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ASEAN Strengthens Cooperation on Disaster Response

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Military officers from ASEAN countries and dialogue partners met in Vientiane yesterday to discuss ways forward in their cooperation for more effective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

The officers were gathered for the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus Experts Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Meeting as the last meeting for this second phase of cooperation under the Laos-Japan co-chairmanship from 2014 to 2016.

ASEAN is a region at risk of various types of disasters and different levels of severity. Numerous storms hit the Philippines every year, which causes loss of lives and properties.

The 2006 earthquake in the Indian Ocean killed hundreds of thousands of people in Indonesia and Thailand. Similar losses also occurred with Japan in 2011 from strong earthquakes and the consequent enormous tsunami.

Myanmar faced a huge loss from Cyclone Nargis hitting the Irrawaddy River Delta in 2008, while flash floods have also caused deaths and loss of properties in Laos in recent years. The threats of natural disasters have continued with the recent earthquake significantly affected Indonesia’s Aceh province. In his welcoming remarks at yesterday’s meeting, Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Onesy Senesouk said, “Even though this meeting is the last meeting for this phase of cooperation, this does not mean the end of humanitarian assistance and disaster response.”

“We have to continue the development of our existing cooperation mechanisms and enhance our capacity for more effective and efficient response to emergencies and minimise the loss of lives and properties,” he added.

At the meeting, participants discussed the achievements of cooperation made by the EWG in the past three years, learned about the results of the joint training exercise of the EWGs on HADR and military medicines. They also considered the basic principles of the multinational coordination centre and passed the declaration by affected countries.

Chapter 6 of the Standard Operating Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations was also tabled to the discussion for final agreement.

ASEAN established the Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in 2006 as a platform that allows for open and constructive dialogue on regional security issues of mutual interest at the ministerial level and promotes practical operations among the ASEAN armed forces.

All ASEAN member states are members of the ADMM. The ADMM also engages eight key extra regional partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States through the ADMM-Plus.

At their meeting in Vientiane in May, ASEAN defence ministers agreed on the concept of founding an ASEAN dignitaries readiness group to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Major General Onesy said the continued cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief reflected the joint efforts in realising the task agreed by ASEAN defence ministers.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

First Lao ICT Expo 2016 Kicks Off in Vientiane

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The Lao ICT Expo 2016 kicked off yesterday featuring an exhibition of new applications, devices, telecom operators, e-commerce businesses and finance technology.

The expo is hosted by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and will take place from December 14-18 at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane.

Present at the opening were Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Bounthong Chitmany, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Dr Thansamay Kommasith, ministers and provincial deputy governors.

The ministry has the role to manage ICT in Laos and in the past it has concentrated on developing modern technical structures such as the National Internet Centre, Cyber Safe Protection Centre, Lao Computer Emergency Response Centre, National Transmission Line, and Lao Satellite.

Herewith, the ministry has also improved and developed legislation to manage and improve ICT such as the law on telecommunications, law on posts, law on prevention and combating cyber crime and law on information technology.

However the ministry has faced challenges such as knowledge and capacity on the use of ICT devices in a beneficial way, as it recognises IT as a double-edged sword.

The IT sector will play a major role in society and socio-economic development. The government aims to develop all working sectors of ICT in a bid to create an advanced government administration and step forward to the digital and modern economic era.

According to organisers, the objective of the event is to showcase innovative and sustainable ICT developments and applications in Laos, including the use of information and communications technology in business to help boost the Lao economy.

It also aims to raise awareness about emerging technologies and bring the ICT sector closer to the general public.

The expo will feature exhibitions of new applications, devices, telecom operators, e-commerce businesses and finance technology.

In addition, the event will provide information to entrepreneurs, agencies and private enterprises on the use of ICT to increase efficiency, promote entrepreneurship, and streamline services.

Seminars on various topics related to ICT will be held, in which participants and experts will share their experience and knowledge related to ICT development and policies in Laos and abroad.

There will also be a focus on promoting e-commerce businesses by showcasing suppliers of agricultural products, cosmetics, medical devices and other consumer items.

Of particular interest to regular consumers at the expo are the special promotions on offer for ICT devices and accessories, with discounts ranging from 20-80 percent, including deals from telecom operators on mobile plans.

A demonstration of the new smartphone and a special exhibit on how ICT is integrated into the Lao government, called “Smart Lao Government”, will also take place.

Other activities are also planned, with musicians from Laos and abroad scheduled to perform.

There will be a mobile application and website building competition, ICT start-up business plan competition, “ICT Super Vote Model 2016” competition, and an ICT beauty competition.

 

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Govt Fights Corruption, Vows to Cut Excess

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The government has instructed its anti-corruption body to work out necessary measures and carry out inspection to fight against corruption in all forms.

The instruction was made at the two-day meeting between the government cabinet, Vientiane Mayor and provincial governors that concluded on Wednesday in Vientiane.

Chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the meeting entrusted a committee in charge of debt payment for state investment projects to draw up measures for debt payment so that debt would be paid in a transparent manner and prevent the accumulation of more debt.

