VientianeThe First Times National English Language Newspaper  wednesDAY march 16, 2016 ISSUE 64 4500 kip Inside U Htin Kyaw IMF chief praises Laos, of ruling warns of challenges ahead party elected Somsack Pongkhao as president International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde of Myanmar Laos mourns death of has lauded Laos’ economic Cuban Ambassador achievements while cautioning NAY PYI TAW (Xinhua) -- U [Page 3] that more work is needed to Htin Kyaw from Myanmar’s consolidate stability as the ruling National League for nation transitions from low- Democracy (NLD), led by income country status. Aung San Suu Kyi, won the IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde paid her presidential election Tuesday first visit to Laos this week through a secret ballot, thus aiming to enhance cooperation becoming the country’s new between the IMF and Laos in president for the next five-year relation to macro-economic term. management. U Htin Kyaw won against Ms Lagarde is believed to the two other presidential be the first IMF chief to visit candidates -- U Myint Swe Indonesia blows up Laos since the country joined nominated by the military and illegal toothfish ship the International Monetary U Henry Van Htee Yu by the sought by Interpol Fund in 1961. NLD, by a vote of 360:213:79 She arrived in Vientiane [Page 6] out of 652 MPs who cast their on Monday and met top level votes in the Union Parliament, leaders on Tuesday to discuss chaired by Speaker U Mann cooperation between the IMF Win Khaing Than. and Laos. Mitsubishi Electric Talks were held with U Htin Kyaw becomes the President Choummaly second president of Myanmar eyes sales growth after the military returned [Page 9] Sayasone, Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, power to the civilian in 2011. and other high-ranking U Htin Kyaw, a non- officials. parliament representative, is Ms Lagarde issued the also a non-military civilian following statement at the president. conclusion of her visit to Laos, As per the voting result, U saying the IMF complimented Myint Swe becomes the first government officials on IMF chief Christine Lagarde calls on President Choummaly Sayasone in Vientiane yesterday. vice president, while U Henry their important economic Van Htee Yu becomes the achievements including robust “This economic expansion achievements in bringing down sustainable growth going second vice president. growth based on substantial has brought a solid decline the fiscal deficit in the last forward,” she said. The elected president public investment and deeper in poverty and important three years, which has helped Ms Lagarde said the and two vice presidents are Central Market: Kuala economic integration with improvements in social safeguard macroeconomic economic prospects for Laos expected to be sworn in at the Lumpur’s souvenir neighbouring countries. welfare. I also pointed to recent stability and set the stage for Continued page 2 parliament on March 30, while heaven the handover of duties of head [Page 16] Polling stations set up for Lao expatriates of state is expected to take place at the Presidential Palace Souksakhone Vaenkeo affairs for Lao expatriates, Mr where it has been confirmed There are also at least on the next day. Bopunthavy Boutsaseng, said that polling stations will be another 1,000 Lao nationals in The Myanmar parliament Vientiane Fashion Preparations are in place to yesterday. available. other countries who are eligible set three groups representing Week collections wow enable Lao nationals in foreign He explained that the It is reported that there to vote. the two Houses and military audiences countries to cast their vote for committee was faced with the are more than 16,000 Lao Mr Bopunthavy said voting MPs to nominate one candidate new members of parliament, [Page 19] difficulty of preparing voting nationals in China, Thailand would take place a day earlier each for the presidential race with the National Assembly facilities in every country, and Vietnam who are eligible in China, Thailand and and through voting, the one that election scheduled to take where the number of Lao to vote. Vietnam so officials could wins the most number of votes place this weekend. nationals was small and they In China, voters can go to send the results back to the takes the presidency while the Lao citizens can vote on lived in scattered locations, the Lao Embassy in Beijing National Election Committee remaining two become vice Saturday March 19 at Lao while the preparation costs and to consulates in Kunming, quickly. presidents. embassies and consulates in could be high. Guangzhou, Nanning, The votes received at Lao The Union Parliament China, Thailand and Vietnam, “We will discuss the matter Shanghai and Hong Kong. embassies and consulates are which is one day earlier than again tomorrow [today],” he In Thailand, voters can expected to be sent back by comprising two Houses is in Laos where the election said. go to the Lao Embassy in Sunday (March 20) or not later shared by NLD with 390 MPs will take place on Sunday. Reports show that most Bangkok and the consulate in than Monday (March 21). or 59.36 percent, USDP with However, it is still unclear Lao nationals in foreign Khon Kaen. In Vietnam, voting He added that consideration 41 or 6.24 percent, other parties if Lao expats in other countries countries who are eligible to stations will be set up at the will be given to reimbursing and individuals with 60 or can vote at embassies or vote, including students, live in Lao Embassy in Hanoi and the the travel costs and living 9.132 percent and military consulates, a member of the China, Thailand and Vietnam consulates in Danang and Ho expenses of people who have representatives with 166 or committee in charge of election – the only three countries Chi Minh City. to travel a long way to vote. 25.26 percent.

2 Home news Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times Savannakhet police drug bust snares 40,000 amphetamine pills Times Reporters 42,000 amphetamine pills 114,000 amphetamine pills and four packs of heroin and and 80 grams of crystal Savannakhet provincial police apprehended the men for methamphetamine. last week confiscated over questioning. According to a Savannakhet 40,000 amphetamine pills and The men were named police officer, as the province apprehended three men after as Mr Khanphet, 34, of shares a border with two other stopping a pick-up along Road Lattanalangsy-Neua village, countries it is easy for people No. 9 in Nabor village, Xepon Kaysone Phomvihane district, to transit the region and cross district. Savannakhet province, Mr borders. The province’s Department Sipaseud, 23, of Thongkang This makes the province of Drug Prevention and Control village, Sisattanak district, attractive to criminals looking said Savannakhet police had and Mr Keo, 37, of Phontong to smuggle drugs. Mr Bounkhuang Souvannaphanh (right) addresses the meeting. been targeting the group for village, Chanthabouly district, Savannakhet police are about two months. Vientiane. continuing to wage war against After receiving a tip Police are continuing their drugs to protect the public, Laos closes in on poverty reduction target off that the men would be investigations and trying to while campaigning about the Times Reporters eradication. The fight against Poverty Reduction Fund transporting drugs along this identify other people involved dangers of drugs in at-risk poverty was the main focus of is to help improve access road, police sent a team to in the drug ring before sending areas. Laos aims to further mobilise the MDGs, and continues to to and utilisation of basic investigate. the suspects to court. The current anti-drug all of its untapped potential remain a priority of the SDGs infrastructure and services While making enquiries This latest bust follows project began in 2009. Since and step up cooperation with from 2016-2030. for poor communities, and to in Nabor village, police another incident at the end of then law enforcement officers all stakeholders, backed by The poverty rate has achieve this using inclusive stopped three men travelling last year, when Savannakhet have confiscated 21 vehicles, support from friendly countries, dropped below the 23 percent development processes, with in a pick-up. On searching police arrested three drug 10 million baht and thousands to achieve the Sustainable figure recorded in 2013, and an emphasis on sustainability. the vehicle they discovered traffickers transporting of amphetamine pills. Development Goals (SDGs). more than 122,000 households Since the second phase To achieve these goals, and 1,430 villages have been of the Fund began in October Laos is implementing the freed from poverty in the past 2011, more than 450,000 Association lends a helping hand eighth Five-Year National five years. members of rural communities Socio-Economic Development Laos is one of the fourth in provinces such as Huaphan, to Sisattanak children Plan and striving to fulfil the newer members of Asean, and Attapeu and Xekong have Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth Sustainable Development lags behind the six original benefitted from it. Goals on the way to graduating member states in terms of The Fund has contributed Children in poor families in from least developed country development. to a 37 percent increase in the status by 2020. Poverty Reduction Fund use of health services, a 76 Sisattanak district, Vientiane, With regard to poverty Executive Director Mr percent increase in access to are gradually receiving reduction, the government Bounkhuang Souvannaphanh safe water resources, and a 30 improved healthcare, nutrition has focused on infrastructure said the meeting was a significant percent increase in access to all- and education, thanks to a development, access to public platform for promoting mutual weather roads in target villages programme that is working health services in rural areas, understanding and sharing across the country. These are with selected primary schools. food security, commercial experiences and best practices remarkable achievements. Currently, about 20 percent production, services, education, aimed at strengthening The Poverty Reduction of children in Sisattanak and sanitary expansion. cooperation in the area of Fund was established by the district do not attend school These were the issues tabled poverty reduction, to ensure Lao government in 2002 with because their families are poor for discussion by national that the people lived in better overseas funding, and is part of and they lack public support to committees at the Social conditions and could enjoy the Government Office. obtain an education. and Environment Safeguard prosperity. Monday’s meeting But their circumstances Consultation Workshop for “Although Laos is moving was attended by the Head have been improving since Poverty Reduction Fund III, forward to upper middle of the planning and foreign the Dongsavath Children held in Vientiane on Monday. income status in line with green relations office of the and Youth Development The Dream Children’s Playground Garden at Dongsavath Primary The meeting demonstrated and sustainable development, National Committee for Rural Association (DCYDA) based School in Sisattanak district. Laos’ strong commitment poverty eradication remains Development and Poverty in Dongsavath village was to promoting awareness of our top priority,” he said. Reduction, Mr Chit Thavisay, founded in 2008. 35 children and young people Knowledge is the first step the significance of poverty The objective of the and other invited guests. The association is funded by in very difficult circumstances towards this goal, to help poor overseas agencies. to cover educational materials children and young people to IMF chief praises... from page 1 The group works with four and term fees. Their families solve their problems and avoid primary schools in Vientiane, are given emergency medical drug abuse by providing after namely Dongsavath Primary assistance and counselling. A school activities.” remained favourable. However, of fiscal consolidation; strengthening macroeconomic School, Donkoi School, Nahay programme of regular home “We run children’s to safeguard macroeconomic continued efforts to accumulate management and ensuring School, and Udomphone visits provides social support development centres at stability during the transition international reserves and conditions for sustained School. and information for parents. four primary schools in the out of low-income country develop the financial system; growth,” she said. A senior member of the Speaking at the handover Vientiane area where children status in the medium-term, and better quality and timely According to the Bank association said the group’s of the Dream Children’s can gain life-skills, find advice, it would be important to release of statistics.” of the Lao PDR, cooperation aim is to ensure that poor Playground Garden at inform contact persons, or get strengthen the economy’s Ms Lagarde emphasised between Laos and the IMF resilience to external shocks the determination of the IMF has been growing over the children and adolescents have Dongsavath Primary School any further assistance they access to education and after and put in place conditions for to continue to be a close past years. recently, DCYDA Head Mr need,” he said. sustainable growth. partner for Laos in its drive for Despite global uncertainty, school activities. They aim to Phonexay Inthaleuxay said According to the DCYDA, “These steps include: development to graduate from the Lao economy has continued provide a fun environment to the association was founded to the rural areas of Vientiane have continued investments low-income country status by to grow at 7.5 percent annually, discourage or avoid drug abuse help children develop their full suffered a great deal in terms in education and social 2020. making it one of the world’s and drop outs, and encourage potential and to protect them of social problems including infrastructure to ensure “In recent years we fastest growing economies. children and young people from harm. dropping out of school, drug rising living standards; have sought to deepen our However, Ms Lagarde to participate in helping their “We provide life-skills abuse and neglected children. implementation of fiscal policy dialogue and capacity warned that the sluggish global families and communities. training and an annual In urban settings, the negative reforms so that a more efficient building by re-establishing economy could impact Laos. She said the association summer camp. It is our aim impacts of “westernisation” public administration can our local office in Vientiane For instance, the rebalancing donated a small scholarship to give children a feeling of have a greater effect on poorer support public investment and providing IMF technical of the Chinese economy might fund of 30 million kip a year to security and being cared for. families. while maintaining the path support focused on create more turbulence.

Lao Press in Foreign Languages Tel: 55624351, 021 Sisay Vilaysack Copy Sub-editor: 336042 Tel: 55615716, 021-336045, Elizabeth Winch If you have a phonethikeo28@yahoo. Fax: 336046 problem accessing Vientiane Times com [email protected] Finance Manager: Established 1994, Volume 22 the website, please Tel: (856-21) 336042, fax: (856-21) 336041 Somphone Vongsa [email protected] Features Editor: Business Editor: Tel: 336040, 020 call directly to Manichanh Phonsavanh Vongxay 55647291 Supervisor: Pansivongxay Tel: 021-336047, 020 Tel: +856-21 Savankhone Razmountry Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Tel: 020 55607017, 021 5522818 Marketing Manager: 336048; 020 Phonekeo Vorakhoun 336047 Phoutthasack Editor-in-Chief: Tel: 021 336042 Fax: 021 336046 Graphic Designer/IT: Inthakoummane 55729209, Thonglor Duangsavanh [email protected] chanfeature@hotmail. Malaythong Phayanouvong Tel: 021 336042, Email: editor@ Tel: 021 336042 com Tel: 021 336048, 020 Fax: 336041 [email protected] Deputy Editor-in-Chief: News Editor: 55729209 Mobile: 020 55599209 vientianetimes.la Phon Thikeo [email protected] Vientiane Times Wednesday March 16, 2016 Home news 3 UXO sector achieves new clearance milestone Times Reporters

