VientianeThe First National English Language Newspaper established in 1994 Times  TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021 ISSUE 159 www.vientianetimes.org.la and www.vientianetimeslao.la 4500 kip Inside PM pledges to quash Xekong’s first int’l border crossing to boost economic ties with Vietnam [Page 3] bribery, misconducts Times Reporters country’s financial and Assembly members monitor economic difficulties as the prime minister to see that Prime Minister Phankham well as measures to stem he is as loyal as he promises Viphavanh pledged to the use of and trade in to be.” suppress corruption, narcotic drugs. The head of government bribery, fraud and all “Those who do assured Assembly forms of misconduct by wrong things must be members of transparent state officials in his recent held accountable for practices within the address to the National their actions,” the prime advisory board he recently Geological study finds 13 Assembly (NA). minister said. appointed. The group settlements of Bahrabise Addressing an He called on lawmakers comprises experienced at high risk of landslides, extraordinary session of the and members of the public state officials and business to notify the government if floods NA’s ninth legislature, the executives. premier asked lawmakers they observe misconduct He promised that no [Page 6] to help monitor state on the part of state officials, special treatment would officials’ performance and including demands for be given to business to report any wrongdoing. money from businesses. executives who are board “Provide us with However, the prime members when it comes to information. The prime minister accused some approving new investment minister can never know businesspeople of proposals. who is engaging in fraud conspiring with state “No one is given a if such incidents are not officials, saying that they project. Monitor it. We are reported,” he said. gave bribes to officials. loyal,” the prime minister Vaccines helping Bokeo He was responding to Instead, he said said, adding that Assembly Savannakhet authorities set up a checkpoint for Covid-19 residents feel safer during members of parliament businesses should inform members were free to control. --Photo Lao Youth Radio the COVID-19 pandemic who demanded that state the government when they monitor the process. [Page 10] authorities take serious were unlawfully threatened Board members are not and transparent action with demands for money paid a salary but volunteer Xekong orders lockdown to fulfil the two national by state officials. to assist with state affairs. Ministry of Silk unveils its agendas. “Report their names,” he Mr Phankham reiterated until August 20 sister brand NEWNORM and The agendas, which said, referring to officials that all aspects of the their latest collections were recently adopted by who acted unlawfully. government’s performance Times Reporters allowed but those involved [Page 14] the National Assembly, “The government will would be trustworthy and must follow the rules laid outline solutions to the be loyal. May National transparent. Authorities in southern down by the provincial Xekong province have Covid-19 taskforce to ordered lockdowns until prevent the spread of the August 20 after locally- virus. Afghan president leaves country, transmitted Covid-19 In addition, barber shops, infections were reported, beauty salons, internet and have stepped up controls cafés, snooker clubs, sports Taliban controls capital Kabul in areas considered to be at facilities, tourist attractions, high risk of spreading the spas and football clubs have virus. been closed and deliveries Provincial authorities within the city are banned. have increased the number Restaurants and cafes can of checkpoints on roads remain open but can only that lead to other provinces, offer takeaway services. while gatherings of all In Savannakhet province, kinds have been banned, Kaysone Phomvihane city according to a provincial is under lockdown until official. August 23. Authorities have also Provincial authorities ordered many services to have classified Nonsavanth close, while entry to and village and the SOS school exit from red zone areas is as red zones and other banned. villages as yellow zones, In Lamam district, with entry to and exit from people may no longer enter red zone areas temporarily or leave the provincial banned. capital between the hours In Champassak province, of 9pm and 5am, unless Khong district authorities permission has been given have ordered a lockdown in An Afghan man rides bicycle on a road in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, August 15, 2021. --Photo Rahmatullah Alizadah from the district’s Covid-19 Na, Xiengdee, Hangkhone taskforce. and Donsahong villages KABUL (Xinhua) -- Afghan to prevent bloodshed. Afghan people, adding that destination remains unknown. Travel between Lamam until August 22, and Pakxe President Mohammad Ashraf “If there were still he will continue to serve the Meanwhile, the Taliban has and other districts and city is under lockdown until Ghani left the country on countless countrymen nation, he said. assured that all the diplomatic provinces is banned, except August 20 after locally- Sunday night, while the martyred and they would Ghani did not mention missions and foreign citizens for people who work in the transmitted Covid infections Taliban forces entered the face the destruction and his current location in the in Kabul will face no main town and have been were reported. capital of Kabul and took destruction of Kabul city, the Facebook post. Media reports dangers. Taliban spokesman given permission to travel Champassak province control of the presidential result would have been a big said he fled to Uzbekistan Zabihullah Mujahid said they by provincial authorities. has not recorded any locally- palace. human disaster in the city,” with his wife. A senior Interior are committed to ensuring Passenger transport transmitted Covid-19 cases Ghani confirmed on Ghani said. Ministry official said earlier in security in the Afghan capital. services from other over the past few days, while his Facebook page late on The Taliban is now the day that he was heading The Taliban forces entered provinces to Lamam district Savannakhet is still seeing Sunday that he has left the responsible for protecting for Tajikistan, while a Foreign Kabul city and took control of have also been suspended. cases despite a lockdown in country, saying the move was the honor and wealth of the Ministry official said his CONTINUED PAGE 6 The transport of goods is CONTINUED PAGE 3 2 Home news Tuesday August 17, 2021 Vientiane Times Internet café owners fined for violation of lockdown rules Phomphong Laoin open and were continuing to allow illegal online gambling, in Police in Naxaithong district, violation of the newly-issued rules Vientiane, have fined the owners to control the spread of Covid-19. of six internet cafés after they Police confiscated nine remained open even after computers and printers. authorities imposed a lockdown Ongoing inspections in the area. and crackdowns are aimed at The offenders were also preventing businesses from given a lecture on the importance breaking the rules on Covid-19 of obeying the law and were control. charged with permitting online The number of infections is Participants attend the 4th Scientific Biodiversity Conference in ientiane.V gambling in violation of continuing to rise, especially Resolution No. 828, Ministry of among migrant workers returning Post, Telecommunications and from Thailand, with cases National University, IUCN partner Communications, and violation increasing dramatically over the of Notification No. 20 on the past month compared to previous enhancement of measures to months, the National Taskforce on in biodiversity studies prevent and control the spread of Covid-19 Prevention and Control Covid-19. reported. Times Reporters and Wildlife Management The Faculty of Forest Science Head of the Public Security Health authorities now say Strengthening Project, which is has supported students and teachers Office in Naxaithong district, that people returning to Laos The Faculty of Forestry Science, funded by the World Bank through to participate in study tours as well Lieutenant Colonel Bounmy and entering state-run quarantine National University of Laos, has the Environmental Protection as other activities in Laos and Kantiyavong, said that after centres will be required to held talks with the International Fund with a total budget of more other countries under the Forest receiving instructions from the quarantine for 14 days at a state Union for Conservation of Nature than US$2 million from 2015 to Management and Biodiversity Chief of the Vientiane Public facility and another 14 days at a (IUCN) on getting more young 2020 under the Environment and Protection programme. Security Headquarters they carried district quarantine centre, thus people involved in research around Social Project in Laos. Speaking at the conference, out inspections and found that spending 28 days in quarantine biodiversity conservation. Over five years, the project NUOL Vice President Assoc. Prof. some internet cafes remained in total. IUCN is the world’s oldest supported training in three courses Dr Houngphet Chanthavong said and largest global environmental for teachers and state officials, the university will continue to organisation. while 30 scholarships were seek international cooperation to It works with a diverse awarded to undergraduate students broaden the knowledge of staff range of partners to deliver the researching forest and wildlife working in this field and raise organisation’s global programme protection. Seven scholarships youth awareness of the importance to encourage and assist societies were provided for doctorate, of environmental protection. throughout the world to conserve master’s and bachelor courses The conference was important the integrity and diversity of in fields relating to biodiversity as a forum for discussions on how nature and to ensure that any use science, both in Laos and in to further biodiversity conservation of natural resources is equitable Thailand and Singapore. and wildlife management in forest and ecologically sustainable. More than 600 state officials areas, he added. Staff from the university and have completed training to Speakers at the conference IUCN met at the 4th Scientific improve their skills in forest stressed that environmental research Biodiversity Conference management and biodiversity is key to understanding how forests A Naxaithong district police officer spells out the law to the owners of in Vientiane under the Forest conservation. are managed effectively. internet cafés who broke the lockdown rules. Schools close in bid to contain virus Times Reporters that involve more than 10 people. University staff must have a Several educational institutions temperature check, wear a face mask have been ordered to close in a bid and wash their hands before entering to curb the Covid-19 outbreak after their office. more locally-transmitted cases were If a member of NUOL’s reported in Vientiane. Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention The National University of Laos and Control finds that a teacher or (NUOL), Sathit Secondary School, student has a temperature of 37.5C Phonesavan Secondary School and or higher, they will be asked to return other educational institutions run home and get a Covid-19 test. by the university were closed on The university is also asking all August 16. staff, teachers and students to get A notice issued by the university vaccinated. Those who have been on August 15 states that these vaccinated must get a copy of their educational facilities will close vaccination certificate and submit it A member of the Chinese Rescue Foundation (hotline number 1628) sprays disinfectant at the National temporarily to prevent the spread of to university authorities by the end University of Laos. --Photo NUOL Covid-19. NUOL says online classes of this month. should continue on Facebook, OBS, NUOL’s Covid-19 taskforce will If the reason is not considered to be on August 15 including Vientiane transmitted). Champassak reported Powerpoint with OBS, and Google note the names of people who don’t valid, they will be encouraged to have with 27 (26 imported, 1 locally- 47 imported cases, Khammuan and has banned meetings, seminars, want to be vaccinated and ask them the vaccine. A total of 198 new cases transmitted), and Savannakhet reported 52 imported cases, and training courses and other activities about the reason for their decision. were recorded across the country with 61 (50 imported, 11 locally- Saravan reported 11 imported cases.

