1.

Japan Supports Improving Basic Education for Ethnic Minority Children in Oudomxay Province

The Government of Japan provided grant assistance worth USD 526,999 to support basic
education for ethnic minority children in Oudomxay Province of the Lao PDR.

The project grant contract was signed at the Japanese Embassy on 3 December 2019 between
H.E. Mr. TAKEWAKA Keizo, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR, and Ms. SUZUMURA Kumiko

Project Manager of Plan International Japan, a Japanese non-profit organization which initiates
and manages the project.

The grant extended at this time will fund the activities in the first year of the three-year project.

The project, entitled “Basic Education for Ethnic Minority Children in Oudomxay Province” is in
its first year and aims to improve the quality of basic education and school readiness of ethnic
minority children in Pakbeng district, Oudomxay Province.

The project will work on capacity building of teachers and parents in pre-primary and primary
schools in Pakbeng.

The project will construct pre-primary classrooms for 9 schools (3 schools per year). Training to
teachers and parents from all targeted schools will be conducted annually from Year 1 to Year 3.

Plan International seeks a world where all children realize their full potential, and strives for a world
that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. They work in more than 70 countries around the
world together with children, school and government partners.
2. Public, Private Sector Agree on Plan of Actions To improve Business Environment

The public and private sector have agreed on concrete plan of action to improve business
environment in Laos.
The agreement was made at the annual 12th Lao Business Forum held in Vientiane Capital on Nov
12, 2019.
The forum also agreed on concrete plan for actions to solve issues and continue identification of key
issues affecting large number of enterprises for dialogue after the 12th LBF.

More than 500 participants , representing domestic and foreign business, public sector
agencies as well as international diplomatic community and development partners attended the
event.
This forum aimed to improve business environment in Laos. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Finance Somdy Douangdy stressed the importance of improving business environment in Laos to
attract domestic and foreign investment into non-resource sectors, including general manufacturing,
tourism and agricultural- based industry.

The forum also reviewed progress of the dialogue process since the 11th Lao Business Forum
and demonstrated broad support for structured dialogue under the Lao Business Forum in
identification and resolution of key issues affecting private sector in the country.

Private sector speakers also complimented the government making concerted efforts to
maintain sustainable economic growth through implementing structural reform and promoting
economic diversification.

Since 11th LBF private sector and concerned government agencies prioritized 23 specific issues
in areas of taxation, import/export procedures, business entry, promotion of sustainable tourism and
other areas for discussions, resulting in completely solving issues and making progress in the
remaining issues.

The government committed to maintain macroeconomic stability, further deepening of structural

reforms, increases public investment in infrastructure to support export diversification, increase the
productivity of private sector firms and reduce cost of doing business through making improvements
in government administration and by streamlining and simplifying administrative procedures, “ Prim
Minister Thongloun Sisoulith addressed the closing ceremony.
3. Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam Intensify Tourism Connectivity

The building of a plan on tourism development at the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development

Triangle Area was the main topic of a seminar in Pleiku city, the Central Highlands province of Gia
Lai, on July 15.

The plan targets sustainable tourism development and tourism connectivity between the three
countries, thus helping to spur socio-economic development in the area.

Speaking at the seminar, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Gia Lai province Kpa
Thuyen, said the cooperation and connectivity will contribute to addressing small-scale tourism
development and promote tourism in localities.

With special cultural identities and diverse natural resources, Gia Lai has affirmed its position in
integration and development, as well as regional tourism cooperation, the official said.

Phonemaly Inthapphome, deputy head of the Lao department for international cooperation, said
sustainable tourism development requires high-quality human resources and diverse tourism
products.

Ha Van Sieu, deputy head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said tourism is one
of the important cooperation sectors at the development triangle area, which still boasts a lot of
untapped tourism potential.

According to the official, the area welcomed only more than 860,000 international tourists in
2018, a small number as compared with the potential.

The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area was established in 1999 with the initial
membership of 10 provinces: Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong (Vietnam); Sekong, Attapeu,
Saravan (Laos); and Rattanakiri, Mondulkiri (Cambodia). Vietnam’s Binh Phuoc province, Laos’
Champassak province and Kratie of Cambodia were added into the group in 2009.

The group aims to strengthen the solidarity and cooperation among the three countries and
ensure security, political stability as well as promote poverty reduction and socio-economic
development in the area.
4. SCG Muangthong To Play Friendly Match Against Lao National Team

SCG Muang Thong United, a leading football club in Thailand will take on Lao National Team for
a friendly match at the National Sport Stadium (KM 16) in Vientiane Capital on Aug 31.

SCG is organizing SCG Muang Thong United ASEAN Tour 2018 in the Lao PDR.

“The friendly football match will be regarded as an important event. As we know, football in the
ASEAN region has developed significantly,” said Mr. Khampheng Vongkhanti, Vice President of the
Lao Football Federation.

