Home Blog Page 6493

PM to launch railway construction in Luang Prabang

By
admin
-

Luang Prabang province: — Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith will officially launch the start of construction for the Laos-China railway project at a ceremony on December 25.

The ceremony to kick off railway construction will take place in Luang Prabang district’s Phonxay village where a railway bridge spanning the Mekong River will be built.

Director of the provincial Public Works and Transport Department Mr Fasanan Thammavong, told the press on Wednesday that the PM has agreed to launch construction on December 25.

Last week Minister of Public Works and Transport Dr Bounchanh Sinthavong, also discussed the matter with relevant officials in the province.

The railway bridge will be part of the planned 427-km Laos-China railway running from the Chinese border to Vientiane and through the four provinces of Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane.

The railway through Luang Prabang province covers a length of 80 kilometres taking in the three districts of Chomphet, Luang Prabang and Xiengngeun.

A Chinese construction company will build the railway bridge across the Mekong and four ports that will be used to handle construction materials. The contractors would have preferred to utilise six river ports, but two locations were not suitable as they are tourism sites. Mr Fasanan added that a Chinese construction company would spend two years building the railway bridge across the Mekong River.

Presently, Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces have installed some red markers to set out the railway land, while Vientiane province is constructing the railway worker camps for thousands of labourers.

The Laos-China Railway Project is estimated to cost about US$6 billion and will run from the border area of Boten in Luang Namtha province to Vientiane. It is scheduled for completion in 2021 and is 70 percent owned by China and 30 percent by Laos.

A railway will also be built to connect Khammuan province’s Thakhaek district to the Vietnamese border, from where it will run to a coastal port in Vietnam. Another track will be built from Thakhaek to the Cambodian border.

The Laos-China railway will have a 1.435-metre standard-gauge track with 33 stations, 21 of which will be operational initially.

There will be 72 tunnels with a combined length of 183.9 km, representing 43 percent of the railway’s entire length.

The line will also have 170 bridges totalling 69.2 km in length, accounting for 15.8 percent of the total. Passenger trains will travel at 160 km per hour, while the speed of rail freight will be 120 km per hour.

Source: Vientiane Times

NUOL Discusses Lifelong Learning Module for Teacher Education

By
admin
-

The Faculty of Education at the National University of Laos (NUOL) is discussing and studying the possibility of integrating a lifelong learning module into teacher education programmes.

The brainstorming w orkshop about the idea took place the NUOL on Tuesday and was attended by Vice President of NUOL, Assoc. Prof Dr Oudom Phonekhampheng, the Regional Director of DVV International, Mr Uwe Gartenschlaeger, in addition to many educators.

A senior official from DVV International, Mr Ounpheng Khammang, presented the concept of lifelong learning, meaning that every human should continuously learn from the cradle to the grave including formal and informal learning. It focuses on the triangle of knowledge, skills and competencies, which increase employability, personal development, active citizenship and social inclusion.

The importance of lifelong learning is amplified by the fact that we are now living in a fast changing and complex socio-economic and political world to which we need to adapt by rapidly acquiring new knowledge, skills, and attitudes in a wide range of evolving contexts.

An individual will not be able to meet life’s challenges unless he or she becomes a lifelong learner and a society will not be sustainable unless it becomes a learning society.

The target of lifelong learning is a holistic educational continuum for learner-centred educational opportunities from cradle to grave in a borderless, nurturing educational landscape from infancy through even to retirement. With the adoption of such a revolutionary policy at the societal level, Laos will surely achieve a level of sustainable development that benefits every citizen.
Source: Vientiane Times

Drug Traffickers Arrested in the Provinces

By
admin
-

Phongsaly provincial police recently arrested a drug trafficker after finding more than 108,000 amphetamine pills, two kilogrammes of opium, an ingot of heroin, a small bag of crystal methamphetamine and other items in his possession.

According to the Khuamsangob newspaper, police received a tipoff from people regarding the transport of illegal drugs from Nhot-ou district to Bounneua district, Phongsaly province.

The police had joined with local authorities to set up a roadblock in Nhot-ou district and inspected a target pick-up truck and found the illegal drug stash inside the vehicle.

The drug trafficker was named as Mr Khae-chiem, 52, of Audomsin village, Sing district, Luang Namtha province.

Mr Khae-chiem admitted to police he bought the illegal drugs from Mr Asan, 33, of Nhot-ou district and bought the two kilogrammes of opium from Mr Singkham, 23, of Phousang village, in the same district.

Police are continuing their investigation into the case in the hope of identifying other people involved in the drug ring.

Elsewhere police in the provinces of Bokeo and Luang Namtha have made significant arrests involving large quantities of illegal drugs.

The Bokeo Drug Prevention and Control Department recently arrested a couple and confiscated 12kg of crystal methamphetamine and about 42,000 amphetamine pills in Namkerng village, Tonpheung district.

Police used a vehicle inspection checkpoint in Namkerng village to stop and examine a bus and found the crystal methamphetamine and amphetamine pills in the couple’s bags.

The pair were named as Mr Maysengyod, 51, and Ms Fong, 48, of Huaypherng village, Tonpheung district.

