Vientiane Times

tuesDAY January 19, 2016 ISSUE 15

The First National English Language Newspaper
The 10th Congress of Lao
Peoples Revolutionary Party

4500 kip

Govt
approves new
SEZ in Luang
Prabang
Times Reporters

The government has given the

green light for a Lao company
to set up a special economic
zone (SEZ) in Luang Prabang
province, bringing the total
number of SEZs nationwide
to 13.
The development is part of
plans to create a new town in
the suburbs of the provincial
capital, while ensuring the
towns cultural integrity is
preserved.
The Phousy Group expects
to spend US$1.2 billion to
develop the zone on an area
of 4,850 hectares with a
concession period of 99 years.
The zone will be located
about 10km outside Luang
Prabang town centre with Party Secretary General Choummaly Sayasone delivers his opening remarks at the 10th Party Congress with members of the Politburo and Party Central Committee, former
another site in Chomphet Party leaders, Party members, and invited guests in attendance.

10th Party Congress defines

district on the other side of the
Mekong River.
The developer will build a
bridge across the river along
with infrastructure such as

national development path

roads, electricity, water supply
and other amenities to attract
businesses to the area.
An agreement to build the
zone was signed in Vientiane on
Sunday between government
representatives and the
President of the Phousy Group,
Mr Sithong Phommachit.
Representing the
government at the signing
were Luang Prabang provincial
Governor Mr Khamkhan
Chanthavisouk, Deputy
Minister and Vice President of
the Lao National Committee
for Special Economic Zones
(NCSEZ), Ms Bouatha
Khattiya, and representatives
of other sectors.
The event was also attended
by Deputy Prime Minister
Somsavat Lengsavad, who
supervises economic affairs,
and other high-ranking
officials.
Designed as a new town, the
zone will feature a 23-storey
building, schools, hospitals,
shopping centre, bank, hotels,
Continued page 2
Times Reporters
The 10th Congress of the
Lao Peoples Revolutionary
Party (LPRP) began yesterday
in Vientiane to review Party
leadership, discuss and approve
the next five-year roadmap,
and review all-round national
development and protection
under the leadership of the Party
over the past five years.
The five-day congress is
set to elect a new Party Central
Committee, Party Secretary
General, and Politburo members.
In his opening remarks,
Party Secretary General and Lao
President Choummaly Sayasone
said The 10th Party Congress is
very significant politically, and a
historic milestone in determining
the direction and tasks towards
our nations development as we
move closer to achieving the set
goals.
More than 1,000 people
including 680 delegates (of
whom 83 are women) and
more than 400 invited guests
are attending the congress.
Nationwide there are more than
268,000 Party members working
in various sectors of government
around the country.
The congress is taking place
in an atmosphere of pride on
the part of the entire multiethnic
population as they look back on
40 years of achievements in the
mission of national protection
and development.
Mr Choummaly reminded
the audience of the time when
the new democratic regime was
proclaimed more than 40 years
ago, and the implementation
of the renovation policy, which
has been in effect for 30 years.
He said there are a number of
issues the Party has to review and
evaluate objectively and in depth
to ensure positive outcomes and
address shortcomings.
There is an 18.7 percent
increase in the number of
Party members attending the
10th Congress compared to
the previous congress. Of the
685 Party members attending
the ongoing congress, 49 are
members of the Party Central
Committee, 412 are from Party
organs in the provinces and
the capital, and 224 are from
ministries and other government
agencies.
Secretary General
Choummaly said preparations
for the 10th Party Congress had
been outstanding and reflected
improvements in the Party
as measured in political life
nationwide and in many facets.
We have taken new steps,
in which our Party has improved National Socio-Economic
in terms of political ideology and Development Plan, the Draft
organisation, Mr Choummaly Socio-Economic Development
said. Strategy for the next 10 years
The congress, which (2016-2025), and consider
continues until Friday, will approval of the amendment to
review the implementation of the Party statute.
the resolution of the 9th Party One of the most important
Congress, Draft Vision 2030, items on the agenda is the
the draft of the 8th Five-Year Continued page 2
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2 Home news Tuesday January 19, 2016 Vientiane Times

Lao govt sends message of Pay your bills or power will

sympathy to Indonesia be cut, residents warned
On behalf of the Lao government, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and Deputy Khonesavanh Latsaphao
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, sent messages
of sympathy to Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P
Marsudi respectively over the bomb attacks that took place in Jakarta on January 14. Households in Vientiane are
The messages read: I have learned with profound sadness about the bomb attacks still not paying their electricity
in the centre of Jakarta which have caused loss of life and disorder and affected peoples bills on time and Electricite Du
livelihoods. Laos (EDL) is losing patience
On behalf of the Lao government and people, I would like to express my deepest with people who are late paying
condolences and sympathy to Your Excellency, the government and people of Indonesia, for their utilities.
as well as the bereaved families. Residents should be aware
I sincerely hope that the government of Indonesia as well as the bereaved families are that if their bills remain
able to overcome these difficulties. outstanding for more than
one month, EDL staff are
authorised to cut the power off.
Lao National Radio is
issuing broadcasts on the
matter, suggested that people
who still owe money should
go to EDLs Vientiane Power
Distribution Department to
make the payments in cash.
Radio broadcasters
emphasise that EDL workers
will be visiting many houses
in the capital and if they find
that their electricity bills are
unpaid, those houses will have
their power cut until they pay
their debts. They will also be
subject to a reconnection fee
Representatives from Vientiane province and KOICA at the grant handover ceremony in Vientiane once their bills are paid.
province recently. Deputy Director of the
Department, Mr Sakhot
Latthida, told Vientiane Times
on Monday that some home
owners regularly ignore the
payment of bills.
Some people do not pay
their electricity bills for several
months and neglect the matter
until they become afraid they
might be cut off and then rush
to pay them.
Bills should be paid each
month. If people dont pay their
bills one month, next month
the electricity can be cut off if
our staff discover the fact, Mr
Sakhot said.
However, home owners
in Vientiane do not have
to pay bills on the scale of
those charged to government
departments and irrigation
projects. But in what represents
something of a double standard,
it is only householders who are
cut off while state departments
are not.
According to the
Vientiane Power Distribution
Department, the state has run
up a debt of about 20 billion
has not been paid since 2012.
There are streetlights on
many of Vientianes roads,
but their on-again, off-again
nature puzzles the citys
motorists, especially as it
varies noticeably from one
street to another.
Many road users now
suspect that Vientianes
electricity staff deliberately
refrain from turning on the
lights on some roads.
Some people think that
maybe the capital has run up a
debt of many millions of kip in
unpaid electricity bills.
Others speculate that
perhaps the electricity has
been cut off in certain areas
because the government has
not paid the bill.
The department denied that
the electricity had been cut on
some streets and said the lights
were switched on every night
from 7pm to 10pm.
However, the department
turns some lights off at 10pm
because not many vehicles
use these roads at that time

Korea extends support to

Vientiane Power Distribution kip for street lighting. The bill of night.

Govt approves new SEZ... from page 1

Vangvieng Ethnic School
Times Reporters
Korea International Cooperation
Agency (KOICA) has helped
upgrade Vangvieng Ethnic
School in Vientiane province
through projects valued at over
970 million kip (US$120,000).
A handover ceremony
for the projects took place
recently in Vangvieng district,
Vientiane province, attended
by the Resident Representative
of the KOICA Lao office, Mr
Kim Hahng-Joo, and local
government officials.
In a congratulatory speech at
the ceremony, Mr Kim Hahng-
Joo said the event celebrated
completion of the projects
undertaken by three Korea
Overseas Volunteers (KOVs)
and handover of the projects to
Vangvieng Ethnic School.
The volunteers built an
electrical engineering laboratory,
upgraded school facilities
and completed other projects
involving beauty education and
sanitation improvement.
A school official said
KOICA has provided support
worth over US$3 million and
has dispatched 23 volunteers to
our school. Local students have
been able to study in an improved
academic environment.
KOICA has awarded a
total of US$3.3 million to the
school since 2008 to encourage
disadvantaged students from
various ethnic groups to attend
and study in better circumstances.
The support includes the
construction of school buildings,
a vocational training centre and
other projects.
KOICA is now preparing to
restaurants, and residences for
older people. Areas for organic
use ferries to cross the Mekong
River between the town of
growth, but will also spur
development in other areas.
build a girls dormitory at the vegetable gardens are also Luang Prabang and Chomphet Other Special and Specific
school as a follow-up project.
planned. district for the purposes of Economic Zones in Laos are
The Lao government has
requested the building to provide A one-stop operating travel and business. the That Luang Marsh SEZ in
a better educational and living service will be introduced Once a bridge is built Vientiane, the Savan-Seno SEZ
environment for girls attending for businesses in the zone across the river, it will facilitate in Savannakhet province, the
the school. to ensure transparency and tourism, trade and investment Golden Triangle SEZ in Bokeo
Currently Vangvieng Ethnic accountability and to facilitate in the province. province, the Boten Dankham
School has two girls dormitories development. Luang Prabang is home to SEZ in Luang Namtha province,
but one is adjacent to the boys The government believes Laos first World Heritage Site the Vientiane Long Thanh
dormitory and many girls have the new zone will help to and is considered a magnet Golf Course in Vientiane, the
expressed discomfort with the boost economic growth in for regional and international Phoukhiew SEZ in Khammuan
situation. the province and generate job tourists. province, and the Pakxe-Japan
The new dormitory will be
located next to the other female opportunities for local people. The zone will not only Specific Economic Zone in
dormitory, which is on the other People in the area currently serve as a driver of economic Champassak province.
side of the school and some
distance away from the boys
dormitories.
KOICA has stepped in to
provide US$330,000 to build
the two-storey dormitory with
18 rooms. Construction is set to
start in June this year.

10th Party Congress ... from page 1

election of the new Party leadership which will take place on January 21, with the results to be announced
on the same day. In addition, representatives from ministries, the provinces and the capital, National
Assembly, Government Office and judiciary bodies will recount their success in implementing the
resolution of the 9th Party Congress.
The congress paid its respects to the countrys beloved leader President Kaysone Phomvihane, who
initiated and guided the renovation policy, while participants also expressed gratitude to deceased staff
and Party members who had dedicated their lives to the nation.
The change in the Party leadership precedes the change in the state and government leadership which
will take place in the coming months. The National Assembly (NA) is scheduled to hold its next general
election to elect NA members in March. Subsequently, parliament will convene its first ordinary session Mr Khamkhan Chanthavisouk (left) exchanges agreements with Mr Sithong Phommachit (right)
to elect the countrys president, and approve a new prime minister and cabinet members. witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad and other officials.

