Latest news with #ANNVIENTIANE
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos rolls out Bus Rapid Transit trial to boost public transport
Some of the new buses that will be put into service in Vientiane. - Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE: The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will launch a three-month trial in Lao capital Vientiane, with plans to extend routes to Wattay International Airport and the China-Laos Railway station, aiming to improve public transport and reduce traffic congestion. Construction of bus lanes and BRT stations under the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project is 71.64 per cent complete, the local news website Lao Phattana News reported on Tuesday (July 8). Local authorities are preparing for the trial run, scheduled to begin at the end of August, with 90 per cent of infrastructure expected to be completed by late July and full operations targeted for early 2026. The 55 new buses that will be put into service will operate daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will integrate seamlessly with the city's existing bus network. There will be 27 stops, including six key stations located in busy areas. Buses and stations will display real-time arrival information, and passengers can pay by smartcards available at BRT stations, the Friendship Bridge, Wattay International Airport, the China-Laos Railway station, and select convenience stores. The Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project comprises five main activities involving public transport systems, parking management and enforcement, and traffic management systems. - Xinhua
The Star
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Australia provides funds to boost investment, economic cooperation with Laos
Government officials, representatives from the Australian Embassy, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific gathered after the launch of the LIFT 4 Laos programme in Vientiane on Tuesday. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE: The Government of Australia has provided more than AUD2.1 million through the Mekong-Australia Partnership initiative to enhance Laos' investment climate, foster sustainable growth, and deepen regional cooperation. The Lao government, Australia, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on Tuesday (June 24) launched the Laos-Australia Investment Facilitation and Transformation for Economic Resilience (LIFT 4 Laos) programme. The initiative aims to strengthen Laos' capacity to attract high-quality foreign direct investment, promote sustainable economic development, increase resilience to external shocks, and enhance regional cooperation. Building on longstanding collaboration between ESCAP, the Australian Embassy in Laos, and the Investment Promotion Department, LIFT 4 Laos will deliver a comprehensive approach that combines institutional capacity building, development of concrete investment promotion tools and investment-ready projects, establishment of effective systems for investor targeting and facilitation, and strengthened integration of Laos into Asean's investment networks and value chains. Head of Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bovonethat Douangchak, said 'Today, we celebrate not just the launch of a programme, but the deepening of a vital partnership between Laos and our esteemed development partner Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and ESCAP.' 'This collaboration is a clear indication of our shared vision and commitment to unlocking Laos' vast economic potential for green growth and sustainability.' Chargé d'Affaires at the Australian Embassy in Laos, Benita Sommerville, said 'Australia is proud of our enduring partnership with Laos. A key pillar of our partnership is economic, trade and investment cooperation. I am pleased Australia can further deepen our partnership in economic development through this new partnership, supported by Australia through the Mekong-Australia Partnership, with the Investment Promotion Department.' 'Attracting high-quality investment is critical to Laos' sustainable growth, bringing in technology, skills and standards that lift productivity and create long-term jobs. It helps diversify the economy and ensures that development benefits communities, not just company balance sheets.' 'LIFT 4 Laos builds on a portfolio of collaboration between ESCAP and the Government of Laos, including the development and implementation of the Asean Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan, as well as the successful organisation of the Asean Investment Forum 2024 also funded by Australia, which took place in Vientiane during Laos' Asean chairmanship, Sommerville said. The LIFT 4 Lao initiative will deliver targeted capacity building, institutional system development, and stronger regional integration. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Borikhamxay province in Laos ramps up wind energy projects with six major developments
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone visits a wind farm in Borikhamxay province last week. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE: Borikhamxay province is ramping up wind energy projects with six major developments moving ahead either operational or in the development plan, according to a report. The report on wind energy development was presented to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone last week when he paid a working visit to Xaychamphon district of the central province. The Prime Minister was welcomed by the Governor of Borikhamxay province, Dr Sonethanou Thammavong. The first of the wind farms is the 250MW Truong Son Wind Power Project located in Khamkeut and Xaychamphone districts, valued at over US$371 million and having a projected lifespan of 25 years. The second is the 350MW Truong Son Wind Power Project 2, located in the same area, valued at US$556 million and also with a projected lifespan of 25 years. Also located in Khamkeut and Xaychamphon districts, the 500MW Phila Wind Power Project is valued at US$1.151 billion and has a projected lifespan of 25 years. Located in the same districts, the 750MW Kalong Wind Power Project is expected