Home Blog Page 6332

BCEL-KT: Trade Summary (Nov 15, 2016)

By
admin
-

Trade Summary

On Tuesday, LSX index lowered by 1.64 percent or 16.36 points, weighted by the loss of the energy stock. EDL-Gen saw a big amount of trading volume by foreign investors for more than 190,000 shares in the trading session; the opening price was 4,850 kip but finally managed to close down at 4,800 kip with 192,700 shares matched. BCEL stayed at 5,200 kip, having only 1,000 shares traded, while LWPC engaged in trading for the first time after 22 days of no execution, with 2,000 shares, translating to 12,200,000 kip. PTL and SVN had no trading at unchanged prices. The market trading volume was 195,700 shares which resulted in 942,760,000 kip of daily turnover.

Laos, Ireland Enhance Cooperation

By
admin
-

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, his wife and delegation arrived in Vientiane on Monday for an official visit to Laos from November 14-16 at the invitation of President Bounnhang Vorachit.

An official bilateral meeting between high level Lao and Irish delegations led by the two heads of states Bounnhang Vorachit and Michael Higgins took place yesterday at the President’s Office to discuss future bilateral cooperation.

The delegations discussed assistance and cooperation on UXO clearance in Laos, environmental protection and climate change, the promotion of economic, trade and investment cooperation in Laos, and shared their views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

President Higgins praised the success of Laos in hosting the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits and related meetings.

He invited Mr Bounnhang to visit Ireland, with Mr Bounnhang accepting the invitation.

Ireland has assisted Laos in promoting capacity building for Lao personnel as well as in education, especially English language training. Irish assistance to Laos has involved particularly the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH), promoting personnel development in the tourism sector.

Irish scholarships have also been granted to Lao students to study at the Institute of Technology in Dublin.

On the same day, President Higgins and his delegation met with Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and President of the National Assembly Ms Pany Yathotou, with the meetings taking place in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding.

President Higgins and his delegation also visited places of interest in Vientiane such as the Vat Sisaket Museum, the Ministry of Health’s Institute of Nutrition, and LANITH .

“This visit by President of Ireland Michael Higgins and his delegation shows Ireland’s intention to enhance cooperation between Laos and Ireland to new heights in the history of the relationship between the two countries,” a press release from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

“The event is a milestone in strengthening the good relationship and cooperation between the two countries after they established diplomatic relations in August 1998,” the press release added.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Govt Introduces New Database for Education

By
admin
-

The Ministry of Education and Sports and the FPT University of Vietnam have introduced an education database system and new website programme www.laoympic.la for e-learning by students in Laos.

The Educational Standards and Quality Assurance Centre agreed to partner with the FPT University on the development of the database for education quality management at every level of the state and private sector.

According to the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Educational Standards and Quality Assurance Centre and FPT University are ready to implement the programme .

The project focuses on building a quality education database for educational institutions.

It is also developing a knowledge test through online systems for learners, the Educational Standards and Quality Assurance Centre said.

An opening ceremony took place in Vientiane on Tuesday and was attended by Head of Office of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Sisamone Sithirajvongsa, Assistant Minister of Education and Sports, Mr Thongpiew Boutsady, and representatives of support companies and students.

Director General of the Educational Standards and Quality Assurance Centre of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mr Vanhxay Noraxeng, said after opening the quality education database and new website that they will be training officials to use the software as well as further refining it.

After that they will present it to the Ministry of Education and Sports for the establishment of a leading committee, as well as the provision of training and handbooks on the use of the database and website.

During the development of the databases and website, Unitel, Star Telecom and FPT companies will provide free internet access to the programme. The internet system is registered with the the Lao National Internet Centre.

The website will be available in provinces throughout the country, serving primary and secondary schools as well as adult learners free of charge.

Mr Vanhxay said project will be officially launched at the beginning of 2017 by the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Source: Vientiane Times

ASEAN Governors, Mayors Agree to Enhance their Capital Cities

By
admin
-

Governors and Mayors of ASEAN capital cities have adopted the theme ‘Commitment and Responsibility of ASEAN Capitals for ASEAN Integration’, which covers four main sub-themes.

The sub-themes are: creating ASEAN capitals as liveable cities; ensuring public security; the preservation and promotion of traditional and cultural heritage and promotion of tourism; and cooperation in strengthening the workforce.

This information was outlined by Vientiane Mayor Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune during the fourth Meeting of Governors/Mayors of ASEAN Capitals, held in Vientiane yesterday.

In his opening remarks, Dr Sinlavong said the theme of the meeting was compatible with the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, which all ASEAN governments have consensually adopted.