They told police that a drug dealer, who they couldn’t name, hired them to take the drugs from Bokeo province to Vientiane for which they would be paid about 102,000 Thai baht.

Meanwhile, in Luang Namtha province police arrested two men after finding 18,000 amphetamine pills concealed in a motorbike.

The men were named as Mr Korpa, 32, and Mr Kermue, 27, both of Poungxay village, Long district.

Under the amended Article 146 of the Criminal Law, for cases involving refined drugs as opposed to precursor chemicals, the penalties are the following.

For the possession, trading, sale or trafficking of between 0.3 and 100 grammes of synthetic drugs such as amphetamines, ecstasy, ice or crystal methamphetamine or other mind altering substances, the punishment shall be a prison sentences of between 10-20 years in jail plus financial penalties.

Under the law, anyone convicted of possessing over 500g of heroin can be handed the death penalty.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Mortality Rate of Mothers and Infants Higher Than Previously Reported

By
admin
-

Everyday, an average of 40 children are born in the country; but five of them will die because mothers and their babies do not have proper access to health services.

A recent workshop was held on the issue in order to discuss ways to lower the mortality rates of both mothers and their babies. The workshop was attended by the regional coordinator for reproductive health at the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Howard Sobel.

According to the Lao Social Indicator Survey 2016, the mortality rate of infants is 86 per 1,000 live births. The mortality rate of mothers was 200 for 100,000 births.

Because of the high mortality rate for expectant mothers, it is essential to encourage all pregnant women to receive health checkups at least four times before giving birth. This includes encouraging them to give birth at a hospital to insure the safety of both the mother and the infant.

There were various factors causing the deaths. Mothers-to-be having irregular health checkups were one of many reasons why mothers and their children were dying each year, according to a report by the Ministry of Health Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health, Associate Prof. Dr Phouthone Meuangpak, said infant mortality rates in Laos have continued to decline. But, the real mortality rate of mothers and children is higher than the figure recorded in previous years because many people living in remote areas of the country can’t access health services.

One reason for this is that local health officials are not sufficiently informed about reproductive health issues that are relevant to young people.

Dr Phouthone said for several years, the Lao government has implemented the Strategy and Action Plan for Integrated Service on Reproductive Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, which focuses on entrusting health officials and village volunteers with directly collecting data on the mortality rates of infants and mothers in their villages.

As a result, the real mortality rates of infants and mothers have been unveiled, which are higher than the figures recorded by authorities in previous years.

All health officials and village volunteers in each province must increase the quality of healthcare services to mothers and infants, including improving the services offered by doctors and nurses at hospitals and dispensaries at both the central and district levels.

Dr Phouthone said there are efforts already underway to improve the health service systems for communities in remote areas of the country in addition to the building and training of quality health officials, especially village physicians, midwives, specialists and health facilities.

Source: Vientiane Times

Pak Beng Project Awaits MRC Review, Comments

By
admin
-

The company preparing to build the Pak Beng hydropower project is standing ready to respond to comments from Mekong River Commission countries and development partners, a company official said.

“We have designed Pak Beng to be a model hydropower project meeting the highest technical standards with minimal environmental impact,” said Mr Deng Bo, General Manager of Vientiane-based Datang (Lao) Pak Beng Hydropower Co., Ltd.

“We understand the neighbour countries’ interest in reviewing the design and we will work closely with the Lao government to address all concerns,” he said.

Mr Deng welcomed an inspection team from the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines and provincial energy officials at the dam site, about 7 km upstream from the new Pak Beng Mekong bridge that links Oudomxai and Xayaboury provinces.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the government has submitted a formal request to have the Mekong River Commission (MRC) review the Technical Feasibility study for the run-of- river dam, the third to be built on the Mekong River in Laos. The comprehensive study outlines all of the technical, economic, environmental and social aspects of construction and operation.

“The Lao Government has now submitted three projects under the Prior Consultation process mandated by the 1995 Mekong Agreement,” said Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Mr Viraphonh Viravong, who inspected the Pak Beng site last week.

“The designs for both the Xayaburi and Don Sahong projects were technically perfect; however in the spirit of cooperation, and in answering MRC members’ concerns, we agreed to make costly and in some cases unnecessary modifications.”

“Over the next six months, we will learn what other experts think about Pak Beng and we will take their concerns into consideration when finalising our plans.”

Pak Beng is roughly 250 km upstream of the Xayaburi dam, and as such, it will have very little impact downstream, he said.

Pak Beng officials said they hoped to begin the first phase late next year with construction of a navigation lock and spillway on the Xayaboury Province side of the river. The second phase would begin two years later, on the opposite side, with work on the powerhouse and a fish passage for upstream migration. The company also plans to build a fish breeding station.

The Pak Beng project would create a reservoir 96 km long. Development of the project on a rocky stretch of the Mekong would greatly improve river transport, which could lead to increased tourism, the company said.

In preparation for the start of construction, the company is building roads that can also aid tourism and economic growth in the region.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Laos, EU Highlight 1st Anniversary of Paris Agreement

By
admin
-

Lao government officials and members of the diplomatic corps from the EU Member States’ embassies gathered on Monday to highlight the 1st Anniversary of the Paris Agreement and achievements reached since it was adopted late last year.