The year 2015 was a year of significant progress and innovation for the UXO sector in Laos, thanks to a new evidence-based survey method. The unexploded ordnance (UXO) sector, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), adopted a new evidence-based UXO survey approach in 2015. Mr Sengphet Houngboungnuang expresses condolences over the death of the Cuban Ambassador to The sector has seen a Laos Mr Jorge Rey Jimenez at the Cuban Embassy in Vientiane. considerable increase in the Mr Bounheuang Douangphachanh (right) and Ms Kaarina Immonen number of cluster munitions co-chair the meeting. cleared per hectare of land; Laos mourns death of Cuban Ambassador from fewer than seven UXO per thought to litter Laos’ rural a national cluster munitions hectare in 2014 to more than 22 and remote communities. The survey by 2021. Times Reporters UXO per hectare in 2015. hazards caused by UXO link The meeting also served The new survey approach to poverty levels, with the as a platform to gauge support Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Sengphet Houngboungnuang, representing the Ministry entails consultation with most contaminated districts in and capture feedback from of Foreign Affairs, yesterday signed a book of condolence at the Cuban Embassy in Vientiane on communities to identify all the country often also being UNDP’s partners on the next the death of Cuban Ambassador to Laos Mr Jorge Rey Jimenez. known UXO in and around among the poorest, according phase of support to the UXO Mr Sengphet expressed his condolences and sympathy over the death of Mr Jimenez, who villages, followed by technical to UNDP. sector, as well as from the Lao died in Laos on March 13. surveys to establish the extent The number of casualties government on the prospect of The Deputy Minister shared his sympathy with the Party, government and people of Cuba as of each confirmed hazardous resulting from UXO accidents increased national ownership well as the family of Mr Jimenez. area, which is then entered reported by the National of the sector. into the national database and Regulatory Authority for the “We hope that a strong prioritised for clearance. UXO/Mine Action Sector coordinated sectoral approach The approach will help (NRA) in 2015 was 42, to programme and technical the Lao government to well below the Millennium support will help to address Road No. 9 upgrade taking shape establish a national baseline Development Goal 9 target of some of the remaining of contamination, which in 75 casualties annually. challenges in the sector and Times Reporters Transport. Savannakhet province and turn will enable better planning An evaluation of the allow funding to align better The project takes in a has to be upgraded to Asean for UXO clearance nationally. UNDP’s support to Mine with changing needs,” Ms Sections of the over 44km section from Phalanxay standards so it can bear loads Clearing the whole country Action in Laos in 2015 Immonen said. 100-kilometre National district to the Xethamuak area of 11 tonnes per axle. of cluster munitions is one revealed remaining areas for The current UNDP UXO Road No. 9 upgrade through in Phin district and another The roads in Laos will need of the obligations of the support, including a need to programme (2013-2016) has Savannakhet province have 56.6km from Laboukang to to be improved so they fall in international Convention on improve task prioritisation been supported by Australia, now been sealed with asphalt Daen Savan village in Xepon line with common standards Cluster Munitions. and planning for the sector, Belgium, Canada, the European with the project scheduled for district. imposed by the regional bloc. This information was better communicate results Union, France, Luxembourg, completion in 2017. Khounxay Phatthana Road No. 9 is heavily revealed at the UXO project and progress to stakeholders, New Zealand, Northern Work by Khounxay Company noted they had used by vehicles owned by Board Meeting 2016, held and increase the institutional Ireland, Norway, the Republic Phatthana Company began in already completed major companies involved in trade, yesterday in Vientiane, chaired capacity of the relevant of Ireland, the Republic of 2014 and the project is now earthworks, upgraded the tourism and various investment by Minister to the Government government bodies, including Korea, Switzerland and the over half finished. drainage system and asphalted projects. Office Mr Bounheuang in managing new types and United Kingdom. The project cost is estimated numerous road sections in Over the past five years the Douangphachanh and the larger quantities of data on The UNDP is working at 319 billion kip with the January. road has been badly damaged United Nations Resident UXO contamination. with partners to ensure the full Savannakhet provincial budget Road No. 9 links the Lao- by overloaded trucks. A report Coordinator and UNDP At the meeting, the implementation of the NRA supplying 30 percent and 70 Thai border with the Lao- indicated that about 35 percent Resident Representative in new Five Year Sector Work and UXO Lao’s Annual Work percent coming from the Vietnamese border over a of all trucks using this road Laos Ms Kaarina Immonen. Plan was presented by the Plans for 2016, for which Ministry of Public Works and distance of 241.6 km through were overloaded. Despite much progress in NRA along with a recently- approximately US$2.2 million 2015, millions of UXO is still developed plan for completing still needs to be committed. Thai dredging vessels told to retreat from Lao side of the Mekong Times Reporters stating they would not again less populated areas rocks dredge for sand on the Lao are dumped alongside the The operators of Thai sand side of the river border,” Mr riverbank. The piles of rocks dredgers working in the Vannavong said. cause the water to change the Mekong River close to He pointed out that direction of flow so that it Khammuan province signed riverbank erosion was a risk if doesn’t rush forcefully around a document last week stating large quantities of sand were the river’s edge. they would not continue to removed. Ministry officials are cross the border into Laos. According to the Ministry calculating the area of land Deputy Head of the of Public Works and Transport, that has been protected from Khammuan provincial the Mekong riverbank in Laos erosion and say many square Administration Office, Mr is increasingly being protected kilometres of land along the Vannavong Vongphachan, told against erosion through the Mekong have been saved. Vientiane Times on Tuesday construction of embankments, The ministry estimates that authorities had reported with the work beginning in that since 1975 more than that Thai sand dredging vessels 2007 and 2008. 80 square kilometres of land had crossed the Lao border in Scores of towns located have gradually fallen into the the middle of the river. all along the Mekong are now river as there was only limited Local authorities cautioned protected, just as in Vientiane. riverbank protection for much the vessels three times, saying About 50 percent of the of this time. Workers asphalt a section of National Road No. 9 through Savannakhet province. they should cross back into riverbank has been shored up The Mekong River floods Thai territory, but they did not against erosion. perennially during the rainy move. The government pays season around July and According to the provincial for the construction of August on its way through Sub-editor wanted authorities, Thai dredgers embankments in accordance Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vientiane Times is seeking an experienced English language editor. transgressed into the Lao side with the extent of erosion that and Vietnam. Erosion often of the river, straying about has already occurred. occurs in the rainy season Must be a native speaker of English and able to edit a wide range of 320m into Lao waters. In towns, riverbanks when the river flows fast, and articles from business to entertainment. Attention to detail is essential “The Thais returned home are shored up with concrete large sections of riverbank can and familiarity with current affairs in Laos is desirable. Excellent after signing a document embankments, but in collapse quite suddenly. writing skills required. Working hours approx 11am – 6pm Mon-Fri Correction plus a weekly evening shift and occasional Sundays. Please email: [email protected] The article “Violence against women a ‘hidden scourge’ in Laos” published on March 11, page 1, contains an error in the photo caption. It reads “Ms Frederika Meijer (right) co-chairs or call: 55607017, 021 336047 or drop your CV off at Vientiane a meeting with government officials.” It should read “United Nations Resident Coordinator Times on Kamphaengmeuang Road (T4). and UNDP Representative to Laos Ms Kaarina Immonen (right) co-chairs a meeting with government officials.” The newspaper apologises for any confusion the error may have caused. 4 Home news Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times News in Brief Xaythany district owes over 75 billion kip in electricity bills Xaythany district, Vientiane, has chalked up a total of 75 billion kip in unpaid electricity bills and more than 11,000 customers have now been temporarily disconnected. The authorities reported that more than 11,000 customers were in arrears to the tune of 16 million kip and had now had their power cut. Customers are required to pay their bills every month and within seven days of receiving a bill. But the main offenders in Xaythany are irrigation and agriculture projects that owe 37 million kip and government departments that owe 24 billion kip, according to the Social-Economic newspaper. Electricity supplied to the district is often insufficient because of population growth but the authorities plan to upgrade the grid and hope to be able to supply enough electricity in 2016, while continuing to collect arrears from customers. China funds construction of primary school A Chinese company has provided more than 2 billion kip to build a primary school in Huayon village, Namor district, Oudomxay province, NTPC staff, teachers and students attend the lecture at the Lao-German Technical College in Vientiane. the Education and Sport newspaper reported. The two buildings have nine classrooms with full facilities for teachers and students as well as electricity and water connections. Technical students learn about hydropower Elsewhere the government and donors of the Republic of Korea donated more than 380 million kip to build a student dormitory at Longpiew Secondary School in Kham district, Xieng Khuang province. Times Reporters NTPC’s commitment to expand its students at the college and seven for network with vocational schools and Khammuan Technical Vocational Four people die in road accidents The Nam Theun 2 Power Company improve the quality of curricula to College. A truck hit and killed a motorbike rider in Dongkhamxang village, (NTPC) on Monday delivered an meet the energy industry’s needs, Furthermore, a partnership with Xaysettha district, the Lao Phatthana newspaper reported. introduction to hydropower for about as well as strengthening human the French Embassy in Laos has The victim was named as Mr Loun, 54, of Xiengda village, Xaysettha 200 students at the Lao-German resources. allowed seven students to pursue district. The driver of the truck was arrested and will stand trial. Technical College in Vientiane. During this Hydropower Day, higher studies in France in the fields Two other accidents occurred last weekend, firstly when a cement truck NTPC and the college arranged students had the opportunity to learn of engineering, maintenance and IT. crashed into a motorbike rider and killed her. The victim was named as the talk for students at the vocational about the hydropower sector in Laos The company has plans to provide Ms Termfan, 23, of Khokpherng village, Sangthong district. training school to raise awareness and its high potential; a case study more scholarships for students in In the second accident a truck hit a motorbike, killing the two teenage about the hydropower context in of the Nam Theun 2 project was also Khammuan province in the near riders. They were named as Mr Xang, 16, of Nano village, Xaysettha Laos and enhance capacity building presented by professionals from the future. district, and Ms Viet, 15, of Sanghuabor village, Xaythany district. in this sector. company. NTPC was formed by the Lao The talk was given under The informative talk was attended government and private shareholders an MoU on human resources by the college’s Deputy Director Mr in the Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric New ultrasound for Xieng Khuang hospital development for the hydropower Khamsavai Yormmilavong, Human Project to build and operate the The Mother and Child Hospital recently donated an ultrasound machine market signed last year between Resources and Administration project for the first 25 years of its to Nonghet hospital in Xieng Khuang province worth about 100 million NTPC and the College, aimed at Director of NTPC Mr David Le operation. NTPC is dedicated to kip, according to the Laophatthana newspaper. raising students’ interest in the Ny, and representatives of NTPC’s running a world class hydropower Officials said they trained doctors at the hospital in the use of the hydro sector and the employment operations and maintenance division. facility and to improving the living machine. The hospital is used by many people, so the ultrasound will be opportunities it can offer. The power company is currently conditions of people in the areas put to good use. Last week foreign doctors visited the hospital to treat This initiative contributes to providing three scholarships for around the project. women and perform some operations. Vientiane Times Wednesday March 16, 2016 Photo news 5

Newly appointed Deputy Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Mr Thongsay Sanexaya (first right), stands with the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Mr Hiem Phommachanh (second left) and other deputy ministers at his French Ambassador Mme Claudine Ledoux (seated) holds a press conference yesterday to appointment ceremony. announce a French gastronomy event on March 21 as part of international Francophonie Month. In Mr Thongsay was Laos, events will take place in Vientiane and Luang Prabang province to promote French cuisine. previously the Director General of Lao Telecom. --Photos Phetphoxay