“This meeting takes place at the same time as the 450th anniversary of the That Luang stupa, which is considered to be the biggest cultural festival in Laos,” Dr Sinlavong said.

He observed that the meeting served as a forum for discussion and the sharing of knowledge and experiences between ASEAN governors and mayors, which would ultimately contribute to the development of ASEAN capitals.

He said the successful outcome of the third Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals had contributed to a closer relationship between ASEAN capitals, especially in terms of sharing best practices in various areas.

Those have underpinned the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, such as sustainable urban development, traffic congestion solutions, the creation of green capitals, tourism industry, workforce capacity enhancement, cultural exchange, and other issues.

Dr Sinlavong said many interesting activities have been planned such as art exhibitions, and the exhibition of local products from ASEAN capitals.

During the meeting, Dr Sinlavong asked for cooperation and contributions from all delegates in sharing their ideas on the above-mentioned issues in a constructive manner and fruitful atmosphere, in line with the ASEAN slogan: ‘ASEAN, we are bonded as one’.

Dr Sinlavong thanked the governors and mayors of ASEAN capitals for their contributions to the meeting.

“This indicates a manifestation of support and readiness to strengthen the integration and realisation of the ASEAN Community at the local level,” he said.

Dr Sinlavong encouraged the visiting governors and mayors to visit various landmarks and appreciate the beauty of Lao culture and nature during their stay in Vientiane.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Over 3km of Eroded Riverbank Slated for Protection

By
admin
-
Erosion on a bank of the Murray River.

The repair of riverbank erosion is a priority for next year, with 3,140 metres of the Mekong and its branches in three provinces to be shored up, a leading official has announced.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Dr Bounchan Sinthavong told National Assembly members about the riverbank protection at the legislature’s ongoing session.

Dr Bounchan said the priority work would be carried out at four points to tackle erosion and shore up 3,140 metres of riverbank in the provinces of Borikh amxay, Xayaboury and Bokeo.

“About 63.6 billion kip will be spent on riverbank protection,” he said.

Borikhamxay province plans to protect an 820 metre section along the Mekong at the border area in Nakhaneua village, Thaphabath district, and another 700 metres near Phabathphonson village in the same district.

A 1,100 metre section of the Heuang River in Kaenthao district, Xayaboury province, is also slated for repair.

And a 520 metre section of the Mekong River embankment in Tonpheung district, Bokeo province, will be built up following erosion.

A Borikhamxay provincial official, Mr Keoudone Luangsouvannavong, told Vientiane Times on Tuesday that the Mekong riverbank in Nakhaneua and Phabathphonsan villages began to crumble in 2012.

These riverbanks have eroded excessively each year since because of flooding.

Earlier this month Borikhamxay province invited officials from various ministries to visit the province to witness the erosion at the Pakxan-Bueng Kan international border between Laos and Thailand.

A section of fencing at the Pakxan border has already disappeared into the Mekong because of erosion.

Borikhamxay surveyed 197 kilometres along the Mekong in the districts of Pakxan, Thaphabath and Pakkading which revealed that a 79km section of riverbank was in need of an embankment.

Ac cording to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the repairs along the Mekong and other rivers would cost about 4,369 billion kip.

Some 289km of riverbank along the Mekong in various parts of the country and along the Heuang River in Xayaboury province have crumbled, and about 120km has been shored up with embankments.

Dr Bounchan said there was now about 168k m of riverbank that was suffering from erosion.

Source: Vientiane Times

Amendments to Laws Give Parliament Members more Rights

By
admin
-

Amendments to the Law on National Assembly (NA) and the Law on Provincial Assembly (PA) will give parliamentarians more rights following approval of the amendments by the National Assembly this week.

Members voted on Monday to pass the amendments to the laws at the ongoing ordinary session of parliament. Amendments were made to articles 12, 13, 29, 33 of the Law on National Assembly and to articles 12, 13, 32, 36, 39 and 57 of the Law on Provincial Assembly.

Amendments to the Law on National Assembly give the NA’s standing committee the legitimate right to ask the National Assembly to dissolve a Provincial Assembly if the body causes severe damage or loss to the interests of the nation or the people. Similar rights are given to the Lao Front for National Construction and its provincial offices to ask the National Assembly to consider dissolving a Provincial Assembly justified by the same reasons.

The amendments require the National Assembly to rate or give a score to the performances of the personnel it elects or approves to take up important positions.

Under Article 12, the National Assembly is mandated to elect the State President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Supreme Prosecutor, People’s Supreme Court and other high-ranking posts in state bodies. Parliament also has the legitimate right to vote to remove personnel from these positions.