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 Tuesday August 17, 2021 Home news 3 NA asks ministries to improve drug treatment centres Phomphong Laoin “The expectation is that we must gradually reduce The National Assembly the number of drug addicts, has instructed the relevant rehabilitation centres ministries to improve drug and treatment facilities, treatment centres so that which will be an indicator more people are weaned off of the effectiveness or their drug habit. outcome of solutions Addressing the Assembly to the drug problem in recently, NA Vice President Laos,” Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Souvone Souvone said. Leuangbounmy spoke about The Standing the government’s newly- Committee is also introduced national agenda Lieutenant General considering enhanced Senior officials of Laos and Vietnam cut a ribbon to open the new international border crossing. on drug prevention and Souvone Leuangbounmy coordination between control. addresses an extraordinary special security forces, The Assembly’s Standing session of the National especially between Committee unanimously Assembly recently. narcotics officials and law Xekong’s first int’l border crossing to agreed on the sharing of enforcement agencies, to responsibilities among all Souvone asked the Ministry make the rollout of solutions boost economic ties with Vietnam social organisations from of Public Security to partner to drug problems more the central to local levels, with the Ministry of Health, consistent, he added. Somsack Pongkhao attended by senior officials pandemic period. At the as well as family institutions Ministry of Labour and There are nine drug of both countries despite the moment, we are allowing and people from all walks of Social Welfare, and Ministry treatment centres in the Xekong province’s first pandemic. only the transportation of life, in working to fulfil the of Education and Sports provinces of Bokeo, international border crossing During the event, the first goods across the border.” National Agenda for Drug to improve the quality of Oudomxay, Huaphan, with Quang Nam in Vietnam freight convoy crossed the The upgrade of the border Control from 2021-2023. rehabilitation centres and Luang Prabang, Xayaboury, has been officially opened border to mark the opening crossing was originally The agenda has 25 parts, treatment facilities for drug Savannakhet and after a series of delays due of the crossing. scheduled for the end of but the Standing Committee addicts. Champassak, according to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Upgrading this existing 2020, but was postponed has added the stipulation The ministries were also to the Ministry of Public The provincial governor, border crossing to give it because of the pandemic. that the government should asked to consider setting up Security. Mr Leklay Sivilay, told international status is the Authorities planned to define clear, detailed, vocational training centres These centres provide Vientiane Times on Monday fruit of cooperation and open the crossing on March standardised and streamlined to support drug users who vocational training and that upgrading this border the determination of Lao 24 and then in June, but coordination mechanisms have completed their course treatment for recovering crossing will enable the and Vietnamese leaders to faced delays due to the between ministries and of treatment so they have the drug addicts, to help two countries to strengthen promote connectivity and Coronavirus outbreak. central agencies and opportunity to learn useful them become productive economic cooperation and boost economic activities Following the opening between central and local job skills before being members of society who are maintain security along their between the two countries,” of the crossing last week, levels of administration. released and are less likely able to work and contribute shared border. Mr Leklay said. all provinces in Laos that Lieutenant General to resume their drug habit. to the greater good. “The border crossing The governor said share borders with Vietnam is located along a strategic all facilities have been have an international border route and has a lot of arranged at the crossing, checkpoint. potential for Laos to boost with the construction of Mr Leklay said the Covid cases surge, village in trade with Vietnam and an immigration office and upgrade of the border attract more investments to buildings for officials to crossing in Xekong will the southern region, thereby stay in. shorten the distance between Vientiane classified as red zone generating more income for “Due to Covid-19, Thailand and Vietnam Times Reporters local people,” he said. our officials at the border through southern Laos by “It’s just about 130 km from crossing may focus on more than 100 km. This The 349 new cases of Covid the upgraded border crossing facilitating the transportation will enable Xekong to better reported on Monday are to a seaport in Vietnam, of goods and construction connect with Vietnam and the most to be reported in and this is believed to be equipment. This equipment Thailand. a single day, with Hongkae the shortest route between is needed for hydropower One of the main village in Xaysettha district, Thailand and Vietnam and mining projects in challenges for Laos is Vientiane, being classified through southern Laos.” Xekong province,” Mr manufacturing high quality as a red zone from August The opening ceremony Leklay said. goods in large quantities and 15-30. for Dakta-ok-Nam Giang “I’m optimistic that providing transit services The new infections bring border crossing, held at a more tourists will use this in order to benefit from the countrywide total to border area on Saturday, was border crossing in the post- regional connectivity. date to 10,441, while 4,188 people are currently in hospital for treatment and Xekong orders lockdown... FROM PAGE 1 observation, according to the National Taskforce for some parts of the province. On Monday, 349 new infections were reported across the Covid-19 Prevention and country, raising the total to date to 10,441. Control. Vientiane recorded 104 new imported cases, while Luang Prabang province recorded The new cases were one locally-transmitted case and one imported case. reported after 2,487 samples Khammuan province recorded 63 imported cases and Saravan recorded 31 new were tested for Covid-19 on imported cases. Sunday. Xayaboury recorded five imported cases, while Tonpheung district in Bokeo province Of the new cases, 312 Luang Prabang province two reports indicate that the recorded 27 locally-transmitted cases. Savannakhet recorded 53 imported cases and were reported among (one locally-transmitted), country’s hospitals have eight locally-transmitted cases, Champassak recorded 55 imported cases, and Xekong migrant workers while 37 and Xekong province been overwhelmed by recorded one locally-transmitted case, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention were transmitted within reported one new locally- Covid-19 patients. and Control announced on August 16. communities in Laos. transmitted case. Nine Lao authorities are There are 98 quarantine deaths have been reported stepping up Covid-19 centres throughout Laos, to date. controls at border crossings and 45 hotels where 12,594 The Covid-19 taskforce in order to screen everyone SMS news service on mobile phone people are currently in said community-acquired entering Laos and prevent quarantine. infections in Laos appear to them spreading the virus by Vientiane Times Vientiane reported the be on the increase, especially within local communities. highest number of new in Bokeo province, while Worldwide, nearly cases with 104, followed by more are being reported How to get daily news from our service:  Service fees are 500 kip/day. 208 million people have Khammuan province with among returning migrant contracted Covid-19, of   For Lao Telecom (LTC) users: Charged from your mobile account day to day. 63, Savannakhet province 61 workers. whom over 4.37 million  Type R in SMS, send to 1135 to register. We provide 6 news clips per day including (eight locally-transmitted), Most migrant workers have died while more than  For Enterprise Telecom Lao (ETL) users: exchange rates and world news. 6 days a week; Champassak province 55, are returning from Thailand, 186 million people have  Type ON in SMS, send to 2246 to re Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Saravan province 31, Bokeo which is experiencing a been discharged from gister. and Sunday. province 27 (all imported), widespread outbreak of hospitals after recovering Xayaboury province five, Covid-19. Thai media from the illness. 4 Home news Tuesday August 17, 2021 Vientiane Times Excerpts from the Lao Media Photo Scenes Vientiane road accident kills four

Road mishaps in Vientiane are on the rise. Four people were killed in just a day and all motorists have been urged to stay alert and drive safely. Road accidents continue to occur in Vientiane every day, injuring and killing people. According to information from the Vientiane Traffic Police Department, between 5.15 pm and 12 am on August 8-August 9, three road accidents were reported which killed four people. Vientiane traffic police informed that the first case was reported from Phakhao village, Xaythany district. A speeding car crashed into a motorcycle killing Ms Phitsamay, 21, a student from Suansavanh village, Pakxan district, Borikhamxay province, and her friend on the spot. In the second case, a motorcycle crashed into a truck in Naxone village, Pakngum district, Vientiane, killing Mr Hadsady, 26, a student from Naxone village, instantly. In the third case a motorcyclist lost control and crashed in Koksivilay village, Xaythany district, Vientiane, killing Mr Khamsay, 56, from Xaysomboun village, Xaythany, right there. According to the traffic police, the cause of the three road accidents was the fault of the drivers as they were speeding and changed lanes without Monks in Bokeo province on Saturday provide drinking water and other supplies worth indicating. Police have urged motorists to stay alert as carelessness can cost lives. 24 million kip for use by migrant workers returning to Laos and Myanmar nationals --Khuamsangob Daily, August 16 working in the special economic zone in Bokeo. --Photo Pathetlao

Ambassador of the Xekong exports goods worth billions Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr Moohong Im Dakcheung district in Xekong province has exported goods worth 6.6 billion kip during (right), on Saturday, presents taekwondo the first six months of this year. equipment to the The district has suitable land to grow commercial crops and villagers are enthusiastic Mayor of Vientiane and as they can earn handsomely from the sales. President of the Lao The Governor of Dakcheung district, Mr Laysuan Mitsouvanh, said that during Taekwondo Federation, the first six months of this year officials supported commercial production, especially Dr Atsaphangthong Siphandone. The encouraging villagers to grow ginseng, coffee, cassava, and corn. Besides, they have equipment will be eased the process for business units to build processing factories that will push economic distributed among development in the district. taekwondo clubs This has helped improve the export value during the first six months of the year in the provinces as equalling 78 percent of the yearly plan, he added. part of the Korea Mr Laysuan said that besides supporting the export of commercial crops, district Ambassador Taekwondo Championship. officials are giving importance to checking goods prices in the markets to prevent traders from taking advantage of customers. --Pasaxon Daily, August 16 Savannakhet raises funds to repair road

Officials in Kaysone Phomvihane city, Savannakhet province, are being backed by golfers from the local golf association to raise funds to repair a road in Nonsavard village. A gravel road in Nonsavard village has been damaged which has hit the movement of traffic, especially during the rainy season. The Deputy Mayor of Kaysone Phomvihane city, Mr Sommay Songvilay, said that district officials have been joined by golf players to raise funds to repair this road in Nonsavard village. He said this road needs urgent repairs. During the dry season, a new asphalt road will be laid which will boost development in Kaysone Phomvihane city. Nonsavard village is 1 km long and the repair work will cost 30 million kip, Mr Sommay added. --Lao Economic Daily, August 16

Poor families in Thongvay village, Thateng district, Xekong province receive household NOTICE utensils donated by various groups and through assistance from the district’s labour and social welfare office. --Photo Xekong 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, please let us know, and thank you in advance. Customers can make payments online via our Website: www.vientianetimes. org.la to Vientiane Times bank accounts at the Bank pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao, including those who hold cards: BCEL China UnionPay, VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, China UnionPay and QR Codes: BCEL Onepay, UnionPay, WeChat Pay and Alipay. Or, make checks payable to our office or transfer your payment to the Vientiane Times Bank Account (US$) A/c 010110100989471001 or (kip) A/c 01011000098947100 at BCEL.