The Ministry of Finance was assigned to work with relevant departments to accelerate measures to exercise frugal spending and cutting extravagance in each particular field.

In this regard, frugality should begin from restricting the use of or cutting spending on state vehicles and ensuring state investment projects and purchasing undergo proper bidding processes.

The participants discussed a Prime Ministerial Order on the implementation of the 2017 socio-economic development plan, budget plan and currency plan and agreed to upgrade the order into a Prime Ministerial Decree that details measures to pursue the economic growth target of 7 percent.

The Ministry of Finance was told to work with relevant sectors to inspect and ensure that budget obligations are paid to the state and pay attention to revenue collection and expenditure.

It was also instructed to modernise mechanisms to ensure transparent revenue collection and expenditure that can be inspected.

The meeting told the central bank to pay attention to manage and maintain the inflation rate at an appropriate level, as well as address the exchange rate gap between the banking system and the non-banking system.

Participants agreed to carry out implementing the Prime Ministerial Order No 15 that imposes tough action to regulate wood processing plants, businesses and the prohibition on exports of unfinished wooden products.

The meeting told the authorities in charge to implement a decision that orders the shutdown of 28 sawmills located near or inside forest areas by December 2016.

The authorities were told to take action to manage goods prices in local markets to prevent unreasonable increases in prices.

The meeting instructed the relevant bodies to ensure that the salary for civil servants is paid in a timely manner.

Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Thongloun told the cabinet members, Vientiane Mayor and provincial governors to strive to maintain political stability, security and social order conducive to socio-economic development.

The premier called for the participants to exert full efforts to pursue the 2017 socio-economic development agendas.

PM Thongloun told the participants to attach great attention to and take into account the recommendations of the National Assembly and provincial councils.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Lao Dancer C-Lil Shines at World Street Dance 2016 in France

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Lao dancer, Mr Phayviboun Silimongkhoun or C- LiL, from Lao Bang Fai dance group, came in first and second place in two categories at the World Street Dance 2016 competition held recently in France.

C- LiL won the first place in the Power Move Battle and 2nd Place at the One on One Battle, demonstrating his B-boy dance style to dancers from the world.

This competition gave contestants the opportunity to join a prestigious line-up through a qualification round, which took place on December 3 in an urban village.

The World Street Dance 2016 attracted approximately 1,700 spectators and featured performances by 30 artists per day.

A member of the Lao Bang Fai, Mr Anousa Phothisan, told Vientiane Times that he appreciated a Lao dancer like Mr Phayviboun could achieve so much at the competition.

World Street Dance 2016 included dance experts from around the world who joined in the annual battle to showcase their dance talent.

He said Mr Phayviboun started his dancing with Lao Bang Fai when he was twelve years old and for ten years has continuously devoted his time to improving his dance skills and talents alongside the group.

For this success, he thanked the French Embassy for their encouragement and cooperation as well as Lao Bang Fai for providing a chance to young Lao people to develop their skills and talents to showcase before the world.

A genuine success at the World Street Dance 2016 was accomplished not only through love and unity, but also having fun, he explained.

Mr Phayviboun urged Lao people to follow his successes at various global dance competitions and cheer him on from near and afar.

More details about the World Street Dance competition can be found on their Facebook page World Street Dance.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

BCEL-KT: Trade Summary (Dec 14, 2016)

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Trade Summary

LSX index hovered over 1,004.54 points with 23,400 shares traded, translating to about 116,990,000 kip contributed mainly by foreign investors and securities. EDL-Gen closed at 4,950 kip, seeing 4,500 shares of trading volume, while BCEL still closed at 5,000 kip with 18,900 shares exchanged. LWPC, PTL and SVN closed unchanged at 5,900 kip, 2,500 kip and 3,000 kip respectively with no trading.

Two Dead, More Than 10 Injured in Salakham Accident

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Two people were killed and 19 people sustained injuries after a Hyundai pickup truck overturned in Salakham village, Hadxaifong district, Vientiane on Sunday.

A senior official of the Vientiane Traffic Department, Captain Vixay Vilaisay, told Vientiane Times yesterday that the accident occurred at 4:30pm on December 11.

The driver of the pickup, Mr Soulivan, 35, of Nonghai village and his 20 passengers were travelling at high-speed from Nonghai traffic lights to the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge when the vehicle lost control and overturned in Salakham village.

A passenger was killed instantly at the scene and another passenger passed away later in hospital. The victims were identified as Mr Soukan, 65, of Nonghai village and Mr Khamhan, 40, of Champao village, Samakhixay district, Attapeu province.

Meanwhile, one passenger also sustained critical injuries and 17 another passengers sustained moderate injuries. Police expected the accident was caused by speeding.

Another incident also occurred in Salakham village on Saturday night when a SUV vehicle collided with the rear end of a rickshaw. One person was killed instantly and three people sustained moderate injures. The Vientiane Traffic Police Department is continuing to investigate the accidents.

The Vientiane Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security recorded 46 road accidents in the capital from December 1-11, in which 10 people died, 89 people were injured and 86 vehicles sustained damage.

Vientiane usually has the most accidents compared with other provinces around the country.