“In Laos, we have been working hard to promote the football industry over the past several
years. We also would like to thank SCG for hosting the Football Clinic for Lao young people. This will
be an excellent activity that will help inspire children in the country,” said Khampheng.

“As can be seen, SCG has continued to implement the “SCG Sharing the Dream” programme,
which is one of SCG’s social responsibility activities, for five years in the Lao PDR. Another important
activity that SCG believes beneficial to the development of human capacity in the Lao PDR is sport,
which is considered as an international language to reach many people regardless of sex or age,”
said Mr. Bansa Xayporn, Managing Director of SCG Trading Company.
5. Irrigation Upgrade Boosts Hinboun Farmers

Farmers in two villages of Hinboun District in Khammouane Province have taken control of a
new irrigation system built by the Theun-Hinboun Power Company (THPC).

Nateuy and Nongdong villages now each have 300 metres of upgraded irrigation facilities,
servicing a combined area of 60 hectares of agricultural land. In each village system there are ten
gates to control flow of water according to seasonal needs, with the water provided by electric pumps
from the Hinboun River

The new brick canal system replaces a previous hand-dug trench and the new pumps replace
an old diesel model. THPC has funded all the upgrades, and also installed transmission lines and
transformers for the irrigation scheme. Villagers from both Nateuy and Nongdong joined in the
planning of the systems and helped with construction.

Both villages have comparatively low incomes for the area and rely on dry-season rice for much
of their food and income. The Hinboun River floods their fields regularly in the wet season, with the
flooding becoming more intense since THPC operations began in 1998. To compensate for this the
hydropower company has funded the fuel needed for the irrigation system for many years, and has
also provided the villagers with domestic electricity connections, plus assistance for cash crops such
as rubber trees.
6. Leaders greeted on the 44th Anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

President Bounnhang Vorachit and other Party and government leaders on Friday received a
courtesy call from representatives of foreign diplomatic corps and international organisations at the
Presidential Palace on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Ms Belinda M. Ante, Philippine ambassador to the Lao PDR and the dean of foreign diplomatic
corps and international organizations in Laos, expressed warm greetings and best wishes to the Lao
leaders.

“Today, on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, I am honoured to deliver warm congratulations to all
the leaders and citizens of Laos on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the founding of the Lao
People’s Democratic Republic,” said Ms Belinda M. Ante.

She praised the Lao government for its constant and stable growth of national development
during the implementation of the national five-year socio-economic development plan.

“In recent years, the Lao government has attached importance to eliminating poverty, reducing
hunger and improving education and public health throughout the country, and we are pleased with
the decision of the government of Lao PDR to strengthen the governance of the government in
addressing the country's struggle. As a development partner, we will work with you to implement and
achieve this plan by strengthening our relationships, educating, promoting trade and investment
partnerships,” said the diplomat.

In reply, the President told the visiting guests that it was a great pleasure for him and his
spouse to join other Party and government leaders of the Lao PDR in welcoming all excellencies to
the gathering to extend their warm wishes on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the founding of
the Lao PDR and the upcoming New Year 2020.

“On behalf of the Party and government of the Lao PDR, I would like to express my sincere
thanks to you all for extending your good wishes and for the kind words expressed by her Excellency
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to the Lao PDR and its people on this meaningful occasion, which
reflect the cordial friendship and good cooperation between your respective countries, and
organizations and the Lao PDR,” said the President.
7. A Luang Prabang Beauty Crowned Miss Laos 2019

Vinada Phisalath from Laung Prabang was crowned Miss Laos 2019 in the final night of the
pageant concluded in Vientiane Capital on Dec 7 as Joan Phothivath, from Vientiane Capital, was
announced first runner-up and Soudavone Patsaphan from Champassak as the second runner-up

Miss Laos 2019 was awarded a diamond crown worth 70 million kip, 30 million kip in cash, a 2-
baht weight gold necklace, a gift voucher worth 50 million kip, and a 5-million-kip saving account at
the Joint Development Bank. A diamond crown worth 40 million kip and 15 million kip cash were
awarded to the first runner-up.

Meanwhile the second runner-up Soudavone Patsaphan was awarded a diamond crown worth
40 million kip and a 10-million-kip cash prize.

The third runner-up title was awarded to Phonesanith Lattanasak from Oudomxay. She received
a diamond crown worth 30 million kip, an 8-million-kip cash prize.

The forth runner-up Boutdao Chanthaly from Oudomsay received a diamond crown worth 30
million kip and an 8-million-kip cash prize.