The Dongsavath Children and Youth Development Association in Vientiane hands over the Dream Children’s Playground Garden to Dongsavath Primary School in Sisattanak district, Vientiane. The handover was attended by Deputy Director of the Vientiane Education and Sports Department Lao Securities Exchange CEO Mr Vanhkham Voravong (tenth right) and Representative of UN Mr Southany Xayasane and Head of the Dongsavath Children and Youth Development Association Global Compact and ANZ Lao CEO Ms Tammy Medard (eleventh left) gather with officials from Mr Phonexay Inthaleuxay (first right). line organisations at the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event, held recently in Vientiane. 6 Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times Region In brief from Asia Two die in Australian light plane crash News Network while filming for Vietnamese TV show Election preparations a In this image MELBOURNE (Xinhua) -- have indicated that irregular top priority: Deputy PM Australian police are sifting wind patterns may have lead to ĐIỆN BIÊN (VNS) -- made from video, illegal through camera footage taken by the plane’s downing. Preparations for upcoming fishing vessel a passenger in an ultralight plane Before the crash, several elections and measures Viking which that crashed in country Victoria pilots had noted long and for social and economic was seized by at the weekend, killing the two sustained whirlwinds while in- development are Deputy Indonesia’s men on board. flight, throwing them off course. Prime Minister Nguyễn Navy is sunk in It is believed the pair - Australian Transport Safety Xuân Phúc’s top concerns, the waters off local man Ian Cook, 60, and Bureau statistics show the pair’s he announced during his visit Pangandaran, West Java, Vietnamese man Quoc Huong type of microlight plane, known to the northern province of Vu, 44 - were filming for the as an arrow, have been involved Điện Biên. Speaking to local Indonesia on March 14. Vietnamese version of global- in more fatal accidents in authorities during his two-day --Photo AP hit reality television show, The Australia than any other aircraft. work trip to the province, Amazing Race, before the crash Yarrawonga Aerodrome which ended yesterday, on Sunday. manager Peter McLean, a pilot Phúc asked authorities to The two men were killed who taught Cook how to fly, said complete the list of applicants on impact, despite efforts from the design of the aircraft meant nominated to deputy posts in emergency workers to revive pilots had to continually operate the 14th National Assembly Indonesia blows up illegal them. at high-speed to avoid crashing. (NA) and to the People’s On Tuesday, a police McLean, who was one of Council as well as prepare toothfish ship sought by Interpol spokesperson said Vu, a the first people on the scene, told for the second consultative cameraman, may have captured Fairfax Media that Cook was conference and elections. PANGANDARAN, Indonesia She posed on the beach with a for 13 years in Antarctica and vision of the accident from more than adequately trained to (AP) -- Indonesian authorities on group of navy officials, their fists spotted 18 times, but it always multiple on-board cameras use the “trike-style” aircraft. Major Thai trafficking Monday bombed the last major raised in the air with the smoking escaped. which they will now use to assist “I knew the pilot, he comes trial opens amid fears ship internationally wanted for boat behind them. “You may go The Viking was the last in their investigation. up every couple of weeks,” for witnesses years of illegally taking toothfish freely in the rest of the world, but in operation of the “Bandit 6” Initial reports by the McLean said in comments Thailand (The Nation) from southern waters, reiterating once entering Indonesia, this is known to be illegally catching Recreational Aviation Australia published on Tuesday. -- The trial of 92 suspected a strong message to would-be the consequence.” toothfish in the Southern Ocean. human traffickers, arrested poachers who enter the country’s The Viking was operating as Patagonian toothfish, also after the discovery of shallow waters. a so-called ghost ship, frequently known as Chilean sea bass, is graves of migrants in the The navy seized the Nigeria- changing its name and registry popularly served in the United jungle in Thailand, began in flagged Viking on Feb. 25 and not broadcasting any type States, and fishing stocks are Bangkok Tuesday and the operating in waters off Tanjung of satellite signal so that its now better managed after years attorney general’s office said Berakit in Riau Islands province whereabouts could be tracked, of plundering. However, US- it would be over within a year south of Singapore. It was one of said Siddharth Chakravarty, Sea based Monterey Bay Aquarium amid fears about the safety of the half dozen ships dubbed the Shepherd’s campaign leader, by Seafood Watch recommends witnesses. “Bandit 6” by the nonprofit Sea satellite phone from a ship in the avoiding eating the fish unless it Traffickers abandoned Shepherd Conservation Society, Indian Ocean. comes from certain areas. boatloads of migrants at sea which hunted the boats and “I wish there were more The Viking’s Chilean captain last year after a crackdown was among those who alerted governments standing up for and crew members have been by Thai authorities that led Indonesian officials when the what they can do within their detained in Indonesia. Interpol to a regional migrant crisis Viking entered the country’s legal instruments and not went after the ship in 2013 with Indonesia, Malaysia, waters. worry about how international following a complaint from Thailand, Myanmar and “This is to serve as a deterrent diplomacy is going to play out Norwegian authorities about Bangladesh refusing boats to others,” Fisheries Minister after that,” he said, adding that illegal fishing in that country’s permission to land. Susi Pudjiastuti told reporters. the Viking had been fishing waters. Vientiane Times Wednesday March 16, 2016 Region 7 World Bank prioritises six areas for Myanmar Myanmar (Eleven) -- The policies that could enable more jobs and higher incomes World Bank Group (WBG) a structural shift to more for Myanmar people. in Myanmar has outlined six productive and labour- According to Habib Rab, priority areas to ensure that intensive activities. World Bank senior country economic prosperity is shared He added that the WBG economist, the bank is looking by all. would also emphasise such at ways to increase Myanmar’s They are access to things as natural-resources fiscal efficiency, by helping social services, reducing management. prioritise government projects rural poverty, private-sector Axel van Trotsenburg, as well as boosting government competitiveness,financial World Bank vice president for revenue through improvements inclusion, access to energy, East Asia and Pacific, last week in tax administration. and public-sector governance. met with National League for Public debt is also on “We are committed to Democracy chairwoman Aung the agenda, to ensure that supporting the people of San Suu Kyi. government borrowing will Myanmar through the new “It is one of a few meetings not create unnecessary costs administration,” World Bank we had over the past few and risks to its sustainable country manager Abdoulaye weeks. The meeting ended growth. Seck said at a press conference very positively, and we are As foreign investment Police standing guard over the record 1,200kg ganja haul. - Bernama recently. very much encouraged to remains crucial for future “Myanmar has the potential see how we can cooperate development, Charles to follow a similar path of to ensure inclusive growth Schneider, World Bank Malaysian cops seize 1,200kg of inclusive growth as other in Myanmar. We will be senior operations officer, said Asian countries that enjoyed engaging more with the new Myanmar had a lot to do. In ganja, biggest-ever single haul long periods of rapid income administration. There will be the latest “Doing Business” growth. The country faces a many more discussions,” he report, Myanmar ranked 167 KUALA LUMPUR (The Star) where we seized another 200 investigations,” he said, long road ahead in addressing said. out of 189 economies around -- Police have scored a major blocks,” he said at a press adding that the suspect would continued challenges to close The World Bank last the world. success with the seizure of conference on Tuesday. be remanded until March 20. disparities across Myanmar’s year completed its first full Schneider said there had more than a tonne of ganja The second bust was made Among other items seized geography, ethnic communities country strategy, the “Country been only a few small changes worth RM4.2mil, making it the in another house in Bandar included a watch and RM2,000 and income groups. We will Partnership Framework”, for for Myanmar since its debut biggest single haul of the drug Laguna Merbok, Sungai in cash. continue supporting Myanmar Myanmar. The three-year on the list three years ago. In in Malaysian history. Petani, at about 1.40am. The case is being people to overcome these framework outlines support the last three years, Myanmar Federal Narcotics Criminal “A total of 848 compressed investigated under Section challenges.” for Myanmar and its people ranked 187, 182 and 167 Investigation Department blocks weighing about 39B of the Dangerous Drugs director Comm Datuk Seri 843kg were seized there. Act 1952 which carries the Seck said the six areas in transforming the country, respectively. Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff Investigations revealed that mandatory death sentence were interconnected, and the reducing extreme poverty and Schneider said commercial said the drugs were seized in the house was used for storage. upon conviction. government needed to be boosting shared prosperity. arbitration, regulatory reforms two separate raids between 3pm “In total, we seized Between Jan 1 and March transparent and engage with The Bank is convinced such as financial-structure Saturday and 1.30pm Sunday. 1,200kg of ganja and that is 11, police have busted two citizens in sending out accurate that Myanmar’s economy has reforms - part of which In the first bust, police the biggest ganja haul in our syndicates and seized 277kg information in a timely and huge growth potential, with an was formation of the credit arrested a 38-year-old man history,” he said. of ganja. transparent manner. anticipated economic-growth bureau, which is under way near a parking lot after police Comm Mohd Mokhtar In 2015, seven syndicates He said sustaining a strong rate of 8 percent per annum - and efforts to enact the new found 160 of compressed added that the ganja was brought were crippled with 1,290kg of pace of growth through a over the next five years. With company law were the areas blocks, believed to be ganja, in by sea from Thailand. ganja seized, while in 2014, diversified economy was the right policy choices, a Myanmar need to emphasise in his car. “We are seeking eight syndicates were busted critical to achieve this, with growing economy can provide in the short term. “That led police to a house several people to facilitate and 368kg of ganja seized. 8 Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times World Turkey’s military: 45 PKK rebels killed in air strikes ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said militants were killed in the At least 45 Kurdish rebels there were “almost certain” clashes. were killed in Turkish air indications that the attack was Turkey this week also strikes against suspected the work of the PKK. declared curfews and launched militant targets in northern The attack escalated large-scale operations against Iraq following the suicide car tensions with the Kurds and Kurdish militants in the towns bombing in Ankara, the military further complicated Turkey’s of Nusaybin and Yuksekova in said Tuesday. Meanwhile, a place in the region as it battles the mostly-Kurdish southeast police officer and three Kurdish a host of enemies across its region. Earlier, the military militants were killed in fighting borders including the Syrian said Monday’s air strikes in a neighborhood in the mainly government, Kurdish rebels which targeted the Qandil Kurdish city of Diyarbakir, in both Iraq and Syria, and the mountains, where the PKK’s media reports said. Islamic State group. Turkey leadership is based, killed 45 Turkish F-16 and F4 jets also have been forced to absorb PKK rebels and destroyed struck Kurdistan Workers 2.7 million refugees from the two arms depots and two Party, or PKK, positions conflict. rocket launcher positions. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei across the border in Iraq on The state-run Anadolu The military claim could not Lavrov at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, March 14, 2016. Monday, a day after the attack Agency said authorities immediately be verified. which killed 37 people and had declared a curfew in The PKK is fighting Turkey wounded dozens of others. Diyarbakir’s low-income for Kurdish autonomy in the There was no immediate claim Baglar neighborhood early on southeast. The fragile two- Putin orders withdrawal of Russian of responsibility for the Ankara Tuesday after clashes erupted year peace process collapsed attack, which authorities say overnight between Kurdish in July, re-igniting the conflict. air forces deployed in Syria was carried out by a female militants and the security The PKK is considered a terror MOSCOW (China Daily/ Russia's naval base in Syria's Minister Sergei Shoigu. bomber and a possible male forces. The Dogan news agency organisation by Turkey and its Xinhua) -- The Russian air coastal city of Tartus, as well Putin also ordered the accomplice. Turkish Prime said a police officer and three allies. forces deployed in Syria as the Hmeimim airbase foreign ministry to intensify would start withdrawal from southeast of Syria's Latakia efforts to push forward the EU foreign ministers agree on five principles concerning Russia March 15, Russian President city, would continue operation Syrian peace process, while Vladimir Putin said Monday. in a routine mode. praising the Russian air forces BRUSSELS (Xinhua) -- The in Central Asia, as well as foreign policy chief Federica Putin said the decision was "A part of our military in Syria for the efficient work foreign ministers from 28 strengthen the resilience of the Mogherini at the following discussed and coordinated group has been traditionally that "created conditions for the member states of theEuropean EU in fields including energy press conference. with Syrian President Bashar deployed in Syria for many start of a peace process." Union (EU) on Monday security, hybrid threats, or The Council also al-Assad during a phone years and now it will be tasked Both Putin and Assad unanimously agreed on five strategic communication. discussed relations with conversation earlier in the day, to fulfill a very important job hoped the intra-Syrian principles guiding the EU’s The ministers also Iran and possible areas of adding that "the fundamental of monitoring the ceasefire talks in Geneva, which policy towards Russia. emphasized the need for re-engagement following tasks set for the Russian armed regime and creating conditions starts Monday under the Implementation of the selective engagement with the adoption of the Joint forced in Syria were resolved." for peace process," Putin UN auspices, could bring Minsk agreement should be Russia on issues of interest Comprehensive Plan of "It was agreed to withdraw added. concrete results, while the the key condition for any to the EU, and the need to Action and the lifting of all main body of the Russian "I hope today's decision latter stressed his readiness substantial change in the EU’s engage in people-to-people nuclear-related EU sanctions. air forces. At the same time (of withdrawal) will be a to start political process in stance towards Russia, agreed contacts and support Russian Mogherini briefed the Russia would preserve an good signal for all conflicting Syria as soon as possible. the ministers at the Foreign civil society. ministers on her planned trip air flight control centre in parties. I hope it will Assad also expressed Affairs Council. “We will come back to to Tehran next month, with Syrian territory to monitor the considerably increase trust of gratitude to Russia for the They also agreed to the sanctions decisions in due an aim to explore different ceasefire regime," according all participants in the process," substantial help in the fight strengthen relations with the time, either at the Foreign areas of cooperation with Iran to an online Kremlin press Putin said during a meeting against terrorism and the EU’s Eastern Partners and Affairs Council and/or at the accompanied by a delegation release. with Russia's Foreign Minister humanitarian aid delivery to other neighbors, in particular European Council,” said EU of EU commissioners. According to Putin, Sergei Lavrov and Defense Syrian civilians. Vientiane Times 9

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.laBusiness Wednesday March 16, 2016 Jo Bounmy Group boosts funding to develop transport service standards

Participants at the Sub-dealer conference held at the Lao Plaza Hotel pose for a group photo. Mitsubishi Electric eyes sales growth electric fans, ventilators and water pumps. We will emphasise our brand’s core strengths such as “The Cooling Master” which comprises Master of Technology, a kinetic cooling technology coupled with being environmentally friendly, Master of Durability, Impress design of building up confidence in the international transport ICD product quality and durability, service system and Master of Energy Saving, at the Thakhaek product development with Economic Specific energy saving technology. Zone in Khammuan In addition, the company province. will build up brand awareness via above the line media by airing its TVC on the main Thai TV channels such as Channel 3, 7 and digital TVS which are popular among consumers in Laos who like to watch Thai TV shows and Advertorial Desk Company Limited, reputed movies. Advertorial Desk The project has completed to operate their business and competent electrical Moreover, Out of Home the first phase after it began in the right way under Lao etting its sights on appliances distributors in Media can be viewed in he Jo Bounmy operations in October last investment regulations and the Lao market, Laos, to expand its sales and Vientiane via billboards and Group International year and is now engaged in laws. Mitsubishi Electric quality services network with LED digital billboard screens Transport Vessel ICD the construction of phase II. After the company joins forces with projected sales of 100 million in major commercial areas Co., Ltd. has added The additional funds operated the project for SOdien Refrigerator and P&P baht within 2016. such as the Morning Market US$15T million in funding will develop the transport over a year, the government, Inter-trading to further grow Mr Anun Bunjerdtum, and major business areas, etc. to develop the international service system in Laos to especially provincial its sales and service network Director and General “We will also strengthen transport ICD service system meet international standards, authorities, confirmed that targeting sales of 100 million Manager of Marketing and our standardised after sales of the company’s concession and will have a modern the company had followed baht within 2016. Sales Division of Mitsubishi service by sending our team area at the Thakhaek Economic inspection system and the regulations and the Being the market leader Electric Kang Yong Watana of experts to conduct training Specific Zone in Khammuan guarantees for domestic and authorities believe the and recognised as “The Co., Ltd. (MYK) revealed and transfer technology to sub- province. foreign service especially project will greatly benefit Cooling Master” in Thailand that the “Sub-dealer dealers in the major cities in The company’s investment passengers, goods, parking society and the government. for over 44 years, Mitsubishi conference at the Lao Plaza Laos so as to better facilitate of US$5 million increased and warehouse. The project is currently Electric Kang Yong Watana Hotel is considered as our consumers,” Mr Anun said. US$20 million on 14 hectares This is one of the model complete in line with the Co., Ltd. (MYK) will continue company’s first step in “This cooperation, we of land with a 75 year projects in the zone which company’s target and the to expand its business to the penetrating the Lao market believe, will gain trust and concession, according to an is effective, standard and second phase is underway. The Asean Economic Community starting from Vientiane before recognition as well as serve authority responsible for the modern, and will benefit the company will ensure that the (AEC) setting its sights on expanding to other major cities consumers’ requirements in project. investors and the government, project is completed to plan. Vientiane, Laos, as the first through our partners’ sub- Laos in line with our brand The investment will the zone authorities reported. The government approved AEC market. dealers.” positioning of “The Cooling develop the project as a On behalf of the a total of 114 hectares to the The company has joined “We will initially focus Master” and the development domestic transport centre to government, which is company for other investments forces with Odien Refrigerator our sales mainly on air concept of “We Think … From link with Asean, the region managing the zone, we and development of industrial and P&P Inter-trading conditioners, refrigerators, Your Life”. and international destinations. always advise companies products. Exchange rates as of March 15, 2016 Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public

Foreign Currencies Buying Selling

US Dollar 50-100 8,106 8,146

Thai Baht 231.77 233.5

Euro 50-500 8,990 9,035 10 Business Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times Gold futures Rs.198 due to weak global trend

10 grammes, in a business turnover of 1,145 lots at the Multi Commodity Exchange. In a similar fashion, the metal for delivery in far- month June was trading down Rs 181, or 0.61 percent, to Rs 29,278 per 10 grammes in 167 lots. Market analysts said the fall in gold futures was mostly in tune with a weak trend overseas where the precious metal dropped for a third day Mr Khamphay Somsana (centre), Mr Kongmala Phommalay (left) and Mr Sombat Siriphonwitaya at the press conference in Vientiane. to trade at almost two-week Representational Image of gold. lows as the dollar rebounded and investors await policy New Delhi (The Statesman, on Tuesday as speculators reviews in Japan and the US. Inaugural Vientiane ANN) -- Amid a weakening trimmed their positions. Meanwhile, gold prices fell global trend, gold futures Gold for delivery in April 0.8 percent to US$1,225.77 an traded lower by Rs 198 at dropped Rs 198, or 0.68 ounce in Singapore, the lowest Furniture Fair announced Rs 28,989 per 10 grammes percent, to Rs 28,989 per since March 2.

