VientianeThe First National English Language Newspaper established in 1994 Times  WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18, 2021 ISSUE 160 www.vientianetimes.org.la and www.vientianetimeslao.la 4500 kip Inside Action 23 new locally- Laos asks Thailand to pledged to transmitted Covid cases reported regulate [Page 3] help Lao workers Times Reporters illegal The Lao National Assembly lotteries (NA) President has asked Thailand to help Lao Souksakhone Vaenkeo nationals working in the neighbouring country to Illegal lotteries are booming, overcome the Covid-19 with many offering several crisis. lucky draws in one day, Lavrov, Blinken discuss The NA President, Dr but action is being taken situation in Afghanistan Xaysomphone Phomvihane, to regulate these unlawful after its president’s flight made the proposal while operations, the Minister [Page 5] holding talks with the of Finance has told the Speaker of the lower house National Assembly. of Thailand’s Parliament, Lotteries based in Mr Chuan Leekpai, via foreign countries including videoconference on Tuesday. Vietnam, Thailand, The NA President also Cambodia, China and even requested Mr Chuan to push the Republic of Korea have concerned sectors in Thailand been sold illegally in Laos, to assist Lao workers, even though Laos has its especially in facilitating their own legal lottery. return to Laos. Vietnam’s lottery is Solidarity Canteen fills The latest statistics show sold unlawfully in Laos as empty stomachs in Luang that more than 246,000 Lao many as four times a day, Finance Minister Bounchom Prabang workers have returned from Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane. [Page 10] Thailand since the pandemic Ubonpaseuth told the recent began last year, with around Xaysomphone thanked of agreements signed by the customs, culture and extraordinary session of the 150,000 coming back in Thailand for helping Lao two countries in past years language, and share an National Assembly. 2020. workers in the past and for for mutual benefits. extensive border on land The ministry has told A recent major outbreak providing medical equipment In addition, Dr and water. the relevant sector to invest of Covid-19 in Thailand over to support Laos’ battle Xaysomphone asked Mr Thailand is a major in and set up a system that the past few months resulted against the Coronavirus. Chuan to push for concerned investor in Laos, and the could trace and identify in the cutting of many jobs The two leaders said sectors in Laos and Thailand two countries have strong those involved in the illegal and forcing hundreds of Lao they highly valued the to resolve issues related economic and trade online selling of lotteries. workers to return home. development of bilateral to land and river border cooperation. “However, it is hard to At least 30 percent of ties and cooperation between demarcation between the Since the two countries tackle the problem as it takes place online,” Mr Chinese Culture Week those who returned brought the two countries, especially two countries to ensure the established diplomatic the Coronavirus with them, in economic relations, success of the project agreed relations in 1950, their Bounchom told lawmakers. marks the 60th anniversary “We will look at a of Laos-China diplomatic ramping up pressure on trade, investment, tourism, on by both sides. relationship and cooperation Laos’ efforts to contain the education and health. Laos and Thailand have have steadily broadened and mechanism to address illegal relations lotteries. Such practices do [Page 14] spread of infections. The two sides agreed to close links through their seen an increasing number of During the talks, Dr push for the implementation shared roots in traditions, fruitful results. not pay any fees to the state.” The minister admitted that a committee had been previously formed to Medicinal plants used to treat Covid patients deal with illegal lotteries, Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth The minister said these knowledge and capacity in which he referred to as three types of traditional the treatment of the virus ‘underground lotteries’, but Health authorities say they medicine help to boost the using traditional medicine had been unable to resolve are using medicinal plant body’s immune system, but among local communities, the issue. extracts to treat the early they should not be used for Deputy Director of the He assured lawmakers stages of Covid-19 as part more than seven days. Institute of Traditional that authorities in charge of a pilot programme. The use of plant remedies Medicine, Dr Kosonh are capable of dealing The plants being trialled in the treatment of Covid-19 Sosoulithanh, said. with the matter, but said are lasabi and golden is recommended in Laos The initiative is an investment was needed to vegetable (phak khao because of the abundance extension of the health sector develop a system to trace thong), along with white rice of naturally occurring development plan for 2016- those involved in the illegal pills (kaxaikhao), and are medicines found in forests 2020 on the promotion, use practice. being used as an alternative and plant compounds. and preservation of natural Mr Bounchom was remedy to cut the treatment These are commonly used medicinal resources. responding to a question costs of Covid-19. by people living in rural Laos has a long history raised by a member of Speaking at the recent areas and provide them with of traditional medicine, with parliament, who called for extraordinary session of a cheap source of treatment plant and other compounds action to regulate illegal the National Assembly, Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaisith. for various ailments, he and extracts being used to lotteries. Minister of Health, Prof. Dr added. treat a variety of diseases The lawmaker noted Bounfeng Phommalaisith treatment is part of the Covid-19 needs to be The government’s and ailments. that many countries have outlined the steps being government’s overarching managed proactively, Dr policy is to encourage Most Asean countries generated considerable taken to tackle the virus goal to strengthen health Bounfeng said. the integration of modern have seen success in the use revenue from lottery sales, outbreak. He said plant services in Laos in line with The Ministry of Health is and traditional forms of of plant extracts to treat the but that people in Laos extracts were being used in the national health policy to buying these products from medicine in primary early stages of Covid-19, have been buying foreign the treatment of Covid-19 as promote treatment methods the Institute for distribution healthcare facilities for the including Thailand, Vietnam countries’ lotteries that are advised by the Institute of using natural remedies. to the provinces for the free treatment of Covid-19 in and Myanmar, which have sold here illegally, even Traditional Medicine. The use of medicinal treatment and prevention of local communities. centres for the study of though Laos has its own The experimental plants to treat or prevent the virus. The goal is to broaden traditional medicine. CONTINUED PAGE 3 2 Home news Wednesday August 18, 2021 Vientiane Times Thunderstorms, heavy rain forecast ChildFund, CARE share results of nationwide until August 22 studies on early child marriage Times Reporters occasional strong winds, with died after being buried in a Times Reporters temperatures ranging from landslide following heavy rain Lower temperatures will be 24-34C. while hundreds of hectares ChildFund in Laos and experienced throughout the Champassak, Saravan and of farmland were affected by CARE International in Laos country, with thunderstorms Xekong provinces can also flooding. are partnering to share the and wind gusts in some expect thunderstorms and rain As usual, many areas of the results of studies on early regions until August 22, showers with temperatures country have suffered flooding child marriage in Laos and while flooding and landslides ranging from 24-33C. this rainy season. Last