Lao morning news for January 1, 2019

PM vows to remove barriers to growth of tourism industry
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has said the government will intensify its efforts to promote tourism in light of the industry’s potential to significantly strengthen the economy.
— Vientiane Times

Environmental damage continues months after Laos dam collapse
IN July, a hydroelectric dam collapse in Laos released five billion cubic meters of water into surrounding countryside – the equivalent of two million Olympic swimming pools.
— Asian Correspondent

Transport liberalisation could lower freight service costs: New study
The cost of freight services in Laos would be much lower if the government allowed foreign firms to provide these services, a new study suggests.
— Vientiane Times

Lao PM to co-chair inter-governmental committee meeting in Vietnam
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith will lead a delegation to Vietnam to attend and co-chair the 41st meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee from January 5-6, 2019, the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry announced.
— VietnamPlus

Vietnam-Funded Broadcasting Facility Inaugurated
The Vietnam-funded radio and television broadcasting station was put into operation in Laos’ central province of Savannakhet on Dec 25 after three years of construction.
— KPL

Cruising the Mekong in Laos: A must-do for visitors
If you’re ever in Pakbaeng District in Oudomxay province, be sure to take a cruise on the Mekong River as this is something really special.
— Borneo Bulletin

Ministry supports Champassak farmers’ quest for quality
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is continuing to encourage farmers in Champassak province to improve the quality of their crops.
— Vientiane Times

The Vientiane People’s Council’s closing session is closing down with success
The first meeting of the sixth ordinary session of the Vientiane Capital Council, Vientiane, was closed on 28 December at Vientiane Governor’s Office, with the presidency of Governor General Luang Nguong, President of Vientiane Capital and honoring the participation of Sivuthong Kutipthoun, Governor of Vientiane, as well as the Head of the Department of Interior, The members of the National Assembly participate in a logical commentary with deep inclusiveness.
— Pasaxon

Journalists Awarded For Visit Laos Year 2018 Contribution
The Lao National Television on Dec 31 announced the winners of Outstanding Media Works Contest 2018 designed to encourage media contribution to promoting Visit Laos Year 2018.
— KPL

The Minister stressed that the private education community would focus on some of the issues
The Ministry of Education and Sport (MFA) held a conference on the first annual General Assembly of Vientiane, held on December 27, at Vientiane Capital, under the chairmanship of Mr. Kham Sisethavong, President of the Private Education Association, which has directors of various schools, teachers and relevant stakeholders.
— Pasaxon

KTP organizes a briefing session on 2018 activities
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPVC) held a briefing on the implementation of its tasks for the year 2018, with President of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Party Central Committee, the Party Central Committee, the Party Central Committee and the Party Central Committee and the senior officials.
— Pasaxon

Feature photo J&C Service

This week’s morning news photo focuses on the death, pain, and loss that typically occurs at this time of year on Asean roads due to drunk driving, speeding, and a failure to wear protective helmets when travelling on motorbikes.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Lao morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Lao PDR news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.