The Europe House in Vientiane was illuminated with green light on Monday by EU Ambassador to Laos, Mr Leo Faber and witnessed by other diplomats and officials.

The Paris Agreement brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so.

Speaking at the Green Light event EU Ambassador to Laos, Mr Leo Faber said “Preventing dangerous climate change is a key priority for the European Union. Europe is working hard to cut its greenhouse gas emissions substantially while encouraging other nations and regions to do likewise.”

“Together we must and we can hand over to future generations a world that is more stable, a healthier planet, fairer societies and more prosperous economies. This is not a dream. This is a reality and it is within our reach.”

The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015 at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Paris.

The agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and currently has 116 parties including the European Union, out of 197 Parties to the Convention to have signed the agreement.

Since the Paris Agreement will serve as a legal instrument for countries to combat climate change, Laos is the first country among Southeast Asian nations to ratify the landmark deal.

“We are very pleased to see the strong commitment of Lao government to this Agreement and would be pleased to lend our support to translate this into action at the country level,” added Ambassador Faber.

The Paris Agreement is an agreement within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting in the year 2020.

The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius; to increase the capacity to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, promoting resilience and adaptation investments in developing countries, in particular to reduce threats to food production; and to make adequate financial resources available to support a climate-resilient and low-carbon economic development.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the global climate agreement would accelerate the growth of clean energy and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and would strengthen international stability and security, save lives and improve human well-being.

In recent years, Laos has experienced severe flooding and drought, affecting livelihoods and socio-economic development.

The government is working in cooperation with friendly nations and international organisations to respond to climate change and focusing on the sustainable use of natural resources.

Source: Vientiane Times

Ministry of Post and Telecommunications Review Past Year of Work

By
admin
-

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has developed and expanded information communications technology (ICT) infrastructure over the past year and have accomplished many successes.

The Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Dr Thansamay Khommasith, presented a summary of the past year’s work and the plan for the next year in Vientiane yesterday. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is concentrated on development and expansion of ICT infrastructure.

Most of the operations over the past year involved capacity building for the ministry’s officials to use the IT system equipment and management of the business side, especially concerning Laos’ first telecommunications satellite (Lao Sat-1). They also are paying attention to ICT system centre management and social media management.

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications is concentrating its efforts on a legal campaign for preventing and combating cyber crime toward the government and the public.

Cyber crime is any computer-related offence causing damages to the state, persons, legal entities, organisations and members of the public in accordance with the prescribed offences in Article 8 of the new law.

The Prevention and Combating of Cyber Crime act is designed to curb, eliminate and suppress such crimes.

For next year’s plan, the ministry will continue implement the party policy and social and economic development plan, especially focusing on the post and communications sector.

At the same meeting, the participants also discussed the use of ICT for state management and social and economic development.

The meeting began yesterday at the National Conference Centre and will run until December 15.

Source: Vientiane Times

Lao Freight Forwarders Suffering from Competition

By
admin
-

Transport service providers and freight forwarders in Laos are suffering from increased competition with the number of companies operating in the sector having increased.

Despite the transport service sector expanding and better facilities being provided other issues still need to be resolved or improved by the government and relevant sector, Lao International Freight Forwarders Association (LIFFA) President, Mr Prachit Sayavong said at a meeting in Vientiane yesterday.

Most of Lao transport companies are still relatively new, small, operate in isolation, have limited management experience and are not received training, he reported.

Lao freight forwarders also lacked opportunities to participate in providing services to different investment projects in Laos, while foreign competition was increasing, said Mr Prachit.

“Lao freight forwarders are also struggling with infrastructure as many roads within the country are still poor and bilateral transport agreement implementation between Laos and neighbouring countries is not fair as local trucks cannot service other countries, while foreign trucks can make shipments here,” he commented.

These issues cannot be resolved without close cooperation and assistance from the government, especially the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT).

The association proposed the government step up dissemination of regulations and laws covering freight forwarders and logistics, and establish coordination mechanisms to strengthen the association in order to help the local industry.

The association also suggested the government examine the number of freight forwarders and logistic companies in Laos encouraging them to join the association while collecting statistics on the amount of goods traded within the country and through borders.

The country currently only has a customs warehouse where goods are stored while waiting to pay customs duties, but there is no logistic warehouse.

LIFFA previously asked the government to convert the container park at Vientiane’s Thanalaeng railway station into a dry port that would ease logistics in line with international transport systems and regulations.

At the meeting, the association reviewed operations over the last six years from 2009 to 2015 and discussed plans for 2016-2019. It also agreed to select a new board to take the organisation forward.

At the opening of the meeting, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Mr Viengsavanh Siphandone stressed for the association to continue working hard for growth.

LIFFA is a non-profit organisation, established to bring under one single umbrella freight forwarding companies, transport companies and customs brokers, which was officially established in 2003.

It functions and operates under State laws and regulations supervised by the MPWT.

Source: Vientiane Times

1...6,4926,4936,494...6,659Page 6,493 of 6,659