Vientiane Times, Phonpapao Village, Sisattanak District, P.O. Box 5723, Vientiane, Lao PDR. Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048, Fax: (856-21) 336041, Website www.vientianetimes.org.la Email: [email protected] Students in Khammuan province clean a secondary school which will be used to quarantine migrant workers returning from Thailand and other countries. --Photo Pathetlao Vientiane Times Tuesday August 17, 2021 5 World World news HCM City wants to use in brief Muhyiddin to act as one smart card caretaker PM, says Istana Negara for all public transport PETALING JAYA, HCM CITY (Vietnam News/ line with the city’s smart-city Malaysia (The Star) -- Tan ANN) -- The HCM City project which promotes the Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will People’s Committee plans to use of cashless payments. act as caretaker Prime establish technical standards In a related issue, the city’s Minister until a new Prime to develop a single smart card Transport Department is Minister is appointed, says that could be used for all types considering investment in an Istana Negara. In a statement of public transport. automatic payment system Monday (August 16), Istana The city aims to create that could be used for all types Negara said Yang di-Pertuan inter-linkages between of public transport. Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah automatic fare collection The city launched a one- Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa (AFC) systems as well as year pilot project on the use Billah Shah had accepted the convenience for card users. of cashless payment for public Pagoh PM’s resignation as If metro lines, rapid buses buses in March 2019, and prime minister but appointed and water buses have many later extended it to the end of Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on August 15, 2021, shows the site of a mudslide triggered him to serve as caretaker kinds of AFC systems, the this year. by torrential rain in the Nagasaki Prefecture city of Unzen in southwestern Japan. --Photo Kyodo until a new prime minister is cost to interlink these systems The pilot is expected to named. would be too high, according encourage more residents to . to city officials. use the bus system. Passengers Heavy rain continues in Japan as Death toll from The committee has sought need to register to get a bus 7.2-magnitude clearance from the Ministry card, which is similar to a earthquake in Haiti of Transport to give the city bank card. mudslides kill 4, leave 5 missing rises to 1,297 the authority to decide on the The cashless payment was SANTO DOMINGO technical standards for all AFC first used on bus route No 86 TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Heavy rain flooding and mudslides. and found that sediment from a (Xinhua) -- The death toll systems in public passenger from Bến Thành Market in continued to pelt vast areas of As of Monday morning, mountain behind the house had from the 7.2-magnitude transport on waterways and District 1 to Ton Duc Thang Japan on Monday as mudslides the country’s land ministry hit the second floor. earthquake that struck roads. An AFC system is in University in District 7. had killed at least four people confirmed 62 cases of rain- Makibuchi, who stayed Haiti on Saturday rose to and left five others missing, with triggered mudslides in 17 in the house together with 1,297, the country’s civil the country’s weather agency of Japan’s 47 prefectures the three, said he tried to protection agency reported urging the public to remain and 36 rivers that have push aside mud to save on Sunday. A breakdown vigilant as the threat of more overrun their banks in nine his daughter-in-law and of the fatalities in terms disasters remains. prefectures, damaging homes grandsons but could not even of departments shows that The Japan Meteorological and disrupting transportation. move through a distance of 1 1,054 people were killed in Agency said more heavy In the central Japan city meter. “I was with them just a Sud, 122 in Nippes, 119 in rain is forecast for wide of Okaya, Nagano Prefecture, moment ago, and now they’re Grand’Anse, and two in areas from western Japan to Yuki Makibuchi, 41, and her gone in an instant,” he said. Nord-Ouest, the Haitian the northeastern parts of the sons Haruki, 12, and Naoki, 7, The downpours also Civil Protection Service country in the coming days as died after a mudslide struck a triggered a mudslide Friday said on Twitter. a stationary front is expected to house early Sunday morning. in the southwestern city of Haitian Prime Minister remain parked over the Japanese Another teenage boy and a Unzen, Nagasaki Prefecture, Ariel Henry said on Sunday archipelago this week. man in his 40s were taken to leaving a 59-year-old woman that it was necessary to The agency said even a hospital with slight injuries. dead and her husband, 67, “work together” in the face small amount of rain could Masao Makibuchi, the and their daughter, 32, of the “extremely serious trigger disasters as the land 68-year-old grandfather of missing, according to the city situation” following the A passenger uses a smart card for automatic bus fare may have already been the two boys who died in the government. Rescue workers earthquake, which has also payment on bus route No. 86 in HCM City. saturated with rain from the disaster, told Kyodo News he continued their search for left some 5,700 injured. --Photo courtesy of the Department of Transport past few days, warning of heard a loud noise in the morning them on Monday.

WHO Coronavirus (Covid-19) Dashboard Countries Confirmed Newly-Confirmed Deaths SingPost pilots electric scooters and vans, with Global 205,338,159 662,383 4,333,094 USA 36,099,344 141,652 614,267 aim to replace current light vehicles by 2026 India 32,117,826 40,120 430,254 Brazil 20,245,085 32,443 565,748 SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN) -- The postman 15-20km average that postmen travel each day. Russia 6,557,068 22,277 168,864 will soon be bringing your mail on electric vehicles. Their 500-litre cargo space also compares favourably France 6,244,939 28,339 111,354 Singapore Post announced on Monday (August with the 462-litre cargo volume of SingPost’s current UK 6,179,510 32,706 130,701 16) that it will replace all of its lighter vehicles with three-wheeler scooters and the 164 litres of its motorcycles. Turkey 6,018,485 22,261 52,703 electric ones by 2026. For a start, it has begun pilots SingPost has also ensured the scooter’s stability and Argentina 5,052,884 11,397 108,388 of two electric scooters and two vans. that the electric motor is adapted to the frequent starts Colombia 4,852,323 5,368 122,953 The Iona RAP three-wheeler scooter is being and stops required in delivery work. Spain 4,677,883 8,096 82,407 considered in the pilot to replace the company’s The Land Transport Authority has approved the Italy 4,420,429 7,267 128,334 700 motorcycles and scooters that run on internal vehicle as a potential alternative. Iran 4,320,266 39,049 96,215 combustion engines. The BYD T3 electric vans, if The BYD T3 electric van emits about 50 percent less Germany 3,810,641 5,578 91,853 successful, are also expected to gradually phase out greenhouse gases than petrol-fuelled vans and has a range Indonesia 3,804,943 30,788 115,096 SingPost’s 140 petrol vans as their certificates of of 300km on a full charge, with a maximum cargo volume Mexico 3,020,596 22,711 246,203 entitlement expire in the next five years. of 3,800 litres. SingPost said it is also in talks with various Poland 2,884,974 194 75,297 SingPost’s target is to reduce absolute greenhouse distributors to replace its heavy vehicle fleet with electric South Africa 2,568,511 14,271 76,247 gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030. trucks, making it the first postal service in the Asia-Pacific Ukraine 2,263,864 1,263 53,217 The pilots should end sometime in the next few region to commit to a 100 percent electric delivery fleet. Peru 2,128,516 1,482 197,146 months and could be further expanded, if criteria Netherlands 1,894,667 2,614 17,894 like safety are met. “As Singapore’s leading last-mile Iraq 1,751,176 10,243 19,466 and postal service provider, our delivery vehicles Philippines 1,700,363 12,439 29,539 traverse the length and breadth of the nation every day,” Czechia 1,675,868 193 30,372 said Mr Vincent Phang, chief executive of SingPost Chile 1,626,594 1,138 36,243 Singapore and its postal services. Canada 1,445,305 1,872 26,688 “There is a tremendous potential for us to do Bangladesh 1,405,333 8,465 23,810 better for the planet.” Malaysia 1,342,215 21,668 11,691 The two Iona RAP scooters will be piloted on Belgium 1,147,855 2 25,285 the Anson-Road-Shenton Way and Emerald Hill- Sweden 1,109,112 1,056 14,658 Cairnhill routes, and will appear in a distinctive Japan 1,087,779 18,225 15,358 green livery, SingPost said. Romania 1,086,492 383 34,337 They have been found to emit roughly 75 Pakistan 1,085,294 4,934 24,187 percent less greenhouse gases compared with their Sources: https://covid19.who.int/table?tableDay=yesterday internal combustion engine counterparts. Each charge gives a range of 120km, far in excess of the 6 World Tuesday August 17, 2021 Vientiane Times

Afghan president leaves country... FROM PAGE 1 the presidential palace. The of light and heavy weapons BBC earlier in the day that group has taken control of soon after the explosions, he could confirm there were all the districts of Kabul, according to the reports. talks between the Afghan Taliban spokesman Mujahid The overall situation in government and the Taliban said. Mujahid said that the Afghan capital remains about a peaceful takeover overnight patrolling of the calm after the Taliban of power. Head of the High city will be launched soon. reached Kabul, even though Council for the National Media reports also there is sporadic shooting, Reconciliation Abdullah said the group will soon United Nations Resident and Abdullah was reportedly declare the establishment Humanitarian Coordinator organising the negotiation. of the Islamic Emirate of Ramiz Alakbarov told Two Taliban officials Afghanistan. Sputnik. told Reuters on Sunday A curfew has been “Right now I do not hear that there would be no imposed in Kabul starting any signs of active hostilities transitional government 21:00 local time on Sunday in the part of Kabul where I in Afghanistan and the to prevent violence. am currently located, no group expects a complete Two powerful explosions active shooting. Sporadic handover of power from the occurred late on Sunday shooting can be heard, but Afghan government. near the US embassy and overall, it’s relatively calm,” A Taliban spokesman the presidential palace in Alakbarov told Sputnik over said that the military group Kabul, media reports said, the phone. expects a peaceful transition A six-member technical team visited more than 50 settlements of Bahrabise Municipality quoting eyewitnesses. A Taliban spokesman of power “in the next few for the geological study. --Photo Anish Tiwari shooting started with the use Zabihullah Mujahid told the days.” Geological study finds 13 settlements of Vacancy Notice Bahrabise at high risk of landslides, floods