Times Reporters promote Lao wooden furniture Khamphay Somsana said that to Lao society and also to integrate with the region and Oil continues slide in Asia, Brent he Lao Furniture international visitors, increase internationally, the association Association (LFA) the skills of Lao labour and has advised every Lao business dips below US$40 will host the first furniture factories and create unit, especially furniture and annual Vientiane jobs for local people, reduce wood entrepreneurs, to pay Singapore (The Statesman, delivery in April was down 23 “What I fear is that any FurnitureT Fair from March unemployment and help the more attention to updating the ANN) – Oil extended its cents to US$36.95 and Brent breakdowns in the proposed 23 to April 1 at the Vientiane country graduate from poverty. quality of their products and decline in Asia on Tuesday for May was down 29 cents to talks, if there even is a meeting, Centre in Vientiane. Mr Kongmala said event increasing their management as hopes that major crude US$39.24 a barrel. will drag oil prices through the The products to be brought participants will be able to skills. producers will freeze output WTI slumped 3.4 percent mud again,” he said. for display and sale at the witness carving demonstrations Each business unit should to ease a world surplus faded, and Brent eased 2.1 percent The talks were supposed to event will include a range of and enjoy performances in the also show their abilities and sending Brent crude back on Monday, giving up gains be held in Russia this month, wooden furniture, bamboo, evenings. actively go about producing below US$40. that saw the global benchmark but are now set to happen next rattan and handicrafts. The association expects that their own products for sale A meeting proposed by break US$40 a barrel for the month in Doha, Qatar. The aim is to increase the furniture, wood processing and and export and seek to increase Russia and Saudi Arabia to first time this year last week. Singapore trade minister S capacity of Lao wood product saplings business units within their popularity, he stressed. discuss output limits has been “I remain sceptical on Iswaran told a gas conference manufacturers to compete in the association and foreign and Lao wooden furniture pushed back to April from any such supply talks as the on Tuesday that crude prices both local and international domestic companies will join products are already attracting March 20, after signs some probability of any definitive are likely to remain US$30- markets, particularly in the the event. many foreign buyers, key producing nations do not action is unlikely to be high,” 50 per barrel this year due to Asean Economic Community. In previous years, the especially in China, because support the move. said Bernard Aw, market oversupply, a slowing Chinese Vice President of the LFA association has organised of the high quality of the wood, Iran has said it would not strategist at IG Markets economy and Japan restarting Mr Kongmala Phommalay various other exhibitions Mr Khamphay said. join the effort until its own Singapore. nuclear power plants. spoke at a press conference and participated at different He called on furniture crude production reached pre- Even if the talks happen, Traders are also watching in Vientiane yesterday to domestic and international makers and all association sanction levels of 4.0 million the meeting’s agenda is for US economic data and announce the first annual events including some members to grow their barrels per day, about double freezing production - a stop meeting of Federal Reserve Vientiane Furniture Fair. in China, Singapore and businesses by using new its current output. gap measure - rather than the policy makers starting on Mr Kongmala said the fair Malaysia, said Mr Kongmala. ideas and building on their At about 0900 IST, US more long- term goal of cutting Tuesday for clues on whether seeks to increase efficiency, Vientiane Centre’s experience, doing their bit to benchmark West Texas output to reduce the global they will announce another quality and value adding Shopping Mall Department contribute to socio-economic Intermediate (WTI) for crude oversupply, Aw noted. interest rate hike. to Lao wood and furniture Managing Director, Mr development and business products as well as sustain Sombat Siriphonwitaya, expansion. forest protection efforts by believes the event will attract The opening ceremony using modern technology and more domestic and foreign will be attended by high In brief innovation and promote the investors to visit and help to ranking government use of wood from plantations promote the goods on offer at officials, private business Sony to buy Michael Jackson’s stake in Sony/ATV instead of utilising timber from the newly opened shopping operators, ambassadors and TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Sony Corp. said on Tuesday it has agreed to buy Michael Jackson’s natural forests. mall. representatives of various stake to wholly own the world’s biggest music publisher that the electronics and It will also serve to LFA President Mr international organisations. entertainment giant set up with the late pop star. Sony will purchase a 50 percent share in Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC from his estate for US$750 million.The New York-based joint venture was formed in 1995, managing the song catalogues of internationally renowned artists like The Beatles.Sony expects to Consumer complaints rise 11 percent conclude the deal by the end of the month when the Japanese firm will close its books for fiscal 2015. in China, hitting five-year high Technical innovations brisk at silk mills CHINA (China Daily, ANN) -- Those combined took up directly with 1.21 million Pyongyang (Korean Central News Agency) -- Silk mills in the DPRK strive to The State Administration 74.9 percent of total volumes. complaints in 2015, a 12.2 normalise production with homegrown facilities and locally available raw materials. for Industry and Commerce, Within the all-important percent rise on theprevious The Sericulture and Silk Industrial Bureau has set the normalisation of production as a China’s market watchdog, has services sector, the top year, which involved primary task to be carried out in the on-going 70-day campaign and encourages silk mills to reported an 11.1 percent rise in five most-complained- transactions worth 3.79 billion push ahead with technical innovation. consumer complaints last year, about areas weredistance yuan (US$584 million). As a result, homemade reels are introduced in production and manufacturing processes have been steadily upgraded at different silk mills, including Kim Jong Suk Pyongyang with the most received for shopping, residential services, Online shopping led to Silk Mill, Pakchon Silk Mill and Nyongbyon Silk Mill.Meanwhile, it has been pushed automobile parts and servicing telecommunication, online 145,800 individual consumer forward at those mills to begin home-production of imported accessories. and mobile phones. services and repairs. complaints, up 87.3 percent, The total number of Complaints about with thequality of items Incheon Airport named best duty-free shopping site complaints filed with the SAIC automobiles and parts, and and the truth of advertising S.KOREA (The Korea Herald, ANN) -- Incheon International Airport was named the hit 12.9 million, a five-year mobile phones grew 37.3 triggering the most consumer world’s best duty-free shopping site for the sixth consecutive year by an American travel high. percent and 9.7percent, anger. magazine, the airport said on Tuesday. Most individual grievances respectively. The rapid development The American edition of the travel magazine Business Traveler chose Incheon airport as focused on quality, contracts Within the former, of domestic and outbound the “Airport With Best Duty-Free Shopping” in December, as part of its annual Best in and post-sales services, with consumers complained about tourism which last year was Business Travel Awards. The airport has won the same title from the Asia-Pacific edition high rises too in the quality of 30.76 of every 10,000 vehicles worth 4trillion yuan also led and Chinese edition of the magazine for five and three consecutive years, respectively. contracts and on allegations sold, the figures showed, to a 43.5 percent surge in of misleading advertisements. nearly double the number complaints, although the total Rouhani says Iran, Vietnam determined to boost trade ties The most-complained- compared with five years ago, number wasstill relatively TEHRAN (Xinhua) -- Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Tehran and about categories were the SAIC said. small at 2,524. Hanoi have decided to increase their trade volume to a considerable level. daily necessities (160,600), There were 122,800 mobile Most of those involved Despite potentials for expansion of economic ties between the two, Iran and Vietnam had telecommunicationsnetworks phone complaints, within a the opacity of contracts, been unable to make the most of the existing capacities due to the sanctions against Iran (124,900), home appliances total 500 million devices sold difficulty in getting refunded, over the past years, Rouhani said in joint press conference with his visiting Vietnamese (97,800), transportation lastyear. false advertising,pushy sales counterpart, Truong Tan Sang. (93,500) and food (66,500). The SAIC said it dealt techniques. Vientiane Times Wednesday March 16, 2016 Business 11 Lao stock market report Asean Economic Community Asean Business Awards Laos Trade Summary

The LSX traded flat on Tuesday, at 1,148.63 points, with slightly improved trading volumes open for applications of 11,000 shares, translating to a turnover of 54.9 million kip. EDL-Gen contributed 28.4 Times Reporters million kip to the market value today, closing at 5,800 kip, while 26.17 million kip in trading value came from BCEL trades. The banking stock finished at the unchanged price of 4,350 The Lao National Chamber kip. The rest of the stocks saw very low volumes at unchanged prices. of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) yesterday announced Daily Turnover by Investor Types (LAKm) that local businesses can now apply for the Asean Business Awards Laos (ABAL) 2016. Applications can be downloaded from www. abis2016.com with the deadline for submissions being April 30. Mr Oudet Souvannavong (centre) announces that ABAL 2016 The ABAL award is under applications are now open. the framework known as the Asean Business Investment Award, along with one winner leaders. Summit and Asean Business each from the eight industry The Friend of Laos award is Awards, a series of annual events sectors of ICT, textiles, logistics, for foreign business applicants organised by the Asean Business wood-based businesses, operating in the country that have Advisory Council. infrastructure, tourism, energy, contributed to socio-economic Vice President of the LNCCI, and agriculture. development. Mr Oudet Souvannavong, said Applicants must have The 40 Years Excellence this was the first ever ABAL demonstrated the capacity to Awards will be presented to 10 and it would be organised on a pursue sector integration in Laos winners who have demonstrated yearly basis. as evidenced in its economic a proven track record of business Last 7 days Trading Information Mr Oudet stressed the awards contribution to the development since the country became the Lao served not only to recognise of Laos. PDR in 1975. outstanding Lao enterprises but Small-Medium Enterprise The winners of this year’s also to strengthen the over-all awards will be presented to awards will go on to the regional competitiveness of Laos in the two winners for each category Asean level where they will Asean Economic Community. of growth, innovation, compete against some of the most The awards are open to all employment, and corporate reputable firms in Southeast Asia. LNCCI members, with enterprises social responsibility. The regional competition both big and small encouraged to Special awards will be is tentatively set for September send in applications. The awards presented to one winner in during the Asean Business presentation ceremony is slated three categories including a Investment Summit 2016 and for the end of June. Young Entrepreneur award. 28th Asean Summit, which will KPMG has been appointed Applicants must demonstrate be held in Vientiane. the official auditing company to outstanding potential and A team of judges ensure transparency, fairness and results in businesses and social representing academia, the professionalism in the selection entrepreneurship. economic ministries, and the process. Women Leader awards business community has been There are various classes of offer female applicants the appointed to select the winners BCEL-KT Securities Company Limited Email: [email protected] awards including a Lao Priority chance to demonstrate their skill in each category, with the process Integration Sector Excellence and performance excellence as meticulously vetted by KPMG.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity

Ministry of Health - PR/MOH supported by Global Fund to Fight AIDS/Tuberculosis and Malaria Ministry of Health - PR/MOH supported by Global Fund to Fight AIDS/Tuberculosis and Malaria

Invitation for Bid (IFB) Invitation for Bid (IFB) For the Procurement of: For the Procurement of: 50 Desktop computers with printers for National Tuberculosis Center Office Furniture for DPIC-PMU for Health Strengthening System (HSS) grant (under TB-NFM-Y2-2016)

For the HSS Project Management Unit in the Department of Planning and International Cooperation (DPIC) For the New funding Model in the National Tuberculosis (NTC) Ministry of Health supported by the Global Ministry of Health supported by the Global Fund Principal Recipient Office, Ministry of Health Lao PDR (PR/ Fund Principal Recipient Office, Ministry of Health Lao PDR (PR/MOH) of the Global Fund Project to Fight MOH) of the Global Fund Project to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) in Lao PDR. AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) in Lao PDR. Purchaser DPIC PMU supported by PR/MOH Purchaser NTC supported by PR/MOH Address: Simuang Road, Ban Simeuang, Sisattanak District Vientiane, Lao PDR. Address: Simuang Road, Ban Simeuang, Sisattanak District Vientiane, Lao PDR. Contact Persons for this RFQ: Contact Persons for this RFQ: Name/position: Ms. Phetphachan Nonginthilath, Mr. Khampasong Simmalavong, Name/position: Ms. Phetphachan Nonginthilath, Mr. Khampasong Simmalavong, Tel (Office): 021 242 980 Tel (Office): 021 242 980; Mob: 020 78004435 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; CC to: [email protected] CC to: [email protected] Procurement No: TB-NFM-Y2/2016 Date: 16th March 2016 Procurement No: LAO-PMU-HSS-Y1/Office Furniture/March-2016 Date: 16th March The New funding Model in the National Tuberculosis (NTC) Ministry of Health with the Global Fund Principal 2016 Recipient Office, Ministry of Health Lao PDR (PR/MOH), the Purchaser, intend to utilize of Global Fund (GFATM) funding under New Funding Model Grant (TB-NFM-Y2/2016) to Lao PDR for supply of: The HSS PMU in the Department of Planning and International Cooperation (DPIC) Ministry of Health with the Global Fund Principal Recipient Office, Ministry of Health Lao PDR (PR/MOH), the Purchaser, intend to utilize of Global Fund (GFATM) funding under Health System Strengthening Grant (HSS-Y1/2016) to Lao 50 Desktop computers with printers PDR for supply of: Office Furniture for DPIC-PMU (under HSS grant) The Purchaser TB/PR/MOH, now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply of these goods as per the quantities in the Schedule of Requirement to its consignee: National Tuberculosis Center (NTC) located The Purchaser DPIC/PR/MOH, now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply of these goods as in Vientiane Capital to support program implementation of TB- NFM grant activities. per the quantities in the Schedule of Requirement to its consignee: Department of Planning and International Cooperation (DPIC) located in Vientiane capital to support program implementation of HSS grant activities. The Purchaser will follow the procedures set out in the PR Procurement Manual (2015) for public bidding method in compliance with the Rules for Public Procurement in Lao PDR issued by the MOF in 2004 and The Purchaser will follow the procedures set out in the PR Procurement Manual (2015) for public bidding lastly amended in 2014. method in compliance with the Rules for Public Procurement in Lao PDR issued by the MOF in 2004 and lastly amended in 2014. Interested bidders may obtain a complete set of the bidding document in English from date of publication of this Invitation from 16 March 2016 to 31 March 2016 during working days/office hours. Requests can be Interested bidders may obtain a complete set of the bidding document in English from date of publication of this sending by email, phone or done in person at Purchaser office. Invitation from 16 March 2016 to 31 March 2016 during working days/office hours. Requests can be sending by email, phone or done in person at Purchaser office. Bids must be delivered (1 Original and 1 Copy) to the Purchaser office at address provided above before Date: 31 March 2016, 14.00 hours, (Lao Time). All original bids in hard copy must properly signed, quoted in the Bids must be delivered (1 Original and 1 Copy) to the Purchaser office at address provided above before Date: 31 March 2016, 10.00 hours, (Lao Time). All original bids in hard copy must properly signed, quoted in the prescribed currency and valid for the period specified in the Instructions to Bidder (ITB); originals and copies prescribed currency and valid for the period specified in the Instructions to Bidder (ITB); originals and copies must be sealed and labeled as per the Instructions to Bidder (ITB) in the Bid document. must be sealed and labeled as per the Instructions to Bidder (ITB) in the Bid document. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in a formal meeting chaired by MOH Procurement Committee Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in a formal meeting chaired by MOH Procurement Committee to to verify responsiveness and announce bid received and total sum quoted (per lot as applicable) in the presence verify responsiveness and announce bid received and total sum quoted (per lot as applicable) in the presence of of the bidders (or representatives) who choose to attend. Bid Opening is scheduled to start at Date: 31 March the bidders (or representatives) who choose to attend. Bid Opening is scheduled to start at Date: 31 March 2016, 2016, 14.15 hours, (Lao Time) at the Office of Purchaser mentioned above. 10.15 hours, (Lao Time) at the Office of Purchaser mentioned above.