to operate for 25 years and is valued at US$822 million. In addition, the 750MW Phakhao Wind Power Project in Viengthong district and the 750MW Namtong Wind Power Project in Viengthong and Xaychamphon districts are currently in the contract phase of development. Elsewhere, two other wind farms in Nakai district, Khammuan province, are also in the contract stage of development, namely the Chalo Wind Power Project and the Light Wind Power Project, each of which will have an installed capacity of 500MW. Speaking to local residents, the Prime Minister praised the community's strong cultural values and their achievements in recent years. He urged local authorities and residents to preserve their revolutionary heritage, promote unity, diligence and patriotism, and to grow more crops and raise more livestock for both subsistence and market purposes. He emphasised the importance of maintaining village stability, improving living standards, ensuring high standards of health, and of compliance with laws and regulations. The Prime Minister also encouraged families to ensure their children remained in school for as long as possible. At the same time, the Prime Minister provided relief supplies to the residents of Sobterng village, including food, clothing, household items, school supplies, and other essentials. The premier and his delegation also visited a wind power project operated by the Viet-Lao Power Investment and Development Company. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
22-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Britain and Mekong River Comission partnership to boost climate resilience in Laos and Asean region
Busadee Santipitaks (left) shakes hands with the British Ambassador to Laos, Melanie Barlow, after signing the partnership agreement. - Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): Laos and the region of South-East Asia as a whole is set to benefit from strengthened climate resilience efforts and improved water resource management through a new development partnership between Britain and the Mekong River Commission (MRC). The confirmation of the programme was formalised at a ceremony held in Vientiane. As part of this collaboration, Britain has officially become a Development Partner of the MRC and pledged support to enhance regional climate adaptation, water governance, and biodiversity protection, offering significant benefits to communities across the Lower Mekong Basin, including those in Laos. The United Kingdom will provide technical expertise in climate science, nature-based solutions, and water management to help Laos and its neighbours respond more effectively to the growing challenges of floods, droughts, and other climate impacts. The new partnership will also support the continued development of the 'One Mekong' mobile application—a digital tool that delivers real-time river data, water forecasting, and community reporting functions. This app will play a key role in improving public access to vital water information for local authorities, farmers, and communities in Laos and throughout the basin. Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, highlighted the strategic importance of the Mekong River and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to long-term sustainable development in the region. 'The Mekong River isn't just important in the fight against the climate and nature crisis—thousands across the region rely on it as a source of food and income,' she said. 'This partnership is another demonstration of the UK's commitment to this critical region and addressing shared challenges like climate change.' Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat, Busadee Santipitaks, welcomed Britain's formal entry as a Development Partner and said the collaboration would enhance regional cooperation and climate preparedness. 'The UK's (Britain) support, combined with the MRC's expertise, will help boost the resilience of our Mekong communities and protect the incredible biodiversity of this region,' she said. With more than 80 percent of the population in the Mekong Basin depending on shared water resources for agriculture, fishing, and daily living, the partnership aims to improve long-term water security and strengthen sustainable development initiatives. The UK's new engagement with the MRC is funded through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme, aligning with the UK's broader commitment to multilateral cooperation and climate resilience across Asia. Headquartered in Vientiane, the MRC is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1995 by Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to jointly manage the sustainable development of water resources in the Lower Mekong Basin, one of the world's most biodiverse river systems. - Vientiane Times/Asia News Network
The Star
12-06-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Laos warns of heavy rain, flood risk
As Typhoon Wutip is moving through the South China Sea toward the Vietnamese coast, light to moderate thunderstorms and heavy rain with strong wind gusts are expected. - The Nation/ANN VIENTIANE: The weather bureau of Laos has issued a nationwide warning for heavy rain, urging the public to stay alert and prepare for possible flooding and landslides. As Typhoon Wutip is moving through the South China Sea toward the Vietnamese coast, light to moderate thunderstorms and heavy rain with strong wind gusts are expected across Laos from Wednesday (June 11) to Friday, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. According to a report from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, authorities and residents across Laos, especially in Xayaboury, Champasak, and Attapeu, are urged to take precautions and remain vigilant due to the heightened risk of landslides and flash floods during this period. Lao capital Vientiane is also forecast to experience light to moderate storms, with occasional heavy rain and strong winds. In addition, the weather bureau urges ethnic communities, local authorities and all organisations to remain vigilant, as severe weather may topple trees, billboards and power poles. Residents are advised to stay informed and closely monitor weather updates. - Xinhua