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Vientiane Times
Party leader Laos to graduate from least developed
proud of status by 2020, congress told
accomplishments
Mr Choummaly Sayasone.
Times Reporters
Despite rapid and complex
changes in the world, Laos has
been able to accomplish its socio-
economic development plans
over the past five years (2011-15)
under the leadership of the Party.
Secretary General of the
Lao Peoples Revolutionary
Party and President of the Lao
PDR, Mr Choummaly Sayasone,
highlighted the Partys success
yesterday when speaking at the
opening ceremony of the 10th
Party Congress in Vientiane.
Mr Choummaly outlined
the key achievements in
implementing the resolution
adopted by the 9th Party
Congress, which was held
in 2011. He said one of the
main accomplishments in
implementing the resolution
was that Laos had been able
to maintain political stability,
security and social order, creating
favourable conditions for people
to earn a living as well as facilitate
trade, investment and tourism.
Another key accomplishment
was that Laos had continued
to maintain economic growth
despite a global recession.
We have accomplished
our set target for economic
growth over the past five years,
averaging 7.9 percent, while
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
has reached 102,320 billion kip
(US$12.8 billion) with GDP
per capita climbing to 15.8
million kip (US$1,970), Mr
Choummaly said.
The Secretary General said
he was also proud to see the
decline in the number of poor
families and that the economy
was progressively moving
towards modernisation and
industrialisation.
The number of poor families
has fallen to 6.59 percent of
the total in the country, while
commercial production has
developed in parallel with
the processing industry. The
hydropower sector has grown
threefold compared to 2010.
The Party regards economic
development as key to its
policies in parallel with social
development and environmental
protection.
Another significant feature
was that Laos had accomplished
most of the Millennium
Development Goals, Mr
Choummaly said. The Party
has focused on social and
cultural development, regarding
education as the focal point and a
priority for national development.
Laos was able to announce
nationwide completion of the
Primary Education Equivalency
Programme, while several
provinces have declared
completion of the Secondary
Education Equivalency
Programme.
Meanwhile health services
have expanded into rural areas
enabling local people to access
healthcare more promptly.
Other sectors have also
developed in line with the Partys
leadership and directives.
The above accomplishments
have come about as a result of the
correct policies approved at the
9th Party Congress.
In addition, the Party
introduced four new
breakthrough approaches to
accelerate national development
from 2011-2015. These aimed
to create a sound foundation and
favourable conditions for Laos to
graduate from Least Developed
Country status by 2020.
Despite a number of
challenges, Laos is proud to see
the entire Party, government,
armed forces and multi-ethnic
people taking ownership of their
country and strengthening unity
towards national development.
Times Reporters
Laos will strive to graduate
from Least Developed Country
status by 2020, Prime Minister
Thongsing Thammavong told
the Party Congress yesterday.
The prime minister, who
is also a Politburo member,
announced the ambitious goal
as he presented the draft of the
8th five-year national socio-
economic development plan to
the 10th Congress of the Lao
Peoples Revolutionary Party,
which opened yesterday in
Vientiane.
To achieve the goal, the
government is required to attain
a number of criteria set by the
international community.
The criteria include raising
gross national income (GNI)
above US$1,574 per capita by
2018 and more than US$1,810
by 2021.
For the Lao PDR, the goal
Laos strives for upper middle income
country status by 2030
Souksakhone Vaenkeo
Laos will aim to become an upper
middle income country by 2030
with Gross National Income
(GNI) per capita envisioned to
increase to US$7,351 almost
five times the GNI in 2015,
the government has told the
ongoing 10th Party Congress.
Prime Minister Thongsing
Thammavong presented a draft
of the 15-year Vision (2016-
2030) and 10-year Strategy
(2016-2025) on socio-economic
development to the 10th
Congress of the Lao Peoples
Revolutionary Party, which
opened yesterday in Vientiane.
Countries with GNI per
capita of US$6,500US$20,100
are categorised as upper middle
income nations, according to
international assessments.
Prime Minister Thongsing,
who is also a Politburo member,
Foreign parties extend wishes for 10th Party Congress
Times Reporters
Leaders of the Communist
Party of Vietnam (CPV), the
Communist Party of China,
the Workers Party of Korea,
the Communist Party of Cuba,
and Cambodian Peoples Party
have sent messages to the Lao
Peoples Revolutionary Party
(LPRP) expressing wishes for
the success of the ongoing 10th
Party Congress.
The Central Committee
of the CPV sent a message to
the LPRP Central Committee
on January 12, in which
Vietnamese leaders expressed
pride in the rapid development
of Laos over the past 40
years since the Lao Peoples
Democratic Republic was
established.
They especially mentioned
the 30 years since the renovation
policy was introduced, and the
last five years of implementing
the resolution adopted by the
9th Party Congress under the
clear-sighted leadership and
has been set to increase GNI
per capita to US$2,520 by
2020, Mr Thongsing told the
five-day congress.
Party Secretary General
and President Choummaly
Sayasone and other Party
and state leaders attended the
congress, which is convened
every five years.
In addition, Laos is required
to increase the human asset
index (HAI) to more than 66,
while decreasing the economic
vulnerability index (EVI) to
less than 32 by 2020, according
to the criteria.
To fulfill the criteria and
achieve the goal, the government
has set macro-targets as indicated
in the draft five-year plan,
aimed at achieving annual gross
domestic product (GDP) growth
of at least 7.5 percent.
To pursue GDP growth, the
government will strive for 3.2
percent annual average growth
told the five-day congress that
Laos will strive to graduate from
least developed country status
by 2020 and then strive for the
next level on the development
rung. Laos is pursuing
development under the theme
Striving to graduate from
least developed country status
by 2020 towards becoming
a developing upper middle
income country alongside green
and sustainable development
by 2030.
By 2025, Laos aims to
enjoy firm political stability
while continuing to nurture
and strengthen the peoples
democratic regime under the
leadership of the Party.
Over the next 10 years
until 2025, the government
will strive to achieve annual
gross domestic product (GDP)
growth of at least 7.5 percent.
Average GDP per capita is set
wisdom of the Party.
The Vietnamese leaders
referred to the congress as a
significant political event in
Laos political and social life,
saying it was an important
milestone in the new era of
revolutionary development
by determining direction,
enhancing the guiding capacity
of the Party and upholding its
leadership.
The Central Committee
of the Communist Party of
China, representing the CPC
and people throughout China,
also sent a message of best
wishes for the congress, and
through the congress conveyed
greetings to Party members
and Lao people throughout the
country.
This congress is taking
place at a very important
stage in the renovation policy
and development of Laos. It
is an important event in the
political life of Laos and will
strongly influence the mission
of building socialism in Laos in
Tuesday January 19, 2016
in the agriculture and forestry
sector, which will account for
19 percent of GDP by 2020.
Industry is set to increase
by 9.3 percent on average,
representing 32 percent of GDP,
while services should increase
by 8.9 percent, accounting for 41
percent of GDP by 2020.
Per capita GDP is expected
to reach US$3,190 (or
US$2,520 GNI per capita) in
2020 when the Lao population
is expected to reach 7.08
million.
The government will strive
to decrease the poverty rate
to less than 10 percent of the
population by 2020, while net
enrollment in primary schools
is set to reach 99 percent, and
the literacy rate among people
aged 15 years and above is
targeted at 95 percent.
Child mortality among
infants aged less than one year
is set to fall to 30 deaths per
to increase to more than twice
the 2015 figure.
In addition, the government
will strive to reduce the poverty
rate to not more than 5 percent
of the entire population by
2025. The poverty rate is set to
fall to less than 10 percent of the
total population by 2020.
Prime Minister Thongsing
told the congress that Laos will
also aim to raise average life
expectancy to 73 years by 2025
through improved healthcare
services.
The government will work
to ensure that all school-aged
children complete lower
secondary school while
paying more attention to
the development of human
resources to meet the growing
need for a skilled workforce.
Laos will also continue to
protect its forests with the aim
of achieving forest cover over at
the future, the message read.
The Workers Party of
Korea sent a message of
congratulations to the Party
Congress yesterday expressing
confidence that the congress
would be an important
milestone for the Partys
activities in strengthening the
Partys leading role, protecting
the peoples democratic
regime and driving national
development.
The Communist Party of
Cubas message highlighted the
friendly ties between the two
nations through their shared
political ideology, which they
said was very important to the
relationship between the two
parties.
They noted that the two
small countries had overcome
significant challenges and
triumphed in their fight
against aggressors while
deciding to pursue the road
to socialism according to
their particular conditions
and experiences.
Home news 3
1,000 live births, while the goal
for the maternal mortality rate
is to reduce it below 200 deaths
per 100,000 live births.
To attain the targets set
in the next five-year plan,
the government needs about
US$27 billion or 30 percent
of GDP to finance their
implementation.
Of this, state investment
will account for 24-28 percent
of total investment, while
private investment by domestic
and foreign investors will
represent 54-58 percent, and
investment through bank loans
will account for 19-21 percent
of the total.
It is expected that annual
total revenue over the next
five years will reach 23-25
percent of GDP, including
20-22 percent of domestic
revenue, while expenditure
is expected to not exceed 28
percent of GDP.
Prime Minister Thongsing
Thammavong addresses the
congress.
least 70 percent of the country.
In addition, the government
will work to ensure that Laos
has many international friends
and can integrate economically
with the region and the world.
The Communist Party of
Cuba wished the 10th Party
Congress great success,
and hoped the LPRP would
continue to lead the Lao people
in achieving further triumphs
by achieving the goals to be
set by the congress, just as the
LPRP had done for almost 61
years since it was founded on
March 22, 1955.
In a message sent to the
LPRP on January 11, the
Cambodian Peoples Party
(CPP) noted the success of
the development process in
Laos in recent years through
implementing the resolution
of the 9th Party Congress.
The CPP said they had
strong confidence that
the 10th Party Congress
would approve important
resolutions that would
determine the direction and
mission to be implemented
over the next five years to
drive political, economic and
social development on the
road to prosperity.
4 Home news Tuesday January 19, 2016
New Japanese volunteers
arrive in Laos
Times Reporters
A group of 10 Japan Overseas
Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs)
recently arrived in Vientiane, aiming
to support the people of Laos in
socio-economic and human resource
development across the country.
This volunteer group, consisting
of nine JOCVs and one Senior
Volunteer (SV), has been dispatched
to Laos by the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a
period of two years.
The volunteers will be assigned to
various provinces, with two each to
go to Xieng Khuang and Khammuan,
and one volunteer each in Oudomxay,
Luang Prabang, Savannakhet,
Champassak, Xekong and Vientiane.
Before heading off to their
various assignments, the volunteers
last week paid a courtesy visit to
the Department of International
Cooperation, Ministry of Planning
and Investment.
The new arrivals this month mean
that JICA has raised the number of
its volunteers (JOCVs and SVs) to
67 people currently working side-
by-side with their Lao counterparts
throughout the country, consisting of
60 JOCVs and seven SVs.
These volunteers continue to help
establish and foster friendship and
understanding through the technical
transfer of knowledge and skills and
the sharing of their experiences.
Since 1965, over 894 JOCV/
Vientiane Times
Roads asphalted in Savannakhet
News in Brief
A 12km asphalt road linking Pakxong and Lanam villages in Songkhon
district, Savannakhet province has been completed and was recently
opened for use. The road is seven metres and cost more than 24 billion kip,
according to the Pasaxon Newspaper. Constructed by a local company, the
project started in January 2014 and was completed within 23months. The
same contractor will asphalt a road from Nongphue to Beungva villages in
Kaysone Phomvihane district and will upgrade the road between Natery and
Thasano villages in the same district. The cost of these two projects is about
seven billion kip, with both roads set to be completed this month.
Earthquakes recorded in Luang Namtha
Five minor earthquakes were reported this month in Luang Namtha
province, although no damage or injuries occurred, the Socio-Economic
newspaper reported recently. The provinces Natural Resources and
Environment Department said the first two earthquakes occurred on
January 6 at 8am and 9am in Nampick village, Luang Namtha district.
They measured 3.8 on the Richter scale and were felt over an area of
20 kilometres. The third quake occurred on January 14 at 8:36am and
measured 4.0 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was near the Myanmar-
Director
General of
China border.
the ministrys
International Drug trafficker, dealers arrested in Vientiane
Cooperation Vientiane police arrested a large-scale drug trafficker and three dealers,
Department,
Ms Sisomboun
seizing over 3,000 amphetamine pills, one gun, 15 bullets, over 16 million
Ounavong baht, US$750, 100 yuan, over 15 million kip and one truck in their
(third right), possession, according to the Khuamsangob Newspaper.
stands with The ringleader was named as Ms Khamphaeng, 51, of Xaysawang village
recently arrived in Xaythany district, who was found with over 2,000 amphetamine pills
Japanese and the other items listed above. She confessed to buying drugs from a
volunteers.
Ms Khamaon and police arrested her and her husband, Mr Bounyong,
of Donkoy village, Sisattanak district. The couple said they had bought
amphetamines and sold them to Mr Phonesavanh, whom police also
arrested, seizing over 1,000 pills found in his possession.
Xayaboury attracting large-scale investment
Xayaboury province has received government investment in over 240
projects worth over 1,000 billion kip, plus investment from eight domestic
and foreign individuals in projects worth around 300 billion kip. The
planning and investment sector reported the economy has grown over 9
percent, with the provinces GDP reaching 7,000 billion kip. This revenue
equates to more than 19 million kip per person. According to the Social-
SV volunteers have been dispatched The dispatch of this latest group of Economic Newspaper, the increase includes a 4.5 percent rise in the
throughout Laos in various fields, volunteers reaffirms the commitment agriculture sector and an increase of 13 percent in the industry and service
including health, education, of JICA to vigorously pursue its sectors. During the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the province earned over 454
billion kip from revenue collection, a 125 percent increase on the plan for
agriculture, engineering, sports and positive contribution to the social
the year and a 39.81 percent increase on last year.
community development. and economic development of Laos.
Investing in local leaders to create global change
VACCANCY FOR LAO NATIONAL
Social worker:
Protection and Empowerment of Women and Children (PEWC) programme
Village Focus International (VFI) is an INGO working in the Lao PDR since 2001. VFI is looking to fill the position of
Social worker, who will be responsible for undertake case follow up and reintegration of trafficking survivors especially
women and children. This position will be based in Vientiane capital.
Duties
Communicate and coordinate with other project stakeholders and government partners in order to build a
strong case referral in both internal external level
Working closely with immigration official and anti trafficking official at the friendship bridge border and other
border if require in order to provide assistance to pushback case who will be departed from Thailand
Undertake and assist case interview to screen case at the border and identify victim of trafficking together with
anti trafficking official
Provide information on victim rights, CRC, human trafficking, safe migration and other related issue to push
back case and shelter residents
Undertake family assessment, follow up, family tracing, provide small grand, repatriation and reintegration
Document and update case fax filling and report to project manager
Prepare monthly and activity planning and budget to project manager
Prepare monthly and activity report include budget to project manager
Assist project manager to prepare yearly, and quarterly plan and report
Attend staff weekly, and monthly meeting to plan and feed back
Attend the case conference meetings with shelter team to prepare case planning and case reintegration
Assist to conduct case management meeting with government partner for special case when require.
Organize and assist on meeting and workshop that VFI hosted when require
Prepare monthly case study
Qualification and Experiences
Bachelor Degree in social worker or related field
Ability to develop plans and reports in Lao and English (with minimal assistance)
A minimum of one years of social work experience
Experience working with NGOs
Basic understanding of trafficking, CRC, CEDEW and related issues
Computer skills: word processing, Excel, power point, email, internet
Leadership skills: able to facilitate meeting and training
Fluency in spoken Lao and English
Social Characteristics
Open-minded and willing to work with trafficking victims
Ability to work with and communicate effectively with other staff and partners.
Ability to work on emergency time when require
Ability to communicate effectively and network with a range of stakeholders
Ability/interest to work closely with Government, INGOs and the private sector
Experience in and appreciation of ethnic minority groups and gender-related issues
Able to travel in the remote area and other country when require
Please send your written application together with CV, copies of certificates and references by January 30th, 2016
to Kongseng SIRIVATH at kongseng@villagefocus.org and Soyfa DALALOY at soyfad@yahoo.com
or send to: VFILAO Box 4697 Vientiane, Lao PDR / Tel: 021 312519 / fax: 021 350740
Vientiane Times 10th Party Congress Tuesday January 19, 2016 Photo news 5

Party members applaud at the opening of the 10th Party Congress in Vientiane yesterday.

Party Congress
delegates stand for
a group photo in the
National Convention
Centre.

A delegate from the Ministry of National Defence, Lieutenant General Chansamone Chanyalath, Newspapers published by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism are distributed free
gives a media interview on the sidelines of the congress. of charge to Congress participants.