Meanwhile, alcohol is recognised as being a major cause of road accidents and this year incidents of drunk driving are higher than ever.

According to the department, motorbikes were involved in 95 percent of all vehicular accidents, with male drivers making up 90 percent of the fatalities.

The number of road accidents overall continues to increase. About 90 percent of accidents involve drunken driving, speeding and other violations of the traffic rules. Many accidents occur on weekends and special occasions when people get together to drink alcohol.

Xaythany and Hadxaifong districts recorded the highest number of accidents in the capital.

Source: Vientiane Times

Govt, Development Partners Evaluate Disaster Risk Projects

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Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has reviewed the progress of three disaster risk management projects in Laos, which have been implemented in five provinces around the country.

The three projects are: Integrated Disaster and Climate Risk Management (IDCRM) and Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) which were both implemented in Vientiane, Xieng Khuang, and Xayaboury, along with Effective Governance for Small-Scale Rural Infrastructure and Disaster Preparedness in a Changing Climate (LDCF2) which is being implemented in Saravan and Xekong provinces.

All projects have been implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and United Nations Development Programme Lao PDR (UNDP), aiming to reduce risks and make Laos more resistant to the effects of Climate Change as well as other natural disasters.

Disaster risk management and climate change are issues that Laos and other countries around the world have been encountering and trying to solve.

Laos is paying attention to implementation to cope with disaster management and climate change by cooperating with development partners, sponsors and other international organisations.

Progress of the projects was present ed at the Department of Disaster Management and Climate Change meeting on Tuesday.

In attendance was Acting Director General of Department of Disaster Management and Climate Change, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr Sangkhan Thiengthammavong; representative of UNDP in Laos, Mr Balasubramaniam Murali along with international organisation representatives. Project Manager of Disaster Management and Climate Change Mr Chanthy Intravong presented the IDCRM project which ran from June 2013 to December 2015 but the government has requested to extend it past the expiry date.

Its aim has been to strengthen the disaster risk management system, linking with effective recovery and climate change adaptation through a multi-sectorial and multi-hazard approach at all levels (national, provincial, district, and village).The key achievement of the IDCRM project was the establishment of the disaster management information system especially the Lao Disaster Information System (LaoDi) which was launched in September this year.

Meanwhile, the INDC Project running from March 2016 to September 2017 aims to identify and support implementation of Laos’ contributions to the post-2020 global climate agreement. It will also strengthen the nation’s engagement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiation process leading to the post-2020 agreemen t. Key achievement of the INDC project was the preparation and presentation to the National Assembly of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change for ratification in August this year.

Laos ratified the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and submitted its instrument of ratification to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during his participation in the eighth ASEAN-UN Summit in Vientiane on September 7.

LDCF2 is also operational from May 2013 to December 2017, which aims to improve administrative systems for the provision and maintenance of small-scale infrastructure. Its major accomplishments have been the completion of 12 financed infrastructure projects in late 2015 benefitting 17,000 local people and mobilising grant funding for 12 new infrastructure projects to be implemented in 2017.

Source: Vientiane Times

Outstanding Projects Supported by ADB Receive Good Practise Awards

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Five outstanding projects supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have received Good Practice Awards for achieving successful development outcomes.

The five outstanding projects include the Secondary Education Sector Development Programme, the Smallholder Development Project, the Small Towns Water Supply, the Sanitation Sector Project, the Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project and the GMS East-West Economic Corridor Agriculture Infrastructure Project.

The awards handover ceremony took place in Vientiane yesterday. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr Kikeo Chanthaboury, and the Officer in-Charge of the ADB in Laos, Mr Steven Schipani, handed the awards to representatives from the five outstanding projects.

Since 2008, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, in collaboration with other government agencies and the ADB, have conducted this annual awards programme, Mr Steven Schipani said.

The programme recognises outstanding project teams and their efforts to ensure that ADB-financed projects achieve their expected outputs and outcomes and positively impact the country’s development.

This year, we recognise outstanding projects in two categories. The first award is called Good Practises in Project Implementation. The selection criteria include technical performance, contract awards and disbursement, timely submission of quality audit reports and compliance with safeguard requirements, Mr Steven Schipani added.

The second award is titled Good Practices for Preparing a High Quality Government Project Completion Report. The selection criteria considered the quality of analysis and ratings, timely closing of accounts, presentation of lessons and recommendations for future projects.

Selection of good practise teams followed a rigorous and transparent process. Using these objective criteria, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Finance and the ADB staff jointly evaluated 13 projects in total.

The final selection of teams was a challenging task, as all of the projects are performing well, Mr Steven Schipani noted. He mentioned at their quarterly portfolio review meeting the bank was on track to meet its performance targets for the year. Further, with newly approved ADB financing of US$127 million in 2016, the bank’s portfolio has increased to 30 proje cts worth about US$850 million.

Through the efforts of all project teams, I am confident that these resources are being used to achieve positive development outcomes, which are aligned with the government’s objectives to promote continued, firm and inclusive economic growth, human resource development and effective environmental protection, he concluded.

Source: Vientiane Times

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