month, introduce CARE’s sexual are possible in northern and Thailand’s Meteorology parts of Xayaboury, Xieng reproductive health and central areas, according to the Department has forecast Khuang, Bokeo and Vientiane rights tool titled “Your Life, Meteorology and Hydrology scattered thundershowers provinces were affected, with Your Choice”. Department. in provinces close to Laos, Xayaboury being the hardest Child marriage or early The northeast will have namely Nong Khai, Bueng hit area. child marriage occurs thunderstorms, strong Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Households in 56 villages when one or both spouses winds and heavy rain with Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom of Xayaboury province is below the age of 18. temperatures ranging from from August 20-23. were affected and almost While both international A ChildFund official gives an analysis of child marriage in Laos. 19-30C. Temperatures will range 20 houses were swept away and national laws in Laos The northwest will also from 28-36C and winds will by floodwaters, with losses state that marriage, in most or women, behind.” Lamam districts of Xekong experience thunderstorms, be southwesterly with a speed estimated at more than 94 instances, below the age of Child Rights and province sought to better while rain and occasional of 10-20 km/hour, according billion kip. 18 is not permissible, one in Governance Programme understand the situation wind gusts will predominate to the department’s website. In Phaoudom district, three women in Laos claims Manager of ChildFund regarding early marriage. in some parts of Luang People should avoid Bokeo province, some houses to have married below the in Laos, Mr Vilasai The Country Director Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomxay spending time outdoors were swept away by the legal age. Thammavong gave a of CARE International in and Luang Prabang provinces. during thunderstorms and in floods, with losses estimated To shed light on this situation analysis on early Laos, Ms Keoamphone Temperatures will range from high winds and stay away at more than 200 million kip. issue, ChildFund and CARE and forced marriage in two Souvannaphoum, said “The 23-33C. from large trees, unsound More than 600 International in Laos recently northern provinces. studies on early marriage in Vientiane will have buildings and billboards. households, as well as 33 organised a workshop in The analysis studied the Xekong not only confirm thunderstorms, rain with People living in hotels, guesthouses and Vientiane to exchange lessons situation of young people what we know about early varying degrees of intensity mountainous areas and on restaurants along the Xong learned and highlight the from CFL’s partner villages marriage in Laos, but also and gusting winds, while riverbanks should prepare River in the tourist town of issues, causes and impacts who married early, to find help us understand the social temperatures will range from to move their belongings Vangvieng district, Vientiane on adolescents in the project the causes and consequences behaviour of youth groups 25-34C. and animals to safe places, province, also suffered flood areas. of their situation, in Khoun of different ethnicities.” The provinces of Vientiane, and should follow forecasts damage, as well as large areas In his opening statement, district, Xieng Khuang Sharing this finding Borikhamxay, Khammuan issued by the Meteorology of rice fields. The damage was the Country Director of province, and Huameuang allows us to extend our and Savannakhet will have and Hydrology Department. estimated at more than 15 ChildFund in Laos, Biju district, Huaphan province. partnership with other thunderstorms, heavy rain and Last month, a man billion kip. Abraham, said “Early The studies focused on organisations to start child and forced marriage ethnic groups and found that addressing underlying is an outrage to human many young people married factors that contribute to Korea gives boost to ICT, leadership dignity and the wellbeing as a way to begin adulthood early marriage, and to scale of children and youth. We after dropping out of school. up our approaches to reach at Souphanouvong University need to collectively ensure Furthermore, the as many at-risk youths as Times Reporters six faculties. women, as well as giving that laws are adequately research found that the possible, she said. Over the five-day course, women skills and essential enforced and help main decision-makers about “The Your Life, Your Sookmyung Women’s participants learnt about tools so they can make a communities understand whether to marry were Choice tool builds on our University of the Repubic leadership skills, how to significant contribution to the issues faced by children boys, while girls were often learning of youth’s social of Korea is continuing to become a good communicator, local, national, regional and and youth that are beyond pressured into marriage. behaviour to engage young support an Information and design-thinking for problem- global developments.” social and cultural norms.” CARE’s research people as active agents in Communication Technology solving and entrepreneurship “Gender equality is a “I want to echo the on early marriage and reaching out to their peer and leadership course at for empowerment, making key component of the 2030 agenda of sustainable social behaviour change networks and starting to Souphanouvong University changes to the world, and Agenda for Sustainable development to leave no communication with ethnic influence changes in the in Luang Prabang province. visioning and leadership. Development Goals, which one, especially girls or boys groups in Dakcheung and long-run.” The course aims to In addition, they were adopted by all United empower and build the learnt more about aspects Nations Member States in capacity of female students of information and 2015, and is aligned with Goal SMS news service on mobile phone by Vientiane Times in these fields and is delivered communication technology, 5 “Achieve gender equality every year. For the second including an introduction to and empower all women and How to get daily news from our service: year running it was delivered React Native, Data Minding girls”. online because of the Using Python I, Data Empowering women  For Lao Telecom (LTC) users: Covid-19 pandemic. Minding Using Python II, and girls can contribute to This month’s training and AI Practice for Beginners. increased economic growth,  Type R in SMS, send to 1135 to register. session was organised President of Souphanouvong social development, and the  by Souphanouvong University, Assoc. Prof. creation of more stable and For Enterprise Telecom Lao (ETL) users: University together with Vixay Chansavang, and the just communities, he added.  Type ON in SMS, send to 2246 to re gister. the Asia Pacific Women’s President of Souphanouvong The Asia Pacific Women’s Information Network Centre University’s Women’s Information Network Centre  Service fees are 500 kip/day. and Sookmyung Women’s Union, Mrs Phanthamanath was established in November University of Korea and Phaphounvanh, welcomed 1996 as an affiliated  Charged from your mobile account day supported by Korea’s Ministry participants at the opening of international development to day. of Education. the training session. organisation of Sookmyung The Unesco-Unitwin Assoc. Prof. Vixay Women’s University to We provide 6 news clips per day including online training course took Chansavang said “ICT promote gender equality place at Souphanouvong and leadership training is and women’s empowerment exchange rates and world news. 6 days University from August 9-13. a vital programme which through information and It was the fifth such workshop has been funded by Unesco communication technology a week; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, held at the university and was and Unitwin to promote in the Asia-Pacific region and Thursday, Friday and Sunday. attended by 48 trainees from gender equality and empower beyond.