Police check vehicles entering the National Convention Centre where the congress is taking place. The press attends the Party Congress to deliver the proceedings to people in Laos and other countries.
6 Tuesday January 19, 2016
Region
In brief from Asia
News Network
PM assures unitary
status, transparency
in framing process
SRI Lanka (The Island)
-- Prime Minister Ranil
Wickremesinghe on
Sunday assured that
the proposed new
Constitution would be
introduced through a
transparent process.
Dismissing claims made
in some quarters that a
new Constitution couldnt
be introduced, Premier
Wickremesinghe stressed
that unitary status would
be preserved. The Premier
assured that the proposed
constitutional making
process would be guided
by the Sixth Amendment
to the Constitution which
had been introduced to
thwart attempts to divide
the country.
The PM emphasised that
the government would
not only adopt the new
Constitution with a
two-thirds majority in
Parliament but have it
endorsed by the people at
a referendum.
Fines up for disabled
parking misuse
SINGAPORE (The Straits
Times) -- Drivers caught
misusing parking spaces
for the disabled in public
carparks now face heftier
fines, The Straits Times
has learnt. Fines for first-
time offenders have been
quadrupled from US$50 to
US$200 since December,
with the authorities saying
that they are monitoring
the situation and will
consider stiffer measures
if necessary. The Ministry
of National Development
and Ministry of Social
and Family Development
revealed the higher
penalties last week, in
response to media queries.
The higher fines help to
deter abled people from
using the accessible lots.
People with disabilities
will then not be deprived
of such lots, they said in
a joint statement.
Aquino short on
social compassion
Philippines (Philippine
Daily Inquirer) -- In its
twilight, the Aquino
administration is battered
by the tempestuous
backlash over social
policyhis veto of a
legislation seeking to
increase the pensions of
2.15 million members
of the state-run Social
Security System, which
handles the pension fund
of workers in the private
sector.
The storm came as
President Aquino, a
scion of the countrys
largest landed estate
(the 4,000-hectare plus
Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac
province), prepares to step
down from six-years in
power after the national
elections in May.
Thousands evacuated
as Indonesia volcano
alert raised
INDONESIA (The Jakarta
Post, ANN) -- More than 1,200
people were evacuated from
three villages in Egon Gahar,
Matitara district, Sikka, East
Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday
morning, as the alert status of
Mount Egon in the regency
was raised to siaga (high alert).
Thousands of people
from three villages, namely
Baukrenget, Lere and
We l i n w a t u t , h a v e b e e n
evacuated.
The evacuation started at
7 a.m., local time, on Sunday,
using 21 trucks. The evacuation
was conducted because
sulphur smells emanating
from Egon had been getting
stronger, Sikka Natural
Disaster Mitigation Agency
(BPBD) head Silvanus Tobi
told journalists in Maumere
on Sunday.
He further explained that
the local residents who had
been evacuated were currently
being accommodated at the
Natakoli market hall and at
the hall of the Matitara district
head office. Currently, he
said, BPBD officers, Matitara
district officials and security
personnel were preparing
Egon evacuees. Around 2,000
Asean states to help
each other fight haze
THAILAND (The Nation,
ANN) -- ASEAN countries
will collaborate to tame
the seasonal haze problem,
while the Pollution Control
Department has launched field
operations to spread awareness
that people should not burn
|anything during this years
dry season.
Around late February,
there will be a meeting of
Asean countries executives
to designate the roadmap for
tackling the haze problem at
the regional level, Wichan
Simachaya, director-general of
the PCD, said last week.
Thailand also has a plan
to sponsor haze control efforts
in neighbouring countries.
For example, were
supporting the installation of
air pollution measurement
equipment in Laos this year
and we have a plan to do the
same thing in Myanmar and
Cambodia, which still lack
proper devices to warn their
citizens, he said.
The haze season in the
North usually runs from late
this month till mid-April.
Another important effort to
achieve a haze-free Aseanby
2020, as per the Agreement
on Transboundary Haze
Pollution, was to prevent
burning in the first |place.
We have to be an icon
masks had been distributed to
local residents who were still
holding out in areas on the
southern part of Mt Egon.
Silvanus said the BPBD
was still waiting for instructions
from the Volcanology and
Geological Disaster Mitigation
Centre (PVMBG) in Bandung,
West Java, before conducting a
more sizable evacuation.
We are on full alert and
ready to carry out evacuations
at any time, he said.
Silvanus said that among
the activities the agency had
yet to complete included
the construction of toilets at
temporary shelters located in
the village market and at the
Matitara district head office.
The alert level of Mt Egon,
which is located on the border
of the Matitara and Waigete
districts in Sikka regency, East
Nusa Tenggara, was raised at
the beginning of this week,
forcing local administrations
to make various preparations
for the evacuation of local
people.
According to PVMBG
recommendations, areas
within a radius of three
kilometers from the crater
must be emptied.
for other countries to follow.
This year the PCD has sent
officials to areas with a record
of frequent burning, to tell the
locals not to burn anything in
the dry season.
This is our new move this
year to control the haze crisis,
as in past years we just sent
officers to put out the fires,
Wichan said.
The operation began
last Friday and will continue
throughout the haze season.
To pinpoint the areas of
highest risk, the department
draws on satellite data of hot
spots in the past from the
Geo-Informatics and Space
Technology Development
Agency, he said.
Last week, Chiang Mai
Governor Pawin Chamnisart
launched a campaign in
Samoeng district with the
goal to decrease hot spots in
the area by at least 20 per cent
this year and keep air pollution
below the safe limit in the
20 weeks from last month to
April.
The northern province has
joined with Charoen Pokphand
Produce to squash the haze
problem sustainably by
providing funds and assistance
to three pioneer districts, to
train farmers growing maize to
improve their planting system
to avoid field burning.
Vientiane Times
A general view of the Arab foreign ministers meeting at the Arab League in Cairo, Egypt. --Photo Agencies
Xi to deliver speech
on Middle East policy
CHINA (China Daily, ANN) as well as Chinas initiatives Exchanges of views will be
-- Vice-Foreign Minister and measures on pragmatic made during the visit on major
Zhang Ming told a Monday cooperation, Zhang said. international and regional
press briefing in Beijing that The trip will mark Chinas issues, Zhang said. The official
President Xi Jinping will visit first major diplomatic action of said the presidential visit has
the headquarters of the Arab the new year, Zhang said. a compact schedule and is rich
League in Cairo and deliver a This year marks the 60th in content.
speech there during his three- anniversary of diplomatic Possible outcomes of the
country visit to Saudi Arabia, relations between China and visit may involve aspects
Egypt and Iran from Tuesday Egypt and China-Arab ties, such as energy, infrastructure
to Saturday. Zhang said. construction, trade and
Xi will elaborate on Chinas Zhang noted that all the investment facilitation, and
policies that boost peace and three countries have great cutting edge technologies,
development in the Middle East influence in the Middle East. Zhang said.
All 60 aboard New Zealand tourist
boat rescued from fire
WELLINGTON, New Zealand
(AP) -- All 60 people forced
overboard after their tourist
boat caught fire Monday off
the coast of New Zealand have
been rescued, according to
authorities.
Police spokeswoman Kim
Perks said the fire aboard
the vessel PeeJay broke
out as it was returning from
White Island to the town of
Whakatane.
She said all 53 passengers
and seven crew members were
forced overboard to escape the
fire and smoke.
She said one passenger
and one crew member were
taken to a local hospital after
suffering from minor injuries
and smoke inhalation. People stand on the shoreline as a tourist boat carrying 60 people
Perks said the boat was burns out at sea off the coast of Whakatane, New Zealand. --Photo AP
about 1 kilometre from shore
when authorities were first with tourists. burst into flames and fire
notified of the incident, and White Island Tours, which quickly engulfed the ship.
they called on nearby boats operated the tourist boat, was He said it appeared some
to assist. not immediately available for evacuated onto two small
She said the PeeJay crew comment. dinghies while he could see the
then sent a mayday to say they Whakatane resident Roger figures of others still on board
were abandoning ship. White told The Associated as the flames grew larger. He
Perks said four other Press it was raining at the time said it was hard to make out
private vessels and the New of the incident but he could see but believes those people must
Zealand Coastguard were able some of what unfolded from have then leaped into the water.
to get to the scene quickly and his home. White said plenty of boats
rescue everybody. She said the He said he saw some arrived quickly to help out,
PeeJay later sank. light smoke coming from the including a fishing boat and
White Island, 50 kilometres front of the vessel which then some charter boats, which
off the North Island coast, is got heavier. After about 10 assisted the Coastguard in the
volcanically active and popular minutes, he said, the cabin rescue.
Vientiane Times
Seoul to create Asian version of Silicon Valley
KOREA (The Korea Herald,
ANN) -- The government said
Monday it would inject 80
trillion won (US$66 billion) of
public funds this year to nurture
new growth engines, including
smart cars, surgical robots and
software content, in the latest
attempt to realise its creative
economy drive.
In a joint policy report
to President Park Geun-hye,
relevant ministries said they
would build Asian versions
of Californias Silicon Valley
at Sangam, in Seoul, and
Pangyo, in Gyeonggi Province,
to embrace more innovative
entrepreneurs not only from
Korea, but also from overseas.
The government also plans
to turn 17 Creative Economy
Innovation Centers into
regional hubs to strengthen
partnerships between start-ups
and large businesses, and to
revitalize the local economy.
The massive investment
in creative economy signals a
major shift in the governments
support priorities as it had
focused on developing heavy
industries as the nations
key growth engines in the
past. Such policy decisions
were made to better cope
with structural changes in
the nations economy from
manufacturing to information
and communications
technology and software
industries, officials said.
We need to secure the best
technologies in the world by
making preemptive research
and development investments
that look ahead into the next
Australias online police report 39,000
cybercrime incidents in 2015
CANBERRA (Xinhua)
-- Cybercrime in Australia
continues to increase at an
alarming rate, the Australian
Cybercrime Online Reporting
Network (ACORN) said on
Monday.
The ACORN highlighted
the danger of online activity and
the increase in cybercrime in
Australia with more than 39,000
incidents reported in 2015.
Justice Minister Michael
Keenan said the latest results
were of great concern, warning
that the problem would only get
worse as Australias reliance on
technology grew.
The leading types of
Sangam-dong in western Seoul. --Photo Yonhap
10, 20 years, said Park after
she was briefed by ministers
in Pangyo.
The government has to
support promising sectors,
including cultural content, bio
health, tourism and information
technology through policy
finance and nurture excellent
start-ups by expanding the use
of new growth engine funds as
investments, she said.
Since entering office in
2013, Park has pushed to nurture
creative ideas from across
cybercrime being reported
to the ACORN were online
fraud and scams, with 19,232
reports received, accounting for
49 percent of the total reports
received in 2015. Online trading
issues which affect Australians
who bought and sold goods
online were the second highest
type of cybercrime reported
as the ACORN received 8,368
reports which accounted for 22
percent of total reports in 2015.
As Australias reliance
on technology grows, and
online shopping remains an
increasingly attractive option
for busy Australians, the cost
and incidence of cybercrime is
society, assimilating them with
ICT, science technology and
other industries to eventually
create new technologies,
markets and jobs. Park believes
that a creative economy can
solve emerging problems, such
as income inequality, slowing
economic growth and rising
youth unemployment.
By rolling out specific and
massive investment plans,
the government appears to
be pushing Parks creative
economy drive in full swing
expected to increase, Keenan
said.
I encourage all members of
the public to be vigilant online
and to work together to ensure
a safer and more secure digital
environment for all Australians
by reporting to the ACORN.
Victoria received the highest
number of cybercrime reports,
closely followed by Queensland
and New South Wales.
ACORN is a national
policing initiative that allows
cybercrime victims to easily
and instantly report cases of
criminal activity online, as well
as providing information on how
to avoid falling victim to cyber
criminals.
The ever increasing reliance
on technology not only makes
online activities easier for
Australians, but it also makes
them an easier target for
cybercriminals. The damning
rate of cybercrime in Australia
has raised concerns on the need
to boost law enforcement efforts
to stamp out the behaviour that
affects numerous Australians
each year. Many instances
of cybercrime go unreported
because victims either do not
know where to report, do not
think it is worth reporting, or are
reluctant to do so.
as she enters her fourth year in
office this year. Her term ends
in early 2018.
Of the total, 90 percent of
public funds, or 72 trillion won,
will be injected for the creative
economy sector - 49 trillion
won in soft loans, 23 trillion
won in guarantee insurance and
the rest in direct investments.
Another 8 trillion won will be
spent to cultivate the countrys
cultural content, such as
computer games, webtoons,
character development, film
People walk in front of JR Sendai Station in northeastern.
Heavy snow blankets eastern,
northeastern Japan, 120 injured
JAPAN (Kyodo News) --
Heavy snow fell in parts of
eastern and northeastern Japan
early Monday, with snowfall
reaching 6 centimetres in
downtown Tokyo, resulting
in injuries to more than 100
people and disruptions to
transport.
Tuesday January 19, 2016 Region
and tourism.
In the briefing session,
Park also urged ministers to
produce visible outcomes, a robo-adviser this year, and
stressing that convergence
between cultural contents with
information technologies is the
key for success of her creative
economy drive.
The envisioned Silicon
Valley in Sangam-dong,
western Seoul, will serve as a
provider and marketing station
for digital cultural contents
that combine creative ideas
Snowfall caused around
120 injuries, according to a
Kyodo News tally. In Tokyo
alone, over 40 people were
taken to hospitals.
The snow temporarily
brought bullet train services
on the Tokaido Shinkansen
Line to a crawl and caused
7
and stories with virtual reality
and computer graphics.
Start-ups there will be given
opportunities to promote their
products and services through
hallyu-related events in order
to attract foreign buyers,
officials said.
Through the Creative
Economy Valley in Pangyo,
the government also plans to
expand support for start-ups
eyeing overseas markets and
provide education programmes
and space for them. Like
Silicon Valley in the US, the
government will create a
business-friendly environment
to attract budding start-ups
from overseas and help them
settle down.
The plan also includes
ways to attract 400,000
foreign patients and expand
telemedicine services for
patients in rural areas, along
with support for domestic
drugmakers to expand their
presence in the global market.
As part of efforts to boost
Koreas financial technology
drive, the Financial Services
Commission plans to expand
an online-based automated
portfolio service, dubbed as
provide an integrated bank
service that allows users to
close their dormant accounts
online without having to go to
physical banks. Also, the Korea
Communications Commission
plans to transmit ultrahigh-
definition broadcast content
over terrestrial channels for
the first time in the world in
February next year.
--Photo Kyodo
suspensions of limited express
trains connecting Tokyo and
Nagano, and cancellations
of more than 160 domestic
flights.
The Chuo Expressway
was closed in some areas
of Nagano and Yamanashi
prefectures.
8 Tuesday January 19, 2016
World
Blizzards, high winds batter
Eastern Europe, cause havoc
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)
-- Blizzards battered parts of
Eastern Europe on Sunday,
forcing roads to close, trains
and flights to be canceled and
producing power outages.
The snow blanketed
parts of Romania, Serbia,
the Czech Republic,
Bulgaria and Poland, while
Croatias Adriatic coast was
hit by unseasonably low
temperatures and high winds.
Romanias transportation
ministry said 12 major roads
were closed Sunday because
of heavy snow and three
Black Sea ports had to shut
down because of high winds.
Railway authorities said 20
trains had been canceled. At
least three flights were also
canceled.
Some 14 communities
in Romania suffered power
outages and the Education
Ministry said schools would
close Monday in Bucharest,
the capital, and in other
southeastern regions.
The Interior Ministry said
6,000 officers were helping to
clear the snow.
The cold snap also gripped
other countries, causing traffic
problems and power outages.
Polands Interior Ministry
said Friday that 72 people
have frozen to death since
November, when temperatures
first dipped below zero (32 F)
while a further 29 people were
asphyxiated by fumes from
coal heaters.
In Bulgaria, heavy
snowfall of up to 15 inches (38
centimetres) were recorded
in some parts of the Balkan
nation and temperatures
dipped to -10 C (14 F).
Hundreds of refugees
traveling from Macedonia
trudged through the snow,
bracing freezing temperatures
to arrive Sunday at the
registration center in Presevo
in southern Serbia.
Milica Nikolic, a doctor
at the registration camp, said
the refugees risked frostbite
due to the low temperatures.
Aid workers inside the camp
handed out warm tea and soup
to the migrants Sunday before
they resumed their journey to
Western Europe.
Sub-zero temperatures and
strong winds battered the
Adriatic Sea coast in Croatia,
disrupting some ferry lines and
air traffic in the coastal city of
Dubrovnik.
Iran woos intl investment as
nuclear deal takes effect
TEHRAN (Xinhua) --
Iran on Sunday called on
international enterprisers to
participate in its economy after
the comprehensive deal on
Tehrans nuclear programme
officially took effect on
Saturday.
We a r e i n n e e d o f
investments and technology
and the ground in our
country is prepared for such
activities, Iranian President
Hassan Rouhani said at a press
conference after the European
Union (EU) and the United
States lifted their economic,
financial and energy sanctions
on Iran on Saturday.
International Atomic
E n e rg y A g e n c y ( I A E A )
Director-General Yukiya
Amano announced Saturday
that Iran has completed the
necessary preparatory steps
to start the implementation
of the Joint Comprehensive
Plan of Action (JCPOA), an
international deal on Tehrans
nuclear programme reached in
July, 2015.
Iran also promises more
transparency in its nuclear
programme, letting UN
nuclear inspectors monitor
Tehrans atomic plan.
The US and EU sanctions
on Tehrans disputed nuclear
programme have largely cut
Iran out of the international
financial system during the
past years. They have also put
restrictions on foreign ventures
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attends a press conference in
Tehran, Iran. --Photo Xinhua
to engage in Irans energy and
infrastructure development.
Our country has necessary
attractions for foreign
investments. It has stability,
security and tranquility.
The Iranian government has
implemented its pledges
pertaining to economic
promises and is committed to
do so, Rouhani said, vowing
to raise the GDP from the
current three percent to five
percent in the next year.
M o r e o v e r, w e h a v e
educated and capable human
resources as well as energy
sources, which makes it a
proper ground for investments
in diverse areas, he added.
After the nuclear
agreement between Iran and
the world powers in July 2015,
a number of Western officials
and business delegations have
Vientiane Times
visited Iran for post-sanction
cooperation.
Lifting the sanctions
would unfreeze a huge
amount of assets, around
tens of billions of US dollars,
and allow Iranian oil to be
sold internationally. Tehran
would be able to get access
to the international financial
system after being isolated
for years.
Meanwhile, the Iranian
president suggested that
resolving the nuclear issue
could also be a model for
resolving disputes among
regional states.
Following the
implementation of the JCPOA,
our economic and political
relations with our neighbors
and regional states will
improve far better than the
past, Rouhani added.

World Health Organisation hopes to

eradicate polio in 2016
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) --
An official says the World
A woman takes a break from clearing snow, back dropped by a delayed train during a blizzard at the Health Organisation hopes
Gara de Nord, the main railway station in Bucharest, Romania. --Photo AP to eradicate polio in 2016,
after containing outbreaks
in conflict-ridden Syria, Iraq
Cuban customs report more than and Somalia by immunising
millions of children over two
eradication programme,
says theres a chance to
finish polio forever this
year. He says the disease
still occurs in Pakistan and
Afghanistan, but that the
caseload is dropping.
Maher spoke Sunday at
eradication in Jordans capital,
Amman.
The agency says it faces
unprecedented demand for
basic health services. It
says half the regions 22
countries are in conflict or
affected by it, and that the

doubling of drug seizures in 2015 years.

HAVANA (Xinhua) -- Cuban
customs seized 104.68
kilogrammes of drugs
throughout 2015, more than
double the amount confiscated
the year before, local media
reported Sunday.
An absolute majority of
the seizures, 43 out of 46,
took place at the Jose Marti
International Airport, which
serves the capital, Cuban daily
Juventud Rebelde quoted the
national customs agency
(AGR) as saying.
Among the confiscated
drugs, cocaine continued
to be the No. 1 kind,
accounting for 73.43 kg, and
was followed by marijuana
(30.46 kg) and its synthetic
form (0.793 kg), according to
the AGR. The total amount in
2014 was 44 kg.
Noting that in 10 cases
the drugs were ingested in an
attempt to evade detection,
AGR official Niurbis Alonso
was quoted as stressing that
such drug mules risk the
danger of absorbing these
substances should the parcels
rupture.
In the past year, we
detected 24 issuing countries
and 34 destinations, mainly in
Europe, said Alonso, adding
that since 2008, when the
government lifted restrictions
on Cubans traveling abroad,
Cubans are increasingly
involved in the smuggling
cases detected.
The Caribbean island
is located along the route
drug-traffickers use to move
drugs from South America
to North America. Cuban
security forces seized 26 tons
of narcotics from 2003 to
2013, including drug parcels
washed ashore.
In addition to thwarting
drug-smuggling, customs
agents detected 134 attempts
in 2015 to export endangered
species, such as turtles, rare
birds and their eggs, as well
as attempts to illegally import
exotic species.
A total of 472 specimens,
weighing 199.2 kilogrammes
altogether, were intercepted,
including sea cucumbers
and sea stars, AGR inspector
Thisbe Quesada told the daily.
Cuba is a signatory to the
Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES), which establishes
mechanisms and controls to
limit the exploitation and
marketing of species subject
to protection.
Christopher Maher, who
runs the regional polio
the inauguration of a WHO
regional centre for health
emergencies and polio
Middle East is home to the
largest number of internally
displaced people anywhere.
100 sock factory workers hospitalised after
chemical leak in central Turkey
ANKARA (Xinhua) -- Some were transferred to the local nausea if inhaled.
100 workers were hospitalised hospital while the others were The authorities also noted
on Saturday in a chemical ferried to medical facilities in that the chemical came out
poisoning incident at a sock nearby provinces. from a furniture factory, also in
factory in the central Turkish The report said 15 of the the compound, while the cause
province of Cankiri, Daily hospitalised are in critical of the leakage is unknown at
News reported on Sunday. condition. Turkeys emergency the moment.
The workers at the factory, management authority said The industrial zone has
which is in an industrial the poisonous chemical was been temporarily shut down
compound, fainted while Tetrahydrothiophene, which and is expected to be opened
working. Some 38 people would cause headaches, on Monday.
Vientiane Times on CD-ROM
Issues of Vientiane Times from 1994 to January 2016 have been recorded on CD-ROM.
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 Business
Vientiane Times 9

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.la Tuesday January 19, 2016

Xayaboury requires 2 Luang Prabang eyes

trillion kip for development
The Hongsa power plant is one of the mega projects contributing to socio-economic development in
Xayaboury province.
Times Reporters
Xayaboury province requires
more than 2 trillion kip to invest
in socio-economic development
projects if it is to meet its goal
of 9 percent growth per annum
this year.
The province has set
a target to pursue economic
growth of at least 9 percent
with Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) forecast to hit more than
7 trillion kip.
The economic projection
will see GDP equating to an
average income of around 20
million kip (over US$2,000) per
person per year, according to the
provinces report on the socio-
economic development plan.
According to the plan, the
agriculture sector will contribute
32 percent of GDP, recording
an increase of 4 percent, while
industry will contribute 34
percent of GDP, reflecting an
increase of 15 percent, and the
service sector will contribute 34
percent of GDP, and experience
an increase of 13 percent.
The report said to ensure
economic growth of at least 9
percent in the fiscal year 2015-
2016, the province required
more than 2 trillion kip, equal
to 36 percent of GDP, in socio-
economic development.
Of this amount, 284 billion
kip would come from domestic
investment, accounting for 10
percent of the total investment.
On top of this, 511 billion
kip will come from grants and
loans, accounting for 18 percent,
1 trillion kip from overseas
and private sector investment,
accounting for 40 percent, and
910 billion kip from bank loans
and individual investment,
accounting for 32 percent.
The province has received
more than 63 billion kip from
state investment in the meantime,
with the authorities initially
allocating 41 billion kip into
regular funds for implementing
203 projects.
This included 48 debt-
funded projects worth more
increase in exports
Times Reporters and 4.88 percent to Thailand. work at assisting employee
Most of the products skill development.
Luang Prabangs provincial exported were wood products As the sector continues
industry and commerce sector from industrial tree plantations, to expand, the department
this fiscal year plans to increase along with Jobs tear, sweetcorn, plans to increase cooperation
exports by about 15 percent rubber, fruit, handicrafts and with development partners to
or 687.97 billion kip on the non-timber forest products. encourage more investors and
back of growth in product To reach their target, the seek new markets.
processing. department will focus on Tr a d i n g c o o p e r a t i o n
About 42 percent of the total SME development, especially between Laos and other
value of goods sold outside the technology improvements to countries continues to increase,
province is from exports, while increase efficiency for exports, especially between Laos and
58 percent is sold domestically, as well as providing better China which reached almost
according to the provincial facilities for freight movement. US$22 million last year and
Industry and Commerce The province will also focus more than US$2 million
Departments annual report. on commercial promotion, between Laos and Vietnam.
Last fiscal year 2014- marketing and regulatory However, imports also
2015, the value of exports awareness-raising for increased by about 300 percent
reached 598 billion kip which businesses as well as backing to supply the growing number
represented 122.65 percent border trading, in order to link of construction projects.
of the plan, and an increase with regional and international Most imported products
of 80.24 percent compared to markets. are construction and electronic
fiscal year 2013-2014. The department will equipment as well as food
About 83.37 percent of the take more responsibility in and beverages and household
than 15 billion kip, 107 joint goods exported went to China preventing illegal trading and equipment.
ventures and ongoing projects
worth some 20 billion kip and 48
newly proposed projects worth
5.5 billion kip.
The authorities delivered
14 billion kip to the Xaysathan
district development fund for the
implementation of 24 projects,
including 19 joint ventures and
ongoing projects worth 12 billion
kip and five newly proposed
projects worth 2 billion kip.
Some 8.3 billion kip was
allocated to rural development
and resettlement funds for the
implementation of 57 projects.
Besides that, for investment
budget allocation in 2015-
2016, the provincial authorities
have given consideration to
projects defined in Xayabourys
8th five year socio-economic
development plan as priority
projects, in particular debt-
funded projects, continuous
projects, focal development
projects in Three Builds pilot
districts, and newly proposed
projects. Business is booming in Luang Prabang.

AIIB president committed to highest possible standard

BEIJING (Xinhua) -- The first president
of the Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank (AIIB) vowed on Sunday
that he will adhere to the highest
possible standard in running the new
multilateral financial institution.
Jin Liqun made the remarks in a
speech at a press conference after the
conclusion of the two-day inaugural
meeting of the AIIBs board of
governors on Sunday, which approved
by-laws, rules and codes of conduct
for the bank.
I am most grateful to our
shareholders for the trust and confidence,
and I am deeply committed to running
the institution according to the highest
possible standard, and according to the
principles outlined in the banks article
agreement: transparency, openness,
accountability and independence, Jin
told reporters in Beijing.
Thirty of the 57 prospective
founding members, representing over
74 percent of the shares, have ratified
the article agreement, thus becoming
full members of the AIIB, and the
remaining ones will have completed
their membership processes by the end
of this year, he said.
At their meeting, the governors also
elected the banks board of directors,
which would convene its inaugural
meeting on Sunday afternoon and
consider a number of the banks core
policies, Jin said. The AIIB plans to
bring the first loans for approval before
the end of this year, he added.
The Beijing-based development
bank is designed to provide financial
support for infrastructure development
and regional connectivity in Asia.
Asia faces severe connectivity
gaps and significant infrastructure
bottlenecks. It is critical to address these
needs, because good infrastructure is a
foundation for robust economic growth,
and expand economic opportunities
and improve the quality of life for
everybody, Jin said.