Scholarships for studying in China were also awarded to the winner and first to second runners-
up as the third and forth runners-up were awarded scholarships for bachelor degree in Thailand

Mr Alounxay Sounnalath, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth’s Union,
Ms Bandith Pathoumvanh, Vice President of the Lao Women Union Mr Khompanya Phengvinaiya,
President of the Miss Laos Project, Mr. Phouvong Phamisith, President of Phouvong Jewelry, and
representatives of other Miss Laos sponsors attended the Saturday night’s event.
8. Digital Opportunities for the Future of Laos

The Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications in
collaboration with the World Bank held in Vientiane a workshop on ‘Digital Opportunities for a More
Competitive Future’ on Nov 28.
The workshop – attended by government officials, private sector representatives and
international experts – discussed the digital economy, its potential to affect economic growth and
ways to ensure that more people can benefit from digital opportunities throughout the country.
The workshop focused on the need to accelerate digital transformation in the Lao PDR, allowing
the country to take advantage of the opportunities that digital connectivity can bring.
“Digital technology is a key driver of economic development and innovation in many countries
around the world. In the Lao PDR, there is more to be done to improve the accessibility, quality and
affordability of internet services. By embracing digital technology, everybody benefits: private citizens,
businesses, and also the public administration. We really need to maximize the opportunities that
arise from adopting digital technology in our country to make the Lao PDR more competitive,” said Mr
Kikeo Chanthaboury, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment.
Participants debated key digital challenges including how to increase the speed of and access to
broadband internet. Participants also discussed ways to make the internet affordable and ensure that
access to broadband can reach more beneficiaries, including through private-public partnerships.

The importance of strengthening the regulatory environment on digital payments, electronic

signatures, data security and consumer protection – to build trust in online transactions – was also
highlighted.
Mr Thongsay Xanexaya, Vice Minister of Post and Telecommunications said: “In order to allow
digital sector to be more competitive, we first need to provide supportive environment to ensure
various kinds of services with quality and appropriate prices. The ministry needs to work hard to
unlock all potentials for our digital improvements.”
“At the moment, 90 per cent of Lao people are digitally connected through their mobile phones.
However, both the private sector and the government of the Lao PDR could improve their
effectiveness in delivering services by adopting digital solutions. We are delighted to support the
authorities in the Lao PDR to find solutions on how to improve the use of digital technologies – which
are also key to promote a more inclusive pattern of economic growth and to improve the quality of life
of all citizens,” said Ms Viengsamay Srithirath, Acting Country Manager, World Bank.
Last year, the World Bank conducted a rapid assessment on the Lao PDR Digital Development.
The resulting report provided a snapshot of digital development in the country and highlighted areas
for improvement, particularly on connectivity and regulation. It also described the overall level if
digitization of the public administration in the Lao PDR, based on international benchmarks.
9. ADB-funded Project Helps Develop Local Workers

Asian Development Bank - ADB – is helping develop workers in southern Laos to ensure they
are fit for labour markets through the Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training
Project in Champassak.
This project improves teaching and learning environment; updates curriculum, assessment
methods, and learning materials; and supports training for instructors and school managers,
according to Mr Bouakhay Souphaone, Director of Champassak Technical-Vocational Collage.
The project also promotes skills training opportunities for adults and out-of-school youth in the
southern province.

Vocational education is appealing to workers of different ages, ranging from high school
graduates to established professionals.

“Most of the students are from southern provinces including Champassak, Saravan, Xekong and
Attapeu. They can choose either short-term or long-term courses on mechanics, electricity,
electronics, welding, IT, engineering, tourism management, tailoring, beautification and agro-
machinery maintenance,” said Mr Bouakhay Souphaone.

“The result of the project is that we have been able to persuade more students to take our
training courses on an annual basis as we can see that we had 3,106 students in 2016-2017
academic year and 3,231 this academic year,” said Mr Bouakhay Souphaone.

“I decided to study at the Champassak Technical and Training Collage for tailoring course
because it is a short-term course and I can get job easily with this kind of skills,” said Miss
Viliyaphone Khounsayya.

ADB is helping the Lao People's Democratic Republic improve its technical and vocational
training to address skills shortages in priority areas.

The project will focus on certificate and diploma courses of construction and building,
mechanical and machinery maintenance, vehicle repair, furniture making, and basic business
administration.
10. Walk Marks National Science Day

The Ministry of Science and Technology held a walk to commemorate the National Science Day
(October 12) in Vientiane Capital on Monday, October 14.

The walk, starting and ending at Patouxay, along Lane Xang Avenue, was officiated by Minister
of Science and Technology Boviengkham Vongdara. Representatives of government organizations
and Vientiane residents also joined the minister in the walk.

“This important event is being held to raise public awareness of the importance of the science to
the national socio-economic development. In addition, the science and technology sector also plays a
role in promoting socio-economic development, leading our country to become a modern economy,”
said Mr Boviengkham Vongdara.

The Party and government have attached importance to the development in the science and
technology sector, especially through promoting invention, research, development, technology
transfer, innovation, intellectual property, standardization and measurement, to attract domestic and
foreign investment.