Latest news with #Lao
The Star
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Laos braced for blow of Trump tariff threat
VIENTIANE: Hawking clothes outside the garment factory where her daughter toils inside, a Laos vendor weighs US President Donald Trump's threat of trade tariffs that may soon snarl both their livelihoods. "I just live day by day. For now, I still have my business, and the factory is operating as usual," she told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity in the capital Vientiane. "I'm not too worried about my daughter's job yet," she added. Then again, she says: "I don't know anything about what the US will decide." Landlocked Laos - a country of only eight million - has a gloomy outlook as it counts down to a Friday (Aug 1) deadline when Trump says a 40 per cent levy will kick in unless a trade deal is sealed. The rate is among the highest Trump has touted in his global tariff blitz, which has yielded a handful of deals with countries including Britain, Japan and Vietnam but left dozens others scrambling for a pact. Laos has limited exports, little leverage and supply chains deeply entwined with US trade rival China. The United States had a trade deficit of more than US$760 million with Laos last year - singling it out for steep tolls alongside other nations Trump sees as imbalanced business partners. "A 40 per cent tariff is just a nail in the coffin for any industry trying to ship to the United States," said John F. Somers, head of garment manufacturing firm Diep Vu Co. Only a handful of factories, mostly in the capital, supply the US market and sales make up only between three and six per cent of the country's gross domestic product. But with the South-East Asian country already suffering from high inflation and a severe labour shortage, Trump's default tariff could still have a devastating effect, industry insiders say. "We estimate about 20,000 workers or more could be impacted," said Xaybandith Rasphone, head of the Association of the Lao Garment Industry. "We're not certain about the exact number yet, but it could easily be higher if companies shut down," said Xaybandith, who is also vice-president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI). He warned between 35 and 40 factories could be affected if buyers are spooked by the tariffs. "If the tariff stays in place, some factories will definitely close," he said. "Finding alternative markets takes time, negotiations and a lot of effort. It could take years." Like neighbouring Cambodia and Vietnam, Laos is a hub of the garment industry - producing brands for western markets including Dr. Martens. But the production of mattresses, silicone products and solar panels also stands to be impacted. Solar panel manufacturing has exploded in Laos since 2023 and driven up its export figures after Trump hit China with a 50 per cent tariff on the renewable power sources. However the US trade offensive has focussed on "transshipment" - a practice it alleges some countries use to help China dodge American tariffs by repackaging its goods for American markets. Casey Tolzman, head of the Lao-American Business Association (LABA), said the explosion of Laos' solar industry had likely been "a cause for suspicion" in Washington. Rules governing the source of materials and the level of Laotian labour required to define products as domestically produced may prove the country's biggest bargaining chip. "A big question for countries like Cambodia and Laos is what they can offer the US that's attractive enough to reach a deal," Tolzman said. "Any deal would probably need to see Laos enforce stricter rules on transshipment and country of origin, to ensure products aren't just coming from China and getting a Laos label slapped on." The US may also ask Vientiane to crack down on internet scam centres targeting wealthy Americans from compounds in Laos, or seek concessions for American goods to enter the market, he added. The LABA and LNCCI say they are helping the government draft an appeal asking for tariffs to drop back to previous levels, or at least be capped at 20 per cent. But Diep Vu Co boss Somers warns even if Laos manages to reach a deal with Washington, a bigger test soon lies ahead. Laos is on track to graduate from "Least Developed Country" status next year, meaning it is set to lose duty-free access to the European Union - dealing another blow. "We'll be at a competitive disadvantage, our industry will probably collapse within a few years," Somers warned. "The real discussion is the EU relationship with Laos, not just what the US is doing." - AFP
The Star
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Laos works to boost tourism as fuel for economic growth
VIENTIANE: Laos is enhancing its tourism sector by improving standards, upgrading infrastructure and elevating service quality and visitor experiences, recognising tourism as a vital driver of economic growth. Initiatives include expanding media promotion, promoting digital payments and modernising border checkpoints to attract more visitors and boost economic growth. The Lao government also plans to review visa policies and strengthen regional cooperation. These measures aim to position the South-East Asian country as a more accessible, competitive and sustainable tourism destination. Maikham, a hotel staff member in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province, emphasised the importance of continuously improving service standards to meet visitor satisfaction and attract tourists for repeat visits. Maikham said that the growing number of visitors not only boosts economic growth but also inspires local communities to enhance their services, maintain cleaner environments, and create more cultural experiences for tourists. She also expressed strong support for national efforts to attract more tourists and stressed the importance of community involvement in the country's tourism sector. Laos is continuing its national tour guide training programme to build a skilled and sufficient workforce that meets the growing demands of the tourism sector. Kanchana, a resident of Vientiane province, stressed enhancing the service mindset of the Lao people to welcome diverse tourists. She noted that local residents should be equipped with basic tourism knowledge to better assist visitors. Chanhphieng, a vendor in Luang Prabang, highlighted the need to offer more creative and diverse food, drinks, services and activities to keep tourists engaged and encourage them to return. In an effort to attract more visitors, the Lao Ministry of Culture and Tourism is preparing for the second Visit Laos-China Year, with a focus on strengthening tourism promotion and attracting more Chinese tourists. In 2024, Laos welcomed 1,048,035 Chinese visitors, and in the first half of 2025, 602,103 Chinese tourists were recorded, indicating continued growth. Laos aims to attract 4.3 million international tourists in 2025, with expectations to generate over US$1 billion in revenue. - Xinhua
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Cebu Pacific passenger traffic up 25% on Dubai–Manila route in early 2025
Cebu Pacific reported a strong surge in travel demand on its Dubai–Manila route, carrying 40,000 more passengers in the first half of 2025. In an exclusive interview with Cebu Pacific, the airline said this represents a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth was attributed to strong demand, driven by low fares and expanded seat availability. Data showed that 17% of passengers on the Dubai–Manila route and 5% on the Manila–Dubai route were classified as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Most passengers were tourists, with the Dubai–Manila leg recording a higher tourist volume. To meet growing demand, the airline increased seat capacity on the Dubai route by 20% compared to last year. However, there are currently no plans to add more flights. The Gokongwei-led low-cost carrier also announced that it flew a total of 13.9 million passengers across its network in the first half of 2025, up from 11.5 million in the same period last year. Of this total, 10.35 million were Philippine domestic passengers while 3.54 million were international. 'For the first half of 2025, our load factors have increased despite seat growth of more than 20 percent. This reflects the continued strength of air travel demand within our network,' said Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of Cebu Pacific. However, Lao said the airline is reducing capacity in the second half of the year due to the off-peak travel season and to manage ongoing engine and supply chain challenges. He noted that capacity growth will remain steady in the third quarter and is expected to rise again in the fourth quarter. Cebu Pacific currently operates a fleet of 99 aircraft and serves 37 Philippine domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The airline is set to receive more aircraft in 2025 to support its growing network, after adding 17 new aircraft last year.
Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 30, 2025
President Prabowo Subianto praised Tuesday Malaysia's peace broker role in the deadly border clash between ASEAN members Cambodia and Thailand. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently facilitated an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' between the Southeast Asian neighbours. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised the leaders of both Thailand and Cambodia for agreeing to a ceasefire in their peace talks, calling it a reaffirmation of ASEAN's 'convening power' and a testament to the bloc's ability to resolve conflict through dialogue, mutual trust and regional cooperation. LAO-RUSSIA HISTORICAL AFFINITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao President Thongloun will visit Russia at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to strengthen bilateral ties that date back to 1960. Both nations have been collaborating in mineral exploration and processing, energy, education, public health and cultural exchanges. FLOODS, WIND DESTROY CROPS -- VIENTIANE TIMES The monsoon rains and flooding continue to damage roads, agricultural production and impact the livelihoods of local communities. Farmers are experiencing heavy losses as strong winds and flooding have damaged their crops. MYANMAR GROWERS EXPLORING RUSSIAN MARKET -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Trade Promotion Organisation plans to export mango pulp to Russia. Mango yield has declined by 50 per cent this year and domestic and foreign demand is weak. Myanmar has been exporting fresh mangoes to China. TAPS INDIA'S SCIENCE EXPERTISE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar and India signed a Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology agreement yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw. It will foster partnership in biotechnology, medicine and agriculture, nanotechnology, green technologies and robotics. SINGAPORE CLARITY YET ON BASELINE OR PHARMACEUTICAL TARIFFS WITH US: DPM GAN -- THE STRAITS TIMES The US government did not negotiate its tariffs on Singapore and did not want to commit on whether the 10 per cent baseline tax could rise or fall in the future, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. KEEPS MONETARY POLICY UNCHANGED AFTER EASING TWICE THIS YEAR -- CNA The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) kept its exchange rate-based monetary policy unchanged on Wednesday (Jul 30) after easing twice earlier this year. THAILAND 1. ALLEGED CAMBODIAN ARMY LIEUTENANT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED SPYING IN CHANTHABURI -- THE NATION Alleged Cambodian army officer arrested in Chanthaburi for allegedly spying on Thai military; digital evidence and uniforms found. 2. PROTESTS LODGED AS PACT BROKEN -- BANGKOK POST Thailand lodged diplomatic protests against Cambodia yesterday for violating their ceasefire agreement, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said. VIETNAM WINS U-23 FOOTBALL TITLE THRICE -- VIETNAM PLUS Vietnam's national U-23 football team successfully defended their ASEAN U23 Championship after defeating host Indonesia 1-0 in the final yesterday. The team has won the title for three consecutive years. FISHING EDUCATION FOR FISHERMEN -- VIETNAMPLUS Ho Chi Minh City authorities organised an awareness campaign for fishermen on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The city's Long Hai commune owns the largest fishing fleet with over 1,400 vessels. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Japan grants RM12mil to support Lao human resource development
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): The Japanese government has provided US$2.85 million (RM12 million) to support Lao government officials advance their skills under the project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), which will offer 20 scholarships per year from June 2025 until 31 December 2032. This year, 20 scholarships will be awarded to qualified officials to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at leading universities in Japan. The programme aims to build the capacity of future Lao leaders who will contribute to national development after completing their studies. Since its launch in Laos in 2000, this program has provided scholarships to over 530 Lao officials. Many graduates have later taken on leadership roles in key ministries and state agencies. The project will be jointly implemented by JICA and the Ministry of Education and Sports. This year's contribution holds added significance as it marks the 70th anniversary of Laos-Japan diplomatic relations. Japan's continued support highlights its commitment to Laos' socio-economic development, with ongoing cooperation in education, infrastructure, agriculture, and governance, all aligned with the country's development goals and graduation from Least Developed Country status by 2026. - Laotian Times