Exchange rates as of January 18, 2016

Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public

Foreign Currencies Buying Selling

US Dollar 50-100 8,128 8,168

Thai Baht 224.42 226.1

Euro 50-500 8,847 8,891

10 Business Tuesday January 19, 2016 Vientiane Times

Savannakhets fuel Nam Ngum reservoir seeks

imports drop over 6 percent
Times Reporters
Savannakhet province
identified that petrol and gas
imports decreased by about
6.39 percent compared to the
same period last fiscal year,
according to a provincial
Industry and Commerce Office
report.
Over the past three months,
imports of petrol and gas
amounted to around US$27.6
million, dropping on the back
of world fuel prices.
Meanwhile, the value of
exports was recorded at over
US$179 million, or a decrease
of 10.7 percent compared
to the same period last year.
The provinces major export
goods were minerals, which
earned over US$111 million,
a decrease of 24.49 percent in
comparison to the same period
last year.
The report said the total
volume of imported goods in
the first three months of this
fiscal year stood at more than
US$118 million, up 27.34
percent compared to the same
period last year.
In addition, imported
goods to be used in various
projects were valued at over
US$37 million or an increase
of 139.64 percent compared
to the corresponding period
last year.
sustainable investment partners
For the second quarter
of this fiscal year 2015-16,
the province is looking at
increasing the volume of trade
to about US$672 million, while
the value of exports should be
about US$380 million and the
value of imports about US$292
million.
To e n s u r e t h e t r a d e
promotion plan is more effective,
the province is set to promote
trade at the Laos-Vietnam and
Laos-Thailand borders as well as
seeking marketplaces for local
products in regional markets.
According to a report for
the first three months, the trade
value of the province stood at
about US$297.3 million, or a

Tourists take a cruise on the Nam Ngum Reservoir.

Times Reporters encourage tourists to enjoy the development, environmental

Vientiane provinces Information,
Culture and Tourism Department
is seeking expressions of interest
from investors to develop five
zones around the Nam Ngum
reservoir, which is well known
among domestic tourists as the
Lao Sea.
The five planned zones will
include a park, and will move
the existing floating restaurants
and shops around the reservoir
to create a park where tourists
The Savan-Seno Special Economic Zone is one of the provinces outstanding drivers of trade and can relax and walk down to the
investment. boats. The new park will also
feature more parking spaces
locals fishing practices.
The fifth and final zone will
feature the construction of a
three star hotel, gift shops and
allocated houses.
The department has now
finished a draft proposal plan
to develop the reservoir in Keo-
oudom district into a more
attractive tourist destination
but it is still waiting for
expressions of interest from
investors.
Deputy Director of Vientiane
provinces Information, Culture
and Tourism Department,
Mr Bualy Mirattapheng, said
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, a n d t h e
participation of local people.
Nam Ngum reservoir in
Vientiane province has seen a
growth in service business in
recent years following a rise in
visitor numbers and this project
is expected to attract even more
interest in the area.
According to staff from
the Vientiane provincial
Information, Culture and
Tourism Department visitor
numbers to the province
reached more than 500,000
last year.
Most holiday makers head

Stock slump worsens in Asia as Iran sinks for vehicles.

crude while yuan gains
(Bloomberg, The Straits Times)
-- The worst start to a year for
global stocks extended into a
third week as crude oil sank to a
fresh 12-year low.
Japans Nikkei 225 Stock
Average was on the cusp of a
bear market as Chinese shares
fluctuated. Brent crude sank as
Iran pledged to boost exports
and Nomura Holdings predicted
a potential drop to US$25. The
yuan jumped in Hong Kong as
China stepped up efforts to curb
foreign speculation against its
currency.
The MSCI Asia Pacific Index
sank 1 percent as of 1:59 pm
Tokyo time, sliding toward its
lowest close since September
2012. Japans Topix index slid
1.5 percent and the Nikkei 225
was down 1.6 percent. The
Shanghai Composite Index
swung between gains and losses
as figures on Monday indicated
improvement in Chinas property
sector, ahead of a swathe of data
on Tuesday that will include an
update on fourth-quarter gross
domestic product. Hong Kong
Hang Seng index retreated 1.1
percent.
Singapore stocks tumbled
when trading opened with the
Straits Times Index down 1.56
percent at 2,589.62 as of 1:25
pm. Compunding the gloom
were economic data out on
Monday before markets opened
which showed non-oil domestic
exports shrank by a worse-
than-expected 7.2 percent in
December from a year ago,
the second straight month of
contraction, after shipments to
China fell more sharply.
Australias S&P/ASX 200
Index lost 0.7 percent, paring
an initial slide of as much as
1.8 percent. BHP Billitonne, the
worlds biggest mining company,
slid 3 percent, as Australian
explorer Santos plunged 8
percent.
Iran is aiming to raise
shipments by 500,000 barrels a day
amid the removal of sanctions,
adding to a global glut thats
dragged down oil prices.
The energy slump is fueling
concern over disinflation, just
as the US embarks on tighter
monetary policy and as anxiety
over Chinas management of
its slowing economy rattles
markets.
Futures on the Standard
& Poors 500 Index rose 0.3
percent. The US benchmark
sank 2.2 percent on Friday, led
by technology shares and energy
producers to its lowest level since
August. US stocks are also off
to their worst start to a year on
record, with a gauge of volatility
expectations soaring on Friday.
Markets in the US are closed
Monday for a public holiday.
The Australian dollar
increased 0.6 percent to 69.07 US
cents, after retreating 1.7 percent
on Friday. The Malaysian ringgit
lost 0.3 percent.
Chinas yuan rose 0.4 percent
in offshore trading to 6.5868 per
dollar, building on its biggest
weekly gain since October. The
central bank said it will impose
reserve-requirement ratios on
yuan deposited onshore by
overseas financial institutions
from Jan 25, without saying what
level would be used.
The Shanghai Composite
Index entered a bear market
last week for the second time
in seven months, erasing gains
from state support efforts amid
persistent investor concern over
volatility. Chinas stock-market
watchdog has acknowledged
ineptitude and loopholes within
its regulatory system after a
review of the turmoil that has
rocked local markets since June.
Japans currency, the
best performer among major
counterparts this year, was
down 0.2 percent at US$117.17
per, while the euro traded 0.2
percent lower at US$1.0892 after
climbing 0.5 percent last session.
Brent oil futures slipped to as
low as US$27.67 a barrel before
paring back to US$28.60, down
1.2 percent from Fridays close.
West Texas Intermediate crude,
which doesnt settle on Monday
given the US holiday, dropped
1.2 percent to US$29.08,
extending losses at its lowest
level since November 2003.
Irans additional crude
shipments have the potential to
further depress prices, perhaps
to as low as US$25 a barrel,
Gordon Kwan, a Hong Kong-
based analyst at Nomura, said
by e-mail on Sunday.
Oil capped a third annual loss
in 2015 as the Organisation of
Petroleum Exporting Countries
effectively abandoned output
limits amid a global oversupply.
Iran is trying to regain its lost
market share and doesnt intend
to pressure prices with an export
increase, officials from its
petroleum ministry and national
oil company said this month.
The second zone will
feature a bus station and a
yesterday that next month the
department expects to open a
bidding process for investors.
to the popular destination of
Vangvieng but it is expected
that visitors to the reservoir
community market, where
visitors can observe the
The department expects to
start the development as soon
will increase in the next two
years as new investors build
activities of local traders. as it obtains interest from an additional developments and
The third zone will feature appropriate investor. infrastructure.
restaurants and resorts, while However, their investment Investment in tourism
the fourth zone is located in should follow the departments services is expected to rise this
Sompakeo village and will designated plans in cooperation year, including the construction
serve other tourism businesses with the Asian Development of hotels and resorts, and boat
and home-stays, seeking to Bank, by focusing on sustainable services.
In brief
Hyundai, Kia second-fastest growing brand in France
S.KOREA (The Korea Herald, ANN) -- Hyundai Motor and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors were
the second-fastest growing car brands in France in 2015, industry data showed on Monday.
The two South Korean carmakers sold a combined 53,114 units in France last year, up 17.1
percent from a year earlier, according to the data provided by a local automobile association and
the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.
The on-year growth rate marked the second sharpest following a 19.1 percent gain of Mercedes-
Benz. BMW ranked third with 15.3 percent growth.
Hyundai Motor sold 23,968 units last year, up 39.6 percent from a year earlier, thanks to the
strong demand for the i20, whose sales shot up 72 percent. Kia Motors sales also expanded 3.4
percent to 29,146 units over the cited period.
The two carmakers market share in France also inched up 0.2 percentage points on-year to 2.8
percent in 2015, the data showed.
Exports dip 14.75 percent in Dec, gold imports rise to US$3.8 bn
INDIA (The Statesman, ANN) -- Exports contracted for 13th month in a row in December 2015
as outward shipments shrank 14.75 percent to US$22.2 billion amid a global demand slowdown.
Imports too plunged 3.88 percent to US$33.9 billion in December over the same month previous
year. Trade deficit during the month under review widened to US$11.6 billion as against
US$9.17 billion in December 2014.
During April-December period of the current fiscal, exports dipped 18 percent to US$196.6
billion as compared to US$239.9 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal, according to a
data released by the Commerce Ministry.
The main export sectors including engineering, petroleum products and gems and jewellery have
recorded negative growth in December, 2015.
Imports during the nine months period contracted 15.87 percent to US$295.8 billion, leaving a
trade deficit of US$99.2 billion.
As per the data, gold imports in December more than doubled to US$3.80 billion as compared to
US$1.36 billion in the year-ago period.
Oil imports too declined 33.19 percent to US$6.65 billion in December.
Vientiane Times Tuesday January 19, 2016 Business 11
Myanmar sees good prospects
for tourism industry in 2016 Asean Economic Community

YANGON (Xinhua) -- Myanmar countries frequently visit sprouting up across the nation to

Vietnam becoming tech firm hub

is seeing good prospects in
tourism industry in 2016, with
increasing number of tourists to
be expected during the year.
Tourists arrivals, as of the end
of November last year, reached
more than 4.2 million. The
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
estimates that the number will
rise to 5 million by April 2016.
Myanmar attracted US$2.64
billion foreign investment in 47
projects in the sector of hotels
and tourism in 2015, up US$1.5
billion from 2011s 1.14 billion
dollars in 36 projects.
Of the total foreign
investment in the sector in
2015, Singapore accounted for
US$1.47 billion, the highest
among all countries and regions,
followed by Vietnam with
US$440 million.
The tourism sector
development in Myanmar in
2016 depends on the progress
of the related investment in the
previous year as well as the
global and Asean economy.
According to the ministrys
master plan (2013-2020), tourist
arrivals are estimated to hit 7.49
million in 2020.
Tourists from neighboring
Myanmar on motorbikes, give adequate accommodation to
bicycles and boats under the
the increasing number of tourists,
arrangements by tour companies
according to the Myanmar
in cooperation with the ministry.
Hoteliers Association.
Rising number of foreign A total of 340 hotels are
tourists are seen as river cruise
operating across the nation
ships arrive in the country in the
in 2015, compared with 290
tourism season which used to
in 2014, according to U Tin
start in the beginning of a year.
Win, chairman of the Myanmar
The cruise liner MS Seven
Hoteliers Association.
Sea Voyage which is carrying Meanwhile, the government
699 visitors and 447 crew will
has established 17 hotel zones
be arriving in Myanmar on ain such areas as Nay Pyi Taw,
three-day visit until January 25.
Yangon, Mandalay and Bago
More cruise ships with more
regions. Tourist arrival through
visitors are also set to dock
Yangon International Airport
in Myanmar in January and recorded 759,181 in the first nine
February. months (January to September)
According to official of 2015, up 82,174 from 677,007
statistics, Myanmar welcomed
tourists in the same period of
25 luxury cruise ships carrying
last year.
26,000 visitors last year. More than 800,000 tourists
Moreover, the foreign tourists
entered Myanmar by air, ship
are signing up for Chindwin river
while more than 2.2 million
cruises, which offers views of
tourists visited the country
Myanmar natural landscape and
through border entrances and
encounters with ethnic minority
tourist arrival is highest in the
communities and their cultures.
Yangon, Mandalay, Inlay and
The number of tourism Bagan hotel zones. Electronic components are manufactured at Tenma Vietnam in QueVo Industrial Zone.
companies increased to 1,922 The number of tourists
now from 1,670 in 2014. Of arrival to Mandalay, the second
largest city of Myanmar, reached HCM CITY (VNS) -- The industry projects.
them, 1,822 are local citizens- ship 33 percent of all Samsung
owned. 306,432 in 2015, up 26 percent Saigon Hi-tech Park (SHTP) They are Hallacast Co mobile phones sold world-wide.
Myanmars hotels are also
from 242,566 in 2014. recently issued an investment ltdsUS$30 million HallaVina, Last year Samsungs exports
certificate to Malaysias United HKT Co LtdsUS$16 million of mobile phones and electronic