Dr. Bounlay Phommasack Dr. Bounlay Phommasack Director General Department of Communicable Disease Control Director General Department of Communicable Disease Control Director PR Office of the GFATM Project, MOH Director PR Office of the GFATM Project, MOH 12 Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times Vientiane Times Wednesday March 16, 2016 13 14 Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times CAREER OPPORTUNITIES No 026/2016

Phonesack Group Co.,Ltd is one of the largest wholly owned Lao companies. The Company employs over 100 Qualification Required: personnel at its headquarters and over 2500 employees and sub-contractors throughout sites in Lao PDR. • Bachelor Degree in Environmental, Chemical, Biological Engineering/ Science or subject- related trade disciplines. Now is an exciting time to build a career with (New Hydro Power Project) in Pakkading, Bolikhamxay; which is under • At least 5-7 years of experience in an environment sector , mining industry Phonesack Group Co., Ltd. (PSG). We have a huge range of projects which require driven and talented people to • Must be proficient in speaking, writing and understanding both Lao and English. join our team, to lead and collaborates innovative ideas. We are currently seeking the following positions: • Proficient in MS Office Suite, to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Programs 1. Position: Agriculture Officer (2) Positions in project site at Bolikhamxay (New Hydro Power Project) Roster • Physically fit to work at the site. about 60days on / 9days off which including one travel day • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Duty Description: • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Be able to work and meet tight deadline and also under pressure. • Take overall responsibility to train and provide sound practical demonstrations in applied appropriate agriculture 5. Position: Senior GIS Officer (1) Positions in Pakkading, Bolikhamxay (New Hydro Power Project) Roster techniques; about 60days on / 9days off including travel day • Develop and implement training and capacity building activities focused on increasing household income and Duty Description: microenterprise productivity; • Be able to initiate and prepare and supervise data base, mapping of a project- related resettlement and compensation • Be able to assist resettlement and compensation team in data gathering and also do data analysis on the asset issues. of affected people; • Can station and collaborate with provincial, district, village and community authorities as required due to project- • To be experienced on compensation and resettlement are needed; related information of resettlement and compensation; • To initiate how to develop livelihood of local people in order to improve and restore affected people’ lives to be better • Be able to provide mapping and attribute data analysis, report to a Line Manager; and sustainable condition; • Responsible for the compiling and organizing GIS data from maps, databases and other sources; • To develop individual commitment to targeted communities; Liaison with GOL’s local authorities regarding to • Responsible for the collection of data in the field using Global Positioning System (G.P.S.) units; cooperation and coordination for project- related resettlement and village households assigned by Head of • Responsible for the collection and conversion of mapping resources and data; Department (HOD); • Responsible for the daily input and editing of the asset data for compensation; • Other tasks as assigned by Line Management. • Other tasks as assigned by Line Management. Qualification Required: Qualification Required: • Graduate in agriculture/animal husbandry/fishery/horticulture from a recognized institute/university; • Bachelor or Master Degree in GIS,IT, Computer Engineering, Urban Planning or subject- related trade disciplines; • At least 3-5 years of work experience in above mentioned areas required and working directly with farmers; • At least 5-7 years skill and experience in project- related data base of resettlement and compensation, especially • Demonstrated capacity to work in villages and with local government staff members; in hydropower or mining project. • Strong capacity to work with a team, with demonstrated initiative and leadership; • Good academic spoken, written and understood in both Lao and English, any local ethnic languages are plus for • Fluency in Lao language, with capacity to speak and written English desired; job selection; • Proficiency in working with MS office; • Good skills in MS Office program, to include MapInfo, ArcGIS, Access, SQL,Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well • Have experience on GIS applicable is advantageous; as report writing; • Be able to travel to field survey whenever required and be assigned to the site when project operated; • Be able to work at project sites; • Able to communicate with a wide range of people from different ethnic and social culture; • Physically fit for work at the site in certain project duration; • Ability to work and willing to assist disadvantage groups and independently and as part of the team; • Inter- personal skill to communicate and handle with wide ranges of local authorities and villagers from different • Be able to work and meet tight deadline and also under pressure; ethnic groups and their practical culture behaviors. • Female applicants are also encouraged to apply; • Can be flexible and challenge to project difficult circumstance and work pressure • Physically fit for work at the site in certain project duration; 6. Position: Senior livelihood restoration officer (1) Positions in Pakkading, Bolikhamxay (New Hydro Power 1. Position: Environmental Officer (2) Positions in project site of Bolikhamxay (New Hydro Power Project) Project) Roster about 60days on / 9days off including travel day Roster about 60days on / 9days off which including one travel day Duty Description: Duty Description: • Liaison with GOL’s local authorities regarding to cooperation and coordination for project- related resettlement and • To monitor and report solid waste, waste water treatment, water quality, air and noise pollution, experienced in solid village households assigned by Head of Department (HOD); waste management will be advantage. • Collect specific data from project- related villagers in line with social and environmental impact as required by Line • To organize and being good aspect in terms of awareness on solid waste management and other waste from Manager; activities of the project. • Can provide a primary data analysis report to a Line Manager; • To work and associate with local authorities such as: village, district and provincial level are needed in order to assist • Initiate to implement a project- related resettlement and compensation plan as approved in accordance with the social and community development team for data gathering. project policy and its regulation concerned to those above project- related villagers; • To ensure environment activities will be safe and worked smoothly. • Can encourage those above project- related villagers and local authorities to have a clear comprehensive over the • To prepare report on solid waste management to environmental manager project importance and its resettlement necessity; • Other tasks as assigned by Line Management. • Can basically negotiate with them in accordance with company guideline and direction as well as certain related Qualification Required: laws, degrees and regulations of Lao PDR through consulting with Line Manager, Company Management and • Bachelor Degree in Environmental Engineering/Science. GOL’s counterparts; • At least 3-5 years of work experience in an environment sector , mining industry • Can station and collaborate with provincial, district, village and community authorities as required due to project- • Must be proficient in speaking, writing and understanding both Lao and English. related resettlement and compensation; • Proficient in MS Office Suite, to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Programs. • Other tasks as assigned by Line Management. • Have experience on GIS applicable is advantageous; Qualification Required: • Physically fit to work at the site. • Bachelor Degree in Social studies / Social and Community Development studies or subject- related trade disciplines; • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. • At least 5-7 years skill and experience in project- related resettlement and compensation, especially in hydropower • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. or mining project, also having knowledge on Education, Health care, microfinance and agriculture are advantage • Be able to work and meet tight deadline and also under pressure. • Good academic spoken, written and understood in both Lao and English, any local ethnic languages are plus for • Other tasks as assigned by Line Management. job selection; 2. Position: Resettlement and Compensation Officer (3) Positions in project site of Bolikhamxay (New Hydro • Good skills in MS Office program, to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as report writing; Power Project) Roster about 60days on / 9days off which including one travel day • Be able to work at project sites; Duty Description: • Physically fit for work at the site in certain project duration; • Coordinate and liaison with GOL’s local authorities regarding to cooperation for and support to project- related • Inter- personal skill to communicate and handle with wide ranges of local authorities and villagers from different resettlement and village households assigned by Head of Department (HOD); ethnic groups and their practical culture behaviors. • Collect specific data from project- related villagers in line with social and environmental impact as required by Line Can be flexible and challenge to project difficult circumstance and work pressure. Manager; 7. Position: Senior Micro finance officer (1) Positions in Pakkading, Bolikhamxay (New Hydro Power Project) • Can provide a primary data analysis report to a Line Manager; Roster about 60days on / 9days off including travel day • Initiate to implement a project- related resettlement and compensation plan as approved in accordance with the Duty Description: project policy and its regulation concerned to those above project- related villagers; • To assist data gathering and also do data analysis on the assets of affected people. • Can encourage those above project- related villagers and local authorities to have a clear comprehensive over the • Collect specific data from project- related villagers in line with social and environmental impact as required by Line project importance and its resettlement necessity; Management; • Can basically negotiate with them in accordance with company guideline and direction as well as certain related • To know and understand compensation policy and strategy for affected people. laws, degrees and regulations of Lao PDR through consulting with Line Manager, Company Management and • To be experienced on budgeting and loading for local people are needed. GOL’s counterparts; • To liaise with local people, authorities and planning to promote sustainably their occupation and lives. • Can station and collaborate with provincial, district, village and community authorities as required due to project- • To initiate how to develop micro finance for local people in order to improve and restore affected people’ lives to be related resettlement and compensation; better and sustainable condition. • Other tasks as assigned by Line Manager. • To evaluate and assess the income of local people will be targeted of project Qualification Required: • Other tasks as assigned by Line Management. • Bachelor Degree in Social studies / Social and Community Development studies or subject- related trade disciplines; Qualification Required: • At least 3-5 years of work skill and experience in project- related resettlement and compensation, especially in • Bachelor Degree in Social studies / Social and Community Development studies or subject- related trade disciplines. hydropower or mining project. • At least 5-7 years of experience in social and community development sector, hydropower or mining project. • Good academic spoken, written and understood in both Lao and English, any local ethnic languages are plus for • Must be spoken, written and understood both Lao and English. job selection; • Proficient in MS Office Suite, include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Programs. • Good skills in MS Office program, to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as report writing; • Physically fit to work at the site. • Be able to work at project sites; • Able to communicate with a wide range of people from different ethnic and social culture. • Physically fit for work at the site in certain project duration; • Ability to work and willing to assist disadvantaged groups. • Inter- personal skill to communicate and handle with wide ranges of local authorities and villagers from different • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. ethnic groups and their practical culture behaviors. • Be able to work and meet tight deadline and also under pressure. • Can be flexible and challenge to project difficult circumstance and work pressure. 8. Position: Senior Watershed Management Officer (1) Positions in project site of Bolikhamxay (New Hydro 3. Position: Senior Admin Officer (1) Positions in Project site of Bolikhamxay (New Hydro Power Project) Power Project) Roster about 60days on / 9days off which including one travel day Roster about 60days on / 9days off which including one travel day Duty Description: Duty Description: • To understand well and implement on Biomass Clearance Plan, Biodiversity Offset Plan, Cumulative Impact • To assist on general office as administrative officer. Assessment reports and also Annex C. • To work and cooperate with government when needed. • To plan, supervise and monitor in order to protect the watershed boundary of NT1 with local and central government. • To prepare budget for meeting and reconcile. • To work and associate with local authorities such as: village, district and provincial, central level are needed in order • To conclude and summarize time sheet of S&E Dept to assist social and community development team for data gathering. • To provide letters and documents and also prepare the meeting • To ensure all environment activities will be safe and worked smoothly. • To translate sometimes from Lao to English and also English to Lao • To prepare report on Biomass Clearance Plan, Biodiversity Offset Plan, Cumulative Impact Assessment reports to • To work at site, support meetings or workshops organized at the district or provincial levels environmental manager • To communicate with Pakkding and HQ office for administrative tasks. • Other tasks as assigned by Line Manager. • And other tasks assign by line Management. Qualification Required: Qualification Required: • Bachelor or Master degree(s) in natural resources management, watershed/river basin management, rural • Bachelor Degree administration/Environment. development, water resource management or related disciplines; • At least 3-5 years of work experience in administrative task. • At least 5-7 years experience in watershed management, biomass clearance, biodiversity off set and GIS application • Must be spoken, written and understood both Lao and English. would be an advantage; • Proficient in MS Office Suite, to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Programs. • In-depth knowledge of advantageous Governance issues in biodiversity, natural resources management and • Be able to work at site. conservation in Lao PDR. • Able to communicate with a wide range of people from different ethnic and social culture. • Strong presentation, organizational and communication skills, • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Strong negotiations and financial management skills. • Be able to work and meet tight deadline and also under pressure. • Experience with high level report writing – technical, planning and management 4. Position: Senior Environmental Officer (1) Positions in project site of Bolikhamxay (New Hydro Power • Must be proficient in speaking, writing and understanding both Lao and English. Project) Roster about 60days on / 9days off including travel day • Proficient in MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Programs. Duty Description: • Physically fit to work at the site. • To supervise, monitor and report solid waste, waste water treatment, water quality, air and noise pollution. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. • To sound understand and apply well guideline of MONRE based on ESMMP report. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • To organize and being good aspect in terms of awareness on solid waste management and other waste from • Be able to work and meet tight deadline and also under pressure. activities of the project. • Other tasks as assigned by Line Management. • To work and associate with local authorities such as: village, district and provincial level are needed and also We offer the successful candidate an excellent salary and benefits package, Including PSG self insurance National Social subcontract of Safety, health and Environment (SHE) at dam site activities. Security Fund Office, Field travel Allowance, Mobile Phone Policies, etc… • To ensure environment activities will be safe and worked smoothly. We invite qualified candidate to submit your resume stating your present and expected salary and ref directly to the Human • To prepare report on monitoring of environmental management to environmental manager Resources Department at: Phonesack Group, Ltd. Unit 15, Sithong Road, Pakthang Village, Sikhottabong District, P.O. Box • Other tasks as assigned by Line Management. 1808, Vientiane Lao PDR. Fax: (856-21) 550498 Tel: 021 550497 or E-mail to: [email protected]. Closing date 18 March 2016 Vientiane Times Wednesday March 16, 2016 15 Profile Crazy, talented and Asian Manote Tripathi about Marilyn Monroe. She Chinese) girlfriend, Rachel, to colour to get their work liked it so much that she tried the dismay of the whole clan. noticed, whether you are Asian, THAILAND (The Nation, to get it published. That’s when “I grew up in a privileged African-American or native ANN) -- The Than With its I realised I had a talent for professional family. The American. You’re not going to huge publishing industry and writing.’ characters in my book are the sell as many books as Danielle a potential Asian-American Kwan believes he benefitted people with whom I came into Steel. If I wrote about crazy readership well in excess of from the US education which, contact. So I thought I would rich blondes, those privileged 10 million people, the US unlike Singapore where the write about what I knew best. Park Avenue princesses, I sounds like an ideal place for emphasis is on mathematics and And people are fascinated by think I would capture a larger an Asian novelist to live off science, encourages students to the very rich and powerful,” audience,” he says. his laurels. But it’s also a path follow their interests. he says. But there are advantages strewn with difficulties and “Life was interesting “But I don’t belong to that to being a best-selling writer even best-selling authors find because for the first time, I world. I’m just a visitor to that and Kwan admits that his it near impossible to enjoy was learning for the love of world occasionally. I was lucky books have changed his life financial freedom without a learning. The philosophy in in the sense that no one was profoundly. A film adaptation second career. the US is that education should writing about contemporary of “Crazy Rich Asians” is That said, the ride has be fun, which is very different Asian wealth in fiction form,” being made by Ivanhoe so far been smooth for from Singapore. In Singapore, Kwan says. Pictures, and the author is Singaporean-born novelist teachers will say these are the The book looks set to change executive producer. Kevin Kwan whose two things you have to learn, things the usual stereotypical image “I also do a lot more novels - “Crazy Rich Asians” travelling that I used to and “China Rich Girlfriend” and am much more in the - have become international public eye. There’s a general best-sellers and are now perception that I must have slated for screen adaptations. Life was interesting made millions of dollars. “I consider myself lucky That’s far from the truth as so many of my friends given the economics of the who are choreographers and because for the first publishing world,” he says content creators have a hard with a grin. time. There’s so much content time, I was learning On the shelf on the Internet these days that “Crazy Rich Asian” has competition is fierce. Content for the love of been translated into Thai creators are not being valued by Sasi Pin under the title the way they used to be,” he “Liam Botan” and is published says. learning. by Gallery Publishing. It’s In Thailand recently to available at Asia Books, give a talk at the Bangkok Hardcover, Candide, B2S, Edge Festival, Kwan took Kinokuniya, Nai-in and other time out to give interviews to memorise, and these are of Asians in the West, who are leading bookshops and costs to the local press, conceding the tests you have to pass. In often seen as penny-pinching Bt495. The English versions of that international speaking the US, if you enjoy writing, immigrants. The protagonist Kwan’s novels can be found at engagements and chats with you take writing classes,” he Nick is an Oxbridge-educated Asia Books and other leading Singaporean-born novelist Kevin Kwan pens two best-selling novels the press are just two of the explains. New York University history bookstores. – ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘China Rich Girlfriend’. ways his novels have changed Kwan went to the University professor with a family home his life. of Houston where he opted for in Singapore that looks like Born and raised in a degree in creative writing. a palace. Rachel, 29, is a Singapore, where he attended His confidence grew and he professor of economics at Anglo-Chinese School quickly became a regular NYU and was educated at in the mornings and spent contributor to the university’s two of the top U universities: his afternoons chasing after paper. Stanford and Northwestern. neighbourhood dogs on his “Personally I was much The other characters include bike, Kwan was 11 when the more interested in poetry. So cigar-puffing Asian tycoons family moved to the US. I wrote a lot of experimental who get around in private jets, “My father had always poetry. For me, poetry is like male Hong Kong fashionistas, wanted to live in the West. He a jewel. You have to keep Chuppies (Chinese yuppies) loved the lifestyle there, and he chipping away [at it] to find the and Henwees (high-net worth had no choice but to emigrate,” perfection. My poetry teacher individuals). he says. said a poem is never finished, “Of course there are Dad was an engineer and only abandoned. And he was Asian stereotypes in the US. mum a pianist. Neither were right.” There they tend to only see bookworms. “My dad didn’t Kwan later moved to immigrants who came in poor read for pleasure. He read New York where he pursued but built business empires. books for reference.” a Bachelor of Fine Arts They don’t see the world of old Instead Kwan credits his degree at Parsons School of money and the sophistication aunt, a librarian in Singapore, Design. His early years in the that exists in Asia as depicted for instilling a love of reading city were spent working for in the book. in him and giving him books Martha Stewart Living, Andy “Asian wealth has had a to read from age seven. “I can Warhol’s Interview magazine, profound effect on the luxury recall the first book I read, and M&Co, the design firm economy, so much so that the cover to cover by myself. founded by Tibor Kalman. In international high-end brands It was ‘The Wishing-Chair’ 2000, he set up his own creative are now catering primarily to by Enid Blyton. It was like studio, where he specialised in the Asian market. the early Harry Potter books, producing high profile visual While Kwan admits to with a fantasy world, magic, projects for clients such as the being “comfortable”, he is fairies and special people. New York Times, the Museum quick to explain that he is Looking back, I think my of Modern Art and Rockwell nothing like the super-rich in mother thought I was reading Group. his books. Writing is still a too much and would have In his free time, he wrote financially precarious career, preferred to see me outside poetry and attempted to he says, adding that he knows playing football,” he says with complete the manuscript of quite a few best-selling authors a fond smile. his first novel, “a hobby,” he who need to supplement their In the US, Kwan attended says of the tome. incomes by holding down Clear Lake High School “I wasn’t really doing it for university teaching jobs. in Houston, Texas, home money because I was making “That’s the sad truth of to Space Centre Houston, a good living as a consultant,” creative life in the US. That’s NASA Mission Control and he says. the case in Asia too. They can’t International Space Station His debut novel, “Crazy make a living as a writer,” he Mission Control. His school Rich Asians”, published in said. pals were the children of 2013, tells the story of three Being an Asian writer in astronauts. super-rich, pedigreed Chinese the US is a struggle, too, in the “I had this wonderful families and scheming that sense that he has to contend English teacher. She was the occurs when Nick, the heir with losing a big share of the first to give me creative writing to one of the most massive market by writing a book about assignments. The first thing fortunes in Asia, brings home something that’s exotic. “It’s a I wrote for her was an essay his ABC (American-born struggle for any writers of 16 Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times Travel Central Market: Kuala Lumpur’s souvenir heaven