Lao Press in Foreign Languages Tel: 021 336042 News Editor: Copy Sub-editor: If you have a problem accessing the website, please call directly to [email protected] Somsack Pongkhao Elizabeth Winch Tel: 020 55794447, Tel: +856-21 336041; Vientiane Times Deputy Editor-in-Chief: 021-336045, Fax: 336046 Finance Manager: 020 22235266, Phon Thikeo [email protected] Somphone Vongsa Established in 1994 Email: [email protected] Tel: (856-21) 336042, fax: (856-21) 336041 Tel: 55624351, 021 336042 Business Editor: Tel: 336040, 020 55647291 [email protected] Manichanh Pansivongxay P.O.Box: 5723; Postal Code: 01000 Tel: 020 55607017, 021 Marketing Manager: www.vientianetimes.org.la; [email protected] Features Editor: 336047, Fax: 021 336046 Phoutthasack Inthakoummane Supervisor: Tel: 021 336042 Ekaphone Phouthonsy [email protected] Tel: 021 336042, Savankhone Razmountry [email protected] Tel: 020 92827415, Graphic Designer/IT: Fax: 336041 021 336047, Fax: 021 336046 Souknilundon Mobile: 020 55599209 Vientiane Times Facebook page is available now. Use any QR code Editor-in-Chief: Deputy Editor-in-Chief: [email protected] Southivongnorath [email protected] scanners to scan it and it will take Thonglor Duangsavanh Phonekeo Vorakhoun Tel: 021 336048, 020 56464263 you directly to Vientiane Times Wednesday August 18, 2021 Home news 3 Laos-China Railway announces 23 new locally-transmitted 200 job for Lao people Covid cases reported Times Reporters page: Lao-China Railway construction of the Laos- Times Reporters imported case. August 25. Company Limited. China railway from the Tonpheung district in To slow the virus The Laos-China Railway The deadline for Boten border crossing in Health authorities on Bokeo province recorded outbreak, the government Co., Ltd. has announced to applications is August 30. northern Laos, bordering Tuesday announced 23 new 15 locally-transmitted cases, is rolling out the vaccination recruit 200 people of Lao The company will only China, to Thanalaeng in locally-transmitted cases of the National Taskforce for programme as quickly as nationals to work in the accept documents submitted Vientiane was 93.82 percent Covid-19 and 184 imported Covid-19 Prevention and possible in the hope of railway project. online, and not through complete. cases, with most being Control announced on immunising 50 percent of The company on Tuesday other channels. From July 26-30, teams identified among migrant August 17. the population by the end invited interested applicants Preference will be given from the Department of workers returning from Deputy Director of this year. to apply for the jobs to male applicants and to Railways, the Project Thailand. General of the Department People who have been concerning the maintenance those with a bachelor degree, Management Committee, The new figures raise the of Communicable vaccinated are encouraged of communication, proficiency in Chinese Border Office, Ministry total number of cases to date Diseases Control of the to continue to comply engineering and power language or a degree from of Foreign Affairs and to 10,648. Ministry of Health, Dr with the virus prevention supply equipment on the the People’s Republic of the Laos-China Railway Vientiane recorded Sisavath Soutthaniraxay, measures laid down by railway. China. Company carried out an 24 new imported cases, said the taskforce has the National Taskforce for Lao authorities have Applicants must inspection of the railway and while Xayaboury province classified Huameuangtay, Covid-19 Prevention and been pushing for such mega be in good health, have on August 16 inspected the recorded two imported Phonesavangneua and Control, especially with project to generate as many been vaccinated against Chinese side of the railway cases. Sounantha villages in regard to social distancing. jobs as possible for the Lao Covid-19, and have good to determine the connection Khammuan province Kaysone Phomvihane city, Covid-19 taskforces nationals. eyesight. points to be completed this recorded 111 imported cases Savannakhet province, as around the country have In its vacancy The announced month. and 8 locally-transmitted red zones. These areas will urged everyone to follow the announcement, the company recruitment of workers Locomotives, electric cases. remain in this category until lockdown rules with regard to said applicants must be came ahead of the planned multiple unit (EMU) trains Saravan recorded 27 August 25. travel restrictions and social under the age of 30 and have opening for service of the and other equipment will new imported cases and Hongkae village gatherings, as these may cause completed secondary school. railway, which is slated on be brought into Laos for the Savannakhet recorded in Xaysettha district, people who are unaware they Application form is December 2. first trial run of the railway 18 imported cases, while Vientiane, has also been are carrying the virus to pass available on the Facebook As of July 25, in October. Champassak recorded one classified as a red zone until it on to others. Aphids attack rice fields in Xayaboury Head of the Hongsa district Agriculture and Forestry Office, Mr Phouvong Kongsap, said seven villages in the district have been affected, with the pests discovered on 67.86 hectares of rice fields. In response, the district’s Deputy Governor, Mr Chanpheng Outhongkham, has instructed the District Agriculture and Forestry Office to monitor the data collected on the problem and to send technicians to advise farmers on ways to get rid of the insects, which involves biological pest control using sprays. Mr Chanpheng said some farmers in Xayaboury had suffered from water shortages earlier in the year while the aphid outbreak WHO Coronavirus (Covid-19) Dashboard could place a further burden on the province’s rice Countries Confirmed Newly-Confirmed Deaths production plans as well Global 207,173,086.00 460,516.00 4,361,996.00 as food security in local Some of the rice plants destroyed by aphids. communities. USA 36,385,257.00 - 615,747.00 Many hectares of crops India 32,225,513.00 32,937.00 431,642.00 Times Reporters sap-sucking insects, are in Xayaboury province Brazil 20,350,142.00 31,142.00 568,788.00 among the most destructive have also been ravaged Russian 6,621,601.00 20,765.00 171,305.00 An outbreak of aphids in pests. They have attacked by yellow-spined bamboo Hongsa district, Xayaboury 67 hectares of rice fields in locusts and caterpillars, France 6,311,301.00 21,155.00 111,441.00 province, which is damaging Hongsa district. prompting authorities to UK 6,267,441.00 26,426.00 130,953.00 farmers’ rice crops, has not After being colonised spray chemicals to prevent Turkey 6,078,653.00 18,847.00 53,159.00 yet spread to other provinces, by aphids, rice plants stop further crop destruction. Argentina 5,080,908.00 6,183.00 108,936.00 according to the Agriculture growing and sprouting, the More than 27,300 Colombia 4,864,629.00 4,007.00 123,356.00 Department, Ministry of leaves turn yellow-orange hectares accounting for 33 Agriculture and Forestry. and start to dry out and will percent of the sweetcorn Spain 4,710,009.00 - 82,538.00 Aphids, which are small eventually die. crop was affected. Italy 4,440,669.00 5,661.00 128,432.00 Iran 4,425,821.00 36,736.00 97,828.00 Indonesia 3,871,738.00 17,384.00 118,833.00 Action pledged to... FROM PAGE 1 Germany 3,823,139.00 2,126.00 91,871.00 lottery. lotteries four times a week charge decided to reduce Mexico 3,091,971.00 23,642.00 248,167.00 Revenue earned by the with an additional scratch the number of lotteries Poland 2,885,461.00 128.00 75,299.00 state through legal lottery lottery (which requires to just twice a week and South Africa 2,605,586.00 23,159.00 77,141.00 sales run by the state lottery buyers to scratch to see the to end the scratchcard enterprise has decreased number). lottery. Ukraine 2,266,329.00 417.00 53,269.00 threefold to about 20 After public complaints Mr Bounchom reiterated Peru 2,132,834.00 1,497.00 197,340.00 billion kip, according to the that the issuing of so the need to regulate and Netherlands 1,901,900.00 2,298.00 17,909.00 minister. many lotteries encouraged address illegal lotteries, Iraq 1,775,764.00 7,011.00 19,672.00 He explained that the people to become addicted saying they lured people Philippines 1,741,616.00 14,749.00 30,340.00 enterprise previously issued to gambling, authorities in into habitual betting. 4 Home news Wednesday August 18, 2021 Vientiane Times Excerpts from the Lao Media Photo Scenes Luang Prabang supports growing of fruit trees Luang Prabang provincial officials are supporting the growing of fruit trees in Nambak district to help farmers get a quality and quantity yield. On August 13, the Governor of Luang Prabang province, Mr Khamkhan Chanthavisouk, and authorities met the villagers and encouraged them to grow orange and rambutan trees in Nambak district. Mr Pheng’s family in Namnga village has been growing oranges and rambutan for sale. He said he utilised the 2 hectares of land he had to grow 250 rambutan trees and 200 orange trees. He earned 70 million kip from the sale of rambutan. However, his orange The Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Nguyen Ba Hung, (right) hands over a basket trees are yet to be harvested. of flowers to the representative of the Lao media, Mr Phosy Keomanyvong, who is Mr Pheng said that traders from Luang Namtha province have been buying rambutan the Director General of Lao National Radio in Vientiane, on the occasion of the 71st directly from his orchard. anniversary of the Mass Media and Publishing Day (August 13, 1950 - August 13, During the first six months of this year, Nambak district’s revenue from agriculture 2021). The event was attended by editors-in-chief of other media organisations and produce was 86 billion kip, amounting to 11.42 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. officials from the Vietnamese side. Orange is a prime crop of Nambak district and is grown over 730 hectares. Mr Khamkhan urged agricultural officials to work harder to help and support villagers to grow fruit trees as it will help them make a good income and boost development in Nambak district. --Socio-Economic Daily, August 17 Vientiane court hands down sentence to drug dealer A Vientiane people’s court has handed down a 5-year prison term to a drug dealer, Mr Bounsuan, and fined him 10 million kip. The case of Mr Bounsuan, 24, a worker from Hadxaikhao village, Hadxaifong district, Vientiane, was recently heard in the court. It was informed that Mr Bounsuan had been using drugs since 2019. He bought drugs from a dealer in a game shop in Chomphettai village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane. He purchased amphetamine tablets from there many times, each time buying 10 The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Laos (JCCIL) last week donated tablets. In July 2019, he started selling drugs to teenagers. US$10,000 to help the government cope with the current surge of Covid-19 infections. At 11 am on July 15, 2020, Mr Bounsuan bought 30 amphetamine tablets and sold JCCIL with 112 member companies is strongly committed to the growth of the Lao off six tablets. At 3 pm police arrested him and seized 24 amphetamine tablets. economy by making their own wide-ranging contributions. Police arrested Mr Bounsuan and sent him to a Vientiane people’s court for sentencing. --Khuamsangob Daily, August 17 LJA, bank institute exchange ideas The bank institute and the Lao Journalists’ Association (LJA) are brainstorming new ideas under a project titled “Media versus new teaching and learning methodology” On August 16, officials from both sides sat and shared ideas. The meet was attended by the President of the LJA, Mr Savankhone Razmountry, and the head of the bank institute, Mr Santhi Phonmeuanglao. Mr Savankhone spoke about the history, expansion, role, and duties of Lao media during the last 71 years. LJA is a political organisation that plays an important role in developing the media, and framing and implementing governmental policies. The Vice President of LJA, Mr Pinpathana Phanthamaly, spoke of the importance of The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Laos, together with the Indonesian Society, the media quoting a new study. He also detailed the role of the media in contributing, Friends of Indonesia in Laos and Indonesian