Trade balance back in the More SDN Bhd for a US$21 HKT Electronics Vietnam, and products and components were
million plant to manufacture Woosung Holding & Plastics worth US$32.8 billion.
high-precision plastic products Co Ltd. According to the General
positive due to weak economy for smart TVs. They will all soon begin Statistics Department, Vietnam
United reportedly hopes to producing components for exported US$15.8 billion worth
supply the US$2 billion Samsung smart phones and TVs such as of electronic products, including
SEHC hi-tech complex, also plastic covers and frames to computers and components, up
at SHTP, which is likely to supply companies like Samsung, US$4.56 billion from 2014.
begin operations next month, Microsoft, and LG. A majority of the exports was
producing TVs, phones and other Another South Korean by foreign-owned companies.
products. electronics supporting industry Prof Nguyen Mai, chairman
The Malaysian company is player, Orchem, also got a licence o f t h e F D I E n t e r p r i s e s
the fifth foreign-invested firms for a US$2 million plant in the Association, said Vietnam is
in the electronics supporting northern province of VinhPhuc. indeed becoming a global hub
industry recently licensed, Nguyen TienHanh, director for mobile components.
particularly after Samsung came of the VinhPhuc Investment Many Vietnamese companies
to SHTP. Promotion Agency, told DauTu are also intensifying investment
The other four are also (Vietnam Investment Review) in the electronics supporting
suppliers of Samsung. that in recent years the province industry, according to general
These are continuing signs has attracted a lot of foreign director of Qualcomm Vietnam,
of an increase in the number investment in the production Thieu Phuong Nam.
of foreign-invested supporting of electronic components for Vietnam will be the worlds
industry companies and suppliers Samsung. hub not only for producing
in HCM City and neighbouring Analysts said though the size electronic products but also
provinces. of most electronics supporting possibly for designing them.
A worker passes through Pertaminas Refinery Unit (RU) IV in Cilacap, Central Java.
This is similar to what industry projects is rather In a report last year the
happened at some other places modest, their combined value has Ministry of Information and
in Vietnam where major players climbed into billions of dollars. Communications said the
JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post, economist BerlyMartawardaya that Indonesias weak business like Samsung, Microsoft, and LG This means Vietnam could presence of many major foreign
ANN) -- After three years said that by volume in 2015, in 2015 was evident from a began large electronics projects. be becoming one of the worlds electronics companies in the
with a negative balance of Indonesia had imported more 21.4 percent decrease in raw Late last year the HaiPhong workshops for production of country created opportunities
trade, Indonesia recorded a gas and crude oil than in 2014, material imports and a 15.6 Economics Zone granted electronic components. for the domestic IT industry to
trade surplus in 2015 due to a increasing by 16.35 percent percent decrease in capital goods investment licences for three Samsungs two plants in Thai achieve rapid and sustainable
decreasing oil and gas deficit and 15.70 percent respectively, imports. Korean electronics supporting Nguyen and BacNinh provinces development.
and an increased non-oil and although refined oil imports Despite a quite significant
gas trade surplus compared to decreased by 12.65 percent. 42.39 percent decrease in prices,
the previous year, the Central The slump in oil prices the analyst said Indonesias
Statistics Agencys (BPS) latest has cut Indonesias oil and gas oil and gas export volume had
Singapore non-oil exports fall 7.2 percent
data shows. deficit. With an additional 10 increased by 7.56 percent in
The BPS data reveals that million new motorbikes and 2015, which meant that the in December, worse than expected
Indonesia recorded a trade one million cars in 2015, it country was selling more oil
surplus of US$7.52 billion in is hard for us to cut oil and at the cheaper price, especially SINGAPORE (The Straits Times, ANN) -- due to the contraction in non-electronic exports
2015 after suffering a deficit gas consumption, Berly told crude oil. The volume of crude Singapores non-oil domestic exports (NODX) which outweighed the flat growth in electronic
of US$1.88 billion in 2014. thejakartapost.com on Sunday. oil exports increased by 24.92 shrank by a worse-than-expected 7.2 percent in shipments.
Meanwhile, Indonesias oil and The economist further said percent from 2014. December from a year ago, the second straight On an SA basis, the level of NODX reached
gas deficit reduced to US$6.05 Indonesias weak economy Studies show that Indonesias month of contraction, after shipments to China S$12.5 billion in December, lower than the
billion in 2015, from US$13.13 had aggravated the situation oil is mostly exported due to fell more sharply. S$12.9 billion registered in the previous month.
billion the previous year. At the as people had cut their imports refinery problems, with most As with Novembers unexpected 3.4 percent NODX to China tumbled by 18.7 percent
same time, the countrys non-oil spending as a result. going to Singapore refineries decline in NODX, much of the blame lay on in December, following the previous months
and gas surplus increased to According to BPS data, and the refined oil being the contraction in shipments to China, which decrease of 9.1 percent, led by petrochemicals
US$13.57 billion in 2015, from Indonesias average price imported back to Indonesia. was Singapores largest export market in 2014. (-34.6 percent), primary chemicals (-59.6
US$11.24 billion the previous payed for imported oil and gas Despite improved capacity Economists polled by Reuters were percent) and civil engineering equipment parts
year. decreased by 42.39 percent in at several local refineries, expecting December NODX to fall 5.1 percent (-84.9 percent).
The improved data, however, 2015. Meanwhile, the price the Upstream Oil and Gas from a year earlier. NODX to South Korea contracted compared
was caused by Indonesias decrease of exported oil and Regulatory Special Task Force Shipments to all of Singapores top 10 to the 0.5 percent growth in November, due
worsening economy and gas was slightly lower, at 38.44 (SKKMigas) has found that NODX markets, except the US, Japan and to specialised machinery (-71.4 percent), PCs
oil prices decreasing due to percent. The non-oil and gas would likely be difficult for Hong Kong, contracted in December. Apart (-54.6 percent) and medical apparatus (-94.7
oversupply and did not reflect an commodities showed lower Indonesia to shift its crude from China, they fell most sharply for South percent). NODX to Taiwan fell 17.1 percent,
improved export performance, decreases also, of 6.80 percent oil export allocation over to Korea and Taiwan. after the 3.7 percent contraction in the preceding
an economist has warned. for imports and 4.48 percent for domestic use due to problems On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted month, due to ICs (-40.8 percent), measuring
Institute for Development exports. related to international business (SA) basis, NODX declined by 3.1 percent last instruments (-57.2 percent) and petrochemicals
of Economics and Finance Berly further explained structures. month, after Novembers 3.8 percent decrease, (-27.7 percent).
12 Tuesday January 19, 2016 Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times Tuesday January 19, 2016 13
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Lao Peoples Democratic Republic
(Announcement No.16/02)
Ministry of Industry and Commerce
OPEN TO:
POSITION:
All Interested Candidates / All Sources
Administrative Assistant, FSN-7
Second Trade Development Facility
OPENING DATE:
CLOSING DATE:
January06, 2016
January 22, 2016
Project ID No: P130512
WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/week
SALARY: Actual grade and salary will be based on the qualifications of the applicant. REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION. National Consultant to Support MRA on Accountancy Services
The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane is seeking an individual for the position of Administrative Assistant in the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL).
The Second Trade Development Facility (TDF-2) is a multi-donor program financed by Australia, the European
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION Union, Germany, Ireland, USAID and the World Bank focusing on improving trade and private sector development
The incumbent serves as the administrative and other office-management support to the INL Section, which comprises one U.S. Direct-Hire position and four LE
Staff including the incumbent. The Section receives and produces a large number of documents, including procurement and travel forms as well as documents
in Lao PDR. The development objective of the TDF-2, which is implemented by The National Implementation
connected with the frequent travel of the director and the two program managers, making filing and proper record-keeping an important part of this job. Unit (NIU) within the Foreign Aid Division of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), is to support the
implementation of governments trade and integration priorities outlined in the 2012 Diagnostic Trade Integration
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may
Study (DTIS) Roadmap, and in particular to contribute to improved competitiveness and diversification, focusing
result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified. outside the natural resource sectors.
1. Education:Completion of secondary school. Some business, technical or vocational training is required.
2. Experience:Two years of performing progressively responsible work in an office environment in an area such as protocol, or office administration.
The objective of the National Consultant is to support the Accountancy Department of the Ministry of Finance and
3. Language:Good working knowledge of spoken and written (Level III) of English and Lao language are required. support International consultant hired by the TDF-2 in the implementation of ASEAN MRA on Accountancy Services
4. Skills and abilities:Ability to use Word and Excel, and to trouble-shoot malfunction in copy machines, scanners and other common office equipment in Lao PDR. Main responsibilities are:
at a basic level.
5. Job Knowledge:A good working knowledge of State Department management and financial regulations.
Collect and review relevant laws, policies and other documents as requested by the International Consultant;
SELECTION PROCESS: When qualified, applicants who are U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and/or preference-eligible U.S. Veterans are given Translate relevant laws, regulations, policies and other documents form Lao into English and vice versa as requested;
a preference in hiring. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants make themselves known as having a hiring preference and specifically address the Facilitate and organize meetings and consultations with government and other agencies, and provide interpretation
required qualifications above in their application.
services during such meetings;
HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER: Assist the organization of the first Aptitude Test for foreign accountancy professionals wishing to practice in Lao PDR;
Provide comments on various draft reports prepared by the international consultant utilizing knowledge on
(1) USEFM who is ALSO a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran
(2) USEFM OR a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran country institutional set up and political economy of the sector;
(3) FS on LWOP Any other tasks required to support the international consultant and the Accountancy Department team.
The estimated inputs for this assignment are 110 working days or 5 months over a period of 12 months. It is expected
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
1. Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status. that inputs will be delivered in Vientiane, Lao PDR, working alongside International Consultant and government
2. Current OR employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply. Current OR employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs officials. The expected commencement date for Services in Lao PDR is as soon as possible. The full detailed ToR
Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report (EPR) are not eligible to apply. is available at the NIUs website: http://t4dlaos.org/index.php/en/work-with-us/vacancies
3. Current NOR employees hired on a Family Member Appointment (FMA) or a Personal Service Agreement (PSA) are not eligible to apply within the
first 90 calendar days of their employment, unless they have a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.
4. The candidate must be able to obtain and hold a (insert Secret or Top Secret) security clearance. In order to be considered for the position, the candidates should meet the following qualifications and experience
5. Candidates who are EFMs, USEFMs, AEFMs, or MOHs must have at least one year remaining on their sponsors tour of duty to be considered eligible requirements:
to apply for this position.
An advanced degree in accounting or related field (commerce or economics);
TO APPLY Membership in a professional accounting body which is a member of the International Federation of Accountants
(IFAC), or a post graduate qualification in Accounting or related field will be an advantage;
Interested candidates for this position must submit the following for consideration of the application:
1. Universal Application for Employment as Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174); Download the form at: http://laos.usembassy.gov/
Fluency in English and the Lao language (written and spoken);
job_opportunities.html; or Minimum 3 years of working experience in relevant field;
2. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the UAE; or Familiarity with trade in services and development issues;
3. A combination of both; i.e. Sections 1-24 of the UAE along with a listing of the applicants work experience attached as a separate sheet; plus Good translation skills (English-Lao-English), especially of law texts, will be an advantage;
4. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans
preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional preference in hiring with their application. Good interpersonal skills to facilitate dialogue with various government agencies, senior and technical staff,
5. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above. and the private sector and result oriented; and
Willing to work alongside and assist international and national counterparts in a practical and proactive way.
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO
Human Resources Office
American Embassy National Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants (IC) selection method set out in the
Thadeua Road, Somvang Tai Village Consultant Guidelines, in line with the World Banks Guidelines Selection and Employment of Consultants, January 2011.
PO Box 114, Vientiane, Laos
(Hardcopy or e-mail attachments are accepted) The NIU now invites interested eligible consultant to provide information indicating that you are qualified to
E-mail: VientianeHRO@state.gov perform the services (curriculum vitae with expressions of interest and references). Expressions of interest must
be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by January
POINT OF CONTACT
Telephone: 856-21-487000 26, 2016, 16:00 oclock.
Fax: 856-21-488002
National Implementation Unit (NIU)
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION: JANUARY 22, 2016
The U.S. Mission in Vientiane provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, Ministry of Industry and Commerce
religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives toachieve equal Ban Phonxay, Xaysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs. Tel: +856(21) 41 39 16 45 39 82; Fax: +856(21) 41 39 16
The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political E-mail: Amphaphone.t@laosaft.org
affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel Attention: Mr. Phouvieng Phongsa, NIU Director
practices, and/or courts for relief. Note: only short list will be contacted.

VFI is seeking a full time Social Enterprise Advisor (SEA) to support a LAO PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE
partnership with Lao Coca-Cola Bottling Co Ltd, focusing on VFIs Green Earth
Centre in Salavan Province and VFIs Dream Weaver enterprise in Pakse. Small and Medium Enterprises Access to Finance Project
Credit No. 5471-LA, Grant No. H958-LA

REQUEST FOR EXPRESS OF INTEREST

Business Development and Marketing Planning: ProjectCoordinator
The SEA will lead a process of 1) village-based product identification, 2) market The Government of Lao PDR is receiving support from the World Bank Group for improving access to
research & analysis, 2) processing and packaging options, 3) distribution finance by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Small and Medium Enterprises Access to
Finance Project (the Project). The objective of the Project is to provide long-term funding sources for
networks in Laos and the region, and 4) planning for improved consolidation banks to provide long-term credit to small and medium enterprises. This will be achieved by increasing
the supply of long-term finance provided by commercial banks and by strengthening the capability of
and market positioning. DOSMEP to formulate and implement public policies that promote access to finance for SMEs. The
Project includes three components: 1) A Line of Credit Facility; 2) A Risk Sharing Facility; and 3)
Technical Assistance.
Minimum Qualifications: As part of the Component 3 above, the DOSMEP is looking for a dynamic and experienced Full Time
Advanced communication (writing and speaking) skills in Lao and English National Consultant to fill the position ofthe above position to assist DOSMEP in the management and
coordination of the SME Access to Finance Project.
Education in related field
The Consultant is expected to be hired for the 40 months periodand will be called upon to assist
Experience conducting business planning and market research with proven DOSMEP as per the scope of work. The contract duration maybe adjusted up or down if required at
the sole discretion of DOSMEP. The full text of the ToR can be accessed at the NIUs website: http://
results t4dlaos.org/index.php/en/work-with-us/vacancies.
Experience working with business or social enterprise in Laos In order to qualify for this position, the candidates shall meet the following experience and competence
Availability to live and travel in field sites& ability/interest to engage directly requirements:

with farmers Minimum Bachelor Degrees in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, Science
or related field
Knowledge/experience of bringing raw farm products to market, processed Minimum 5 years of working experience with Lao national development projects funded by
international donors
& packaged Work experience under WB financed projects is highly preferable
Ability to work well with / guide (both in person and from a distance) a At least 2 years of experience in a project management unit of donor funded projects
Good understanding of the government policy with respect to SME development
local team Knowledge and experience related to SMEs promotion and SME banking services will be desirable
English language fluency in reading, writing and speaking is mandatory
High degree of computer literacy, and intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office
Package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)and internet
Additional Desired Qualifications: Sound project management skills with a strong focus on attention to detail and deadlines, coordination
and working with a diverse group of staff and consultants and other stakeholders
Lao citizen with outstanding Lao language skills and experience; English The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Banks Guidelines Selection and
capacity desired Employment of Consultants, Individual Consultants (IC) selection method, January 2011.

Demonstrated interest experience in social enterprise development The NIU now invites interested eligible consultants to provide information indicating that you are
qualified to perform the services (curriculum vitae with expressions of interest and references). Interested
Experience with NGO or hybrid social enterprises attractive but not required consultants may obtain further information at the address below. Expressions of interest must be
delivered to the address below or no later than January 29, 2016, 16:00 oclock (submissions via
email are also acceptable).
Please send a letter of interest, CV and relevant documents to Soyfa To: Mr. KeophouthoneInthivong, Procurement Officer, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, National
Dalaloy, Email: soyfad@yahoo.com or Tel: 312519;Fax: 315841 before Implementation Unit (NIU), Ban Phonxay, Xaysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, Tel:
+856(21) 41 39 16 45 39 82; Fax: +856(21) 41 39 16, E-mail:keophouthone.in@laosaft.org; Attn:Mr.
January 30th, 2016 PhouviengPhongsa, NIU Director.
Noted: Only Short-listed candidates will be contacted for the interview.
14 Tuesday January 19, 2016 Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times Tuesday January 19, 2016 15
16 Tuesday January 19, 2016 Vientiane Times

Investing in local leaders to create global change

VACCANCY FOR LAO NATIONAL

Shelter Manager (Female):
Protection and Empowerment of Women and Children (PEWC) programme
Village Focus International (VFI) is an INGO working in the Lao PDR since 2001. VFI is looking to fill the position of
Shelter Manager, who will be responsible for leading the shelter team, to manage a shelter for trafficking survivors
especially women and children. This position will be based in Vientiane capital.

Duties
Be leader for the shelter component in Vientiane capital.
Provide technical assistance and advise the shelter team to ensure that smooth running of the activities,
effectively and follow the plan.
Monitor of the shelter policy, roles and child protection policy are effectively implement at the shelter
Provide Cleary on residents rights, shelter policy, and resident roles to the new admitted shelter residents
Supervise staff to document and update the residents data regularly.
Prepare resident individual planning and review to ensure that meet with the resident goal
Prepare case study to PM every quarterly
Over see the individual and group case counseling with the counselor to ensure effectively rehabilitation progress.
Prepare monthly planning and reporting to project manager
Assist to prepare yearly, and quarterly plan and report to donor and government counterpart when require.
Conduct staff weekly, and monthly meeting to plan and feed back
Conduct weekly and monthly resident meeting to feed back of the shelter services, residents feeling and improve
performance
Organize and facilitate the case conference meetings with social worker team to prepare case planning and
case reintegration
Assist to conduct case management meeting with government partner for special case when require.
Communicate and coordinate with other project stakeholders and government partners in order to build a
strong network and present of the shelter activity.

Qualification and Experiences

Bachelor Degree in social or related field
Ability to develop plans and reports in Lao and English (with minimal assistance)
A minimum of 2-3 years of management experience
Experience working with NGOs
Basic understanding of trafficking, CRC, CEDEW and related issues
Computer skills: word processing, Excel, power point, email, internet
Leadership skills: able to train, supervise and manage team
Fluency in spoken Lao and English