Souksamai Boulom

entral Market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a paradise for lovers Cof colourful, traditional handicrafts and anyone wanting to return home with a suitcase full of wonderful gifts. The market opens at 10am and is air-conditioned so shoppers can stay cool. The morning is also the time to go for discounts, when vendors will give you a reasonable price so you can save a little bit for even more shopping. The Central Market is a really great place to shop in Kuala Lumpur. The vendors are friendly and helpful and will give you good information An avenue of enticing shops in the Central Market, Kuala Lumpur. if you’re on the hunt for some nice, inexpensive gifts for your The colourful Malaysian dressing up there is a wide where you will definitely find friends and family. Traditional Cultural and Arts variety of jewellery and fashion something worth buying at a There are also other activities shows are presented on the watches, while chocolates, reasonable price. in the area where tourists will outdoor stage each night, local sweets and snacks and It’s a must see for tourists surely not be bored, with outdoor celebrating the traditional eclectic gifts are other options. and locals in Kuala Lumpur entertainment venues offering festivals of each race in The second floor has a food because it is a beautiful cool some alternative attractions to Malaysia. court, which offers an array of place in the midst of the blazing Central Market, Kuala Lumpur, is the place for gift shopping, shopping such as a concert or a Travellers can stroll cuisines at the hawker centre, city’s attractions. traditional food, and soaking up Malaysian culture. traditional show in the evening, through the many booths in which is a good place for Be alert for cultural shows right up until 10 pm. the new zone of the Central lunch with many tasty dishes and the art exhibitions that are boutique shops, art galleries, The market is located at The market originated as Market, from the Lorong to choose from. held here from time to time. entertainment, local food and the junction of Jalan Benteng a wet market in 1888, built by Melayu, Straits Chinese, and You can also buy The Central Market is not Batik make-and-buy stalls. and Lebuh Pasar Besar. While Yap Ah Loy, the city’s Chinese Lorong India, located in the antiques here. Notable are just a souvenir market, but There are many affordable some shops don’t open until Capitan at the time. It served west wing. This zone aims to representations of the two- has an endless array of arts hotels nearby, to make your 11am, most raise their shutters as a prominent landmark in give visitors an insight into and single-storey buildings and crafts from all over Asia, visit convenient. at 10am. colonial and modern-day the cultural differences of the resembling the kampong- Kuala Lumpur. various races that call Malaysia style houses and representing CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST When it was relocated in home. the many ethnic groups that Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer the 1980s, it was subsequently The new building has two live harmoniously in Kuala declared a centre of Malaysian floors. The first floor has artists Lumpur. Background arts, culture and handicrafts. who can make you up a picture The market is truly a one The Government of Lao PDR has received a loan from the Special Funds resources of the The façade is painted light of your choice on a T-shirt. You stop centre for the diverse Asian Development Bank toward the cost of the Health Sector Governance Program. The blue while a palm-filled square can choose your own design, handicrafts that can be found Program intends to apply part of the loan to recruit three planning and monitoring officers gives you a breath of fresh but it will be a little more in this exotic country. If you in order to support the project implementation. The executive agency for the Program is the air before and after you pace expensive than if you buy one are looking for a souvenir to Ministry of Health through the Department of Planning and International Cooperation. The through the market’s many of the designs on offer. take home as a memento of Program is implemented in 18 provinces of Lao PDR. aisles. Location Of course, if you like a your holiday, this is the place Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, with travel to provinces. Duration of contract The Commission for Construction Bidding for LaoViet joint venture Thirty six months Scope of Work: Bank, Attapeu branch is pleased to invite all capable bidders to join Assist the Program manager of the Health Sector Governance Program to develop, implement, the bidding on Trading space and office furnishingsas following details: monitor, and report on Program’s plans and budgets; Tasks: - Time for selling bidding documents: from 8:00 a.m dated 17March The planning and monitoring officer will work under the direction of the Program director. 2016 until 16:30 p.m, dated 24March 2016 (Working hours) The planning and monitoring officers are responsible for the following tasks: • Assist MOH departments and provincial health offices in the preparation of 2016 to 2018 - Location for selling and receiving the documents: LaoVietBank, annual operational plans and budgets; Head Office. • Review provincial plans and budgets submitted by MOH departments and provincial health offices and support improvement of these plans with recommendations and guidance Address: No. 44 Lanexang Avenue, Chanthabuly, Vientiane Capital, from the Program management; Lao PDR. • Monitor and report on implementation of annual operational plans and budgets; • Participate in the design, collect, and processing of information and data required for the Tel: 00856.21.251418, Fax: 00856.21.212197 monitoring and evaluation of the Program; - Closing time for selling the documents: 16:30 p.m date 24March • Assist the Program manager with regard to administrative and financial tasks, reporting, communication, organization of meetings, participation in meeting, field trips etc.; 2016 Qualifications: • The Planning and Monitoring Officer has a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Medicine, - All bids will be opened at 17:00 p.m (Local time), dated 24March Public Health or a Master degree in business and administration, or equivalent with at least 2016 at LaoVietBank,Head Office , Address: No. 44 Lanexang three years’ experience in project planning, budgeting, administration and management. • Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Avenue, Chanthabuly, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. • Competency in both spoken and written English language, and the ability to work at Thus LaoVietBank invites representatives of all bidders to submit national, provincial and district levels. bidding documents and to participate the bidding opening as the Applicants should submit not later than 28 March 2016 a letter of interest and curriculum time and address mentioned above. vitae addressed to: Dr. Prasongsidh BOUPHA Director General Department of Planning and International Cooperation, MoH Faithfully yours Program Director, National Program Coordination Office (NPCO) Ministry of Health, Fa Ngum Road, Sisattanack, district, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR (in front of Don Chan Palace) Tel: 223146, 252753 Fax: 223146 Email: [email protected] General Director Only short listed candidates will be notified. LaoViet joint venture Bank Detailed TOR can be obtained upon request at the above e-mail address. Vientiane Times Wednesday March 16, 2016 17 Opinion StreetwiseStreetwise How important is the National Assembly election? National Assembly Election Day is on Sunday March 20, and people all over the country are eagerly looking forward to exercising their right to vote. Vientiane Times asked some officials for their thoughts on this weekend’s election.

Visith Teppalath of each candidate and select those who are most Mr Sinxana qualified. Every organisation Moungkouddeth, an official should remind their staff with the Central Theatre to vote. When Sunday Troupe: I’m very happy to comes every eligible citizen exercise my right to vote should go to a polling place early. I have listened to some of the candidates’ speeches and their visions for development during their campaigns. I think all of them have enough experience to represent people because they have worked hard for the government for a long time. All of them are good examples of government officials and citizens. We must use our right to vote to select people to represent again this year. I think the us. election is very important because we select the most Mr Saysamone, National Vientiane candidates present themselves to officials of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism yesterday at the National Culture qualified candidates to Fine Arts Institute: There Hall. represent us in the National are many campaign sessions Assembly, which happens going on in Vientiane and be proud of the candidates Vientiane Times Subscription 2016 every five years. The all over the country. I like they selected. selected candidates will attending these campaigns 1. DOMESTIC SUBSCRIPTION (6 issues/week) and online fee 78 issues (3 months) 305,000k +100,000k 405,000k lead our country to be more Mr Nivong Sengsakoun, an Regular price developed and civilised. official at the Department 156 issues (6 months) 609,000k +100,000k 709,000k They will also represent us of Fine Arts: This is my 312 issues (1 year) 1,217,000k +100,000k 1,317,000k in the National Assembly second time voting in an Home Delivery (City Centre) 78 issues (3 months) 390,000k +100,000k 490,000k Area: Thadeua Rd. Dongdok, and submit our problems election. I feel excited 156 issues (6 months) 780,000k +100,000k 880,000k Ban Tanmixay and Sikhay to the government for already but it’s not very villages. 312 issues (1 year) 1,560,000k +100,000k 1,660,000k consideration. I have studied easy for me to choose the 2. DOMESTIC SUBSCRIPTION FOR PROVINCES (6 issues/week), inclusive of postage cost all the Vientiane candidates candidates because they all 156 issues (6 months) 1,451,000k in various media channels. have different experiences Deliver to Provinces They all are interesting and fields of knowledge, and 312 issues (1 year) 2,902,000k with qualifications and ability. Of course, everyone Deliver to Provinces 156 issues (6 months) 1,451,000k +100,000k 1,551,000k experience. However, eligible should take part + online fee 312 issues (1 year) 2,902,000k +100,000k 3,002,000k we must select the best in the election. However, qualified candidates. we should carefully study 3. OVERSEAS SUBSCRIPTION (6 issues/week) and online fee Total + Online fee Everyone who has a right the background of each 156 issues (6 months) 3,328,000k +100,000k 3,428,000k to vote must exercise their because I have a chance candidate before making a Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia 312 issues (1 year) 7,488,000k +100,000k 7,588,000k duty on polling day. to see the candidates in decision. These candidates

the flesh and get to know will represent the people in Asia, Australia & New 156 issues (6 months) 4,368,000k +100,000k 4,468,000k Ms Phouthavone their opinions. I think Zealand the National Assembly and 312 issues (1 year) 8,736,000k +100,000k 8,836,000k Latanasamay, an official it’s good that candidates we will depend on them to 156 issues (6 months) 4,992,000k with Lao National come to meet and present ensure the country is more Europe (Including Russia) +100,000k 5,092,000k themselves to the public as developed and our problems 312 issues (1 year) 9,984,000k +100,000k 10,084,000k each of them explains their are solved, so all voters 156 issues (6 months) 6,240,000k background while sharing should choose wisely. America and Canada +100,000k 6,340,000k their work experiences. 312 issues (1 year) 12,480,000k +100,000k 12,580,000k This allows people to know 4. ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION FEE more about the role of the Website is update four (4) times a day and every issue is published on our website in HTML and PDF candidates and their duties 3 months ( 78 issues) 150,000 6 months (156 issues) 270,000 1 year (312 issues) 500,000

in the National Assembly. Please return this form with the following information to Vientiane Times People can also see each FULL NAME: ______ADDRESS: ______candidate displayed on a TEL: ______FAX:______EMAIL:______big screen and voters can FOR ONLINE: Name:______PREFERRED PASSWORD______(Password not more then 8 characters) make their own personal choice. However, the most Mail this completed form with your cheque to: important thing is that all Payment in advance Please request rates for other destinations at voters want the elected Vientiane Times, Kamphaengmeuang Rd, Phonpapao Village, Unit 32 Sisattanak District, Vientiane Lao PDR [email protected]. Make your payment to candidates to do what PO Box 5723. Tel: 021 336042, Fax: 021 336041 Vientiane Times bank account at the BCEL (US$) A/c Television: Voters should they promised before the Website: www.vientianetimes.org.la 010110100989471001 or (kip) A/c 010110000989471001 study the background election, so that people will Email: [email protected] 18 Opinion Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times Eurozone economic recovery based just on monetary easing will be fragile