NEPAL (The Kathmandu of 13 settlements, including “The geological survey The World Health Organization has a vacancy for the position of: Post/ANN) -- A geological Nagpuje, Karthali, Jambu, was conducted to identify the Re-advertised study conducted recently in Bukam and Sotang, as being settlements at risk of natural COVID-19 vaccination and Routine Immunization Strengthening Consultant Bahrabise Municipality has at high risk of landslides and disaster. Efforts are underway pointed out that 13 settlements recommended the authorities to shift the endangered For the period (4 Months) of the local unit are at high risk concerned to take initiatives settlements to safer places,” of landslides and floods. for their relocation. said Pakhrin. Purpose of the Post: A six-member technical “Based on the report of Sindhupalchok is one team, including geologists the technical team, a team of the hardest-hit districts The WHO Lao PDR country office is seeking a consultant to support the COVID-19 Lekh Prasad Bhatta and of geologists and professors by natural disasters. A vaccination and Routine Immunization Strengthening. Immunization remains one Govinda Pathak, visited will soon visit the affected devastating landslide had of the most cost-effective public health interventions in reducing child mortality more than 50 settlements areas. The team will carry out swept away Nagpuje and especially from vaccine-preventable diseases. In the Lao PDR, there has been of the municipality for the another detailed geological BK Tole of Ghumthang in remarkable improvement in the national vaccination coverage over the years. geological study. study and submit its reports Bahrabise Municipality Ward “Thirteen settlements in to the government,” said Sita No 7 on September 13, 2020, Despite gains made in recent years in reaching all eligible children, there are areas wards 1 to 9 in Bahrabise Bhujel, the district advocacy in which 15 villagers were with suboptimal vaccination service especially among vulnerable populations and Municipality are at high risk coordinator of the project. killed while 16 others are still some ethnic communities within some geographical locations. of landslides and floods. Following the geological missing. Likewise, two people These settlements should be study in Bahrabise were killed and 17 others had Description of Duties: relocated as soon as possible to Municipality, the technical gone missing when another protect lives and properties,” team is now working in landslide struck Jambu in Strengthen the capacity of Ministry of Health personnel, developing appropriate Bhatta told the Post. various wards of Bhotekoshi Bahrabise Ward No 5 on July strategies to successfully introduce COVID-19 vaccinations and improve routine The geologists from Rural Municipality, another 9 of the same year. vaccination coverage in most high-risk areas. the National Disaster landslide-hit local unit in the In the last year alone, Management Authority in district. According to Sushila as many as 73 people died Kathmandu conducted the Pakhrin, the deputy mayor in different landslides in The consultancy proposed is relevant to the objective of supporting the Ministry of study with the technical of Bahrabise Municipality, Bahrabise Municipality, Health with technical assistance in developing strategies and activities to increase support of Pratibaddha around 100 families have Melamchi Municipality, vaccination service delivery. Pariyojana, a project working been shifted to safer locations Bhotekoshi Rural in Sindhupalchok district to this year, as their houses are Municipality and Jugal Rural The consultant will provide technical support to the MCH Center under the mitigate the risk of natural at high risk of landslides and Municipality in the district supervision of the VDI technical officer in the WHO country office. disasters. floods. They are now taking while forty-two people went o Support develop micro plans for rollout in districts with hard-to-reach populations The technical team has shelter under tents at various missing. In 2014, the Jure o Support in reviewing and updating such micro plans as and when necessary listed around 5,000 households locations. landslide killed 145 people. o Support in developing social mobilization strategies for implementation at district and sub-district levels Workers’ minimum wages on table o Support quality data generation efforts at health facility levels for local decision CAMBODIA (The discussions on the minimum Ath Thorn added that the making Phnom Penh Post/ANN) wage. Bilateral and multi- unions will try their best to o Support in developing strategies to reach the unreached populations The National Council on party discussions often take get a wage increase for all Minimum Wage (NCMW) place informally in August workers. Knowledge & Skills: will begin negotiating the and the formal meetings to They previously 2022 minimum wages decide the minimum wage are suggested a US$200 Education: for workers in the textile, then held in September. minimum wage for 2022. Fa Final year student of post-secondary studies with focus on health or related field garment and footwear sectors Cambodian Labour Saly, president of the National in September, according Confederation president Trade Union Confederation, o Updated knowledge on EPI and vaccines in use at global and national levels to Ministry of Labour Ath Thorn told The Post on said he expects the minimum o Highly motivated, creative, good team player and maintain a sense of and Vocational Training August 15 that the unions wage in 2022 to be increased professionalism spokesman Heng Sour. were conducting research to US$200. o Good written and spoken English language Worker unions and labour and gathering data in order to “I expect that the o MUST BE IN LAO PDR rights groups believe that the reach a figure that they would government as well as minimum wage in the sector request as the wage increase employers will increase the Experience: should increase from US$192 for workers in 2022. minimum wage in 2022 to at to US$200 a month. “So far, the unions have least US$200 a month and I Languages: Sour told The Post on not yet set any figures for the am optimistic that it will reach August 15 that the tripartite negotiations because we are this level,” he said. Written and spoken fluency in Lao and English is essential. minimum wage negotiations still doing the research. I can He added that workers for 2022 were scheduled see that negotiations for this were still experiencing great Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit applications and for September and may be minimum wage are going to difficulties due to the Covid-19 curriculum vitae in the English language with a subject “ COVID-19 vaccination conducted online. be hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic but exports seemed and Routine Immunization Strengthening” Each year in July, the crisis, but we are ready to to be improving, which is a “ to the following Email address: [email protected] by 23 Aug 2021 at 17:00 PM. NCMW begins internal talk,” he said. positive sign. Vientiane Times 7