Social Characteristics
Open-minded and willing to work with trafficking victims
Ability to work with and communicate effectively with other staff and partners.
Ability to work on the weekend, holiday and emergency time when require
Ability to communicate effectively and network with a range of stakeholders
Ability/interest to work closely with Government, INGOs and the private sector
Experience in and appreciation of ethnic minority groups and gender-related issues
Able to travel in Laos and other country when require
Please send your written application together with CV, copies of certificates and references by January 30th, 2016
to Kongseng SIRIVATH at kongseng@villagefocus.org and Soyfa DALALOY at soyfad@yahoo.com
or send to: VFILAO Box 4697 Vientiane, Lao PDR / Tel: 021 312519 / fax: 021 350740
Vientiane Times Tuesday January 19, 2016 17
18 Tuesday January 19, 2016 Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times
The recently opened Water Park located 2km south of the town.
Vangvieng spread its wings as
visitor attractions multiply
Times Reporters
T
he recent opening of a water park and sunflower garden
in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province is yet another
draw card for visitors as they enjoy the districts re-
emerging charm.
Vangvieng is one of the most popular tourist destinations
in Laos not only because of its beautiful scenery, but also its
many challenging activities and the wide ranging nature of its
attractions.
In addition to this, Vangvieng is ideally located in the northern
part of Vientiane province bordering on Luang Prabang province
and its World Heritage Site. Its location means tourists dont
spend too much time travelling by road, being 200km from
Luang Prabang and even less from the capital.
Vangvieng is also well known as Laos adventure tourism
Adventurers take to the sky in hot-air balloons for a beautiful sunset.
Visitors enjoy tubing and kayaking on the Xong River.
Tuesday January 19, 2016 19
Travel
The tranquil sunflower garden located a few kilometres to the towns north.
destination. With all this in its favour it comes as no surprise that
the number of tourists increased from over 450,000 in 2014 to
more than 500,000 people in 2015.
In addition, Vangvieng is not only attracting tourists but is
also attracting domestic and foreign investment in activities,
accommodation, restaurants, tour operators and entertainment
venues.
Central to Vangviengs well-known adventure and nature
activities is the beautiful Xong River where you can enjoy tubing,
kayaking and boat trips while taking in magnificent views of
karst mountains.
On top of this are other fun things to do such as cycling, quad
bike riding, climbing, zip-lining, visiting caves, trekking, visiting
organic farms, camping, hot-air ballooning and night-clubbing.
They say a picture tells a thousand words so here are some
of the highlights the area has to offer:
A stream of visitors make their way down from Chung cave, one of
the most popular caves in Vangvieng.
Camping is also growing in popularity for adventure seekers and
the budget conscious.
Visitors enjoy a ride on a quad bike. Tourists sunbathe along the Xong River in Vangvieng.
20 Tuesday January 19, 2016
The 10th Congress of Lao
Peoples Revolutionary Party
Sisay Vilaysack
T
he 9th Congress of
t h e L a o P e o p l e s
Revolutionary Party
took place in Vientiane
from March 17-21, 2011, and
was attended by 576 delegates
representing 191,780 Party
members nationwide.
An election took place to
determine the members of the
9th Party Central Committee,
comprising 61 people. Five
were women and accounted for
8.19 percent of all committee
members. Members were in
different age groups as follows:
24 comrades aged 60 and over
comprised 39.34 percent of all
members, 35 comrades aged
between 45 and 59 accounted for
57.37 percent, two comrades aged
44 and under accounted for 3.27
percent, while the oldest member
was 75 and the youngest was 42.
The average age was 58.
The first Plenary Session of
the 9th Party Central Committee
re-elected Comrade Choummaly
Sayasone as the Secretary General
of the Party Central Committee,
elected 11 members of the
Politburo, elected 9 members of
the Secretariat of the Party Central
Committee, and elected Comrade
Bounnhang Vorachit as Standing
Member of the Secretariat.
At the same time, the Plenary
Session elected the president and
vice president of the Inspection
Committee of the Party Central
Committee.
The Congress tabled,
discussed and adopted important
issues of the Party and nation in
a workmanlike and constructive
atmosphere filled with cohesive
solidarity, and concluded with
sound outcomes as follows:
The Congress discussed in
depth and unanimously adopted
the Political Report of the 8th Party
Central Committee presented to
the 9th Party Congress by Party
Secretary General Choummaly
Sayasone.
The Congress agreed with the
assessment of the implementation
of the resolution adopted by the
8th Party Congress, particularly
the outstanding achievements
made in national defence and
security tasks, socio-economic
development, improvements
to and consolidation of State
administration systems, the united
front and mass affairs of the
Party, foreign affairs, international
integration, and Party and
personnel building.
The achievements made
over the past five years laid the
foundations to further boost the
growth of Laos in line with the set
roadmap and destination.
Delegates contributed
frank and candid opinions on
the shortcomings of the Partys
leadership, which caused the
implementation of focal work
in some areas to fail to achieve
set targets, particularly the
shortcomings in leadership and
supervision attributed to the slow
translation of guidelines into
detailed plans and projects by line
agencies and local organisations.
This caused time-consuming
delays in implementation,
particularly regarding issues of
rural development associated
with production promotion on
a commercial basis to alleviate
household poverty.
9th Congress re-elects Comrade Choummaly
Sayasone as Party Secretary General
Vientiane Times is publishing a series of articles detailing the development and leadership of the Lao Peoples
Revolutionary Party to mark the 10th Party Congress which is taking place from January 18-22.
The 9th Congress of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party took place from March 17-21, 2011.
Additionally, economic
growth was not seen to be
sustainably strong as it was based
primarily on the mining sector and
exports of raw natural resources.
Other shortcomings included
development in some areas of the
social sector failing to meet set
targets, and an increase in socially
undesirable behaviour.
The Congress called for
acceleration to intensively
address these shortcomings in
order to bring positive changes
in implementing the Partys
guidelines.
The Congress adopted targets
to pursue and realise by 2015, as
follows:
Consolidate and secure
political stability based on the
improvement and consolidation
of the peoples democratic
regime under the leadership of
the Party; achieve cohesive unity
of the entire nation, solidarity and
concord among ethnic groups;
maintain fundamental social order
and security.
Sustained national economic
growth of 8 percent or higher per
year. By 2015, income per capita
was targeted to reach US$1,700;
adopting stable development,
combined with social and cultural
development on a par with
economic development while
also protecting the environment
and creating preconditions
conducive to industrialisation
and modernisation.
By 2015, reduce the poverty
rate of poor families to no more
than 10 percent of all families
nationwide; ensure that all Lao
people complete compulsory
primary education and most
graduate from lower secondary
school, and that average life
expectancy reaches 68.3
years; attain the Millennium
Development Goals. National
culture is further preserved and
enhanced.
Laos has a large number
of international friends, and is
capable of participating in regional
and international integration in a
pro-active manner, and rigorously
contributes to the cause of peace,
friendship, and cooperation for
development in the region and in
the world.
The Congress reached
consensus that the targets
adopted were essential to create
a foundation that would enable
Laos to graduate from Least
Developed Country status by
2020, and advance further
towards industrialisation and
modernisation in a sound and
sustainable manner.
In order to achieve these
targets, the Congress adopted
general directives and duties, as
follows:
Embrace the roles and
competent leadership of the Party
in all work sectors by upholding
its leadership in implementing
six renovation principles in
a comprehensive and proper
manner; exhibit creativeness
in exploring centralised
potential associated with seizing
advantages by creating steps
towards the breakthrough
development approach, ensuring
continuous growth, stability and
The Congress called for Party committees, administration
authorities, Party members and civil servants across the
country, especially core officials, to learn and understand
the content of the Political Report, and be active in
translating it into detailed action plans and projects
compatible with potential and peculiarities, and together
realise the detailed plans and projects.
sustainability.
To achieve this, firstly we
must embark on a breakthrough
in thinking by liberating and
addressing the characteristics
of dogma, stereotyping,
complacency, and extremism.
At the same time, we
must promote creativity and
the attributes of having the
courage to think, to do and to
be responsible, with the aim of
successfully implementing the
Partys resolution.
Secondly, we must pursue
breakthroughs in human
resource development, especially
in training and improving
knowledge and techniques in
various fields, so that we have a
qualified workforce to meet the
demands of development.
Thirdly, we have to make
a breakthrough in removing
completely those administrative
and managerial orders and
methods that impede business
production and services.
Fourthly, we must achieve
a breakthrough in addressing
poverty by seeking funding
sources and introducing special
promotion policies, and creating
social and economic infrastructure
with focus, so that it becomes a
driving force for development in
other areas.
The Congress called for
the speedy implementation
of these four breakthrough
approaches simultaneously and
in a harmonious manner. The
Congress assigned the Party
Central Committee and Party
committees at all levels to
supervise the implementation in
a uniform and pragmatic manner.
The Congress assigned the
Party Central Committee to
supervise the systematic study
of the resolution, particularly
the Partys core members and
cadres in all central and provincial
organisations and all sectors to
learn the resolution properly in
order to put it into practice with
tangible results.
In addition, the Congress
assigned the Party Central
Committee to further study in
order to transform the directives
and focal tasks of some areas
into the resolution of the Party
Central Committee to serve as
a detailed reference for Party
committees at all levels for
organised implementation. At
the same time, work it was agreed
that work was needed to supervise
State organisations in translating
the directives and focal tasks into
detailed legal documents, action
plans and projects to ensure
sufficient time for their successful
implementation.
Party Secretary General Choummaly Sayasone (right) and other
Party Central Committee members elect the new Party Central
Committee during the 9th Congress. (File photos)
The Congress called for
Party committees, administration
authorities, Party members and
civil servants across the country,
especially core officials, to learn
and understand the content of the
Political Report, and be active in
translating it into detailed action
plans and projects compatible
with potential and peculiarities,
and together realise the detailed
plans and projects.
The Congress heard a report
on the 7th five-year national socio-
economic development plan
(2011-2015), which translated
the resolution of the Congress
into national action plans and
projects including investment
outlines for various projects. The
Congress reached consensus on
the five-year plan and assigned
the government to make good use
of untapped potential and overall
strength to realise the five-year
development plan.
The Congress adopted the
leadership assessment report of
the 8th Party Central Committee,
highly valuing the intense effort
and creativeness employed in
developing the Partys traditions
and lessons, which had resulted
in the implementation of the 8th
resolution with several important
achievements, even exceeding set
targets in some fields.
At the same time, the
Congress praised the Party
Central Committee for being the
leading committee with cohesive
unity, being core for unity within
the whole Party, State, armed
forces and the entire Lao people.
The Party Central Committee
was also active in addressing
the degradation of revolutionary
morale and any action against
the Partys Statute within leading
Party cadres at all levels.
The Congress called for the
9th Party Central Committee to
be more active in enhancing its
strong points, while addressing
weak points and shortcomings
intensively, to uphold the
strength and role model of Party
committees.
The Congress heard a report
on the amendment of the Partys
Statute and adopted the 9th
amended statute, which would
serve as a guideline guaranteeing
the implementation of political
lines. The amended statute of
the Lao Peoples Revolutionary
Party was officially adopted by
the 9th Party Congress and took
effect immediately after the Party
Vientiane Times
Central Committee announced
the official promulgation of the
statute.
The Congress elected the
9th Party Central Committee
comprising 61 members, to be
the core leadership body of the
Party, State, armed forces and Lao
people throughout the country in
implementing the resolution of
the 9th Congress successfully
with new achievements, creating
concrete breakthrough approaches
in development and advancing the
nation further at a strong pace.
The Congress congratulated
and praised cadres, Party
members, military, police and
production, business and service
entrepreneurs in all sectors of
the economy, as well as the
multiethnic Lao people and
social strata across the nation,
and Lao compatriots living
abroad who love the nation
for their active participation
in national defence and
development tasks, as well
as the implementation of the
resolution of the 8th Congress
over the past five years, which
had scored several important
achievements regarded as
creating a basis and new factors
in the effort to raise Laos above
least developed country status
by 2020 and advance it further
towards the set goals.
The Congress also expressed
sincere thanks and gratitude to
brotherly and friendly countries
and international organisations
for their valuable support and
assistance in nation building
and the development of the Lao
people over the past five years.
The Congress called for all
Party members to uphold their
role model in all areas leading
the masses in realising this
resolution. The Congress also
called for officials, combatants,
and multiethnic Lao democratic
people of all social strata
to maintain a strong sense of
patriotism, a deep love for the
peoples democratic regime and
energy in performing their jobs,
making a living and working to
turn Laos into a prosperous nation
where people enjoy a wealthy and
happy life, and society enjoys
unity and concord, democracy,
justice and civilisation.
Sources: -- History of the Lao
Peoples Revolutionary Party,
published by the National Institute
of Social Science in 2010, and
Pasaxon newspaper.
Vientiane Times
What are your thoughts on the 10th Party Congress?
The 10th Congress of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party began yesterday morning and will
continue until Friday. Vientiane Times reporters were present at the event and interviewed Party
members and invited guests concerning their thoughts on this special occasion.
Times Reporters
M r Phetkeo
Heuangpannha,
Party member from Attapeu
province: I am very happy
and proud to represent Party
members and the people
of Attapeu by attending
this congress. It is a very
important and meaningful
time for the Party, Lao
politics and our country.
Party leaders will report
on the achievements of the
targets and directions set
at the previous congress,
especially with regard to the
five-year National Socio-
economic Development
Plan. We will also elect new
Party Central Committee
members. Because of Laos
rapid economic growth, the
Party needs to improve its
administration by selecting
a new generation of leading
Party members. This is
an especially critical time
because we are leading
the country out of least
developed status and have
obligations to international
bodies that must be
achieved by 2020. So we
need to update the Partys
administrative system and
the directions and plans
for the next five years of
development.
M r Saman Homyen,
a guest from
Champassak province: I am
so happy to have been invited
to attend this congress again
and to represent the people
of Champassak. This is an
important event and is held
only once every five years.
As a retired official, I am
attending the congress to
hear the Partys reports on
their achievements over the
last five years towards the
development of the country.
Last time I was here as a
Party member. There are
many issues and problems to
discuss, resolve, and improve
upon. This time around there
are more participants and
there is more to report on in
terms of social and economic
development. Of course,
when I get home I will
inform people about the new
directions and plans decided
on here, so they can be fully
informed about the events
that have taken place.
M s Outhen Masixonxay,
a Party member from
Xieng Khuang province:
I am very happy to be here
as a Party member and
a representative of my
province. I think this congress and our plans for solving
is a political event which is
very important to the Party
and the country. The congress elect some new leaders. I
Streetwise
will elect a new Party
Secretary General, Politburo
members and Party Central
Committee members. Over
the past five years weve been
carrying out the directions
and plans of the last congress,
and have seen some great
results. I fully support the
congress and congratulate
Party members and invited
guests on their presence at
this event.
M s Chansavath Boupha,
representative of
the Ministry of Energy
and Mines: Im very proud will change or improve.
to represent the people in
attending the 10th Party
Congress. Its very important
for Laos because we will
summarise our activities
over the past five years and
make new plans for the
next five years. We will
discuss developments in
Laos, in the fields of politics,
organisations, economics,
culture and other areas that
have improved peoples lives
in various ways.
M
r Bounhieng
Duangbotthong, from
Huaphan province: I think
people are very interested
in this congress because its
very important for themselves
and the country. We will
discuss the targets we laid
out at the last Party congress,
problems and accelerating
development. We will also
Tuesday January 19, 2016 21
Opinion
believe this meeting will be lot of development in the them, so we have lots of
very productive in terms of past five years since the 9th plans to put in place and
development and resolving
problems in Laos, especially
over the next five years as
Party Congress because we
set plans to tackle many
problems which we followed
programmes to organise.
and were successful.
M r Phetsamone
Phonvilaysak, a guest
from Khammuan province:
I feel very privileged to be
invited to attend the congress.
We will address the current
situation throughout the
country and will assess
there are many things that
whether things have got
better or worse during the
period from 2010-2015.
After the last congress, the
situation in Khammuan
province has improved
If there are problems we considerably, especially in
My province has seen a will make plans to address terms of living standards.
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22 Opinion Tuesday January 19, 2016
Inclusive AIIB to boost
sustainable growth
Zhang Zhouxiang
CHINA (China Daily) -- The
AIIB is both inclusive and open,
and a global financial institution
that believes in equality. That
the Philippines joined the AIIB
as a founding member on Dec
30, 2015, before the deadline,
conclusively proves the bank is
indeed open and inclusive, and
it will boost development and
cooperation in the region and
beyond.
The banks openness is also
reflected in the flexibility for
the countries that have not yet
ratified the AIIB agreement.
More than 17 countries have
ratified the AIIB agreement
to become formal members,
and one cannot rule out the
possibility of some countries
quitting the institution for not
doing so. The AIIB council,
however, could accept them
as observers while the banks
board of directors might allow
their representatives to attend
meetings, and both measures
will enable them to be part of the
AIIB cooperation mechanism in
a certain way.
In other words, the AIIB
is open and innovative - very
different from the US-led Trans-
Pacific Partnership Agreement
- and will not exclude members
from the trading bloc even if
they fail to ratify the agreement
before the deadline expires.
The AIIB will play a
complementary role to the
existing global financial
institutions such as the World
Bank and theAsian Development
Bank, and together they can
build a dynamic financial system
to support global growth. The
AIIB will be cooperative in
nature, and its focus will be on
infrastructure.
Hopes and dreams for 2016
Jessica Cheam
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times,
ANN) -- Last week, the Ministry
of National Development
launched a new month-long
series of engagement sessions
titled A Cleaner, Greener and
Smarter Home. As part of
the symposium, I visited the
ongoing Future of Us exhibition
at Gardens by the Bay - billed as
the grand finale to Singapores
SG50 celebrations.
At its entrance stands a large
display of the front page of a
newspaper titled The Future
Express from December 2030.
Its headlines reveal that by then,
all buildings in the heartland
have edible gardens, and drones
are being used by Singaporeans
to chope seats. Go further, and
the exhibition immerses you in a
sensory experience featuring 3D
screens and large-scale models
in four massive domes on what
daily living in the city-state might
be like.
In 2030, sky farming is
available everywhere for people
to grow anything they desire,
healthcare professionals can be
summoned by the elderly with
the touch of a button via smart
devices, and homes are powered
by kinetic energy that converts
daily movements into electricity.
Energy from the sun is also stored
in battery banks at self-sufficient
buildings that use a smart system
Asian Infrastructure Investment Banks opening ceremony will start in Beijing on Jan 16.On the eve of
the event, China Dailys Zhang Zhouxiang sought the views of three experts on the AIIBs role in the
world financial system and its influence on the global economy.
Of course, the AIIB will
compete with other financial
institutions but for the betterment
of all economies. For instance,
after China initiated the move
to establish the AIIB, the World
Bank increased its investment
in Indonesia and began paying
greater attention to Pakistan.
No financial institution wants
to lag behind when it comes to
common efforts, but the AIIB
wont compete with the ADB
and World Bank to challenge the
existing world financial order.
Besides, the AIIB will
help emerging markets enjoy
greater say in global financial
matters by promoting economic
cooperation and sustainable
growth.
Although the name Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank
suggests the banks focus will be
on Asia, its influence will not be
limited to Asia. The AIIB will
to distribute energy efficiently.
According to the organisers,
these futuristic scenes of
Singapore were based on
national masterplans and ideas
mined from some 15,000
suggestions collected during the
Our Singapore Conversation,
an exercise in participative
citizenship which ended in 2013.
I found the visions of Singapore
I saw at the exhibition uplifting.
The experience also triggered
- at the start of this new year -
some introspection and reflection
on the past year and what lies
ahead.
I would say last year was a
milestone year for the planet.
Environmental, social and
broader sustainability issues
hogged the headlines as extreme
weather events and rising
temperatures across several
regions threw global food, water
and energy systems into disarray.
It was the hottest year on record,
and a group of leading scientists,
in a new report published last
week by the journal Science, now
say that humanity has left such an
indelible imprint on earth that it
justifies naming a new geological
epoch - the Anthropocene - after
mankind.
Thankfully, the year
also offered bursts of hope:
sustainable development entered
the mainstream global discourse,
boosted by the adoption of the 17
new Sustainable Development
provide a platform for Asian
economies and their partners to
work with each other and propel
the economic integration of Asia
and the regions beyond.
Some Western media outlets
have compared the AIIB with
the US Marshall Plan, which
was aimed at the economic
revival of Europe after World
War II. The comparison was
not heard for some time, but it
is being used again as the AIIBs
opening ceremony approaches.
There are fundamental and
obvious differences between the
AIIB and the Marshall Plan. The
AIIB is a formal international
institution comprising 57
members that have vowed
to work in a cooperative and
democratic way. Also, despite
floating and executing the idea
of the AIIB, China does not
seek dominance over the bank
or control over other members.
Goals by the United Nations.
These goals set the development
agenda for the world until 2030
and include ending poverty and
hunger, improving health and
education, and protecting oceans
and forests, among other noble
pursuits.
Last month - after two
decades of tough negotiations
- nations also adopted the Paris
Agreement, a historic global
treaty to tackle climate change
that analysts say will finally usher
in the renewables era and the end
of the fossil fuel age.
In the coming years, the
world certainly has its work cut
out to achieve these goals.
Domestically, Singapore
has outlined its own targets
on everything from energy
efficiency to Internet connectivity
and cycling lanes in masterplans
such as the 2015 Sustainable
Singapore Blueprint, the Smart
Nation vision, and its national
commitment to the Paris
Agreement.
These long-term targets
are not just about meeting
international commitments,
but also improving the lives of
citizens. In other words: providing
cleaner, greener, smarter homes.
Heres what I wish can and
will happen this year to usher in
that sustainable future:
Government
I wish for bolder
policymaking in areas such
In contrast, the Marshall Plan
was dominated by the US, and
Western European countries
got help from it instead of
participating in it.
Besides, the AIIB will
function according to market
rules and invest only in programs
that have market potential. The
AIIB is an open and fair financial
institution whereas the Marshall
Plan was driven by political
interests and imposed strict
conditions on the aid-receiving
countries.
China has already made
it clear that the AIIB will not
impose any political conditions
on any member. The fact that
the Philippines has joined
the AIIB in spite of having a
maritime dispute with China
is the best example of the
AIIBs openness and, hence,
it is absurd to compare it with
the Marshall Plan.
as transportation, waste
management and energy. The
vision of a car-lite Singapore
set out in the 2015 Sustainable
Singapore Blueprint will require
a paradigm shift to focus on
people - rather than cars - in urban
planning. Apart from ramping up
public transport, plans for car-free
zones, more pedestrian walkways
and cycling lanes should be
speeded up. Alternative forms
of transport to the traditional car,
such as electric cars, scooters
or unicycles, should also be
encouraged and integrated safely
into the transport systems.
As a small country, Singapore
has a disproportionately high
waste footprint and its high time
it addresses this. That will require
a fundamental rethink about
waste-management systems.
Singapore could do more to
embrace emerging concepts such
as the circular economy.
This favours keeping
resources in use in the economy
for as long as possible, over the
outdated, linear take, make,
waste model of growth as
driven by manufacturing and
consumption. Singapore also
lacks regulations on e-waste,
which is unacceptable, given the
national addiction to electronics
and gadgets.
--The writer is editor of
Eco-Business, an Asia-Pacific
sustainable business online
publication.
Vientiane Times
What
Whatthe
theLao
Laopapers
paperssay
say
Ways to prevent
dengue fever
Translated by Times Reporters
Dengue fever is a dangerous disease that can be fatal, but
spreading knowledge is the first step to prevent infection.
Although many people may have heard about a
popular Thai actor who is yet to recover from dengue
fever, it seems that others may not understand the dangers
of the disease.
Dengue fever remains a problem in developing
countries and Laos still has outbreaks, with many people
affected by the disease.
In Laos, 1,775 cases have been reported and although
no one has yet died, the Ministry of Health reported
last week it is necessary for all officials concerned to
coordinate with each other to tackle the problem.
The ministry also reported that the disease spreads
from towns to remote areas, and areas with dense
populations, especially in the provinces, are at risk of
outbreaks.
The ministry urged people to remove the breeding
sources of mosquitoes and follow basic rules to make sure
that the mosquito population decreases. The rules include
covering or emptying all water containers, flushing all
water vessels, putting guppy fish into large water jars,
and cleaning around homes on a regular basis.
Beside this, people should remove all old tins, coconut
shells, water containers and tyres from around the house.
People are also advised to sleep under a mosquito net
during the day and night to avoid mosquito bites.
Many people think that clearing potential mosquito
breeding sites is the duty of the Ministry of Health, doctors
and nurses, but it is hoped that the sector concerned will
organise a campaign to encourage local people to play
their part in reducing the mosquito population.
Assistance from everyone is important to reduce the
incidence of dengue fever step by step.
--Vientiane Mai Daily, January 15
Traffic problem
needs to be solved
The number of vehicles will increase in the future
and driving conditions will get even worse, especially
regarding congestion, traffic jams and accidents.
The Vientiane vehicle control division reported that
traffic jams are on the increase because the number of
vehicles has increased, and many people are wondering
how the problem will be solved.
The economy continues to grow, giving people more
income and enough money to buy a vehicle.
As of 2015, some 770,000 vehicles had been registered
in Vientiane, and it is thought this number will increase
by a further 300,000 vehicles in the coming years.
--Lao Phatthana Daily, January 18
Advertisements
should be written in Lao
Many advertising signs in front of shops and other services
are written in foreign languages instead of Lao, which has
left some people calling for stronger regulations.
One reader of Pasaxon Van-Athit, Uncle Chaeng
of Thongsanang village, Chanthabouly district, called
to say that the advertising signs displayed by many
business units in Vientiane are written in other languages,
especially those owned by foreigners.
The sector concerned has ordered that advertisements
are to be written in Lao, not other languages.
Respect for Lao regulations and culture is an
obligation for all business owners, and laws must be
respected and implemented strictly.
Uncle Chaeng also felt that the Vientiane Industry and
Commerce Department and the Information, Culture and
Tourism Department should monitor signs to ensure that
Vientiane preserves the nations culture.
Uncle Chaeng hopes that sharing his opinion may
push the sector concerned to take action.
--Pasaxon Van-Athit Weekly, January 17
Vientiane Times Tuesday January 19, 2016 23
Arts & Leisure
Future National Artist Mono, Lao singers new
age 4, a Line sticker prodigy
loves using watercolours mostly
release chases dreams
because its fun mixing the
colours to get different shades.
We love to see the ideas she
comes up with. We support her
in being creative - we just let her
explore her imagination.
The Phi Ta Bo character
was entirely Monos idea. I
helped her a bit since shes very
young, Theerapong says. Its
quite normal for a four-year-old
to smear the colours outside the
outlines while colouring, so I
just made sure the smudges were
taken care of.
Then, seeing Phi Ta Bo in
Kanyapak Mono Saengsiths Phi Ta Bo stickers are available from colour, I started to think about
the Line apps sticker market for 50 coins. sharing Monos work with the
public so that anyone who likes
THAILAND (The Nation, back when weve got homegrown cartoons and art could enjoy it.
ANN) -- The stickers are an talent like this coming up.) Dad uploaded the full set
important part of social discourse Mono has loved drawing and to the Line Creator Market,
in Thailand and weve produced colouring since she was two, seeking the nod to sell them
several leading sticker artists says Dad, but she drew and from the Line Sticker Store. A poster of Taiy Akard promoting his new song Sou Fun.
selling their creations online, but painted just like any other kid, We sent 40 drawings in early
none as interesting as Kanyapak and we wouldnt call her work December and we got the
Mono Saengsith - whos four stunningly beautiful, you know. approval to put them in the store Times Reporters happen, even with luck and assistance from others.

