Lao Morning News For March 10

Welcome to the Lao PDR morning news roundup by AEC News Today, your one stop for Lao PDR news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities.

Poverty reduction delayed: Govt
Although some 7,538 families were lifted above the poverty line in 2016, the figure still fell short of the government’s target.
— Vientiane Times

Poor still have limited access to health services
Health authorities at local hospitals and dispensaries which receive funding to provide treatment to poor people need to work harder to make sure that such services are available to those who need them.
— Vientiane Times

Laos Ranks 16th Welcoming Country of the World
The Lao PDR has been ranked number 16 among the most welcoming countries in the world, with Cambodia and Timor Leste topping the list, according to the Passport Index for 2017.
— Lao News Agency

Foreign Minister to Visit Brunei, Malaysia
Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, his spouse and a delegation will pay an official visit to Brunei Darussalam from Mar 14-16, and Malaysia from Mar 16-18.
— Lao News Agency

Japan providing logistics workshops to enhance transport links
Japan’s Sagawa Global Logistics, recognised for their experience in public and private sector logistics management, human resource development and logistics/transport development in many Asean countries, will now hold workshops in Vientiane.
— Vientiane Times (paywall)

Hanoi-Vientiane highway to be built
Vietnam and Laos will set up a research team, work with the sponsors and call for more investment. Ha Tinh’s provincial authorities, the Vietnam-Laos Vung Ang Port JSC and the ministries will set up a detailed plan so that Laos can be more active in facilitating the transit of goods to and from Laos.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Luang Prabang honoured in regional awards scheme
The Unique Tour offered to visitors to Luang Prabang was awarded a special prize on Wednesday by the Asean-Japan Centre at a ceremony held in Japan.
— Vientiane Times

Thai company to broadcast through Lao satellite, distribute receivers
Lao Asia-Pacific Satellite Co., Ltd. has signed agreements with the Kanboon Sompraingarm Co., Ltd. of Thailand to broadcast its Lamkhong television channel through the Lao Sat-1 satellite as well as distribute Laosat HD satellite receivers.
— Vientiane Times (paywall)

UXO Lao adds more UXO clearance teams
The Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) has added another 15 UXO clearance teams after the programme increased the scope of its clearance plan.
— Vientiane Times

Thai province provides training for Lao journalists
The Radio and Television Professional Association in Phetchabun province, Thailand, in cooperation with the Institute of Physical Education Phetchabun Campus Stadium, is extending its assistance to Lao National Radio and Lao National Television for personnel training.
— Vientiane Times

Siren Confusion Tackled
Seven rescue teams in Vientiane Capital have been instructed to consistently use a single type of siren to indicate when a person is being rushed to a hospital in order to prevent confusion among other road users.
— Lao News Agency

Human Resources Forum hold in Vientiane
The first Human Resources Forum, titled ‘Opportunities, Challenges and Practices’, was held in Vientiane Capital on March 4.
— Lao News Agency

AFC President calls on Vice President Phankham
President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Mr Shaikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa paid a visit to Vice President Mr Phankham Viphavanh in Vientiane Capital on March 7.
— Lao News Agency

Feature photo: Albert Dezetter

The Lao morning news roundup is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.