Japan (The Yomiuri that the eurozone could see stated, “We don’t expect that euro nations and heightening In southern European accelerating efforts by each Shimbun, ANN) -- Monetary low economic growth over it will be necessary to reduce the risk of sparking turmoil in nations, where unemployment bank in Europe to dispose of easing alone will not be able an extended period due to rates further.” This comment the markets. levels remain high, labour nonperforming loans. to eradicate concerns about a decline in production and was made to dash market A recovery of Europe’s market reforms and other While Europe and Japan deflation and realize a full exports accompanying a expectations for further easing. economy that relies only on steps to improve mobility in continue their monetary economic recovery in the slowdown in China and other We think this symbolises monetary policies will be employment will be vital. easing, the United States is eurozone. Other steps will be emerging economies. the extent to which the fragile. As was confirmed We hope Germany, which searching for an opportunity essential, including expanding The ECB’s aim of eurozone economy has become during February’s meeting of has the financial wherewithal to raise interest rates again. public investment and attempting to underpin the dependent on monetary easing. finance ministers and central to do so, will embark on a Financial authorities in undertaking structural reforms economy by launching another If the ECB continues to bank governors of the Group programme to increase each nation must exercise to boost the economy’s growth wave of monetary easing to dig push interest rates deeper into of 20 major economies, each government expenditures to great care to ensure sudden potential. up demand for capital among negative territory, it runs the European country should stimulate the economy and currency flows seeking to The European Central companies and individuals is risk of worsening side effects be using every policy at its pull growth along. take advantage of differences Bank has decided on a appropriate. such as weakening banks’ disposal, such as devising Another urgent task is in the direction of their policies comprehensive, additional growth strategies and fiscal restoring the health of do not throw the markets into monetary-easing policy that stimulus packages. the financial system by confusion. exceeded market expectations. The ECB will lower the A recovery of Europe’s economy rate of interest paid when that relies only on monetary private banks deposit surplus What the Lao papers say funds at the central bank from policies will be fragile. Each the current minus 0.3 percent to minus 0.4 percent. European country should In addition, the ECB be using every policy at its will expand its quantitative Everyone should exercise easing program, which pours disposal, such as devising capital into the markets. This programme, which includes growth strategies and fiscal their right to vote buying government bonds, stimulus packages. Translated by Times Reporters will be boosted from 60 billion euro a month to 80 billion euro This Sunday the election of members of the National Assembly’s Eighth Legislature will (about ¥10 trillion) a month. In the markets, the earnings and causing real take place so everyone aged 18 and over should turn out to vote for their chosen candidates. The eurozone is on additional easing was estate prices to soar as money Everyone has rights of various kinds and choosing the members of the National Assembly the brink of tumbling into welcomed in some quarters, freed up by the easing pours is one of those important rights. deflation. Sluggish crude oil which sent shares up and the into this sector. We are free to choose whom we like without anyone forcing us to choose this person or prices and other factors pushed euro down against the dollar. Germany and other that person. No one has the right to tell other people who to vote for, and if we believe the single-currency bloc’s However, before long, share nations that oppose other people that means we are not freely using our right to vote. February rate of consumer prices dipped and the euro purchasing massive volumes Almost all of the candidates work for state and government organisations so they all have price increases into negative strengthened again. of government bonds may the necessary knowledge and ability to represent the people in the legislative body. Those territory for the first time in Risks of easy money strengthen their opposition who become members of the National Assembly do so because of popular support. five months. At a press conference, to the plan, leading to the In the opinion of this reporter, those who are not elected to a seat in the Assembly will Concerns are growing ECB President Mario Draghi unraveling of the unity among continue in their original positions and do the same work as they did before. But those who are elected must work harder to help the people they represent and fulfil the country’s socio-economic development plan. From 2016 to 2020, the government will attempt to lead Laos out of Least Developed Country status. Everyone should realise the importance of this election and choose the candidates we think can to help to move the country forward and improve people’s living standards. --Lao Phatthana Daily, March 15 Price controls necessary for consumer protection Price controls are important for all consumers so the sector responsible needs to get tough about this and make sure that controls are enforced so that prices are fair for consumers. It is difficult for government departments to regulate prices because some remote places do not have enough goods and must import what they can from neighbouring countries. This is also a cause of inflation. Officials have enacted and enforced legislation in this regard, and consumers know and understand how to prevent themselves being taken advantage of by traders. Consumers also know and understand that they should not buy out-of-date goods or poor quality products. To protect consumers, not only are price controls necessary but vendors should be made to openly display product prices in the interests of transparency. --Lao Economic Daily, March 15

Public donations essential to drive development There are many disadvantaged people in remote areas so donations from everyone are necessary in order to help them and to develop the country. Recently, many northern provinces were affected by the cold weather and many offices, organisations, companies, shops and individuals bought clothes and medicine to offer as donations. This was an important contribution to improve the living conditions of rural people. This reporter went to Phonsa-at village in Xaysettha district to donate educational materials, fans, lights, footballs and other items worth more than 12 million kip. Although the donation was not large, it will still help to improve conditions in rural areas, especially helping rural children to study and upgrade educational standards in line with government policy. The work of development requires everyone to cooperate, because if we have solidarity with each other it will help us to achieve success. If everyone helps each other it will help Laos to wipe out poverty and rise above Least Developed Country status by 2020 as targeted. --Lao Phatthana Daily, March 14 Vientiane Times Wednesday March 16, 2016 19 Arts & Leisure Thakhaek school dance contest announced

The press conference at the Lao Journalists’ Association.

Visith Teppalath of the Lao Journalists’ with several well known dance Association Mr Somsanouk teams from Vientiane and A school dance contest to Mixay and Director of Fanglao Khammuan province also President of the Lao Women’s Union at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Ms Souphaluk promote art and culture will be Dance Company Mr Ounla attending. Thiravong, cuts a ribbon to open the exhibition. held at the Thakhaek Stadium, Phaoudom. Mr Ounla told Vientiane Khammuan province from About eight dance teams Times he was thrilled to be 2pm on March 25. from four selected schools entrusted by the department “Thakhek Danse 2016” will in Thakhaek district will with the organising of the Female artists display encourage more young people take part in the competition event again and appreciative to express their special talents featuring both traditional and of sponsors’ assistance. through art and dancing and international dance along with “I’m very happy my their imaginations is being organised by the ‘BBoy dance battles’. company is organising this provincial Department of The winning teams in event again and we’re confident Times Reporters Arts in cooperation with all were created by women from Education and Sports and each category will receive it’s going to be a great show. the related sectors and material the National Institute of Fine Fanglao Dance Company with trophies and prize money I would like to thank the he Women’s Union at support from various domestic Arts, Vietnamese artists, sponsorship support from from Khammuan province department, sponsors and the National Institute and international organisations and students from Vientiane many partnership companies. Department of Education and public for all their support,” of Fine Arts opened an in Laos. Secondary School, Vientiane- A press conference Sports. he said. exhibition on Friday President of the Lao Ho Chi Minh Secondary announcing the dance According to the organising Mr Somsanouk also toT display works produced Women’s Union at the National School and Chao Anouvong contest was held at the Lao committee, the event will congratulated Fanglao Dance by artists with the theme Institute of Fine Arts, Ms Secondary School. Journalists’ Association in also feature art and cultural Company for cooperating with “women’s imaginations”. Vanthavy Thavongxay spoke Ms Vanthavy explained Vientiane last Thursday and performances by various the department to organise the The 10th fine arts at the official opening of the that the artists are opening their attended by Vice President schools in Thakhaek district event. exhibition by women and exhibition. imaginations to audiences in an girls saw the return of an She reported that it features attempt to reflect the value and annual event held every some 428 art pieces including identity of the art and culture of year by the institute since 110 paintings, 154 works of Lao people, and the easy living Vientiane Fashion Week collections it was founded 10 years ago, graphic art, 24 pottery pieces, and beautiful traditions of their which has attracted widespread 30 wood carvings and some ancestors. wow audiences interest and provided a rare 100 handicrafts. Entry to the exhibition is opportunity for Vientiane art All of these artworks were free and it will be open every Sisouphan Amphonephong lovers. created by women and girls day until March 18 at the The gallery exhibit serves and serve as a testimony to the National Institute of Fine Arts Vientiane Wow Fashion Week to show the different points abilities of women. in Anou village, Chanthabouly 2016 ended on Sunday with a of view expressed by female The exhibition aims to district. huge round of applause from both Lao and Thai designers who artists on canvas and publicise promote women’s rights in President of the Lao the talents and abilities of exhibited their collections on the Laos as well as celebrate Women’s Union at the Ministry catwalk. women in general. International Women’s Day of Information, Culture and The show at the ITECC Mall The event was organised by on March 8. Tourism, Ms Souphaluk got under way after a speech by the National Institute of Fine The featured art pieces Thiravong, opened the event. the Chief Executive of Wow Magazine Society and Vientiane Wow Fashion organiser Mr Suwat Tessalee in which he A taste of Thailand lauded the much anticipated two- THAILAND (The Nation, festival went to the South “The Master”, about Bangkok day fashion event. ANN) -- Every March in one Korean film “My Sister, the Pig movie bootlegger Van VDO, He noted that this was the of their country’s busiest cities, Lady” by Jang Moon-Il while was also screened in Osaka. third year that Wow Fashion The Dittawat Moulage collection from Thailand. Japanese cinephiles get to feast female Mongolian filmmaker, The movie, which won a Week had been staged and this on a veritable banquet of films Uisenma Borchu, took home Subhanahongsa Award for Best year the name had been changed Manosy Syphoxay, the Khang events. to Vientiane Wow Fashion Week. brand with designer Viengkham The first show of the second from all over Asia. the Most Promising Talent Documentary last year and had Now in its 11th year, the its international premiere at The show featured collections Nanthavongdouansy, Vina day began with a display of Award for “Don’t Look at Me from eight Lao and Thai Chanphana, the Mee.O brand mobile phones from Huawei, Osaka Asian Film Festival had That Way”. the Busan International Film designers in a programme that with designer Phoutthasone followed by fashion collections plenty of Thai flavour on offer Nawapol couldn’t be in Festival last October, was featured 20 fashion displays. Sisoutham, items from Samlan from Paul Dirrek, Nuttawat at the recently ended event with Osaka for the awards ceremony shown in the special section This year’s event was Jewelry, and the Men Folder designer accessories by Nipon, three new local films from both having dashed back to Bangkok “New Action! Southeast Asia”. well supported by the Lao collection. YaccoMaricard Japanese designs, mainstream and independent to attend the Thailand National The Japanese audience was government, with officials keen Officials at the event were Dittawat Moulage, DVIS by side. Film Association Awards, aka shocked by the revelation that to promote development in the surprised to see the UEFA Epson, Iconic, Apostofy’dress, Last year it was GTH’s the Subhanahognsa Awards, art-house films have little to field of fashion and strengthen Champions League Trophy Maibe, and last but not least comedy “I Fine, Thank You, where “Heart Attack” won no circulation in Thai cinemas, links between Lao and Thai and posed for pictures with the Wow, who brought the second Love You”, which came home eight prizes. and the fact the Apichatpong designers. magnificent cup during its tour day to a close. with the Most Promising Talent “It’s like a dream to see Weerasethakul’s debut feature Mr Suwat said he never through Vientiane. Officials, models and Award. This year the Kingdom my works screened in Japan “Mysterious Object at Noon” thought the fashion event would After the interval, the second designers again gathered for a went one better with Nawapol because by films are influenced and his latest “Cemetery of prove to be so popular with Lao half of the programme began with Heineken party to celebrate their Thamrongrattanarit’s “Heart by Japanese films, and ‘Heart Splendour” have never been and Thai designers as well as songs from Alee Shawty. This success and the interest generated Attack” (“Freelance Ham Attack’ is no exception,” shown. celebrities, who also expressed was followed by collections from by the show. Puay Ham Phak Ham Rak Nawapol said by phone after Another Thai title in an interest in taking part and the Noomarie brand designed Men Folder brand manager More”) picking up the hearing the news. the line-up was “5 to 9”, an sharing their experiences of the by Chananya Taweepong/ Mr Bandith Lathsavong said he ABC Award for the most “I am very happy that my anthology co-produced by fashion world. Pathoumlat Saysanith, the was happy and excited that his entertaining film. ABC - Asahi film won the ABC Award for Japan, Singapore, China and The opening of Vientiane Poum Poum Lao Silk brand brand had been featured for the Wow Fashion Week also designed by Vilayphone first time after gaining popularity Broadcasting Corporation - the most entertaining film and Thailand. The film is directed is the regional broadcaster by Daisuke Miyazaki from attracted a great deal of media Bouphavan, the Chic and among Lao celebrities. will be shown on Japanese attention, both from Laos and Trendy brand designed by The Khang collection based in Osaka and will be television because it means that Japan, Tay Bee Pin from Thailand. Dalouni Philavan, and TYBA designed by Viengkham buying the rights to broadcast Japanese people enjoyed the Singapore, Vincent Du from The two-day event also Inspiration of Silk designed by Nanthavongdouangsy gathered the prize-winning film on film and want it to be shown China, and Rasiguet Sookkarn featured Japanese designers. Somphone Phonepaseuth. spring and summer fashions its channel in Osaka, Shiga, in their country to a wider from Thailand, who just won The show kicked off with a To cap off the first night of under the concept “Fly with Me” Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara and audience.” a Subhanahongsa Award for display of items from Phouvong the show, models and designers and inspired participants to keep Wakayama prefectures. A second film by art direction on Kongdej Jewelry, followed by fashions gathered for a Heineken party to an eye on the exciting designs The main prize of the Nawapol, the documentary Jaturanrasmee’s “Snap”. from Aek with designer Phoxay, socialise and discuss the day’s created by the Lao fashion house. 20 Wednesday March 16, 2016 Classified Vientiane Times

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Issues of Vientiane Times from 1994 to March 2016 have been recorded on CD-ROM. Now available at Vientiane Times office. Phonpapao Village, Unit 32, Sisattanak district, Vientiane. P.O. Box: 5723, Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048, 216364. Fax: (856-21) 336041. Email: [email protected]

V P S LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Car rental service MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE • We have many types of cars for rent new REQUEST FOR EXPRESS OF INTEREST model and old, sedan & 4 wheel such as: MG.TOYOTA. NISSAN. KIA. HYUNDAI, National Project Coordinator SMALL AND MIDDLE SEDAN FOR CITY Sale & Rental houses. • AGL assurances Allianz Group We find you a suitable accommodation in Vientiane. forEIF Tier-2 Project: Strengthening National Quality Infrastructure and Industrial Statistics • Short term 1-7days & long 1-12 months Price range from Kip 4 000 000 and up. in the Lao PDR • Self drive or with driver • Provide vehicle for Project & Private Apartments & houses reasonable price available now. Background • Affordable price and best service Over 15 years’ experience guarantee. Government of Lao PDR has approved the new Project – Strengthening National Quality Infrastructure • Office B. Thonkang, R. sokpalaung 15/279 Call for free advice and pick up at your convenience. and Industrial Statistics in the Lao PDR, as part of the EIF Tier-2 Program. Primary objectives of the • For English call Mr. Chanh anytime Tel: 020 55 51 25 02 and 020 588 94 567. project are: 1) to strengthen the national quality infrastructure (component A); and 2) to support the • Tel: 020 55599900. 55593013, enhancement of industrial statistics (component B), thus contribute to increasing quality, safety and office: 030 9800630 Email: [email protected] reliability of Lao products and services, and improving overall competitiveness of Lao businesses. • Email: [email protected] [email protected] • www.vpscarrental.com The National Implementation Unit (NIU) within the Foreign Aid Division of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) is the secretariat for the PEC, the grant recipient entity, and the core technical and fiduciary implementing unit for the Tier-2 project. The Project are requiring following positions will House For Sale or Rent be based in Department of Standardization and Metrology (DSM), Ministry of Science and Technology Very good location, Ban Chomphet, Close (MoST) the Implementing Agency (IA) for the component A. Below are the detailed scope of work and to Talat Souanemone qualification and experience requirements:

Main Responsibilities: • Provide technical assistance on project coordination under the component A of the EIF Tier-2 project. • Assists the DSM to assume operational management of the project in accordance with the project document and both UNOPS/NIU policies and procedures • In cooperation with the DSM and with technical inputs from the NIU, prepares, monitors, reviews and updates project work plans and budgets (annual and quarterly) 2 Storey house full furnished, 200 sqm with a 60 sqm • Jointly with the DSM prepares background notes and synthesis reports, based on the conclusions living room, kitchen and recommendations of international and national consultants 4 bedrooms with their own bathroom, A/C in the all house, • Together with the DSM prepares various project status reports for coordination meetings, for periodic 2 cars parking with remote door, Swimming pool reviews, for annual reviews and for the term evaluations For rent only 13,600,000 Kip / Month • Assists the DSM to organize the review/evaluation missions For sale only 2,320,000,000 Kip. • Administers the mobilization of project inputs under the responsibility of the national counterpart agency/agencies Contact Lao, English and French 020 2222 1970 or • With respect to international/national consultants or institutions under contract to the project, assists 020 2308 8780 to ensure that these consultants/institutions deliver the inputs in accordance with their contract/terms of reference • Under the supervision of the DSM, manage the project budget related to local inputs and expenses. Additionally, ensure that: (1) Accounting records and supporting documents are well kept and (2) Financial operations are transparent and UNOPS and NIU financial procedures are applied • Reports regularly to keeps the DSM up-to-date on project progress and flags problems • Other assigned duties as required by the DSM or NIU

Qualification and experience requirements: • Minimum Bachelor Degrees in Economics, Business Administration or related field • Minimum 03 years of working experience with Lao national development projects funded by international donors • At least 2 years of experience in a similar assignment • Strong understanding of the government policy with respect to trade promotion • Technical knowledge and experience related to the enhanced integrated framework process and trade a distinct advantage • Authority and seniority that is appropriate to the project • English skills (reading, writing and speaking) a must • Project management skills with a strong focus on attention to detail

The indicative estimated inputs for this assignment are 9 person-months on a full time basis, with the possibility for extension for additional 1 years, based on performance and the availability of project funding. . The expected commencement of services is expected as soon as possible.The full text of the ToR can be accessed at the NIU’s website:http://www.laosaft.org/index.php/en/procurement.