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.laBusiness Tuesday August 17, 2021 Japan’s 2nd-qtr GDP grows 1.3 percent, consumption remains sluggish TOKYO (Kyodo News) prefecture of Okinawa. in fiscal 2020 (through -- Japan’s economy in the Consumer spending rose March) apparently began April-June period grew a real 0.8 percent from the previous emerging this fiscal year,” 0.3 percent from the previous quarter, the first increase in the official said, adding quarter, or an annualised 1.3 two quarters. In the January- that digitalisation and percent, as robust exports March period, spending decarbonisation-related were overshadowed by fell 1.0 percent as parts of investments are on the sluggish consumption under the country were under the upward trend. a state of emergency over second virus emergency. Government spending The CEO of LOCALAOS, Mr Souliyo Vongdala. the coronavirus pandemic, Exports rose 2.9 percent, increased 0.5 percent, partly government data showed on up for the fourth consecutive underpinned by purchase Monday. quarter. of vaccines, while public It was the country’s The third virus emergency investment fell 1.5 percent as LOCA, the first Lao startup to be first increase in real Gross weighed heavily on private costs to build infrastructure Domestic Product (GDP), consumption, with eateries declined. the total value of goods and serving alcohol asked to Takayuki Miyajima, a services produced in the suspend their operations and senior economist at Sony listed on Forbes Asia 100 to Watch country adjusted for inflation, dining establishments not Financial Holdings Inc., said in two quarters, according to serving liquor to close early. consumption was better than Advertorial desk the preliminary data released People were requested to stay analysts’ forecast “partly by the Cabinet Office. home. because many people are LOCALAOS, a notable Although the growth Affected by a global believed to have gone out start-up from Laos which is figure was better than the semiconductor shortage, car- more frequently and spent led by Mr Souliyo Vongdala, average projection of 0.7 related exports were not in more, especially in June has been listed by Forbes percent annualised growth full swing, but demand for when the emergency was Asia Magazine in its Forbes by private-sector economists, chip-making equipment and lifted” in most of Japan. Asia 100 to watch list the GDP rise was too slow other industrial machinery But he added that the level was solid on the back of of personal consumption is announced on August 10. to make up for the January- March quarter’s 3.7 percent strong recovery of the global still low. The Forbes Asia 100 to contraction. economy, a government Since mid-July, Tokyo watch list was created after With Japan lagging behind official told reporters. has been under a fourth state scanning a pool of over other major economies in its Meanwhile, imports of emergency with recent 900 submissions. The full vaccine rollout, the latest grew 5.1 percent, partly record-breaking spikes in list and related stories can the leading ride-hailing data highlighted the lack of due to the government’s the number of daily new be found at www.forbes. service in Laos. momentum in the country’s procurement of COVID-19 infections as the highly com/100towatch, in the LOCA has recently economic recovery after its vaccines. contagious Delta virus August issue of Forbes added new services to worst slump on record last Business investment, variant takes hold. Asia magazine. its platform such as out- year caused by the pandemic. another key pillar of In addition to Okinawa This inaugural list of-home advertising, a In the same three-month domestic demand, grew and Tokyo, Osaka and 1.7 percent, and private three prefectures near the spotlights notable small trucking service, and on- period, the US economy grew an annualised 6.5 percent and residential investment capital have been added to companies and start- demand groceries service. the euro area logged an 8.3 rose 2.1 percent, both virus emergency, clouding ups on the rise across In the pre-pandemic times, percent expansion. contributing to the reporting the outlook for the world’s the Asia-Pacific region. LOCA says most of its “It is vital for us to quarter’s GDP growth. third-largest economy The companies featured customers were tourists. In support businesses and “Postponed capital achieving high growth in on the list are making recent times, the widening employment while giving the expenditure that many the current July-September remarkable progress of local use has helped it LOCA has a special highest priority to curbing the firms had initially planned quarter. and impact in spite of grow its business by 30 insurance protection of up spread of virus infections,” the challenging financial percent per month. to 500 million kip per trip. economic revitalisation minister Yasutoshi Nishimura climate triggered by the LOCA is known for its It recently expanded its August 16, 2021 COVID-19 pandemic. transparent taxi prices, and services to Pakse, making it told a press conference after LOCA was founded for its reliable, safe, and the 3rd city after Vientiane the GDP data release. Amid a resurgence in 2018. It is the first and 24/7 service. and Luang Prabang. of virus infections, the 9.574 9.596 government declared a third Vientiane Times in Lao language virus emergency in late April 0,4942 0,5040 Website: https://www.vientianetimeslao.la/ for Tokyo and three western 338,12 340,65 Japan prefectures, and later Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vientianetimeslao/ 11.247 11.304 Vientiane Times office. Phonpapao Village, Unit 32, Sisattanak district, Vientiane. expanded it to 10 out of the P.O. Box: 5723, Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048. Fax: (856-21) 336041. country’s 47 prefectures. 1.480 1.510 For more information: [email protected] It was lifted in late June, except for the southern island 8 Business Tuesday August 17, 2021 Vientiane Times Businesses call for clearer regulations on real estate development Times Reporters industry are hazy. land are specified in the Other Asean countries revised Land Law, in Volume Businesses have called on have regulations concerning 3, Articles 106-108. the government to set clear the construction and The private sector timeframes and regulations ownership of condominiums. sees these additions as a governing real estate, To build trust and credibility good step forward in especially with regard to among investors, Laos should addressing the problem the construction of high-rise have similar regulations on because the construction of buildings. real estate. condominiums in Laos is Investment in real estate This issue was raised for now officially supported by has dropped off in recent discussion during public- law. Therefore, this issue will years, partly because of the private consultative meetings not be raised at the next Lao lack of legislation to support at the 10th and 13th Lao Business Forum. its growth, compared to the Business Forums. However, there are development of other areas The Department of currently no instructions An employee works at a copper processing plant in Dongyang, Zhejiang province. of business. Natural Resources and on the implementation of Numerous foreign Environment completed the the revised Land Law. The companies have expressed revision and promulgation of Lao National Chamber of Commodity price surge interest in building apartments the revised Land Law at the Commerce and Industry and condominiums in Laos end of 2020. will continue to monitor its and, in the past, there was a The conditions, implementation with the may soon peak steady increase in the number supporting documents and private sector and will report any problems to the relevant CHINA (China Daily/ANN) bearing the rising costs. seriously dealing with price of high-rise buildings, but procedures for the registration authorities -- Although the global price NBS senior statistician speculation and hoarding in regulations regarding the of condominium construction rise of commodities may Zhu Hong said in a news accordance with the law. peak in August, it will still release in late July that Dong Lijuan, a senior Personal debt soars among young take time and greater policy although industrial profits statistician at the NBS, said support for businesses in have been recovering in these efforts have achieved Singapore adults during pandemic China, downstream ones the first half of the year, notable results. Prices of steel in particular, to swallow their recoveries are still and nonferrous metals both SINGAPORE (The Straits the associated cost and get uneven. The profit earning dropped in July. Times/ANN) -- Personal debt through tough times in their of private, micro businesses Meanwhile, small and among young adults here operations, economists and is on a slower track of private businesses are has been rising during the industrial insiders say. recovery, and the high price making their own efforts Covid-19 pandemic, and the Most economists believe of commodities has put a to tide through these tough situation could worsen once that this round of commodity squeeze on downstream times. interest rates start to rise. price rises has been caused by businesses. Song Yijia, chairwoman Credit Bureau Singapore the quantitative easing steps In a similar vein, Li of Jiangsu S&S Intelligent data showed that while credit and fiscal stimulus in western Ke’aobo, a researcher at Science and Technology card borrowing showed no countries, particularly in the Academic Centre for Co Ltd, a private company significant variation, people the United States, and the Chinese Economic Practice engaging in high-end in their 20s have been taking severely clogged supply and Thinking at Tsinghua weaving equipment and key on increasing amounts of and logistic chains for raw University, believes the components, said that with other debt since the second materials in recent months, divergence is mainly the policy assistance of the quarter of last year. a result of the constantly because China’s economic local commerce department, The data showed that the People in their 20s have been taking on increasing amounts evolving pandemic situation. recovery has so far been the company has modified its average personal loans and of other debt since the second quarter of 2020. Figures released by uneven. container shipping measures overdraft balances for those the National Bureau of “Smaller and micro and enlarged its rate of under 30 rose by about 23 Associate Professor of the National University of Statistics last week show businesses mainly cluster container use by 25 percent. percent in the first quarter of Finance Song Changcheng Singapore Business School that the country’s producer in downstream businesses In response to the this year over the last three from the Lee Kong Chian said delinquency rates could price index, which gauges and are mainly at the end increase in raw material months of last year. School of Business at rise when interest rates factory-gate prices, rose by of the consumption line. prices, she said the firm has The average personal Singapore Management increase. 9 percent year-on-year, the Yet, as the momentum for communicated with suppliers loan and overdraft balances University, said: “If it is due Currently, the overall equal highest level this year. the country’s consumption to share part of the cost to for borrowers from 21 to 29 to youth unemployment, it delinquency rate is still China’s PPI expansion has not returned to the pre- form a mechanism for the years old shot up to $49,689 is often transitory. And the low for this age group, so started to pick up pace in pandemic level yet, smaller entire industry chain to bear in the first quarter of this year, Government already has it would be hard to say March, when the sharp rise businesses were not able to the risks together. about 42 percent higher than the SGUnited Traineeships if one might see more of global commodity prices increase sale prices and pass She said the company is the average of $34,941 in the programme and other relief bankruptcies among the started to feed through and on such costs to consumers,” also learning to apply futures first quarter of last year. to help young people and young, she added. hit China’s domestic market. he said, “While, on the other market strategies to hedge Borrowing limits in help small firms hire young Credit Bureau Singapore The country also saw a PPI hand, smaller businesses against sudden fluctuations in Singapore were capped people.” (CBS) data showed that annual expansion of 9 are barely able to bargain prices of raw materials. in 2015, helping to keep But it could also be for those under 30, the percent in May. with upstream suppliers The People’s Bank of unsecured debt in check. because many are employed personal loan delinquency Wen Bin, chief on prices. This means they China, China’s central bank, The higher debts of late on paper but doing part-time rate climbed 13.4 percent in researcher at China have no option but to factor pledged in its latest quarterly could have been fuelled jobs or food deliveries that do the first quarter of this year, Minsheng Bank, believes the rising price into their report that it will work to by low interest rates, said not pay enough. compared with the previous this round of commodity operation cost.” support the continuous experts. Prof Song highlighted three months. price rises is close to its Li, together with his recovery of small and Associate Professor Yu the research showing that The rate refers to the peak, yet continued efforts research team at the Tsinghua mediumsized businesses Yinghui, head of the Master most workers clocked fewer percentage of borrowers are required on the macro think tank, regularly visits as well as industries in of Finance programme at hours or took pay cuts rather with payments 30 days or policy front to ensure and interviews enterprises difficulties. the Singapore University of than become unemployed more overdue. commodity supplies and of different sizes across Going forward, Li, Social Sciences, noted that last year. Overdraft delinquency stable prices. In particular, the country to take a closer the Tsinghua researcher, the Government had capped OCBC Bank chief rate was up 12.8 percent in customised support needs look at business operation suggests regular financial the annual effective interest economist Selena Ling said the same period. to be in place for small and status. While noticing support should be given to rate of unsecured personal the impact from rising CBS executive director micro enterprises in specific their suffering, Li said he these vulnerable smaller loans at 8 percent since April personal debt among William Lim has noted industries. has also seen that central companies. In particular, he last year, as part of Covid-19 younger people will an “increase in credit In China, the price government’s recent policy suggests more training and support measures. depend on when things consumption for mortgage rises have led to a moves are taking effect. consultation on financial But unemployment and turn around. loans, personal loans and notable divergence in Since May, the State knowledge, particularly on lower earnings could also “If subsequently they overdraft from this younger business operation status Council and the National futures trading, should be be driving young adults with can find permanent jobs, segment” in the first quarter across industries. Most Development and Reform properly provided to these fewer resources to personal then they can pay off the of 2021. State-owned and large Commission have been firms to help them cushion loans and overdrafts as they debts. But if the duration “We believe it could be enterprises have benefited issuing orders to ensure the price fluctuations, as most try to borrow their way out is extended, then loan attributed to them being from the sharp price rises, commodity supply and smaller companies tend to of the crisis, experts noted. delinquency or default rates more active again following while smaller and micro keep their prices stable, lack such knowledge, leaving In March, the unemployment may rise,” she added. the pandemic-strained 2020 businesses particularly in including by screening for them more vulnerable to rate among residents aged Assistant Professor of and possibly the higher manufacturing are painfully abnormal transactions and prices changes. below 30 was 6.4 percent. Finance Ruan Tianyue from property prices.” Vientiane Times Tuesday August 17, 2021 Business 9 Russian economy shows rapid growth amid recovery from EU backs draft instruction pandemic, lockdown on Law on Excise Tax (Sputnik) -- Most nations of COVID-19, the Federal the economic situation have been harshly affected State Statistics Service has has improved drastically, Times Reporters by the coronavirus pandemic, reported. This is the first time exceeding the consensus paralysing many spheres the Russian economy has estimate of Bloomberg’s The Tax Department, of the economy due to shown positive growth since economic experts of 10 Ministry of Finance, is aiming lockdowns to contain the start of the coronavirus percent. Unlike many foreign for effective implementation of newly-revised articles the disease. Yet, some pandemic. countries, regional authorities in the Law on Excise Tax, countries and international The last three quarters in Russia chose not to after the law was recently corporations have already showed a drop in the GDP, reinstate lockdowns in approved by the National started to rebound, despite ranging between 3.5 2021 due to the emergence Assembly to help resolve the the spread of the highly percent and 0.7 percent. of the Delta strain. country’s financial problems. transmissible Delta strain of The Russian economy Instead, Moscow strongly To this end, the department the virus. took the biggest hit in promoted vaccination as held a brainstorming meeting The Russian economy the second quarter of a means to overcome the on Monday chaired by the grew 10.3 percent in the 2020 with a 7.8 percent increase in hospitalisations department’s Deputy Director from COVID-19. General Mr Phaythoune The median forecast by Thienglamay and supported Russian experts suggests by the European Union (EU) funded Public Finance that the country’s GDP Management Reform Project, will increase by 4 percent through the World Bank. in 2021 compared to 2020, Speaking at the meeting, but some foreign experts Mr Phaythoune said the Deputy Director General of the Tax Department, Ministry of suggest the number will gathering of tax officials Finance, Mr Phaythoune Thienglamay chairs a meeting at the be higher. Morgan Stanley from Vientiane’s nine Tax Department on Monday. revised its estimates citing districts and seven provinces, “positive data surprises” as well as representatives approved amendments to “I’d like to urge every concerning second quarter of line ministries and major some chapters and articles participant to make results and a “more companies involved in of four laws relating to the constructive comments on excise tax, would discuss finance sector, especially the draft of the instruction This is the first time the Russian economy has shown positive constructive oil price outlook”. The investment the drafts of instructions on the Law on Excise Tax, concerning the Law on growth since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. how to implement the Law bank upped the forecasted which had undergone many Excise Tax so that it can on Excise Tax. changes. be put into practice more reduction in GDP. Prior to growth of the Russian second quarter of 2021 “To ensure the law is “Changes in the excise efficiently,” Mr Phaythoune compared to the same time the pandemic, the country’s economy to 4.6 percent in used effectively, several tax law approved by the said. in 2020 – when Russian GDP grew by 1.28 percent on 2021 and 3.2 percent in 2022 issues need to be discussed NA mostly refer to the tax During discussions, authorities introduced a average each quarter. taking these new factors into concerning instructions on charged on specific goods or meeting participants shared lockdown to fight the spread Now, 12 months later consideration. putting the law into practice. services at purchase, such as comments on the articles The implementation of fuel, tobacco, and alcohol,” concerned, while a tax various laws relating to he added. specialist gave a talk on taxes is among the top Mr Phaythoune called for the details of the drafts of priorities of the national business representatives to instruction and other relevant agenda,” he said. give comments on the drafts topics. Mr Phaythoune noted of instruction on excise tax, It is hoped that changes that the meeting also with particular reference to made to the chapters and hoped to hear comments the articles that strengthen articles of laws relating from participants so that implementation of the law. to tax, value-added tax, the drafts of instruction The Law on Excise Tax excise tax and income tax, could be cemented such was initially enacted in 2019, which were proposed by that the law would be used but has failed to achieve the the Ministry of Finance to enhance the efficiency of desired results, especially and approved by the revenue collection, so that in relation to excise tax National Assembly earlier the process was transparent on alcohol, cigarettes and this month, will tackle the and auditable in keeping with other products, because the financial and economic laws and regulations. instruction has not yet been difficulties as outlined in The recent NA sitting finalised. the national agenda. Connecting farming households to e-commerce platforms will help digital economy development HANOI (Vietnam News/ plan, Tuan said that the plan the end of this year, which ANN) -- Vietnam looks to aimed to connect farming would create the first connect five million farming households with e-commerce breakthrough in developing households to e-commerce platforms to promote their the digital economy for platforms this year, which products, expand markets the agriculture sector, would create breakthroughs and encourage consumption adding that support would in the development of the of farm produce. continue to be provided in digital economy in the Tuan asked local following years. agriculture sector, Deputy departments of agriculture Nguyen Trong Duong, Minister of Information and and rural development Deputy Director of the Communications Phạm Anh and industry and trade to ministry’s Department of Tuan said. cooperate with two selected Enterprise Management, This was the highlight of post companies Vietnam said that it was important to the ministry’s plan approved Post and Viettel Post to make farmers see the benefits in late July to provide develop detailed plans for of bringing their products support to farmers to take connecting local farmers online. their products online and with e-commerce platforms For a bigger goal, the promote the development of this month. ministry aimed to connect a the digital economy in the Tuan said that five total of 13 million farming agriculture and rural sector. million farming households and individual business At an online conference would be connected to households to e-commerce this week to implement the e-commerce platforms by platforms, Duong said. 10 Tuesday August 17, 2021 Vientiane Times Feature Vaccines helping Bokeo residents feel safer during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ms Buathong cleans her hands with alcohol gel.