years old.
Yes, the kindergarten pupil
in Phu Wiang, Khon Kaen,
has become something of a
precocious sensation with her
Phi Ta Bo sticker set featuring
a blind ghost with hollow eyes.
She actually drew and painted the
whole set by herself.
Monos father, Theerapong
Saengsith, says his little girl has
been drawing cartoons for half her
life. (It occurs to us that Stephff
- The Nations French editorial
cartoonist - ought to watch his
Anyway, she just loves to draw
and we love to see her doing it.
In fact the family has dedicated
a whole wall in their house to her
creativity and imagination. They
dont just hang her art there -
Mono actually draws and paints
on the wall.
She can draw and colour
anything she likes on that wall
and we just let her do it, explains
the delightfully tolerant and duly
proud father. There are fine
drawings and also just smudges
of paint, and thats fine too. Mono
on December 17. Now we have
people in Canada, Japan and the
US downloading my little girls
work!
The kid must be making a
fortune. The profits arent very
high, says her old man, but it
doesnt matter because were
just really proud of Monos love
for drawing and colouring. Any
child can learn easily if those
close to them just make them
feel comfortable. Once they gain
confidence, kids can really show
us what theyre capable of!
A
fter experiencing success among
audiences with his song Chao Bor
Man Akard last year, Taiy Akard
is back with a new song Sou Fun
which is now airing to the public through radio
and TV.
The song is composed by Taiy Akard
(Khounkham Sitthiyom), and describes the need
to remain hopeful when chasing your dreams.
Taiy Akards message in Sou Fun is that
following hopes and dreams is not always easy,
and some people may succeed while others are
still waiting. Personal achievements may not
But Taiy Akard also sings of hope, and says that
achieving personal goals is possible by learning
from past failures in life. As a result, everyone
should keep striving for achievement. Take the
good opportunities that come your way instead of
feeling down-hearted. It is important to remember
that by staying positive and by working hard your
own dreams may also come true.
Fans who want to catch Sou Fun are advised
to visit YouTube, Facebook and the fanpage of
Indee Records. Fans may also request the song be
played on radio programmes. So far, Sou Fun has
had more than 11,000 hits through Indee Records
Facebook page.

Old French label comes to town My kids think

CHINA (China Daily, ANN) -- Moynat,
once a favourite of elite Parisians, was
revived quietly in 2011. The brand now
makes a quiet entry into Beijing.
Two years ago, a 17-year-old French
girl visited Paris. She stood in front of
the window of the Moynat store at Rue
Saint Honore and was fascinated by the
bags there. So, she entered the boutique
and asked for a job.
Ramesh Nair, Moynats creative
director, spoke to her on the phone and
asked her what her qualifications were.
The girl said: I have not had any
training in bag-making but if you teach
me I will learn.
The answer impressed Nair and also
reminded him of Pauline Moynat, the
founder of the brand, one of the earliest
makers of womens bags in history.
Moynat moved to Paris at age 16
and was captivated by the local crafts
and lifestyle of the city.
She founded the brand in 1849, four
years before French trunk and leather
goods brand Goyard and five years
ahead of Louis Vuitton.
Nair said yes to the girl.
For me, I did not want 15 years
experience. Young people have passion
and a very fresh eye, and they are
hungry to learn. Now, after two years
of training, the girl can make simple
bags herself, Nair tells China Daily
in Beijing.
The Indian-born designer was in
the Chinese capital recently to mark
the opening of the brands first store
in the city.
When Moynat started off, she would
make made-to-measure trunks and
leather travel accessories.
She was later inspired by her muse,
the ballerina Gabrielle Rejane, to design
the first line of womens handbags, thus
pioneering a modern approach to travel
Ramesh Nair, Moynats creative director.
for women at the end of the 19th century.
For the next 100 years, the Moynat
brand went through a series of ups and
downs. It was once very popular among
the Parisian elite for its quality, but
closed shop in 1976.
It was revived in 2010 when the
founder of European multinational
luxury goods conglomerate LVMH,
Bernard Arnault, decided to give it a
second chance to preserve French
luxury heritage.
Arnault then picked Nair, who
had worked for 10 years with Hermes
under Martin Margiela and Jean Paul
Gaultier as creative director, and named
Guillaume Davin as CEO. Davin was
the CEO of Louis Vuitton in Japan
earlier.
After a year of preparation, the
new Moynat store in Paris opened
in December 2011, without any
promotional events.
Vogue wrote that Moynats
reopening was like a beautiful woman
slipping silently into a dinner party.
In October, the brand arrived at
Beijings Yintai Centre in the same
quiet way.
As Davin describes it: Theres too
much communication these days! We
wanted to do something quieter. That
is the whole flavor of discreet luxury.
Moynat is old school, a very
traditional brand. We are not part of
the fashion world. Each bag needs over
20 hours of work by one craftsman.
We sell through word of mouth only.
We are lucky that we dont have
pressure to expand fast. So theres no
ambitious store-opening program,
Davin says, adding that Moynat is still
very exclusive, with a store each in Paris,
what I do is
London, Hong Kong and now Beijing.
Unlike some young designers who easy: Jolie
take over renowned houses and then
proceed to ignore the companys history,
Nair respects the history of the brand
and believes that comprehending the
heritage is integral to the future of the
brand.
Nair says: Im very happy to be a
re-founding member and to become part
of the story.
When Arnault acquired Moynat,
only the bare bones of the brand existed.
But, they saw tremendous potential in its
rich heritage and history, as well as the
vintage products they were able to find
at auctions and antique dealers, he adds. Angelina Jolie.
So what I try do is to re-create the
story and add value, says Nair, who
works with eight senior artisans to make LOS ANGELES (The Statesman,
high-end bags and 30 others to make ANN) -- Actress-filmmaker Angelina
other products. Jolies children think her job is
You have a tree. You dont see the ridiculously easy.
root. But the root is there. For me old After working with her in the
Moynat is the root, he says.
His main goal is to cement the forthcoming movie Kung Fu Panda 3,
position of Moynat as a heritage brand her children have an entirely different
with deep roots, and to build a brand with perception of her profession, Jolie
true values, leaning heavily on French says.
savoir-faire, quality and elegance, he Its been, If you want to, you
says. can jump in, and heres a crazy idea
Asked about new bags, Nair ... and some of them were shy, but
says there is no seasonal trend-based
collection. It means that many of the this one they all really wanted to and
styles can be traced back to the brands they all came together and did their
history. recording together and took it very
Many bags feature curves inspired seriously -- it was cute.
by Moynats rounded trunks that were Now that theyve had a taste, they
designed to fit into the first automobiles. think mommys job is ridiculously
Moynat is not a fashion brand in easy, Jolie said at the premiere
the sense that we have no seasons or
collections timed to coordinate with the of the animated film here, reports
fashion calendar. Moynat is something femalefirst.co.uk.
classic, timeless and truly exclusive, The 40-year-old looked stylish in
he says. a black shift dress and heels.
24 Tuesday January 19, 2016

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Asia News Network (ANN)

The Asia News Network (ANN) is a network of leading daily English
language newspapers in Asia, supported by the Konrad Adenauer
THE DAILY YOMIURI
Foundation of Germany through its regional representative bureau in
THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN Singapore.
It was established in March, 1999, to provide avenues for cooperation
and optimise coverage of major news events in the region.
It also aims to promote journalism, share news stories, feature articles,
editorials and personality profiles. ANN is the worlds most active
newspaper alliance with a membership base of 18 newspapers in 16
countries.
The German News Agency of Deutsche Presse-Agentur, as one of the
THE STRAITS TIMES leading international agencies and ANNs exclusive partner, distributes
news and features, background stories and commentaries from ANN
to subscribers worldwide.
They consist of Rasmei Kampuchea (Cambodia), China Daily (China),
The Statesman (India), The Korea Herald (South Korea), The Star
(Malaysia), Sin Chew Daily (Malaysia), The Nation (Thailand), The
Straits Times (Singapore), The Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines),
The Jakarta Post (Indonesia), Vietnam News (Vietnam), The Daily
Star (Bangladesh), Vientiane Times (Laos), The Kathmandu Post
(Nepal), The Island (Sri Lanka), Brunei Times (Brunei), The Nation
(Pakistan), and China Post (Taiwan). The combined circulation of these
newspapers is more than 14 million copies per day.
Vientiane Times
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Tuesday January 19, 2016 Classified 25
CARE International in Lao P.D.R
Short Term Consultant
CARE International in Lao PDR is seeking applications for a INTERNATIONAL and/or /
NATIONAL consultant to carry out a baseline assessment and mid-term review for the
Northern Uplands Promoting Climate Resilience project for Remote Ethnic Communities
in Phongsaly province, funded by the European Union. The objective of the project is to
enable improved resilience of remote ethnic upland communities, in particular women, to
the impact of climate variability and change. The project focuses on three results:
1) Improved capacity of local stakeholders to assess, plan, and implement CBA in a
participatory and gender sensitive manner.
2) Improved community resilience through the implementation of CCA and DRR pilot
interventions that benefit women in particular
3) Comprehensive documentation informs mainstreaming and an enabling CCA/DRR policy
environment for the Northern Uplands.
The project will strengthen the capacity of farmer groups to promote understanding of
climate-related risks to their livelihoods and adaptive measures. The project works with 30
farmer groups in three districts of Phongsaly. It also engages local government stakeholders
into adaptation planning, aiming at increasing their ability to integrate adaptation planning
at policy level.
The baseline assessment is conducted at the beginning of year two of project implementation
as at this stage of the project farmer groups have decided on preferred livelihood options
that will increase climate resilience. The baseline will collect qualitative and quantitative
data against select baseline indicators. Key indicators relate to assessing the resilience of
agricultural livelihoods at household level (such as income, prices, and yields from certain
crops as well as asset ownership) as well as data on common agro-ecology practices, such
as practices of inter-cropping and attitudes towards adopting changes in agro-ecology
practices. The baseline will also explore gender relations, in particular with regards to
workload sharing for the particular livelihood options selected as part of village adaptation
plans as well as womens control over assets and access to information.
The formative mid-term review will be conducted at the same time as the baseline and will
assess efficiency, effectiveness and relevance of the project strategies towards achieving the
overall objective to date. It will also include an assessment of how the project is integrating
gender aspects and provide recommendations on enhancing contribution to transforming
unequal gender relations. An assessment of key partnerships will also be part of this MTR.
Objectives of the consultancy
The key objectives of the consultancy are to provide the following:
1. Baseline assessment of key project indicators.
2. Formative mid-term review.
Roles and responsibilities
In consultation with CARE staff, the consultant is responsible for:
Designing the research methodology
Implementing the agreed methodology
Training data collectors and oversee data collection
Support data collectors to work effectively and to achieve research goals, as well as
learning outcomes
Entering and analysing data, drawing on experience of CARE staff and partners through
workshop discussions
Presenting the initial results to stakeholders
Documenting outcomes (report + data)
Preparation of a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the study findings for use by
CARE with external audiences.
CARE will ensure effective administrative support for the assessment, and provide inputs
into the research process, as determined by the agreed methodology. CARE will also make
available preparatory documentation.
Application
The application should include a basic work-plan (indicating availability/timing), brief letter
of expression of interest and introduction, budget, and sample of a similar piece of work.
At a minimum, the quote should include the following:
Fixed price package rate for this assignment, including any flights, accommodation etc,
as necessary
A concept paper of the proposed methodology
Detailed research plan
Timing
To be carried out during February-March 2016.
Selection criteria
1 Experience At least 5 years of experience conducting qualitative and quantitative
research on climate change adaptation and gender relations, preferably
with a focus on South East Asia. Technical Advisory experience in
developing and implementing monitoring systems of climate change
adaptation programmes is an asset.
2 Qualification Relevant post graduate qualifications
3 Technical skills Survey (e.g. PRA), training (participants in PRA), analytical skills, report
writing. Proven skills in tools for monitoring of resilience is an advantage.
Ability to work autonomously, and demonstrated skills in leading a
research project.
4 Language Excellent written and spoken English language skills.
Experience in the region and Lao language skills are desirable
5 References A minimum of two referee contacts who have managed the proposed
consultant previously
As a matter of course, all consultants are subject to the following policies:
CARE Lao Child Protection Policy
Terrorist Check Safety and Security Management Plan
CARE Code of Conduct
How to apply:
Please request the full ToR from: CARE-LAO Head office in Vientiane, CARE Laos, PO Box
4328, 329/25 Sibounheuang Road, Ban Sibounheuang, Vientiane, Or e-mail to request:
Lao.contracts@careint.org
Deadline for application submissions is COB 28th January 2016
26 Tuesday January 19, 2016 Vientiane Times