language course participants which consist and disseminating information via social media. of Lao students, government officials, soldiers and police on August 17 attended the The bank institute has been employing modern tools to teach since the outbreak of Flag Hoisting Ceremony in commemoration of the 76th Anniversary of the Republic of COVID-19. Indonesia’s Independence. The Ceremony was officiated by the Indonesian Ambassador Besides, the bank institute has researched ways to teach online, including Google to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Dr Pratito Soeharyo, and acting as Commander classrooms, Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, Schoology, Truevroom, Facebook, and was the Defense Attache of the Indonesian Embassy, Colonel Infantry Rory Ojak Halomoan WhatsApp. Sitorus. The ceremony was held at the Indonesian Embassy in Vientiane and strictly complied --Bank of the Lao PDR, August 17 with the policy and regulations of the Government of the Lao PDR to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which impose partial lockdown and prohibit large-scale gatherings. The Flag-Hoisting Ceremony was followed by an Indonesian traditional dance performance NOTICE entitled “Kembang Jatoh” presented by Indonesian Language Course participants, who also had the opportunity to learn various Indonesian Arts and Cultures. --Photo Ounkham The management and staff of Lao Press in Foreign Languages would also like to inform you that the advertising and subscription rates in the coming year 2021 will be the same as in 2020. If you see higher rates, The Singapore Embassy to Laos holds a ceremony to celebrate please let us know, and thank you in advance. the 56th Singapore National Day Customers can make payments online via our Website: www.vientianetimes. and raise funds to help migrant org.la to Vientiane Times bank accounts at the Bank pour le Commerce workers returning from Thailand. The ceremony was attended Exterieur Lao, including those who hold cards: BCEL China UnionPay, by Singapore Ambassador VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, China UnionPay and QR Codes: to Laos Ms Leow Siu Lin, President of the Lao Red Cross, BCEL Onepay, UnionPay, WeChat Pay and Alipay. Associate Prof. Dr Phouthone Or, make checks payable to our office or transfer your payment to the Muongpak, business operators Vientiane Times Bank Account (US$) A/c 010110100989471001 or (kip) and Singaporeans living in Laos. Ambassador Leow thanked A/c 01011000098947100 at BCEL. Singaporeans for raising money for the Lao Red Cross. This year Vientiane Times, Phonpapao Village, Sisattanak District, P.O. Box 5723, Singapore donated more than 40 Vientiane, Lao PDR. Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048, Fax: (856-21) 336041, million kip to the Lao Red Cross Website www.vientianetimes.org.la Email: [email protected] and has donated more in previous years. Vientiane Times Wednesday August 18, 2021 5 World World news Japan to extend virus emergency in brief to Sept. 12, add 7 more areas More than 2,000 people TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan is rampant. The number of serving liquor are requested swarm Kabul airport - set to decide on Tuesday to COVID-19 patients with to close at 8 pm. TV extend a COVID-19 state of serious symptoms hit 1,646 The declaration of a MOSCOW (TASS) -- emergency in Tokyo and five as of Monday, marking a quasi-state of emergency, More than 2,000 Afghans other prefectures through record high for the fifth under which restaurant seeking to leave the country September 12 and add seven straight day, the health operators in areas have flocked to the Kabul more prefectures as the ministry said. They include designated by governors are International Airport tarmac, resurgence of infections people in intensive care units similarly requested to cut Afghanistan’s TOLOnews increasingly puts a strain on and those on respirators or opening hours and suspend TV channel reported on hospital beds. life support. serving alcohol, is now set Monday. The quasi-state of Following approval of the to cover 16 prefectures. The channel notes that emergency already declared plan by a panel of experts, Establishments taking anti- locals have begun gathering in parts of the seven Prime Minister Yoshihide virus steps may be allowed in the airport on Sunday prefectures Ibaraki, Tochigi, Suga is scheduled to formally to serve alcohol until 7 evening, attempting to flee Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, announce the decision at a pm in accordance with the the country after the Taliban Hyogo and Fukuoka will be government task force on the governors’ decisions if took over the country. expanded to a prefecture- coronavirus response after infections in their regions The Kabul airport’s wide state of emergency the government reports it to are on a downward trend. Facebook page published from Friday. In addition, 10 the Diet. The 10 prefectures to be a video showing hundreds prefectures will be newly The current state of newly added are Miyagi, of people crowding parked placed under the quasi-state emergency is the nation’s Yamanashi, Toyama, Gifu, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. --Photo Tass planes. Moreover, Pajhwok of emergency, which will fourth. It has already been Mie, Okayama, Hiroshima, Afghan News published also cover the same period. extended once before Kagawa, Ehime and Lavrov, Blinken discuss footage depicting dozens Yasutoshi Nishimura, for Tokyo and Okinawa Kagoshima prefectures. of people trying to stop an minister in charge of Japan’s Prefecture to August 31 The other six already under situation in Afghanistan American transport plane at coronavirus response, said and was earlier expanded the measure are Hokkaido, the runway. the measures are needed to include Kanagawa, Fukushima, Ishikawa, Aichi, after its president’s flight Meanwhile, three people to curb the number of new Chiba, Saitama and Osaka Shiga and Kumamoto. died after falling off a US coronavirus cases as well prefectures. A total of 14,854 new MOSCOW (TASS) -- The According to the Russian Air Force plane that was as “ensure and strengthen Under the state of COVID-19 cases were situation in Afghanistan in foreign ministry, Lavrov and leaving Kabul, the Khaama medical care in each area.” emergency, restaurants reported Monday across light of the actual change Blinken agreed to continue Press News Agency reported. The move comes with and bars serving alcohol the country, up around of regime in that country consultation involving all the highly contagious or offering karaoke are 2,700 from a week earlier, was the focus of a telephone concerned sides to promote Smoke confirmed at Delta variant of the Novel asked to shut down during according to a tally based conversation between dialogue in Afghanistan Hamaoka nuclear coronavirus running the period, while those not on local governments’ data. Russian Foreign Minister after the change of power plant, 2nd reporting Sergey Lavrov and US in that country, the Russian within week Secretary of State Antony foreign ministry said on SHIZUOKA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Fire alarms went Blinken, the Russian foreign Monday after their telephone off at the Hamaoka nuclear ministry said on Monday. conversation. plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, “The sides discussed “The two top diplomats central Japan, on Tuesday, the situation in Afghanistan agreed to continue and the operator confirmed after that country’s head consultation involving smoke within a building, the of state fled the country representatives from second such reporting within and following the collapse China, Pakistan and other a week at the currently of power bodies and amid concerned countries and suspended plant. No leakage the actual change of the the United Nations in a bid of radioactive material regime,” the ministry said, to help create conditions outside the plant has been adding that the conversation for the establishment of confirmed, said the operator, was initiated by the US side. Chubu Electric Power Co., an inclusive intra-Afghan after the incident at around “Sergey Lavrov dialogue in the new 5:15 am at the building informed his US counterpart environment,” the ministry that houses a turbine of the about Russia’s views on said. plant’s No. 5 reactor. the situation and about the After the United The utility alerted a People wearing face masks for protection against the coronavirus walk in the rain in Tokyo’s Russian embassy’s contacts States announced the end Shinjuku area on August 13, 2021. --Photo Kyodo local fire station after a with representatives from of an armed operation in worker confirmed smoke. all key political forces in Afghanistan and began to However, an on-site Covid-19 testing facilities set up at Afghanistan in the interests withdraw its troops, the inspection conducted by of ensuring stability, law Taliban (a radical movement the fire authorities led to the and order,” the ministry outlawed in Russia) launched conclusion it was not a case airports for UAE-bound passengers said. a large-scale offensive on of fire, the company said. ISLAMABAD (Dawn/ANN) Sialkot International At IIA, the airport manager Blinken, in turn, told the government army and -- The Pakistan Civil Aviation Airport was the first to Adnan Khan has directed Lavrov “about the US by August 15 entered Kabul Various Sectors Put Authority (PCAA) has provide the testing facility to the authorities concerned Efforts into Training established rapid polymerase passengers. According to a to facilitate passengers as administration’s actions in after meeting no resistance. Skilled Workers chain reaction (PCR) testing PCAA official, passengers can much as possible. The PCAA the context of the evacuation Afghan President Ashraf PYONGYANG (KCNA) facilities at eight major avail the facility at Islamabad spokesman said that 1,626 of the US embassy Ghani said he was resigning -- Various sectors of the airports in different cities International Airport (IIA) passengers have been tested employees and the resolution to avoid bloodshed and fled national economy put including Islamabad, Karachi, one and a half hour prior to at Allama Iqbal International of urgent humanitarian tasks the country. Western nations efforts into training skilled Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, departure of the flight. The Airport Lahore, while 2,561 stemming from the current are evacuating their citizens workers. Faisalabad, Quetta and Sialkot service has been provided passengers had been provided situation,” it added. and embassy employees. Officials in the Ministry for passengers travelling to with the cooperation of well- the facility at Bacha Khan of Chemical Industry have United Arab Emirates (UAE). reputed laboratories and Airport Peshawar. set up annual and stepwise On the other hand, six authorities concerned. He said at Jinnah plans for training skilled people passed away after He said 2,050 passengers International Airport, tests workers on a long-term losing their battle against have so far availed the of 1,742 passengers were basis and are meticulously Covid-19 in Islamabad and facility at the Islamabad carried out. Likewise, 938 conducting operation and Rawalpindi districts whereas airport. Passengers have passengers were provided command to carry them out 464 new positive cases expressed satisfaction over the facility at Multan airport, at factories and enterprises. emerged during the last 24 establishment of the facility 277 passengers at Faisalabad They are organising the hours. at the airport and appreciated airport while 2,801 passengers Contest of Skilled Workers Officials of the capital the airport management. availed the facility at Sialkot according to Occupations administration said all three UAE authorities had airport. The spokesman said as an important event for deceased were male patients directed authorities to get a total of 11,995 UAE-bound exchanging experiences from the 60-79 age bracket Covid-19 tests of passengers passengers from 63 flights while examining grades of and positivity rate in the done four hours before have availed the facility at skilled workers. capital was recorded at 9.1pc. departure from Pakistan. different airports. 6 Wednesday August 18, 2021 Vientiane Times Vientiane Times 7