Ms Buathong gets vaccinated.

Visith Teppalath

s Buathong Lattana, 72, is one of the people in MBokeo province who has got vaccinated against COVID-19 and she feels safer amid the virus pandemic. Ms Buathong is a resident of Pahao Tai village of Huayxai district, Bokeo province. When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Bokeo, she was very worried, but at the same time she was also slightly hesitant about getting vaccinated since she has Ms Buathon’s vaccination card. several underlying health A health worker measures a man’s temperature at a vaccination centre. conditions. of COVID-19 vaccine from on the day when she got being called, she swiftly to thank UNICEF, WHO and and other partners. However, after seeking out Sinopharm. She said she her second dose, she came walked up to the registration other development partners To observe the ongoing advice from medical doctors did not experience any very early in the morning desk and proceeded to clean for their support towards rollout of COVAX-supported and checking information symptoms whatsoever after to the vaccination centre to her hands with the alcohol the Lao PDR’s COVID-19 COVID-19 vaccines, with from official sources, such as her first dose and eagerly queue up, meanwhile always gel provided, after which response overall. I’ve heard UNICEF support, the national media outlets, about looked forward to getting her remembering to maintain a the medical staff took her about the COVAX Facility Centre of Communication COVID-19 vaccination, second dose. distance of at least one metre temperature and pulse and before and while I may not and Education for Health Ms Buathong eventually She got the second dose from other people around her. verified all her documents. know much about what type (CCEH) organised a media decided to get her first dose of Sinopharm recently, When she heard her name When the medical staff of organisation they are, I visit to Bokeo province said that everything was know that they are helping to recently. in order and she could get provide vaccines to the Lao During the visit, the group her vaccination now, Ms PDR,” Ms Buathong added. met the Vice Governor of Buathong was visibly happy. The Lao PDR has Bokeo province and the head “I now feel safer and recieved millions of doses of the Provincial Task Force grateful to be fully vaccinated of COVID-19 vaccines Committee for COVID-19 against COVID-19. including Sinopharm, prevention and control, Mr Nevertheless, I will continue AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Khamphagna Phompanya. following the doctor’s Johnson & Johnson from They also visited the advice on regularly cleaning many countries through provincial hospital and other my hands with alcohol COVAX. related locations to meet gel, wearing a face mask COVAX is a partnership and interview members of whenever I go outside and co-led by the Coalition for the Provincial Task Force practicing social distancing Epidemic Preparedness Committee for COVID-19 in public spaces,” said Ms Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, prevention and control, Buathong. the Vaccine Alliance and the director of the provincial “I believe vaccination World Health Organisation health department, health is vital in protecting people (WHO), with UNICEF as the workers and other essentials from COVID-19. I would like key delivery partner. personnel as well as local to thank the Lao government COVAX also works residents about their opinion and partner countries who in partnership with the after getting vaccinated and have donated vaccines to our World Bank, civil society how to prevent the virus A woman receives a health checkup before getting vaccinated. country and would also like organisations, manufacturers, infection. Vientiane Times Tuesday August 17, 2021 Feature 11 Making all the difference from absolute poverty in showcase their science course November, it has made a achievements. huge effort to boost science Under the guidance of education among primary Niu and other teachers, the school students, with students have won prizes at relatively limited resources county, city and provincial compared with big cities. level competitions. Thanks to the support of In December, the school’s the local government and students achieved both a public service organisations, second and third place at the the county’s primary schools 2020 World Robot Contest have established labs for Finals in Foshan, Guangdong students to carry out science province. experiments and many have “Some parents are afraid even purchased equipment that joining such clubs will to teach science knowledge impact their children’s studies. beyond the syllabus. However, after seeing our “It’s important to ensure accomplishments, they have The makerspace classroom at Baishuichuan Primary School in Tanchang county. that students in such rural become more supportive,” areas have access to learning, Primary School. to teach himself to be well- such as how to build model He has joined prepared for classes and airplanes, design robots and WeChat groups conduct experiments on his Science teacher Niu Xiejun guides a student to launch a model join the ‘maker’ movement, of those who’re own. rocket. just like their peers in big interested in “You need to make cities,” says Niu Xiejun, the fields like a conclusion based on the CHINA (China Daily/ that are designed to inspire a science teacher from model airplanes experiment. If there are errors, ANN) -- Several students innovation. Baishuichuan Primary and “maker you may end up nowhere,” are excitedly waiting in front Starting from September School. activities,” some Li says. of a 3D printer for the fruits 2017, the Ministry of “When they enter of whom are also Among the school’s 1,620 of their labour to magically Education stipulated that all society, they will have the primary school students, over 60 percent are appear. primary schools in China confidence and ability to science teachers, from rural areas. They’re in the makerspace should offer science courses tackle challenges with both Qiu Xuefang, 11, a grade five student to communicate According to headmaster classroom at Baishuichuan for students from grade courage and insight.” from Chengguan No 3 Primary School in with them and Wang Aiquan, some parents Primary School in Tanchang one, instead of the previous In 2019, Longnan city Tanchang county. learn from them, are not so well-educated and county, Longnan city, Gansu requirement of grade three. started to hold an annual so that he can can’t tutor their children, but province. It means science has “maker” education contest Niu says. get more inspiration for his they have been aware of the The school has organised become an equally important for primary and middle school When Niu took some classes. importance of science class student clubs for model fundamental course at primary students, to stimulate the spirit students to participate in A group of his students due to the school’s publicity aeroplanes and robots, among schools, just like Chinese and of innovation and improve contests hosted by other have designed a dustbin, in recent years. They purchase others, establishing well- mathematics. science literacy of students. provinces, it was, for many, made from a small carton, science popularisation books equipped classrooms for Although Tanchang It offers a platform for the the first time flying in a plane. that automatically opens its lid and materials for the children these extracurricular activities county only lifted its people county’s primary schools to “They have not only to accept a piece of rubbish. to conduct experiments. broadened their horizons, but Wang Aiquan, headmaster The local primary schools will also have the vision to of the county’s Chengguan also call for students to plan a future life in the wider No 3 Primary School, says join the recent initiative of world,” Niu says. it’s not easy to attract teaching “learning science with my Some students can be a talent to work at grassroots mother”, organised by Science little too shy to join the clubs level school such as Tanchang Popularisation Department due to their poor academic county, a relatively less and Rural Special Technology performances, but Niu tries to developed region. Service Centre under China encourage them to participate. A dearth of science Association for Science and “It’s essential to give them teachers is a common problem Technology. confidence. I often tell them for the county’s primary It encourages children that since they are capable of schools. from poverty-stricken flying a model airplane, they “Those who major regions in China to read can definitely do well in their in physics, biology and aloud short science articles to studies,” he says. geography prefer to work in their mothers, to popularise “The biggest gap between local middle schools, where knowledge of the sciences. our students compared with there is also a shortage of Feng Lucui, 32, a mother children in big cities is a lack such teachers. Therefore, of two girls, is glad to learn of a systematic study in these it’s not uncommon for local such things with her youngest, fields. Also, those in big cities primary schools to train 9-year-old, daughter Li Xinhe. have an early exposure to such current teachers to teach “I spare no effort to themes, with a more flexible science, usually covering support my two daughters thought.” two subjects,” he says. in receiving a better He teaches students the Li Yongping, 41, who education, both financially basics of programming and used to be a mathematics and emotionally. I hope they give play to their talent to teacher at the school, began they can be useful to society design different things. to teach both science and when they grow up and will “A fixed thinking pattern mathematics four years ago. be independent,” says the has limited the imagination Starting from this year, he single mother, who had to of adults. Children, however, only teaches science. drop out of primary school at can give free rein to their In the beginning, he had grade five due to poverty. ideas, which is the spirit of the ‘maker’ movement,” Niu says. He recalls that once he couldn’t find a suitable part for a model airplane, but the next day the students cut a piece of a bus transit card, which made a perfect substitute. “Students can hone their manual dexterity through science experiments, which can also arouse their interest in the subject,” says Wang Ziping, a science teacher from A library corner at Chengguan No 2 Primary School in the county’s Chengguan No 2 Tanchang county, Gansu province. 12 Tuesday August 17, 2021 Vientiane Times Opinion How can we help young people to Streetwise become useful members of society? Laos’ future lies in the hands of today’s young people so it’s important to encourage their development, provide them with skills and broaden their knowledge so they can play a part in leading the country along a productive path. Vientiane Times asked some young people how they are preparing to take on the challenge of leadership and future development.

