirm the leadership role of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in the coordination of the e-commerce agenda.

1000 Strong As JICA Volunteers From Japan Surpass Millennium Milestone in Laos

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February 11, 2019

Celebrating 1000 Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers To Laos via JICA.

Warm welcome as the arrival of eleven Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers from JICA takes Japan International Cooperation Agency past the one-thousand milestone in Laos.

Agriculture and Community Development, Education, Health, Law, Public Works, Water Treatment, Sanitation and Waste Management.

These are just some of the many areas in which Laos has seen rapid development over the decades, making the country a safer, healthier, cleaner and more comfortable place to live.

These important areas are also among the many where contributions of grants, aid, and exchanges with Japan have been warmly welcomed.

This includes technical expertise and assistance thanks to no less than one thousand Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV).

●Mr. Takatsugu NAKAYAMA (Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, NUOL, right)One scene of my lecture introducing…

Posted by JICA Laos -ອົງການຮ່ວມມືສາກົນຢີ່ປຸ່ນ- on ວັນຈັນ ທີ 7 ມັງກອນ 2019

The millennial milestone was passed when eleven new Japanese volunteers to Laos together with representatives of their host organizations were welcomed to the Embassy of Japan to Laos in Vientiane on February 4, 2019.

Warm welcomes were provided by Ms. Sisomboun Ounavong, Director General of International Cooperation and Minister to the Embassy of Japan to Laos, Mr. Kuno Kazuhiro.

Posted by Embassy of Japan in Laos ສະຖານທູດຍີ່ປຸ່ນປະຈໍາ ສປປລາວ on ວັນຈັນ ທີ 4 ກຸມພາ 2019

There, volunteers heard of the high regard held for the contributions of JOCV, something recognized by PM Thongloun Sisoulith at a recent event hosting a courtesy call at Government House for World Volunteers Day as reported by Laotian Times.

Members of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) and Japan’s Senior Volunteers (SV) were hosted by the PM for an annual courtesy call and informal exchange on Monday, December 10 where Mr. Thongloun expressed heartwarming appreciation for volunteers’ daily efforts.

Prime Minister Thongloun welcomes visit from Volunteers from Japan via JICA

PM Thongloun meets Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV)

The volunteers reported on their activities and challenges that they directly are facing on the ground while in response, the Prime Minister made comments on the initiatives being made by the Government of Laos.

Thousand volunteers to Laos among 50,000 to 90 countries

●Ms. Mayumi NISHIMURA (Nurse, Mahosot Hospital, right)This picture was taken when a Japanese newspaper visited us. She…

Posted by JICA Laos -ອົງການຮ່ວມມືສາກົນຢີ່ປຸ່ນ- on ວັນຈັນ ທີ 7 ມັງກອນ 2019

More than 50,000 JICA volunteers have been dispatched to more than 90 countries around the world since the first made their trip so many years ago. The numbers include both junior volunteers (aged under 40 years) and senior volunteers (40 – 69 years).

Volunteer programs “support activities by citizens (of Japan) who wish to cooperate in the economic and social development as well as the reconstruction of developing countries,” JICA’s website states.

“Through these cooperation activities, participating volunteers can not only contribute to the development of partner countries but also gain valuable experience in terms of international goodwill, mutual understanding and an expansion in their international perspectives.

“Widely recognized as a representative Japanese international cooperation program, volunteer activities have not only earned high acclaim from partner countries but are also receiving increased praise in Japan, where expectations for these programs are also rising.”

Posted by JICA Laos -ອົງການຮ່ວມມືສາກົນຢີ່ປຸ່ນ- on ວັນສຸກ ທີ 8 ກຸມພາ 2019

A bridge between diverse people, communities, countries

Find out more about the activities of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers by attending events such as Let’s Travel Local LAOS from March 2-3 at Hidden Cafe at Vientiane.