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.laBusiness Wednesday August 18, 2021 Changes to tax laws Railway helps Eurasia resume set to beef up budget trade flows Times Reporters Alongside this revision, CHINA (China Daily/ANN) changes to the rules on -- The rapid development of The Ministry of Finance has Value Added Tax, income the China-Europe Railway recommended the revision tax and excise tax were Express freight train of some articles in the tax also submitted to the NA service has been playing an laws, in order to put into for approval, aiming to increasingly important role practice changes in the tax resolve the country’s in promoting China’s new rates for businesses involved chronic financial and dual-circulation development in imports. economic difficulties. pattern, while also The ministry, on behalf of Amendments to articles contributing to stabilising the government, has asked for in various laws could international logistics and changes to Article 32 of the result in a drop in the fiscal supply chains, according to Law on Tax Administration, budget of more than 2,170 industry insiders. which spells out the tax billion kip, but alternative China’s pursuit of the new payment timeframe. sources of revenue should dual-circulation development Taxes on imports can be yield an increase of 2,750 pattern, which takes the paid at checkpoints where billion kip, according to a domestic market as the goods are declared and draft report submitted to mainstay and lets domestic also at banks through the the NA last week. and foreign markets reinforce National Treasury account The revised laws each other, is in turn also or directly to the National provide better progressive boosting the development Treasury, with the amount rates for tax payments of freight train services that to be paid determined on and clear penalties for connect Asia and Europe, A China-Europe Railway Express freight train departs from Dongguan, Guangdong province, the calculations made by tax companies that are not they said. for Moscow in January. officials. compliant. Data from China State Alternatively, taxes can be Officials say that Railway Group Co Ltd “The China-Europe demand for a better life. freight trains, which carried paid during the distribution comments made by showed that as of July 10, the freight train service offers Based on the China- 134,500 TEU containers of of goods around the country. members of the Lao freight trains served 168 cities a reliable transportation Europe freight train service, goods, up 23 percent year- Minister of Finance Mr National Chamber of in 23 European countries and and logistics alternative Sinotrans has established on-year. Bounchom Ubonpaseuth Commerce and Industry recorded more than 41,000 on the Eurasian continent an integrated water-rail As the COVID-19 proposed the amendments led to changes being trips since the service was with advantages such as multimodal transportation pandemic disrupts sea and air to the Law on Tax proposed to four laws, launched in 2011. high efficiency,” said Li service network, which freight channels and takes a Administration at the which will be an important In 2020, the freight Guanpeng, chairman of combines sea and railway toll on international logistics National Assembly last part of fulfilling the trains made 12,406 trips, Sinotrans Ltd, one of the freight, and not only runs and supply chains, reliable week, during a session national agenda. up 50 percent year-on-year. largest logistics companies in across China to Europe in and efficient transportation of chaired by the National The Ministry of Finance During the first half, the China, which owns more than different directions, but various resources via China- Assembly Vice President will work with other service handled 7,377 trips, 1,100 subsidiaries in China also connects with China’s Europe freight trains has Prof. Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher. ministries and government up 43 percent year-on-year, covering 32 provincial-level neighbouring markets such become even more important Mr Bounchom told agencies to strengthen and carried about 707,000 regions and 77 overseas as Japan, South Korea and to support resumption of Assembly members that the the implementation of twenty-foot equivalent unit operations in 39 foreign the Association of Southeast business and production revision of some articles the development plan for (TEU) containers of goods countries and regions as at Asian Nations. in several economies, of the law was part of the reform of public finance during the January-June the end of 2020. During the 13th Five- thus contributing to the efforts to fulfil the national management through the period. “The service secures and Year Plan period (2016-20), international fight against agenda on financial and use of modern tax payment Moreover, around 94,000 strengthens industrial and thanks to the freight train the pandemic and stabilising economic difficulties, as systems in a bid to reduce metric tonnes of anti- supply chain operations, service on the Eurasian global industry and supply well as implementing the the amount of paperwork COVID-19 supplies were delivers crucial medical, continent, the company chains, Li said. development plan for the currently used in the finance sent via the route as of late daily and industrial supplies operated an accumulated During the pandemic, finance sector from 2021 sector. June. to related economies, 4,300 trips, carrying 420,000 Sinotrans launched to 2025 and the Vision for and potentially enhances TEU containers of goods, special freight train routes 2030. international trade with the compound annual connecting Shenyang, “Some articles of the facilitation and efficiency, growth rate reaching 49 Liaoning province, with tax law will be revised August 17, 2021 while boosting China’s percent. Moscow and Madrid to based on the financial international economic and The company has transport anti-pandemic difficulties and problems trade operations with foreign launched about 50 freight supplies and ambulances, encountered in tax 9.575 9.597 countries,” Li said, adding train routes, and 11 are while providing tailored collection in the past few that with the nation’s pursuit operated weekly, covering logistics services for major 0,4971 0,5070 years.This will ensure that of the new dual-circulation major logistics corridors and domestic manufacturing taxpayers contribute to the 337,77 340,30 development pattern and hubs around the nation. enterprises such as SANY tax system as required, as domestic market expansion, Among the 1,580 China- Heavy Industry Co Ltd, well as including more 11.240 11.297 the freight train service will Europe or China-Asia freight Midea Group and Geely, MSMEs and SMEs in 1.480 1.510 also play a growing role in train trips the company to help them secure supply the Value Added Tax high-quality imports to meet operated last year, 1,388 chains and timely fulfilment system,”he said. Chinese people’s increasing were made by China-Europe of overseas orders. 8 Business Wednesday August 18, 2021 Vientiane Times Expert urges Japan to lead global health finance amid COVID crisis TOKYO (Kyodo News) a 4.8 percent fall in Japan’s comprehend,” he said in an -- Japan was the largest gross domestic product in interview. provider of development aid 2020, the second sharpest “This has made it in response to the COVID-19 contraction on record was difficult for Japan as a whole health and economic crisis targeted at developing to communicate with the among the Group of Seven countries mainly in Asia world about the country’s industrialised nations in and multilateral institutions development aid in a holistic 2020 despite the hit its to assist in their fight and more effective way.” economy suffered during against COVID-19 and the The Foreign Ministry the pandemic, according to economic crisis, he said. can produce better global Factory representatives and government officials on Monday gather at the opening ofa an independent study. However, Kodera narratives by incorporating, workshop. Japan committed US$5.1 expects the United States for example, the billion in new aid funding to overtake Japan as the top government’s contributions last year, compared to aid provider among the G-7 to trust funds run by the US$4.4 billion pledged by in 2021, partly because World Bank and the Asian Garment industry beefs up Covid-19 Germany, US$1.9 billion by President Joe Biden’s Development Bank via the France and US$1.0 billion administration extended Finance Ministry as well, by Canada, the study by US$2 billion to the he said. preparedness, response Kiyoshi Kodera, a former COVAX global vaccine- Kodera retired from Japanese Finance minister sharing programme, the public service in 2016 Times Reporters the Association of the Lao contracts the virus.” and World Bank official largest single financial as a Japan International Garment Industry (ALGI), “Vaccine is currently shows, citing data from contribution to the U.N.- Cooperation Agency vice The Lao garment industry Dr Xaybandith Rasphone. the best form of prevention the Overseas Development backed initiative snubbed president after holding is improving systems to The workshop was the and 70-80 percent of all Institute, a British think by his predecessor Donald posts such as deputy vice strengthen the emergency first to be held on Covid-19 employees in the garment tank. Trump. minister of finance for response to a possible preparedness and response sector have now been Among other G-7 In the absence of international affairs and outbreak of Covid-19 in for garment factories. vaccinated,” he added. members, Britain committed comprehensive data for executive secretary of the factories. The meeting was Most cases of Covid-19 US$990 million, the United Japan’s ODA programme, Development Committee Appropriate methods of supported by Germany’s recorded in Laos are found States US$103 million and Kodera tallied figures such of the World Bank and the response were discussed at Federal Ministry for among migrant workers Italy US$50 million. as ODA outlays in the International Monetary a workshop on occupational Economic Cooperation returning home from “If you compare data country’s initial budget Fund, a career that earned health and safety in relation and Development and Thailand, but the number among the G-7 members, for fiscal 2020, ODA him the nickname “Mr to preparedness for and the International Labour being transmitted among we can see that Japan played spending from the reserve Development.” response to a virus outbreak. Organisation, and organised communities in Vientiane a significant role as a major fund for fiscal 2019 and Besides the ODI post, The two-day workshop by ALGI. and the provinces is rising. donor even at the time of ODA earmarked in the the 69-year-old wears took place in Vientiane on Speaking at the workshop The workshop gave the coronavirus crisis,” fiscal 2020 supplementary other hats such as chair Monday and Tuesday and yesterday, Dr Xaybandith participants useful advice said Kodera, now a senior budgets. of the board of WaterAid was attended by over 20 said “This meeting aims to about emergency Covid-19 research associate at the “Government agencies Japan, an international people from seven garment inform participants about the preparedness and response London-based ODI. release information about nongovernmental factories in Vientiane, as well Covid-19 situation around the in garment factories, with Most of the US$5.1 ODA individually and organisation for water as other individuals involved. world and in Laos, as well as health experts explaining billion in official sporadically. For outsiders, and sanitation, and board The meeting was prepare a response plan in the the best ways to prevent and development assistance Japan’s information looks member of Save the chaired by the President of event that a factory employee control the virus. which came on the heels of fragmented and hard to Children Japan. Vientiane Times Wednesday August 18, 2021 9 10 Wednesday August 18, 2021 Vientiane Times Feature Solidarity Canteen fills empty stomachs in Luang Prabang