Lamphone Pasanthong inspire them. This has to Ms Leeter start at an early age, and Vongkhamheung, a student Ms Vongkham, an schools need to instill at the National University employee in Xaysettha confidence in children about of Laos: On behalf of district, Vientiane: I’d like their potential role in life. all young people, I think to call on authorities to Teachers should develop I am not alone in being children’s skills as much enthusiastic about my as possible and give them studies as I think education lots of support. With this is the best way to improve foundation, children will be inspired to broaden their own knowledge and build on their skills step by step. This needs to take place not only in Laos but in every country. Although I have a job, I feel I need to learn a whole lot more to improve myself so I can encourage the participation tackle the challenges I face of young people in all and contribute more to my spheres of life and to workplace.

my lot in life and, as we understanding of young Young people need to all know, learning never people. I think the main learn that it’s important ends. As well as being a youth organisations should to follow government diligent student I try to provide more support for policy and play a role behave well. Because I’m in social and economic studying business, I’m development. And always on the lookout for youngsters should always new information to add try to create opportunities to what I learn in classes. for themselves. For I’d like to study alongside instance, in your free international specialists so time you can volunteer that I can learn even more. I hope that one day I too will be an international expert and promise to do whatever it takes to get Lao-made products into international young people, especially markets. in rural areas, and ensure they get a decent education Ms Anong Phonvilay, so they can fulfill their a college student in potential and become useful Sisattanak district, members of society. It’s Vientiane: I think it’s essential to encourage rural with a youth development essential to develop youngsters to participate organisation. This kind of yourself in as many ways in international exchanges experience will give you as possible so you can take rather than always giving new ideas and perspectives on challenges, understand these opportunities to young so you can improve on and get involved in city dwellers, because they your weaknesses. It can politics, and learn about rarely get the chance to also create new friendships the cultures of other feature on the world stage. with people from different countries. There are many places. Some organisations international organisations Ms Bangkham, a are very helpful for young that work to build the government official in people and can help to knowledge, abilities and Borikhamxay province: strengthen your character. Vientiane Times Tuesday August 17, 2021 Opinion 13 Delta variant causing a recovery variant BEIJING (China Daily/ skilled workers in hotels ANN) -- Just as people were and restaurants, were rising hoping to soon see the end fast. Flights and airports of the COVID-19 pandemic, were packed. Dow Jones Delta variant cases began was at an all-time high. increasing in China and many Everything looked good. other parts of the world. The But then suddenly things Delta variant is the most changed with the Delta contagious variant. This is variant running amok. the bad news. The good news Most European countries is that, at least for those who have given up the fight against have been vaccinated, the the virus. The UK government Delta variant doesn’t appear has put up its hands. The to be as deadly. French government is under Few vaccinated people, immense pressure to do the even if they are infected by same. I am afraid the fight the Delta variant, end up in a against the Delta variant hospital, and fewer actually could be confined to praying die. for a miracle to happen. In fact, the United Countries, including China, Kingdom’s policy of may have to weigh the most withdrawing restrictive balanced approach to fighting measures and instead relying the Delta variant while on herd immunity, so far, stabilising growth. hasn’t resulted in a disastrous Yet this is not the first increase in the fatality rate. time an economist has So there is a possibility that chosen to pick a fight with lives and the economy both a medical specialist on a could be saved at the same medical issue. Previous US time. president Donald Trump’s But let’s admit it. The A medical worker takes a swab sample from a child for COVID-19 nucleic acid test at a testing site in Siming district of Xiamen, trade advisor Peter Navarro, Delta variant will have a East China’s Fujian province, July 30, 2021. who was a professor of serious impact on China’s economics at the University economic recovery or, for from the rest of the pandemic- due to its poor management, the country. Indeed, we its 2021 growth forecast of California, Irvine, that matter, on the economic riddled world thanks to the is threatening to wipe out have to again follow strict for China and many other before joining the Trump recovery of any country. strict screening measures all the good work that the pandemic-appropriate economies. administration, picked China has until now done at airports and other border country has done. norms such as wearing face Outside of China, the a fight with Dr Anthony an exceptionally good job of entry points. But one small It’s a pity that we are masks, maintaining social picture looks even bleaker. Fauci, director of the curtailing the spread of the misstep by a man, which seeing these abhorrent distancing, and enduring In the United States, daily National Institute of Allergy Novel Coronavirus. It has happened at the Nanjing mini-outbreaks again localised lockdowns, which infection numbers have and Infectious Diseases and been pretty much insulated Lukou International Airport in scores of cities across will affect the country’s shot up again to six digits, chief medical advisor to the economic recovery. And dashing almost all hopes US president, on COVID-19 small and medium-sized of a steamy US and policy issues back in 2020, businesses are likely to bear global economic recovery, and was pretty ridiculed on the brunt of the policy change which some analysts had national TV. in affected areas. compared to the “Roaring But how to strike the right The GDP growth in the Twenties”, referring to the balance between sustainable second quarter of this year decade-long stretch of strong pandemic control and stable was nearly 8 percent. And the economic recovery in the economic growth and previous consensus forecast 1920s after the 1918 flu continuous job creation is a for the third quarter was pandemic. question facing all countries. at least 6 percent. Which With US states such as The author is a professor doesn’t look like it is going Florida almost back to normal at the University of to happen. We would be two months ago, the Joe International Business and lucky if the impact of the Biden administration was Economics and a research mini-outbreaks is restricted pretty much on target with fellow at the Academy of to just knocking 1 percent its vaccination program. China Open Economy off the original forecast. The “Corporate America” was Studies at UIBE. The views International Monetary Fund unable to hire fast enough. don’t necessarily reflect those has already revised down Wages, even for the non- of China Daily. Online advertisement Advertising your products at www.vientianetimes.org.la will bring benefits to your company. Customers around the world will appreciate the quality of your products via the Vientiane Times website. For more information please contact: Tel: 336042, 336048 Fax: 336041, Email: [email protected] 14 Tuesday August 17, 2021 Vientiane Times Entertainment Painting, writing contest Ministry of Silk unveils its sister brand for child patients launched NEWNORM and their latest collections VIETNAM (Vietnam great contributions to the producer for See Sing Share, News/ANN) -- A painting COVID-19 fight, said: which won Show of the Year Sisouphan and writing contest for “While all people across and Music Series of the Year Amphonephong child patients aged 4-16 Vietnam have faced great at the Cong Hien (Devotion) nationwide has been Ministry of Silk brand is challenges these days, Music Awards in 2019. promoting its latest collection: launched in HCM City. paintings and literary works The show has had four NEWNORM through its Vi Mot Vietnam Tat by children who are brave seasons over the last six Lifestyle TV Magazine. Fans Thang (For A Victory to in their fight against cancer years, with a total of 40 and the public are being Vietnam) was organised by and incurable diseases will music videos featuring encouraged to see the new Foreign Trade University represent our gratitude Tuan’s signature ballads luxury collection. and Hope Foundation, a non- to frontline forces who and R&B songs which In its fashion segment government organisation, to are devoting their life have been hits among Lifestyle TV magazine which give the highest chance of protecting all of us. Vietnamese youth for is broadcast via YouTube, the survival to children with “These works will a decade, and favourite brand’s new collection, which Ms Pany Saignavongs talks about her brand and Ministry of cancer across Vietnam. also send wishes to all songs by other singers. is unique and sustainable, Silk’s NEWNORM collection. was unveiled. The contest categories Vietnamese people that His videos have attracted The CEO and founder of include painting, poetry, the country will soon hundreds of millions of Lao Fashion Week and Lao short stories, essays and become peaceful after views. Young Designers’ Project, letters, reflecting hope the pandemic,” said the Since the pandemic’s Ms Pany Saignavongs, said for a brighter future and 37-year-old singer. outbreak in Vietnam last Ministry of Silk is a Lao conveying messages of love Tuan, a graduate of year, Tuan and his friends based international fashion to frontline workers and Technische Universitat have donated medical brand which is also a doctors fighting against the Darmstadt in Hessen, equipment and supplies, founding permanent member COVID-19 pandemic. Germany, rose to fame in food, and essential items of Lao Fashion Week and Lao Contestants can send the Sao Mai Rendezvous worth tens of billion dong Young Designers’ Project. multiple entries to the contest TV singing contest in to hospitals, frontline She said her brand’s to Foreign Trade University 2006. forces and COVID-affected characteristic is to focus on 91 Chua Lang Street, Dong simplicity, the designs are Ms Pany and the brands designers. He has released people. slick and chic, minimalist Da district, Hanoi, or via seven albums, including The organisers will yet elegant. email VietNamtatthang@ Acous’84, a production present a total of 12 top “This year, we have ftu.edu.vn by September 10. of nine R&B songs which prizes and dozens of launched this sister brand The organisers have helped the singer bring consolation prizes worth NEWNORM, which invited singer and music home the Golden Album of more than VNĐ100 million highlights easy to wear producer Ha Anh Tuan to the Year presented by HCM (US$4,360). minimalist, fun wear for the be the contest’s ambassador. City Television in 2010. The winners will be young.” Tuan, who has made He works as a music announced in November. She said her brand’s objective is to introduce sustainability in the Lao fashion industry and to make it more professional. She said she has worked with local Lao textile Manivone Vansavath with Ministry of Silk’s latest collection. producers, has sourced fabric and materials from simplicity and elegance. I collection which is a new local communities, and this used fine local silks, mixed sister brand of Ministry of has led to the creation of them with linen and light Silk, to create an easy-going jobs and opportunities for cottons of earth tone, to lend and casual look.” Lao young designers, and my collection a summery and The collections are dressmakers. holiday look.” available for men and One of the designers, She added handmade women, they can be mixed Ms Manivone Vansavath artifacts like butterflies, and matched for a fun said, “When I was assigned flowers, and leaves to the look. to create this collection dresses. Fans who would like for Ministry of Silk, Another designer for this to keep abreast with the what I had in mind was collection, Mr Khampoun brand can follow updates how to create a summery Saengpakay said, “It is such on Ministry of Silk’s fashion collection keeping in mind a great challenge for me segment on YouTube the brand’s DNA which is to create the NEWNORM Lifestyle TV Magazine. Lee Kwang-soo returns as relatable office worker in disaster comedy ‘Sinkhole’ SOUTH KOREA (The Korea and intern Eun-joo (Kim beginning of the film.” Herald/ ANN) -- Lee Kwang- Hye-joon) decide to spend the But we see a different soo, 36, returns to the big night. The next morning, the side to the character through screen as a relatable young building falls into a sinkhole. his interaction with the other office worker in the disaster “I discussed a lot with the characters in the sinkhole. Lee comedy “Sinkhole,” directed director about how we were put a lot of thought into how by Kim Ji-hoon. going to show my character, he was going to show that “Sinkhole” centres on Kim, who had to be relatable change, he said. the residents of Chungwoon to office workers in their 20s Lee said he also thought Villa, one of the cheaper and 30s,” Lee said during Dong-won was an interesting apartment buildings available an interview via Zoom with character when he first read in pricey Seoul. It took Dong- a group of local reporters. the script. won (Kim Sung-kyun), an “There is a line where Kim “When I was reading the office worker, over 10 years to says he doesn’t think he script, Dong-won’s scenes finally become a homeowner. can ever get married or buy made me laugh a lot and Soon after moving in, Dong- a house to live in. He is a also emotional. I especially won invites his co-workers character who has low self- liked how he showed his over to his new place for a esteem. I thought it would fatherhood. When I read housewarming party. be relatable to many and also that scene I thought that I After the other guests explained why he seemed too want to play a role like that leave, Kim Seung-hyun (Lee) sensitive and selfish at the someday,” Lee said. Vientiane Times Tuesday August 17, 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 What’s on 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 Lao Telecom contest unsuitable content for youth. Art works on a selection in China. For more information call 021 flat surface using any medium (oil, acrylic, 228898. Lao Telecom watercolor, printing, pastel, graphite, etc.). Where: Facebook of China Cultural Centre in Laos invites July 25 - September 15. Prizes for the General category: Gold Award When: everyone US$500, Silver US$200and Bronze US$100. to enter this Prizes for the Kids category is TBA. contest for : Visit https://whitecanvas.pro/ Where the chance contest_en/. Or call 020-5560-6620 (Tom) That Luang stupa to win prizes When: Deadline on August 31 Tour guide training This stupa is the most significant in Laos and worth more is a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and a than 6 million The Ministry of Information, Culture and Free online sacred place for Lao people. It was built in 1566 kip. Tourism together with China’s Ministry of by King Xaysetthathirath. When: Culture and Tourism will hold a training computing and Where: That Luang village, Xaysettha district, Registration course for tour guides in Vientiane until August 20 the Chinese language. When: Open every day, 8:00am-12:00am; Where: Register at https://www. When: Applications programming 1:00pm-4:00pm surveymonkey.com/r/9MQ7T2N For more accepted until August 15 Those information call WhatsApp 020-55393555 or Where: Apply using the interested in go to Facebook Lao Telecom. QR Code: computing Indian scholarships For more information call and 021 212 408 programming The Ministry of Education, Government of India Email: [email protected] or are invited is inviting applications from foreign students for Blood donation [email protected] to apply to Diploma Level technical courses, Bachelor of join this free Engineering (B.E.), Bachelor of Pharmacy, MBBS The National course. The course is a self-paced and and BDS under Self Financing Scheme for the Blood Quiz provides an introduction to computing and Academic Year 2021-22. Transfusion programming. Where: For more information When & where: for diploma level technical Centre is in The International Labour Organisation and visit https://bit.ly/3bXsu9i courses: Details are available at the website of need of blood Lao Youth Radio invite everyone to enter this When: Available now. Embassy of India (https://www.indianembassylaos. urgently contest with the theme “Social protection in gov.in) under What’s New or go to, https:// because Laos” for the chance to win 15 million kip. www.indianembassylaos.gov.in/news_detail. Humphrey Fellowship less people When: Registration until August 19 php?newsid=229