The NIU now invites interested eligible consultants to provide information indicating that you are qualified to perform the services (curriculum vitae with expressions of interest and references). Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below. Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below on or before March21, 2016, 16:00 o’clock (submissions via email are also acceptable).

Ministry of Industry and Commerce National Implementation Unit P.O.BOX 4107, Phonexay Road, Vientiane Lao PDR Tel: +856 21 413 916; E-mail: [email protected];www.laosaft.org 22 Wednesday March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times What’s On Superstar Thakhaek Dance Contest Art Exhibition

Concert Thakhaek Dance Competition 2016 The 10th Lao Women’s Art Exhibition takes place this month. When: March 11-18 will feature a B-Boy battle and school Lao and Thai celebrities Where: National Institute of Fine Arts, Chao Anouvong Road will appear in the Super dance contest. For more information call: 021 212463, 021 314776 Star Exclusive Concert When: March 25, 3-7pm, free entry featuring Thai Artist Weir, Aom and Oil and Lao Where: Thakhaek stadium, Buddha image consecration singer Tot Vilouna and the Khammuan province. For more band Black Eyes. information call 020 5226 3111 Devotees are invited to attend a Buddha Where: ITECC Mall, 7th image consecration ceremony. The Porn floor. When: March 19, concert Beepha ritual will start on March 15. to start at 6pm. Fundraising exhibition Where: Vat Sixomxeun, More information contact: for disabled women Nongbuathongneua village, 020 78888888 or Sikhottabong district. 030 9430373 When: Friday March 18 at 7pm. Products made by the Lao For more information call 030 5848579; Disabled Women’s 020 5582 4909. Development Furniture Fair Centre on display as well as designer Fashion Design Contest The Lao Furniture Association will organise the Vientiane fashions. The final Seeking Best Lao Young Designer 2016 for Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Furniture Fair to promote local products. day will feature a Year). Lao designers aged 18 to 25 are encouraged to enter the When: March 23 to April 1 fashion show. Where: Vientiane Centre. competition. Where: Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel, 2nd floor, Vientiane For more information please contact 020 55511939 Where: Entries must be submitted to Lao Fashion Week Lobby Secretariat Office, House No. 99/01, Nam Phou Square, PO Box March 8-31 When: 8044, Vientiane. For more information contact: 02022422252 When: March 30. For more information call: 021 254808 (office hours), Fax: 021 254809, E-mail: [email protected] or Facebook: University Job Fair LaoFashionWeek.

The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the AFC Cup 2016 National University of Laos is holding its annual job fair. Lao Premier League Champions 2015 Lao Toyota FC’s When: March 25 upcoming AFC Cup matches: When: Meeting Hall of the March 16 JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM from Malaysia VS Lao Faculty of Economics and Toyota FC (Away) Business Administration April 13 Lao Toyota FC VS JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM from “Homes for the Spirits” exhibition Malaysia (Lao National Studium Km 16) April 27 JSW BENGALURU FC from India VS Lao Toyota FC Ma Te Sai homewares (Away) presents a product May 11 Lao Toyota FC VS AYEYAWADY UNITED from exhibition. Come and see Art exhibition Myanmar (Lao National Studium Km 16) Ken Yarborough and his wonderful collection of spirit Maison de la Culture is holding houses, showing for the first Book launch and exhibition time in Vientiane. an exhibition by Mr Sompaseuth Chounlamany from the USA and Mr When: March 18-23, 10 am-6 pm When: Opening reception on February 26. Exhibition runs until Where: i:cat Gallery, Simeuang village, Setthathirath Road, Phonepaseuth Vannalathsamy from April 10, entrance free Vientiane Luang Prabang province. Where: T’Shop Lai Gallery, opposite Vat Inpaeng, Vientiane. Mr Sompaseuth will display 28 paintings, The book is available at the T’Shop Lai Gallery, Couleur d’Asie, while Mr Phonepaseuth exhibited his i:cat Gallery, Monument Books. Secondhand Goods Market embroidery only on the opening day. There will also be an auction of paintings starting on March 10 The Women’s International Group is holding and ending on March 15 at 5pm. a secondhand market, including homemade Fashion Design Contest goods. When: March 10-31. When: Sunday March 20, 4-7pm Where: Maison de la Culture, Naxay village, Xaysettha district, Seeking Best Lao Young Designer 2016 for Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Where: In front of Vientiane Centre on Vientiane. Year). Lao designers aged 18 to 25 are encouraged to enter the Khouvieng Road competition. Fee for a stall space: 80,000 kip basic stall, Lao Supermodel 2016 Where: Entries must be submitted to Lao Fashion Week 200,000 kip with table and 2 chairs Secretariat Office, House No. 99/01, Nam Phou Square, PO Box Call 020 5570 6025 Calling young men and women, as well as children, to enter the 8044, Vientiane. Lao Supermodel Contest. When: March 30. 4th Asia Press Photo Contest Conditions: For more information call: 021 254808 (office hours), Fax: 021 - Males must be aged 18-28, at least 1.70m tall and have 254809, “Changing Asia” is the theme of the 4th Asia Press Photo Contest completed high school E-mail: [email protected] or Facebook: organised by Asia News Network and the China Daily. - Females must be aged 18-25, at least 1.65m tall and have LaoFashionWeek. There are eight categories in the contest: Sports News, General completed high school News, Economics, Science & Technology, Portraits, Daily Life, Arts - Children, aged 6-10. and Entertainment, Sports, and Nature and the Environment. When: Applications open until March 30. The contest is open to professional photojournalists and Where: Apply at LT Company, Phonxay village, Xaysettha freelancers. Submission date is until the end of March. district. Job Fair There is one gold prize award in each category and 100 honorary For more information: 020 59581881 Ms Nhui, or 020 2247 9479 prizes. Come along and apply for a Ms Ting Gold Prizes (8): A cash sum of RMB 5,000 yuan (US$750) after job. www.facebook.com/lao super model 2016 taxes and a certificate for each winner. The winning photos will When: March 19. From 9am be featured in the 2015 Changing Asia photo book and will also to 6pm feature in exhibitions. The Vientiane Times welcomes notices from members Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel Honorary Prizes (100): A cash sum of RMB 500 yuan (US$75) of the public for announcement on this page. Any For more information please and a certificate. Selected photos will be featured in the 2015 events or functions open to the general public are Changing Asia photo book and exhibitions. contact 030 908 2386 For more information please visit http://www.asianewsphoto.com/ suitable for publishing. Web_ENG/Eng.html Contact: [email protected] Vientiane Times Wednesday March 16, 2016 Sports 23 Lin Dan wins his sixth All England title, Wang denied hat-trick tournament. They had previously won at least two titles each time since 1999. Wang, the winner in 2011 and 2014, dropped the first game 21-11 against Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara but stormed back in the second by winning 21-16. She led the third game all the way before Okuhara pulled back to 17-17. The umpire surprisingly showed a red card to Wang accusing her of delaying the competition. She was then Representatives from the Philippines football federation confirm at the fourth meeting session of the deducted a point. AFF’s Council Meeting in Danang that it will complete the preparation for co-hosting the championship The 26-year-old did pull with Myanmar. --Photo VNS it back to 19-19 but ended up losing the following two crucial points and the title after one hour and 39 minutes. Myanmar, Philippines to Lin, nicknamed “Super Dan” by his fans, added the co-host AFF Championship title to his collection of wins Lin Dan of China poses for photos after the awarding ceremony of in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009 the men’s singles final against his compatriot Tian Houwei at the DANANG, Vietnam (Vietnam Meanwhile, Cambodia, will be played in two legs, at 2016 All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham. and 2012, becoming the most News, ANN) -- Myanmar and Laos, Timor Leste and Brunei home and away turf. --Photo Xinhua successful player here in the the Philippines will co-host the will compete in one leg round- At the meeting on Saturday, past 40 years. Asean Football Federation’s robin qualifiers from October the AFF also hosted a draw BIRMINGHAM, England in the final. China lost the women’s (AFF) Championships group 13-22 with the two top teams for the 2016 AFF U19 Youth (Xinhua) -- China’s Lin Dan Tian, nine years younger doubles title for only the third competition from November going to the final round. Championship to be held in won his sixth singles title at than his legendary teammate, time in 20 years as sixth seed 19 to December 17. Six teams, including Vietnam this September. the All England badminton never looked in contention Tang Yuanting and Yu Yang Representatives from defending champion Thailand, As a result, the host, championships but a red card with the title, giving Lin his were beaten by third seed the Philippines football runner-up Malaysia, Vietnam, Vietnam, has drawn in group in the deciding game cost his easiest match during the whole Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka federation confirmed at the Singapore and co-hosts A with Malaysia, Timor Leste, compatriot Wang Shixian’s tournament. Takahashi of Japan 21-10, fourth meeting of the AFF’s Myanmar and the Philippines, Singapore, and the Philippines. Council Meeting in Danang will receive wildcards for the Group B will see Thailand, third women’s singles title on The men’s singles title was 21-12. Sunday. China’s only victory in the on Saturday that it will final round. Laos, Myanmar, Brunei, and China, who clean swept complete the preparations for The final round of AFF Australia. Lin, also a five times final. This year witnessed the all five titles in 2009, failed co-hosting the championship Championship is scheduled During the meeting, the world champion and double country’s worst performance to produce any players in with Myanmar. to begin on November 19 football federation of Thailand Olympic champion, took only in 17 years competing at the the men’s and mixed doubles As scheduled, the official to December 17, with the also introduced its new 45 minutes to win 21-9, 21-10 world’s oldest badminton finals. draw of the AFF Championship participation of eight teams in chairman, Pisan Chuldilok, will take place at Yangoon, two groups. and new general secretary, Myanmar on August 2. The semi-final and finals Thanasak Suraprassert. Man United and Gulf Oil International announce global sponsorship MANCHESTER, England (Xinhua) -- English Premier League side Manchester United on Monday announced a three-year global partnership with Gulf Oil International. Gulf Oil International became Manchester United’s first Official Global Lubricant Oil and Fuel Retail Partner. To celebrate the global partnership, the first of its kind for a Premier League club, Gulf Oil International’s Vice President Frank Rutten and Manchester United Commercial Director, Jamie Reigle, were joined by first team players at the club’s Manchester United Commercial Director Jamie Reigle addresses training ground, including a press conference on Monday announced a three-year global captain Wayne Rooney. partnership with Gulf Oil International. --Photo Xinhua Gulf, a lubricants and fuel retailer, will have its distinctive Indonesia. forward to working with them orange disc featured on the With a Gulf lubricants’ to expand that into football. Manchester United’s digital presence in more than Through this partnership we perimeter boards during 110 countries and regions will further our commitment Premier League, FA Cup worldwide, petrol stations in to reach our fans around the and League Cup matches at 22 countries and a thriving world, especially in Asia.” Old Trafford. global marine business, Gulf’s Vice President The agreement will enable this new partnership Frank Rutten said: “Gulf is the company to engage with reflects Gulf’s commitment regarded as an iconic brand United’s worldwide family continually to add value to in motorsport circles, but this of fans, including its 325 its customers. is a truly exciting opportunity million followers in Asia, Manchester United for Gulf to expand beyond which Gulf sees as a major Group Managing Director our motorsport sponsorships area of focus, having a strong Richard Arnold said: “Gulf and to stand on the global presence in India and rapidly Oil International already stage - showing the ambition developing-businesses in has significant experience and growth aspirations of the China, the Middle East and in sport and we are looking brand. Wednesday24 March 16, 2016 Vientiane Times Sports Teams eager for Lao Premier League kick off

Sangkhomsay placed teams respectively being newcomers to league good start after finishing champions Lao Toyota FC Some 30 referees have Bubphanouvong from last year meeting as 2016. last season equal with Lao meet CSC Champassak FC also prepared for League Eastern Star FC take on Sunday March 27 Toyota FC on 39 points but at Chao Anouvong Stadium 2016 by officiating during layers from 14 teams IDSEA Champassak United features last year’s runners- being demoted to second on at 5pm. football events at the Lao are chomping at the at the National Stadium in up Lanexang United taking a head-to-head basis. This season sees 14 clubs University Games from bit to compete in this Vientiane. on fourth placed Lao Police Lanexang United has competing in the Lao Premier March 5-15. year’s Lao Premier Also at 4pm on the same FC at United’s stadium at numerous foreign players League: Lao Toyota FC, Last year’s league PLeague which kicks off in day, National University of 4pm. to please its large fan base Lao Electricity FC, Police champions Lao Toyota Vientiane next weekend. Laos (NUOL) FC face Army Big spending Lanexang while Lao Police FC is only FC, Army FC, Lanexang FC finished on 48 points Saturday March 26 at 4pm FC at the soldiers’ home United will be keen to get relying on local football United, Savan United, after suffering just 2 losses. sees the sixth and seventh ground with both teams their campaign off to a talent. IDSEA Champassak United, Hoang Anh Gia Lai Attapeu In other games on Sunday National University of Laos province FC won the title March 27, Young Elephant FC, Ezra FC, Elephant FC, in 2014 with Saigon-Hanoi FC will face Xaythany City Eastern Star FC, Xaythany Commercial Stock Bank FC at the National Stadium City, CSC Champa FC, and (SHB) Champassak province at 3:30 pm while reigning VSV Savan United. the champions in 2013.

SHB Champassak FC (left) and Eastern Star FC players contest for the ball during a clash from last year’s competition at the National Stadium in Vientiane.