Children wait in line for meals. Patithin Phetmeuangphuan

ince the Covid-19 pandemic has taken hold, everyone has been affected by problems of someS kind, including business operators, government officials and the general public. Luang Prabang province is one of the worst hit areas in Laos because it is heavily dependent upon tourism, and visitor numbers have plummeted due to travel restrictions. This has meant that many people have gone hungry as their source of income has dried up. Fortunately, a homegrown charity called the Solidarity Canteen of Luang Prabang believes that giving good food to the poorest people is a public responsibility. Last week, the organisation celebrated the provision of its 30,000th meal, a true milestone in its service to impoverished ice-cream and cake. Luang Prabang sausage is served to celebrate for permission to decentralise and volunteers and staff are Lao. Most the 30,000th meal. households around the town. enable restaurants in villages to take of the beneficiaries are females On the days when The canteen first opened at the part in the scheme. aged from 2 to 90, and all the major he doesn’t go to the restaurant, said he was concerned about the French Institute in mid-July 2020, Official, written permission was ethnic groups are represented. his sister or mother come and take impact of Covid-19, so he joined with support from the French granted by the provincial Governor The canteen provides lunch some food home for him. forces with Gilles Vautrin, the Embassy, private donors and to operate a distribution canteen including ice-cream or cake “I always come here if I’m not French Consul in Luang Prabang, to volunteers. The team had no idea with four branches in May 2021. from 11:30am to 1:30pm. The busy because then I can have ice- set up a soup kitchen last summer. that the effects of the pandemic The new canteen now serves up beneficiaries have their own PIN cream, but if my mother collects a In October, Gilles asked him to would last for so long, thinking the lunch to 150 needy people six days number and every day more turn up. meal and brings it home I don’t get assume the leadership, but they had situation would probably continue a week and operates out of the Deaf- Every beneficiary is interviewed ice-cream,” he said. no idea the scheme would get so big for about three months. Mute Centre in Phoumock with and scored periodically using a The canteen often coordinates or continue for so long. Nor did they have any idea the Sisters of Charity on Mondays, means-testing questionnaire like with other local charities: a “I have done my best to draw in of the extent of the economic Wednesdays and Fridays and out of the one used by the Lao Children’s scholarship fund (many of the a Lao team and to decentralise in devastation the people of Luang Korpai restaurant in Naxangveauy Hospital. volunteers are scholarship students order to bring aid to the people who Prabang were facing. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and People like to eat at the restaurant at local universities and vocational most need it, and empower local After a few months, the operation Saturdays. and can also take food home to their schools), the Lao Children’s people, charities and businesses. We moved to the grounds of the Luang Additional outlets in the north families. Hospital (for nutritional guidance, are now looking at sourcing more Prabang public library, where it and west are planned for Phouxang One boy having lunch at the nursing advice, outreach for needy sustainable opportunities to support continued for seven months as the Kham and Chomphet districts, Korpai restaurant told this Vientiane families) and the Deaf-Mute Centre the canteen,” Bob said. number of meal recipients grew provided that sufficient funds can Times reporter that he comes here (which runs the southern and largest The project is ambitious to steadily. be raised. two or three times a week and likes branch), among others. create a self-sustaining, virtuous Realising the need was greater This writer spent a week taking the food he gets, especially the Project Manager Bob Preston circle with the Solidarity in villages on the periphery rather part in the canteen’s Canteen, scholarships, job/career than on the peninsula, the team activities and found development and a community asked the provincial government that 95 percent of the garden. They have no political or religious objectives, and their activity is concentrated on Luang Prabang, where the economic impact of Covid-19 has been particularly harsh due to the drop in tourism. To run such an undertaking, they constantly need to raise funds, with 94 percent of donations going directly into the provision of meals. The rest is spent mainly on bank/ credit card fees, staff stipends, petrol and utilities. They are a grassroots operation, with most donors being private individuals and small companies. For more information and to Local families gather to eat the free lunch they have been given Bob Preston and his team pose for a photo with the recipient of the charity’s 30,000th donate, please visit facebook.com/ by the Solidarity Canteen. meal. solidarityCanteenLuangPrabang Vientiane Times Wednesday August 18, 2021 Feature 11 Bearing the brunt of COVID-19 BRUNEI (Borneo Bulletin/ also varied between nations. more affected due to their report was written. ANN) -- A new report from For instance, the Philippines participation in global supply In 2021, the Aaean the International Labour saw the largest working-hour chains. In addition, countries’ region is projected to see Organisation (ILO) has found losse, of 13.6 percent. capacity to provide fiscal working hour losses of 7.4 that Brunei Darussalam’s lost These differences are stimulus to their economies percent. This implies limited working hours due to the driven by several factors, and to keep workers in improvement compared COVID-19 outbreak was including the ability to employment have differed with 2020, which recorded around four hours last year. control the pandemic, as well vastly. working-hour losses of 8.4 Titled ‘COVID-19 and as the stringency and duration The report noted that percent. All Asean member the Asean Labour Market: of lockdown measures the COVID-19 pandemic countries have been affected Impact and Policy Response’, implemented to curb the has caused disruption and by working-hour losses. the ILO’s new report was spread of the pandemic. hardship among workers In 2021, 9.3 million fewer made public on August 13. Moreover, the country’s and employers in the Asean workers are projected to be The study said that economic structure plays a region. In the course of 2021, in employment in the region the working hours in role, as some sectors such the region has gradually than expected in the absence countries in Thailand, as agriculture have been less become one of the global of the pandemic, compared to Brunei Darussalam and the vulnerable to the pandemic epicentres of the pandemic 10.6 million fewer workers in Lao People’s Democratic compared to others such as and reached its highest 2020. However, the pandemic Republic dropped by 4.3-4.5 tourism-related industries. number of COVID-19 cases percent. The impacts have Some countries have been and deaths at the time the

Lao People's Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity

Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment Department of Lands,

No: ………………….. Vientiane Date:…………………..

Request for Expression of Interest Background The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), through their Department of Land (DOL), is the implementing agency for the Enhancing Systematic Land Registration Project (‘the Project’). The objective of the project is to support the Government of Lao PDR (GOL) in improving tenure security and land administration services in selected areas, and to provide immediate and effective response in case of an eligible crisis or emergency. The Project to be implemented over five years (tentatively from September 2021 to September 2026) will be financed by IDA resources amounting to around US$ 25 million and a grant from the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation amounting to US$6.375 million. Project Details: has not affected all workers The ACRF defines several sustainability through The project objective will be achieved by supporting and improving the GOL’s systematic land registration process and advancing the issuance of property titles and land use certificates to beneficiaries to the same extent. regional priorities for action, emergency financing. in all 18 provinces of Lao PDR. It will also be achieved through support to the modernization of the It was shared that, among including social protection, The Global Call to land administration system and related services for citizens. The number of land titles or land use the group of workers most skills development, labour Action for a Human- certificates issued and the coverage of cadastral index maps showing all land holdings (all disaggregated impacted by job losses are policies promoted through centred Recovery, adopted by gender and ethnicity, and whether it is customary, communal, private or State lands) will be key women and young workers. at the International Labour outcome indicators. Also, the number of annual land transactions registered (disaggregated by transfers, social dialogue, employment mortgages, leases and inheritance; and also by gender) will be measured. Customer satisfaction with Working-hour losses and job protection and rural Conference in June 2021, land administration services is expected to increase. losses have caused millions agricultural productivity. provides a framework for of workers to lose their labour The scope of national proposed actions within • Project Coordinator/ Registration Specialist. Rf No: B3.6 income or parts of it. In 2020, policies to cope with the crisis Asean member states. The Project Coordinator shall have the following specific tasks: 7.8 percent of labour income has been unprecedented The Call to Action 1. Direct project implementation and all members of the PMU. was lost in the Asean region. in the Asean region. is underpinned by the 2. Take part in meetings of the Steering Committee. To tackle these Asean member states principles of inclusive 3. Report on a monthly basis to the Project Director in a short report (no more than 3 pages), outlining unprecedented labour have responded to the economic growth and project progress, issues and possible solutions, and next steps. market disruptions and COVID-19 crisis through employment, protection 4. Oversee the activities related to project improvements to the cadaster system, the property registration system, monitoring and evaluation of the project, financial management of the project ensure a robust and inclusive a range of fiscal support of all workers, universal and all procurement activity. socioeconomic recovery, measures, aimed at social protection and social 5. Manage preparation of quarterly, annual, mid-term review and implementation completion reports Asean member states adopted maintaining household dialogue, and it highlights assessing project progress, especially with regard to meeting all project objectives and targets. the Aaean Comprehensive income and consumption, the importance of enhanced 6. Manage the development of the annual work plans, procurement plans and budget estimates for the Recovery Framework protecting jobs, and international solidarity and Project, working with the KfW project team leader, provincial and district offices of the DOL, and reporting to the DDGs and project director. (ACRF) in November 2020. supporting business regional cooperation. 7. Oversight and management of capacity building of DOL and MONRE staff and knowledge exchange between PMU consultants and government staff. 8. Oversight and management of internal Project documents, tender documents, evaluation reports, contracts, and agreements. Also, managing and making available consultant reports in a suitable system. 9. Oversight and management of financial activities, material and technical supplies (carrying out Online advertisement purchases), monitoring. 10. Distribution of duties among PMU staff and short-term project consultants. Ensure quality control Advertising your products at and timely performance of their duties and tasks assigned. 11. Ensure liaison with other project activities (including KfW, GIZ, the Doing Business Challenge www.vientianetimes.org.la Fund, Korean, Japanese and other financing partners) as needed. 12. Provide information and reports to the World Bank, SDC and the Steering Committee as requested. 13. Keep accurate procurement, financial and accounting records and maintain financial discipline. will bring benefits to your 14. Ensure project annual audit is carried out within 4 months of the end of the financial year and reported as appropriate. company. Consultant may obtain copies of the detailed Term of Reference for the assignment from the Address: office hours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm , Monday to Friday. Customers around the Expressions of Interest must be delivered in written form to the address below ( in person , or by mail, or by e-mail ) by no later than 16:00 am 26/08/2021. world will appreciate the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, having its registered office at Chao Anou Road, Thongkankham Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane, Tel: (021) 223486, Fax: (021) 263225 quality of your products via E-mail : [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Director General the Vientiane Times website. For more information please contact: Tel: 336042, 336048 Fax: 336041, Email: [email protected] 12 Wednesday August 18, 2021 Vientiane Times Opinion What should the government do to

Streetwise help find jobs for the unemployed? Many workers have been laid off, especially migrant workers that return from neighbouring countries due to the Covid outbreak. There are many who remain unemployed and were not hired locally. However, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare will work more closely with other ministries in efforts to create new jobs for people who have become unemployed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Vientiane Times asked local people for their opinion about the matter.