When & where: for Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.), have donated Where: Programme Bachelor of Pharmacy, MBBS and BDS during Register online (https://www.indianembassylaos.gov.in) the recent at https://www. The Humphrey Fellowship Programme under What’s New or go to https://www. Covid-19 surveymonkey. is a Fulbright programme that brings indianembassylaos.gov.in/news_detail. spread. The com/r/ accomplished young and mid-career php?newsid=230 centre invites SZXC5RT professionals with demonstrated leadership Sharda University of India is offering scholarships to members of the public to take part in blood For more potential to the United States for a year of meritorious students to join Bachelor, Master, and donation.. information non-degree graduate-level study, leadership PhD programmes in Year 2021-22. Classes will start When: Daily from 8:30 to 6pm. call WhatsApp: development, and substantive professional in October 2021. Where: The second floor of the new building 020-55400099 collaboration with US counterparts. When: Last date of application is 31 August. of National Blood Transfusion Centre, Lao or see When: Deadline for applications is August 20 Where: For further information, please go to the link Red Cross, Xiengyeun village, Chanthabouly Facebook Lao Where: Apply and get more information at: https://global.sharda.ac.in/ambassador- district, Vientiane. For more information call Youth Radio https://bit.ly/3qa5euZ scholarship 021 214763; 030 5487539 FM 90.0 MHz 16 Tuesday August 17, 2021 Vientiane Times SPORT Man City start title defense with defeat, rivals all kick off with wins LONDON (Xinhua) -- captain, Harry Kane. played some pretty football, Manchester City’s title Kane was not included in but lacked bite in their rivals’ defense got off to a bad start his side’s squad with coach area. as they lost 1-0 to Tottenham Nuno Espiritu Santo saying West Ham began where in their opening game of the that the striker, who only they left off last season with season on Sunday afternoon. returned to training a week a 4-2 win away at Newcastle Heung Min-Son’s ago, was not a good fit. United after twice coming 55th-minute goal gave Jack Grealish made his back from behind in Sunday’s Tottenham all three points debut for Manchester City, other game. in a game given extra spice but the game showed just Callum Wilson put by Manchester City’s well- why Pep Guardiola is looking Newcastle ahead in the publicized pursuit of Spurs’ to sign Kane as his side fifth minute only for Aaron

Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli (left) and Steven Bergwijn (below) challenge Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez during the English Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Britain on Sunday. --Photo Xinhua

Cresswell to score in the 18th a confident start as they but the former Liverpool minute and although Jacob ruined Patrick Viera’s debut boss’ stock will have risen Murphey put Newcastle back as Crystal Palace coach with after second-half goals from in front before halftime, a a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, Richarlison, Abdoulaye second-half blitz saw Said with Marcos Alonso and Doucoure and Dominic Benrahma, Tomas Soucek Christian Pulisic putting Calvert-Lewin helped his and Michail Antonio blitz them 2-0 up at the break side win after conceding an Newcastle with three goals before defender Trevor early Adam Armstrong goal in 13 minutes, with Antonio Chalobah scored his first against Southampton. also seeing a penalty saved Premier League goal just Watford had a winning in that spell. before the hour. return to the top flight with Bruno Fernandes scored Virgil van Dijk was back goals from Emmanuel a hat-trick on Saturday as in defense as Liverpool Bonaventure, Ismaila Sarr Manchester United beat spoiled Norwich’s return to and ‘Cucho’ Hernandez Leeds United 5-1. Fernandes the Premier League with a taking them to a 3-2 victory put his side ahead in the 30th 3-0 win at Carrow Road at home to Aston Villa. minute and although Luke with goals from strikers, Goals from Neal Maupay Ayling drew Leeds even three Diogo Jota, Roberto and Alex McAlister saw minutes after halftime, goals Firmino and Mohamed Brighton overturn James from Mason Greenwood Salah. Tarkovski’s second-minute and Fernandez in the 52nd Jamie Vardy netted the opener for Burnley to take and 54th minute decided only goal of the game as all three points at Turf the game before Fernandes Leicester City kicked off Moor. completed his hat-trick on 60 their season with a 1-0 Newly promoted minutes and Fred made it 5-1 win at home to Wolves, Brentford kicked off the eight minutes later. who moved the ball around new season in winning style Jadon Sancho made his well, but looked blunt in on Friday night as goals in debut as a late substitute to attack. each half from Sergi Canos end a perfect start for Ole Rafa Benitez may not and Christian Norgaard gave Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. have been a popular choice them a 2-0 win over a very Chelsea also got off to to replace Carlo Ancelotti, disappointing Arsenal. Nyck de Vries, Mercedes-EQ seal Formula-E World Championship titles BERLIN (Xinhua) -- Nyck Mortara of ROKiT Venturi attack mode activations, de Vries became FIA World Racing, couldn’t swerve Nato flew clear and passed Drivers champion and clear of the stricken Jaguar Vandoorne on Lap 10. Mercedes-EQ sealed the and a violent crash saw the The scrap for points Team World Championship pair out of the running but was fraught, and Mercedes’ after ROKiT Venturi thankfully unhurt. haul, with De Vries also in Racing’s Norman Nato That left Jake Dennis of the points and on the way steered to a composed BMW i Andretti Motorsport to eighth, was enough to maiden victory on Sunday in prime position with seal the Teams’ title as it in Berlin E-Prix. standings leader Mercedes- stood. Right off the line in the EQ’s De Vries down the Nato leapt away and last race of season 7, there order. Minutes later, the left the rest to it, despite an was drama and heartbreak title contender Dennis interruption via a second as Mitch Evans of Jaguar locked up into Turn 1 and appearance for the MINI Racing, one of the favorites hit the wall. Electric Pacesetter. The given his strong qualifying After the pendulum Venturi racer drove on to performance, failed to get swung again, De Vries sat a composed victory, with away. pretty and Mercedes-EQ Nissan E.dams’ Oliver The pack behind was looked odds-on to take Team Rowland picking his way forced into avoiding action honours with Vandoorne through to second while but another championship leading the pack away. Vandoorne coming the protagonist, Edoardo Through the first round of third.