Whats On
Lao Food Festival Visit That Luang stupa Buddha image consecration
The Lao Womens Union and Lao Businesswomens This is the most Devotees are invited to a Buddha image
important stupa consecration ceremony.
Association are holding the 11th Lao Food Festival When: Starting Friday 15. On Sunday 24 a golden
in Laos and the
in Vientiane. Everyone is invited to come along and countrys most ball will be cut (tad louknimid), followed by the
sample traditional Lao cuisine. revered Buddhist consecration ceremony. Monday 25 will see an all
structure. It night almsgiving ceremony for 99 monks.
Where: Chao Anouvong Park. Where: Tham Praluesy temple, May village,
was built in
When: January 28-30. Opening ceremony at 9am. Sikhottabong district, Vientiane.
1566 during the
reign of King For more information call: 020-2999 9950 or 020-5890 7234
Xaysetthathirath.
Vat Phou Champassak Festival Where: That
Dinner theatre
Luang village,
Champassak province Xaysettha district,
Vientiane The Mercure Hotel in Vientiane
will celebrate the proudly presents Shakespeare
15th anniversary When: Open every day, 8am-12 noon; 1pm-4pm
for Dummies, The Final Frontier
of Vat Phou and its by Daniel Foley. Dinner show
associated ancient
settlements being listed Phabath Phonsan Festival (buffet with free flow of soft
drinks, wine, beer) at
as a UNESCO World 250, 000 kip per person.
Heritage Site. The annual Phabath Phonsan festival is taking When: January 22, 6pm
When: February 20, place in Borikhamxay province, with everyone Where: Mercure Hotel
21, 22 invited to attend. There will be an almsgiving For more information call: 020
Where: Vat Phou, Champassak province ceremony on the morning of January 23 for a 5591 0360 Ms Soumaly or 020
large gathering of monks. 2354 7011 Ms Mouk
Where: Road No. 13 South, Phabath Phonsan
Email: sale@mercurevte.com
Sikhottabong Stupa Festival village, Thaphabath district, Borikhamxay
province.
Khammuan residents will celebrate the annual When: January 21-23. Elephant Festival
Sikhottabong Stupa Festival in honour of the
This years Elephant
revered religious structure, when locally-made
products will be on sale. Free treatment Festival will feature 67
When: February 20-22 elephants taking part
Where: Khammuan province Interplast Australia and New Zealand in activities including a
beauty contest, bathing
plastic and reconstructive surgical and baci ceremony. There
First International Half team will visit Mahosot Hospital
for treatment of cleft lip and palate
will also be a large and
vibrant street fair.
Marathon in Vientiane burns.
When: February 19-21
Where: Xayaboury
When: Consultation clinic district, Xayaboury
Social enterprise Events for Good (EFG) will host the first province
February 8
international half marathon in Laos to mark International Womens
Surgeries performed February 9-18
Day. EFG invites participants to join either 21km, 10km, or 5km
runs. The event will start and finish at the That Luang stupa. Every Where: Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane
Electro, hip-hop concert
participant who crosses the finish line within the allotted time will Call for information 020 5560 9415 Dr Vanpheng Norasingh La Fine Equipe is
receive a medal and certificate. Trophies and cash prizes will be a Marseillo-Parisian
provided to the top 5 male and top 5 female runners of the half group of beatmakers
marathon and quarter marathon. A Health and Fitness Expo will also who use machines and
be held before and during the event. Check Facebook event page for synthesisers to deliver
further details. Arts Festival funky, soul, jazz and
hip-hop 70s influenced
When: Sunday, March 6, 2016; 5am 8am.
Vientiane Performing Arts Festival sounds.
Health and Fitness Expo Time: Friday, March 4, 10am7pm and
When: January 29-31, 5pm-9pm When: January 22, 9pm
Saturday, March 5; 10am7pm. Where: French Institute, Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane. Tickets 20,000-
Media event organizer contact Vanpheng Southichak or Thouni Where: National Culture Hall
Entry free. 50,000 kip
Seneyakone about sponsorship opportunities. Ask about customised
For more information see facebook.
sponsorship packages, including on-site display opportunities,
guidebook advertisements, and in-kind donations.
com/Khao Niew Lao Laos-Korea fashion exhibition
Vanpheng Southichak Managing Director +856 (0) 20 5588 8688
vanpheng@gmail.com The Korean Society of Costume, Lao Handicraft
Thouni Seneyakone Operations Manager +856 (0) 20 - 9144 8858 Association, and the Korea and China
seneyakone@gmail.com Association of Fashion Industry Academy are
Charity Football Match holding a joint fashion exhibition.
Lao Fashion Week When: January 18-21
There will be a Charity Where: Lao National Museum. For more
Come along to Lao Fashion Football Match between information, please contact the Embassy of the
Week to learn about the Lao Premier Leagues Republic of Korea to Laos. Tel: 021-352031-3
developments in the industry
Allstars and Thai champions
and meet the new brand
ambassadors.
When: January 29
Buriram United
When: January 31, 6:30pm
Painting exhibition
Where: Vientiane Centre Where: National Stadium,
For more information contact: Paintings by Lao artist
020-55526629 Km 16. The match will be televised on TV Lao channel and 3SD Thai Ebbe Soukhaseum
channel. Chanthapanya, who
Actors and actresses wanted lives in London, will be
Toyota Painting Contest exhibited in Vientiane.
Kheo Heng (KH) company is inviting good-looking young people to When: Three weeks,
The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest 2016 is open to children, with the
apply for two male and two female lead roles in the romantic comedy starting from January
film Hong Ham Tao. Female applicants should be 18-26 years old theme Toyota in My Dream
The painting contest is divided into three age groups: Under 8; Ages 26. Opening ceremony
and males should be aged 20-28
8-11; and Ages 12-15. at 6:30pm.
When: Applications until February 28
Where: Contact through Facebook at Inbox only, www.facebook. When: Submit your painting anytime from December 16 February Where: Maison de la Culture de Ban Naxay, in Xaysettha district.
com/phoumsana.sirivongsa 15, 2016
or Search in facebook: Jear Pacific Where: For details, contact Toyota company offices nationwide
on: 021 453801-2, 041 260882-4, 071 214111, 031 251400 or any
Warm for Winter appeal
Trade Union Trade Fair Education and Sports Department.
The Lao Red Cross asks everyone to help people living in northern
Laos keep warm this winter. Please donate clean blankets, warm
There will be a special trade fair to mark the 60th anniversary of the The Vientiane Times welcomes notices from clothing, towels, shoes, gloves and socks to our Warm for Winter
Lao Federation of Trade Union.
When: January 26 February 3
members of the public for announcement on Appeal 2015.
this page. Any events or functions open to Where: Lao Red Cross
Where: Lao-ITECC
When: Normal working hours
Where: Contact through Facebook at Inbox only, www.facebook.com/ the general public are suitable for publishing.
phoumsana.sirivongsa For more information: 021 253 014, Facebook/LaoRedCrossSociety
Contact: editor@vientianetimes.la Thank you so much for your generosity!
or Search in facebook: Jear Pacific
Vientiane Times
Sloane Stephens exits, again, in
Australian Open 1st round
won her second WTA title in
Auckland at the ASB Classic
after having won her first
title a few months earlier in
Washington.
After Auckland, she
withdrew from the Hobart
International, an Australian Open
tune-up, citing a viral illness but
did not blame Mondays loss on
health issues.
I felt fine, Stephens said.
It just kind of got away from
me.
The hard-hitting American
gained a degree of stardom at
the 2013 Australian Open where
she reached the semifinals by
beating Serena Williams and
then followed-up by reaching
Sloane Stephens of the United States hits a forehand return to Wang the quarterfinals of Wimbledon
Qiang of China during their first round match at the Australian Open that year.
tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia on Monday. --Photo AP Since then, Stephens hasnt
advanced past the 4th round at
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) struggled to find momentum and a Grand Slam and has had a few
-- Sloane Stephens figures shes regain focus. first-round exits, including at last
got plenty more Grand Slams Today was definitely one of years Australian and US Opens.
ahead of her to improve upon those bad days, Stephens said. Im disappointed that I lost
her performance at this years Nothing was going my way. A here but if I play until Im 35, I
Australian Open. lot of shots that Id like to make, have plenty more Grand Slams to
The 2013 semifinalist exited that I normally make werent go. So I just have to look past it,
in the first round Monday, losing going in. A lot of opportunities said Stephens, who was in good
6-3, 6-3 to Chinese qualifier slipped away. spirits despite the loss.
Wang Qiang, who is ranked The early exit comes after Asked if she really planned
No. 102. a solid start to the year for to play until shes 35, Stephens
The match started out well Stephens, who is seen as part laughed.
for 22-year-old Stephens, seeded of the next generation of rising No! But it sounded good.
24th, who raced to a 3-1 lead but American players. she said, adding, Of course, Im
then lost 10 straight games as she Earlier this month, Stephens going to be here for a long time.
Spurs continue perfect home
season with win over Mavericks
to last season. The 36-6 record
after 42 games tied the franchise
record set five seasons ago.
The Spurs won easily
despite the loss of Tony Parker
late in the third quarter to right
hip soreness; the same injury
that forced him to sit out two
games at the start of the month.
Wesley Matthews led Dallas
with just 12 points.
Oklahoma City cruised
to a 99-74 win over Miami,
with Westbrook finishing with
13 points, 15 assists and 10
rebounds. It was his fifth triple-
double of the season and the
24th of his career.
Kevin Durant had 24
points and 10 rebounds for the
Thunder, which set a season
best for least points allowed. It
was also the least points scored
by the Heat this season.
Dwyane Wade, who missed
the previous game due to
shoulder soreness, led the Heat
with 22 points on his 34th
birthday.
Denvers Randy Foye hit
a go-ahead 3-pointer with 21
seconds left to cap a come-
from-behind 129-126 victory
over Indiana.
San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge, rear, shoots against
Dallas Mavericks forward Charlie Villanueva during the second half The Nuggets came back
of an NBA basketball game on Sunday. --Photo AP in the second half to get
their seventh straight win at
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- San Antonio stretched its franchise-record home over the Pacers. Danilo
unbeaten streak this season to 24-0 by routing Texan rival Dallas Gallinari had 23 points.
112-83 on Sunday. M y l e s Tu r n e r s c o r e d
The result opened a 13-game gap between the top and second a career-high 25 points for
teams in the NBAs Southwest Division, and meant the Spurs Indiana.
were now only 1-1/2 games behind Golden State for the Western Houston pulled away in the
Conference and overall league lead. second half to win 112-95 at the
Elsewhere, Russell Westbrook posted his second straight triple- Los Angeles Lakers, led by 31
double to lead Oklahoma City to a big win over Miami, while a points from James Harden.
3-pointer with 21 seconds left gave Denver victory over Indiana Minnesota emphatically
in a high-scoring contest. ended a run of nine straight
San Antonios LaMarcus Aldridge scored 23 points as the losses and posted its first win of
Spurs stretched their unbeaten at streak to 33 games dating back 2016 by beating Phoenix 117-87.
Tuesday January 19, 2016 Sports 27
United beats Liverpool 1-0 to
spark talk of title challenge
Liverpools Jordan Henderson (right) fights for the ball against Manchester Uniteds Marouane Fellaini
(centre) and goalkeeper David De Gea during the English Premier League soccer match between
Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England on Sunday. --Photo AP
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) Gaal, whose side climbed one to De Gea for keeping the score
-- Manchester United relied on place to fifth. When the gap is at 0-0.
brilliant goalkeeping by David like this, seven points, you can De Gea produced two
de Gea and a late, opportunistic overcome that. We started 2016 excellent saves to deny Emre
finish by Wayne Rooney to very good, with a lot of wins Can, one with his feet and the
snatch a 1-0 win at great rival and a draw, and we didnt lose. other a diving, one-handed stop
Liverpool on Sunday, sparking I think this will give a big boost to his right.
talk of an unlikely run at the to players, fans, everyone in Liverpool started without a
Premier League title. the environment of Manchester recognized striker playing
With Arsenal only drawing United. Roberto Firmino alone up front
0-0 at Stoke a few hours later Finishing in the top four and and while that helped the team
to return to first place on goal
difference above Leicester,
qualifying for the Champions
League is the minimum
dominate midfield, it left them
short of firepower. In 19 shots,
United trimmed the gap to the
leaders to seven points with
requirement for United, and
Tottenham is only two points
only four were on target.
Ninth-place Liverpool
16 matches still to play in one away in fourth place. dropped eight points behind
of the most erratic title races in With Rooney back in the Spurs in a damaging blow to its
years. scoring groove, things look Champions League aspirations.
Ta l k o f U n i t e d e v e n much brighter for the 20-time A lot of the things we did
challenging for the title would champions. today were good, Liverpool
been dismissed as fanciful at the The England captain took manager Juergen Klopp said.
end of 2015, when the team was his tally for 2016 to five goals in Our finishing wasnt good.
on an eight-game winless run and four games by smashing home Goalkeepers were on top at
manager Louis van Gaals future a volley from close range in Britannia Stadium, too, with
looked precarious. the 78th minute after Marouane Stokes Jack Butland and
Things look very different Fellainis header rebounded off Arsenals Petr Cech getting
now. Our competitors (for the the bar. It was Uniteds first shot most of the plaudits after a
title) have lost points, said Van on target, with the team indebted tight, tense game.
Gomez wins Sony Open
in a playoff over Snedeker
HONOLULU (AP) -- Whether he was playing
money games with the other caddies in Argentina
or playing mini-tours on his long road to the big
leagues in golf, Fabian Gomez couldnt recall ever
making seven straight birdies. He wont forget
Sunday in the Sony Open.
That amazing birdie streak no putt longer
than 12 feet carried him to an 8-under 62, and
the 37-year-old Argentine won with his 11th birdie
of the day on the second playoff hole to outlast
Brandt Snedeker.
I felt good all week long and was about to
put on a great round today, Gomez said through
a translator. And I had Brandt Snedeker in front
of me. I got on a streak with seven putts in a row.
And it makes me feel good and feel like I could
win the tournament.
Gomez won for the second time on the PGA
Tour, and this one was much tougher.
Starting the final round four shots behind,
Gomez seized control with his seven straight
birdies starting on No. 6, only to follow with back-
Fabian Gomez, of Argentina, holds the winning
to-back bogeys that let Snedeker and Zac Blair trophy after the final round of the Sony Open golf
back into the game. Gomez closed with a 7-iron to tournament on Sunday. --Photo AP
10 feet for birdie on the par-3 17th, and a 20-foot
birdie putt from just off the 18th green. hardest fairway to hit on Sunday. He had never
He finished at 20-under 260. made birdie on the par 5 until Sunday in regulation.
Snedeker hit a delicate 55-yard pitch to 4 feet So he went with hybrid off the tee to stay in
for birdie to close with 66 and force a playoff. the short grass, drilled a 3-iron to the front of the
On the first playoff hole at the par-5 18th, green and lagged his long putt close for a tap-in
Snedeker missed a 12-foot birdie for the win. Going birdie. This time, Snedeker couldnt match him.
back to the 18th tee, Gomez had enough. He had His 10-foot putt had slower pace than he wanted
not hit the 18th fairway all week, and it was the and it peeled off to the right.
28
Tuesday January 19, 2016 Vientiane Times

Sports
Ten clubs confirm their Up-and-coming table tennis talent
places in Lao League 2016 to contend University Games
Sangkhomsay the best players for future Last month, the federation
Bubphanouvong national team duties. hosted two tournaments, the Lao

Lanexang Uniteds
player action in
action against Lao
Toyota FC during
Lao Premier League
2015 at the NUOL
stadium in Vientiane.
Sangkhomsay
Bubphanouvong
Confirmed to be competing
in the Lao Premier League 2016
are Lao Toyota FC, Lanexang
after registering for the 2016
competition.
NUOL has never fielded
Y
oung players from
universities and
institutions are set to
compete in the table tennis
event at the 1st Lao National
University Games in Vientiane
from March 5-15.
The inaugural Lao National
University Games will be hosted
by the National University of
Laos (NUOL).
However, to take part in the
games players have to be current
students at a university or other
institute of higher education,
In upcoming events, the Lao
national womens team plans to
compete in an Olympic qualifier
tournament in Hong Kong in
April, while the best university
table tennis players will join
NUOLs team preparing to
compete at the Asean University
Games in Singapore in July.
The national table tennis
team is also eyeing the 29th SEA
Games in Malaysia in 2017 for
future potential medals.
Open at the Vientiane Centre to
celebrate the 40th anniversary of
National Day, and the 2nd Table
Tennis Gold Champa Cup, also
in the capital.
The national team competed
at the 28th SEA Games in
Singapore last June, but werent
able to win any medals while
four boys and girls took part
in the Asean Table Tennis
Championships for U-15s and
U-18s in Malaysia.

T en football clubs have
confirmed they will
be taking part in the
Lao Premier League 2016 in
Vientiane, with the nations
foremost football tournament
slated to run from February to
August.
A senior official from the
Lao Premier League competition
organising committee, Mr
Khamsay Sengmaniphone said
Savan FC has yet to confirm
its attendance because they
are experiencing difficulties
in changing the clubs name to
Savan United.
Mr Khamsay said the Lao
Football Federation has set a
deadline for next week for the
club and is currently waiting
for Savan FC to register at the
federations office before it
closes this years competition
draw.
United, Police FC, Lao Electricity
FC, Eastern Star FC, IDEA
Champassak United, Xangnoy
FC, Ezra FC, Army FC and
National University of Laos FC.
SHB Vientiane FC and
Anh Gia Lai Attapeu FC have
declined to field sides in League
2016, primarily due to financial
difficulties.
Defending league champions
Lao Toyota FC recently came
to terms with head coach Mr
Bounlap Khenkitisak, who will
lead their title defence in League
2016.
Head coach Mr David
Booth led Lao Toyota FC to
the championship last year.
Currently, Lao Toyota FC trains
at Chao Anouvong Stadium in
downtown Vientiane.
National University of Laos
(NUOL) FC and Army FC
will be this years new entrants
a team in the Premier League
before while Army FC finished
in seventh place in Lao Premier
League 2014 but did not take part
last year.
Competing in the Lao
Premier League 2015 which
concluded recently were Lao
Toyota FC, Lanexang United,
SHB Vientiane FC, Anh Gia
Lai Attapeu FC, Police, Lao
Electricity FC, Eastern Star
FC, IDEA Champassak United,
Xangnoy FC, Savan FC and
Ezra FC.
The 2014 champions were
Hoang Anh Gia Lai Attapeu
province FC with Saigon-Hanoi
Commercial Stock Bank (SHB)
Champassak province winning
in 2013.
The Lao Brewery Co.,
Ltd. provided prize money of
100 million kip for the 2014
champions Attapeu province.
while past graduates will be
excluded.
Lao Table Tennis Federation
Secretary General, Ms Somchay
Vongsa, said they were keen to
support students testing their
skills at the first games.
Our federation will be
ready for the competition by
organising referees, sporting
equipment and other work,
she said.
Next month, table tennis
teams from NUOL and the
provinces will be able to register
at the NUOL before attending
the games in March, she added.
The initial university games
table tennis event comprises
mens and womens teams,
doubles, mens and womens
singles, and mixed doubles.
From the competition the Action at the 2nd Table Tennis Gold Champa Cup in Vientiane last
federation will be able to select month.