Lamphone Pasanthong good idea to help find new skilled workers. Laos has the demand of growing jobs for those who have to import foreign personnel investors and economic Mr Khanin Chanthalath, been laid off. But, I think for mega investment growth. In addition, an official in Khammuan the government should projects as the country is province: Unemployment is train the Lao workforce unable to provide workers a big problem in our society with essential skills to with essential skills. The because it has directly apply in modern industry. government should improve affected many peoples At present, the majority of our workforce so enough living conditions. It’s a local employees are lower skilled workers can meet Thailand’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office Invites Interested Persons to Join CLMVT+ Forum 2021 17 August 2021, Bangkok— Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce’s the government should Trade Policy and Strategy Office strengthen the capacity of Ms Baithong, a resident Mr Bounchai Kanthama, (TPSO) would like to invite the social welfare system in Champassack province: a resident in Vientiane interested persons to join the “CLMVT+ Forum 2021”. Entitled over the long run so it is in I have heard that the province: My oppinion is “Accelerating a Resilient Recovery”, a better position to protect government is doing it’s not easy to find jobs the forum is scheduled between members in case of future more to help workers by during the Covid pandemic 24-26 August 2021, through zoom webinar. Aiming to be a discussion crises. creating new jobs and because many businesses forum to find directions towards have stopped such as economic rehabilitation of Cambodia, Ms Vankham Namvong, tourism, entertainment, Loas PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand in a resilient path, a resident in Savannakhet and others. In addition, participants from the private and province: At present, I’m many thousands of the public sector, academics and not working or earning workers returning from international organizations will share ideas and visions to build framework any money. It’s a difficult neighbouring countries that enhance collaboration in the situation but I understand are unemployed so the region. The forum also showcases that no one wanted this to government should make a pitching competition for startups to promote conducive ecosystem for happen. Now all we can a plan to help workers startups which will drive economic do is wait and hope that development in CLMVT. Key themes for discussion things will soon return are part of findings from TPSO’s to normal so that we can “CLMVT+Plus: Enhancing Trade start working again. In the and Investment for the Future” study, which emphasizes the importance meantime, it would be nice of achieving an even economic if the government could recovery in the Greater Mekong help by providing more jobs Subregion (GMS). The study showed that developing economies so that fewer people are providing training courses will benefit significantly from unemployed. that will them become improving cross-border trade by more productive in their using digital technology to increase competitiveness of the private Ms Thaen Channouvong, work. It’s true that some sector’s role as an important medium a resident in Xaysettha workers have less training of regional cooperation. To achieve district: The coronavirus and lack the capacity to do this, they should ensure there is no discrepancy in rules and regulations outbreak and lockdown certain jobs efficiently and on cross-border activities with one has affected me alot in a disciplined manner. cope with this issue. another to reduce operating cost. including Mr. Joe Horn-Phathanothai, 100,000 baht, or approximately However, it would be The government should The study also urges the CLMVT FOUNDER & CEO, Strategy613; US$ 3,000 countries to strengthen cooperation Dr. Soraphol Tulayasathien, Senior The CLMVT+ Forum 2021 better if the government encourage unemployed under the framework of regional Executive Vice President/ Head of is a part of Thailand’s Ministry of can find new jobs for them. workers to engage in free trade agreements including Corporate Strategy Division, The Stock Commerce’s efforts to build a forum To ensure that they have agricultural activities so ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and Exchange of Thailand; Dr. Somprawin to promote collaboration in trade Regional Comprehensive Economic Manprasert, Chief Economist and and investment across five CLMVT secure employment and can that they can have access Partnership (RCEP) which aim at Executive Vice President, Bank of countries. The theme “Accelerating make an income to improve to basic food security. removing tax and non-tax trade Ayudhya; Dr. Krislert Samphantharak, a Resilient Recovery” reflects barriers. Importantly, the public sector Professor of Economics, UC San Thailand’s commitment to strengthen their living condition and Laos has well-established has to their support micro, small and Diego School of Global Policy and collaboration with the other four to prevent any incidents traditions in agriculture medium enterprises (MSMEs) to Strategy and representative from countries and the group’s major that arise from being with the majority of the grow in a sustainable manner in Asian Development Bank. In the trade partners to retore the CLMVT the era of digital commerce. The afternoon session, the discussion countries after the COVID-19 unemployed. population being farmers. policy for MSMEs in the CLMVT entitled “Belt and Road Initiative & pandemic, leading by the economy. countries should start with providing Build Back Better World: A Delicate On top of that, Thailand aims to financial support programs to help Dance with the Major Powers” which promote connectivity of trade within their business rehabilitation in the will be participated by academic the group to position the region as near term. After that, CLMVT representatives and businesses in one of the world’s most attractive countries should implement measures CLMVT. destination for investment and most to improve their digital skills and On 25 August 2021, CLMVT+ resilient to adapt to upcoming global enhance their access to the regional Forum 2021 will feature discussion challenges. because many companies market. Above all, measures to session in three topics namely CLMVT Forum is a region’s have had to close so I promote startups are necessary as “Megatrends Shaping the Future of prime discussion forum which was laid off. But I’m it will create an ecosystem that will Trade and Investment”; “Impact from showcases thought leaders across redefine the CLMVT economy with COVID-19 on Supply Chain and the region in economic development, trying to convert the transformation from a manufacturing Roads to Economic Recovery” and trade and investment. Thailand crisis into opportunity by base to an innovation-driven “Technology adoption in the New remains confident in the prospects economy. Another challenge facing Normal and Ways to Foster Startups and potential of these five countries as growing some vegetables the CLMVT region is to push forward in CLMVT” from which the audience a resilient manufacture base, growing that I can eat and also environmentally friendly trade and will hear insights from the business markets, highly-skilled workforce, sell so that I can earn investment, as the issues have not sector, government agencies and and large consumer market of a total been widely discussed in the region. international development agencies. 244 million population to restore its some money. I’m also In this respect, CLMVT needs to After two days of the discussion positioning as one of the world’s helping my family with educate their public and the private forums, the forum will showcase its most promising trade and investment the housework and trying sectors and drive transformation first ever startup competition. Aptly destinations, amid the challenges towards low-carbon logistics system. entitled, “Battle of Startups 2021”, during the past year. to find another job. It’s CLMVT+ Forum 2021 will the competition will represent a venue Interested persons may register good that the government take place for 3 days. Starting on for 8-10 aspiring startups across for participation at https://qrgo. will help people who are 24 August 2021, the first discussion CLMVT countries in key sectors such page.link/utCC4. Meanwhile session of the forum is entitled as farm, food, healthcare, education startups interested to join the “Battle unemployed so that we “CLMVT in the post-pandemic and logistics to pitch their ideas to of Startups 2021” may contact can get through this difficult era” which will be participated by a panel of committees. The winning [email protected] or +6609- time, especially the migrant startups will receive a cash prize of 2520-9121 for more details. representatives for across sectors workers. Vientiane Times Wednesday August 18, 2021 Opinion 13 Past successes, future challenges

Former Editor-in-Chief of Lao Press in Foreign Languages, Mr Somsanouk Mixay (fourth right) presents a book on the history of Vientiane Times to Prime Minister, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith (third left) during celebrations for the 70th anniversary of Mass Media and Publishing Day at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane on Friday.

Editorial Desk organisations and the private organisations people who run them have have worked hard in Numerous people and been promoted thanks to building and promoting organisations, who have good cooperation between excellent personnel in their excelled across a spectrum of the newspaper and the organisations in many ways. fields, have been profiled in organisations. Many talented people from mainstream media outlets of Former Prime Minister across varied fields in the the country in the past year. Thongloun Sisoulith country have shared their Lao Press in Foreign greeted Lao media outlets accomplishments, tasks, and Languages is one such at a meeting that marked the lessons in the newspaper. mainstream media outlet 70th anniversary (August We [Vientiane Times] hope under the Ministry of 13, 1950-August 13, 2020) to encourage and profile Information, Culture, and of the establishment of Mass more out standing people Tourism. Vientiane Times, Media and Publishing Day from Laos in the future too.” established on April 7 in on National Culture Hall. Several out standing 1994, is a leading product He said that Lao media people and organisations of the Lao Press in Foreign outlets will move forward have been profiled in the Languages. and develop well. He left a newspaper in the past. This Throughout the past 27 deep impact with his sharp is an achievement of the years, Vientiane Times has and thought-provoking newspaper and concerned discharged its duty of being remarks on media outlets sectors which cooperated an information gateway and media personnel. in promoting out standing for Laos and helping Apart from him, top people and organisations. disseminate the Party’s leaders of the country Vientiane Times will policy for the country to suggested ways to the media continue with this trend in the world – a country that to explore and reach out to the future. is marching on the road to more talented people and The newspaper hopes development and prosperity. successful organisations. that it will work harder Vientiane Times is a He said only a small number to encourage and cover young mainstream media of people and organisations people, who have a special outlet that is a leading have ventured into print and talent or have accomplished English newspaper in the electronic media. something unique in Laos country. The first national Some media outlets and make them known not newspaper (Paxason have worked harder in just in the country but around newspaper) was established the past year to present the world. on August 13, 1950. The first exceptional organisations It is a huge challenge newspaper was printed over and individuals in several for the newspaper to keep a 70 years ago. On August 13, fields across the country tab on all organisations that 2021, the 71st anniversary through their products have tasted mega successes. of the establishment of mass such as newspapers, radio, Therefore, it is imperative media and printing was television, and social media. for organisations to actively observed. The Lao Press in Foreign work with the newspaper In the 27 years of its Languages has been and convey the achievements existence, Vientiane Times, presenting the achievements of its personnel and the has carved a niche for of several public and organisation at large. itself as a reliable source private organisations and Apart from this, of knowledge for people individuals through its the newspaper will keep from all walks of life. It products. The newspaper highlighting interesting has been picked up as a has been recognised to be a topics for readers. If readers credible source to refer to a successful bridge by a large have any ideas for the range of topics by students, number of organisations, newspaper, they should share educators, and researchers including international their feedback. Vientiane who are collecting organisations. Times would like to thank all information on numerous “We [Vientiane Times] its readers and organisations themes within Laos and are proud to present the that have cooperated with overseas. excellent accomplishments it in the past year and hope Several articles of of organisations in the they will work together in the the newspaper have newspaper to Lao society in future too. been recognised for the country and overseas. We Vientiane Times is pleased their admirable coverage have done this successfully to hear from readers who of public ventures or because we have received would like to share a story or private organisations, of good cooperation from make constructive comments. companies or individuals. all sectors. In the past Please email articles to The achievements of these years, many public and [email protected] 14 Wednesday August 18, 2021 Vientiane Times Entertainment Chinese Culture Week marks the 60th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic relations