The National Assembly is also given the right to appoint, transfer, or remove from office the president and vice president of provincial and regional people’s courts.

Amendments to the Law on Provincial Assembly have mandated these bodies to consider the approval of the appointment of provincial and district prosecutors as well as the presidents of provincial and district people’s courts.

Provincial Assemblies are also permitted to consider the approval of the appointment, transfer or removal from office of district or city governors if so proposed by the provincial governor or Vientiane Mayor.

The Provincial Assembly is also mandated to rate or give a score to the performance of personnel that it elects or approves.

The 201 5 version of the Law on National Assembly comprised nine parts, 17 chapters and 104 articles, while the 2015 version of the Law on Provincial Assembly comprised nine parts, 16 chapters and 99 articles.

Yesterday, the National Assembly debated and approved the draft amendment of the Law on Inspection of the NA and PA. A draft Law on Plant Quarantine was also debated.

Today, lawmakers are schedule to debate a draft amendment to the Investment Promotion Law.

Source: Vientiane Times

Laos, EU Seek Strengthened Higher Education Cooperation

By
admin
-

Higher education institutions need to further strengthen their management and administration including governance to improve overall quality, efficiency, relevance, equity and access.

This was the message conveyed when the European Union in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National University of Laos (NUOL) held the 2nd European Union-Laos Higher Education Policy and Cooperation Roadshow in Vientiane yesterday.

The event joins others in Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces which in total attracted almost 1,000 people.

The purpose of the event was to provide a platform for discussion and exchange of views between Laos and the European Union, including EU Member States, on how to improve the quality of higher education, to strengthen exchange and cooperation, and to promote study and training opportunities in Europe.

The EU-Laos Higher Education Roadshow is important to enhance education exchanges between the two parties. Through people-to-people contacts and academic exchanges, Laos and Europe will get to know each other better and work closer together.

After the three events in the provinces and this one in Vientiane, EU Ambassador to Laos Mr Leo Faber said he hoped to see an increasing number of EU-Laos Partnership projects under the Erasmus Plus Programme, more students from Laos going to Europe for their studies, and increasing numbers of European staff and students coming for exchanges in Laos.

At the event participants shared their experiences of higher education and discussed the priorities of higher education in Laos, regional and international integration in higher education and cooperation between EU and Lao universities.

Since 2004, more than 250 students from Laos have received scholarships from the European Union Erasmus Mundus Programme to further their studies at various levels ranging from professional training, bachelor, master’s and doctorate degrees in the European Union.

EU Member States such as the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom also regularly provide scholarships for students from Laos.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Sengdeuan Lachanthaboun, Acting President of NUOL, Prof. Dr Somsy Gnophanxay, EU Ambassador to Laos, Mr Leo Faber, German Ambassador to Laos, Mr Michael Grau, members of the diplomatic corps, education officials and students.

Source: Vientiane Times

Association Gives Scholarships to Disadvantaged Students

By
admin
-

The Dongsavath Children and Youth Development Association has provided scholarships for poor children in three primary schools in Vientiane, as well as to students of higher education.

Speaking at the handover of the scholarships, Deputy Director of the Vientiane Department of Education and Sports, Mr Southany Xaysane, announced that the target schools for the scholarship programme are Dongsavath, Nahay and Udomphone primary schools.

The handover ceremony also saw scholarships given to 21 students at the Teacher Training College, Art School and the Department of Social Welfare.

Head of the Dongsavath Children and Youth Development Association, Mr Phonexay Inthaleuxay, told Vientiane Times that scholarship students will be placed in each target school by the association.

He said this support mechanism is implemented according to the association’s policy. The association was founded to help children develop their full potential and to protect them from harm.

“We run child development centres at four primary schools in the Vientiane area where students can gain life skills, seek advice from counsellors or obtain any assistance they need,” he said.

The use of corporal punishment in schools is still common in Laos as it is not prohibited by law. Factors contributing to this practice include cultural attitudes, which condone hitting children as an effective way of disciplining them. Changing new teachers’ attitudes is one way the association hopes to make an impact on the future teachers of Lao children.

“We provide life-skills training in after-school activities and an annual summer camp. It is our aim to give children a feeling of security and being cared for. Knowledge is the first step towards this goal – to help poor children and young people to solve their problems and avoid dangerous activities like drug abuse.”

According to the Association, the rural areas of Vientiane have suffered a great deal from both internal and external socio-economic antagonisms. These antagonisms lead to a number of social problems including high rates of school dropouts, drug abuse and neglect of children.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

1...6,3316,3326,333...6,475Page 6,332 of 6,475