Officials at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Chinese Culture Week. --Photos Chinese Culture Centre Sisouphan Amphonephong

A Chinese Culture Week is being held to mark the 60th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic relations. It was opened on Monday night at the Chinese Culture Centre in Vientiane. The theme of the cultural week is “The Music of Silk Road to The Harmony Land”. Several artifacts from across the country are on display at the Chinese Photo exhibition. Culture Centre in Laos (CCCLaos). The cultural week the COVID-19 prevention The event showcased attracted officials from the protocols. Visitors are the cultural life of Ministry of Information, encouraged to seek an Quanzhou city through a Culture and Tourism, appointment before visiting photo, art, and heritage the Chinese Embassy in or register online. exhibition. Laos, cultural sectors in The exhibition can be The Minister of Laos, representatives of seen on Facebook or via Information, Culture and international organisations WeChat of Chinese Culture Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh in Laos, Chinese investment Centre in Laos. Public Vignaket, the Chinese companies, and media can register online at: Ambassador to Laos, Mr organisations. https://docs.google.com/.../1 Jiang Zaidong, joined the The cultural week is i7R4SYweCWktArX9NRo ribbon cutting ceremony. being held keeping in mind Fdno.../edit

Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket admires art pieces on display at the Chinese Culture Week. Vientiane Times in Lao language Website: https://www.vientianetimeslao.la/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vientianetimeslao/ Vientiane Times office. Phonpapao Village, Unit 32, Sisattanak district, Vientiane. P.O. Box: 5723, Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048. Fax: (856-21) 336041. For more information: [email protected] Vientiane Times Wednesday August 18, 2021 15 Classified

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Price: US$ 679,000 (negotiable) Please contact 020 55002662 What’s on China photo contest Members of the public can take part in a photo contest with the theme “The Four Stunning Seasons of China – Your Perspective”, an activity to mark Lao-Chinese friendship year. If you enjoy travelling and photography, love sharing and chatting about stories “on the road”, attracted by the four dazzling seasons and want to show the world the magnificent landscapes of beautiful White canvas art China, then come along. Like the Facebook page of ccclaos China Cultural Centre in Laos), follow contest the activity and submit your photographs according White Canvas Art Contest sponsored by to the requirements and process, so the world may the Eastern Culture Foundation is now see the four stunning seasons of China from your accepting entries from Laos. Any theme perspective! The shortlisted works will each be is acceptable except political issues and awarded gifts and get the chance to attend the final unsuitable content for youth. Art works on a selection in China. For more information call 021 flat surface using any medium (oil, acrylic, 228898. watercolor, printing, pastel, graphite, etc.). Where: Facebook of China Cultural Centre in Laos Prizes for the General category: Gold Award When: July 25 - September 15. US$500, Silver US$200and Bronze US$100. Prizes for the Kids category is TBA. Where: Visit https://whitecanvas.pro/ contest_en/. Or call 020-5560-6620 (Tom) That Luang stupa When: Deadline on August 31 This stupa is the most significant in Laos and is a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and a Free online sacred place for Lao people. It was built in 1566 by King Xaysetthathirath. Where: That Luang village, Xaysettha district, computing and Vientiane When: Open every day, 8:00am-12:00am; programming 1:00pm-4:00pm Those interested in computing and Indian scholarships programming The Ministry of Education, Government of India are invited is inviting applications from foreign students for to apply to Diploma Level technical courses, Bachelor of join this free Engineering (B.E.), Bachelor of Pharmacy, MBBS course. The course is a self-paced and and BDS under Self Financing Scheme for the provides an introduction to computing and Academic Year 2021-22. programming. Where: For more information When & where: for diploma level technical visit https://bit.ly/3bXsu9i courses: Details are available at the website of When: Available now. Embassy of India (https://www.indianembassylaos. gov.in) under What’s New or go to, https:// www.indianembassylaos.gov.in/news_detail. Culture exhibition php?newsid=229 When & where: for Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.), The China Cultural Centre in Vientiane is Bachelor of Pharmacy, MBBS and BDS holding an (https://www.indianembassylaos.gov.in) exhibition on under What’s New or go to https://www. culture and indianembassylaos.gov.in/news_detail. tourism in php?newsid=230 Kanxu, China. Sharda University of India is offering scholarships to Everyone is meritorious students to join Bachelor, Master, and invited to the event, which PhD programmes in Year 2021-22. Classes will start features in October 2021. photos, cultural products, and the chance to When: Last date of application is 31 August. get gifts. When: The exhibition is open until Where: For further information, please go to the link August 21. Where: China Cultural Centre. https://global.sharda.ac.in/ambassador- Call: 021 228 898 scholarship 16 Wednesday August 18, 2021 Vientiane Times SPORT Lao runner trains in Japan ahead of Paralympic Games Sangkhomsay the 100-metre sprint at the at the National University of Bubphanouvong Games. He is in his third Laos, when Ken set a record year of studies at the National of 24.6 seconds in the Lao runner Ken Thepthida University of Laos and was men’s 200-metre sprint. and his trainers are getting born in Xieng Khuang Although the budget regular practice on the track province. allocated for Laos’ in Ise city, Mie Prefecture, Ken and his trainers are participation in the Japan, and on August 20 will monitoring their health under Paralympic Games was travel to Tokyo in preparation the supervision of nurses who small, the team persevered for the start of the Paralympic take regular tests to ensure and have been assisted by Games on August 29. they are Covid-free. a Japanese trainer whose They have been training In April, the Ministry knowledge and experience in Ise since arriving there on of Education and Sports has resulted in Ken being August 13. organised track and field able to take part in the Ken will compete in events for disabled athletes games.

Ken Thepthida, his trainers and sports officials on the running track in Japan. Cologne shock Berlin 3-1, Mainz upset Leipzig 1-0 in Bundesliga BERLIN (Xinhua) -- Schwolow was hapless “I am glad that we have Cologne came from behind moments later, though, won. After we conceded the to beat Hertha Berlin on as Cologne completed its goal, we stayed tuned and the second-half brace from comeback in the 52nd minute responded well,” Cologne Florian Kainz while Moussa when Kainz nodded home head coach Steffen Baumgart Nikhate’s sole goal secured a deflected cross at the far said. Mainz a surprising 1-0 win post to make it 2-1 on the Elsewhere, courageous over Leipzig at the closing of scoreboards. Mainz overpowered last the first round in Bundesliga To make things worse for season’s runners-up Leipzig on Sunday. Hertha, Cologne kept it going by courtesy on Nikhate’s Cologne had the worst and doubled its advantage as early opener. Leipzig pressed possible start in front of the Kainz benefitted on Benno frenetically for a goal, but home crowd as the club from the capital opened the scoring with the first chance of the game after Matheus Cunha squared a rebound into the path of new arrival Stevan Jovetic, who scored his first Bundesliga goal in his debut with six minutes gone. Jovetic kept Cologne’s defense busy as he forced goalkeeper Timo Horn into action with an effort on target at the half-hour mark. As the match progressed, Cologne assumed control and flabbergasted the visitors with the equaliser through Anthony Modeste, who nodded home Jan Thielmann’s pinpoint cross past Berlin custodian Alexander Schwolow in the Suat Serdar (right) of Berlin vies with Rafael Czichos of Cologne during the German first division Bundesliga football 41st minute. match between FC Cologne and Hertha BSC Berlin in Cologne, The “Billy Goats” almost Germany on Sunday. --Photo Xinhua turned the tides before the break, but Schwolow was on Schmitz’s build-up work to Mainz’s defense made no guard and defused Kainz’s seal the deal three minutes mistakes and reaped a victory attempt with a diving save. later. on home soil. After the restart, the hosts Berlin was shocked and “I am very proud. My picked up where they had left unable to respond, whereas team showed what I asked off as Ellyes Skhiri tested Cologne’s defense stood firm for. They showed character Schwolow with a dangerous to secure all three points in and attitude,” Mainz head header in the 48th minute. the first game of the season. coach Bo Svensson said.