Latest news with #SonexaySiphandone
The Star
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Laos to support women to develop and participate in nation building
FILE PHOTO: This photo taken on May 26, 2025 shows women walking past Little Venice and the Diamond Plaza tourist attractions inside the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone along the Mekong river in the Bokeo province of Laos. Lao women have significant roles in the family and have made many important societal contributions, as a number of women serve as female leaders, civil servants and government officials within Party and State organisations. - AFP VIENTIANE: The Lao government will encourage, support and facilitate assistance for Lao women, including female leaders, families of the leadership and all women, so that they can continue developing and fully participate in the building of the nation. This support will be provided according to their capabilities and actual circumstances, with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone confirming the move at a special ceremony held in Vientiane on July 18 to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao Women's Union (LWU). The spouses of Party and government leaders, led by Naly Sisoulith, the wife of President Thongloun Sisoulith, participated in the event. The event was also attended by the Vice President, Pany Yathotou, and President of the Lao Women's Union, Aly Vongnorbountham. The ceremony honoured the legacy, achievements and enduring contributions of Lao women to national development and social progress over the past seven decades. Sonexay commend and applauded the achievements of the families of the leadership in the past. He highlighted the crucial role and importance of women within the family, as well as the leadership's families themselves. From women's roles in the family to their impact on society, they serve as excellent role models and contribute to social welfare. Lao women have significant roles in the family and have made many important societal contributions, as a number of women serve as female leaders, civil servants and government officials within Party and State organisations, working shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts. This has been the case since the national liberation struggle, and continues in the present day for the protection and development of the nation. Naly Sisoulith praised the LWU for its active role in empowering women, promoting gender equality, and supporting the Party and government's socio-economic development efforts. She paid tribute to past and present members of the LWU for their dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of women across the country. Established in 1955, the LWU has grown into a vital mass organisation with branches nationwide, and plays a central role in mobilising women to participate in political, economic and cultural activities. The celebration featured cultural performances, traditional music, and an exhibition showcasing key milestones in the Union's 70-year history. In the past, the leadership family has worked together to strengthen unity within its own ranks. This effort aims to set an example in encouraging the unity of Lao women of all ethnic groups to be strong and to be a force contributing to the preservation and development of the country, as well as the betterment of their own families. Since 2020, the leadership family has organised a charity walk every year, which is now in its fifth year. Products made from hand-painted wood by Lao artisans are sold at the event. These sales are supported by all sectors, especially domestic and foreign businesses, resulting in the income or value of assistance increasing every year. This success has helped the leadership family have funds to assist in various areas across the country. They also helped build schools and student dormitories in provinces such as Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Xayabouly, Huaphan and Salavan. So far, they have built eight schools and five student dormitories and provided a range of learning materials, with the total assistance valued at more than 9.4 billion kip (US$437,522). Currently, construction work is underway in the provinces of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Additionally, they provide assistance in the form of capital, consumables and medicines. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Lao govt sets course for sustained economic growth, tackles key challenges
VIENTIANE: The government has approved key priorities and action plans to address economic challenges and drive growth, following strong performance in the first half of 2025. Chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (pic), the cabinet meeting with provincial governors and representatives from key state bodies noted that the economy grew by 4.5 per cent in the first half of 2025. This growth has been underpinned by sectors including services, agriculture, forestry, infrastructure development, and exports. Dry-season rice production exceeded 423,800 tonnes, or 94 per cent of the 2025 target, while agriculture and forestry exports exceeded US$1.12 billion, reaching 75 per cent of the plan. State revenue collection rose to 37,758 billion kip, equivalent to 55 per cent of the target for 2025, while expenditure was recorded at 28,223 billion kip, equalling 39 per cent of the target for this year. The government prioritised expenditure for salary and allowance payments for civil servants, military and police personnel, retirees, people with disabilities, and volunteer teachers. Inflation averaged 11 per cent in the first half of the year and is expected to fall to single digits by year-end. Foreign currency reserves were sufficient to cover 4.9 months of imports and are projected to cover five months of imports by December. Progress was also made on debt repayment, price stabilisation, and food security. The government has suspended the approval of new mining contracts, while inspections of gold and rare earth mining activities are continuing. The meeting highlighted progress made on the construction of river bridges around the country and approved in principle a list of road construction and improvement projects for 2026 and beyond. In parallel, the government is promoting expressway and rail development, including the Laos-China Expressway from Oudomxay to the Boten border, the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, and the Vientiane-Thakhaek-Vung Ang Railway. In the area of land management, more than 76,900 land titles were issued, representing 26 percent of the target for 2025. To address the chronic teacher shortage, the government increased the allowances paid to trainee teachers, agreed to give volunteer teachers civil servant status, and assigned military personnel to teaching duties. In the public health sector, improvements have been made to medical infrastructure and the training of personnel at both the central and local levels. The government aims to finalise evaluation of the 9th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2021-2025 and the 2025 plan. At the same time, drafting of the 10th five-year plan for 2026-2030 and the 2026 plan will continue, in preparation for submission to the next sitting of the National Assembly. In addition, the government will address challenges such as teacher and labour shortages, school dropout rates, and salaries. Work will also continue to resolve issues related to electricity pricing, informal trade, illegal vehicle imports, and fuel price risks. The meeting also approved in principle proposed solutions on electricity price adjustments, the impact of a 40 per cent tariff increase by the United States of America on Lao exports, the management of consumer goods and fuel prices, wet season export plans, and a fund to support domestic goods production. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Economic issues take centre stage at Lao govt meeting with provincial governors
VIENTIANE: Pressing economic issues including high electricity prices, the 40 per cent increase in US tariffs on Lao exports, and the regulation of fuel and consumer goods prices are among the key topics under discussion at the meeting between the government cabinet and provincial governors. The two-day meeting, taking place at the National Convention Centre from July 15-16, has gathered leaders of the administrative branches to deliberate on priority development areas and address ongoing economic and social challenges. On the agenda are also plans to upgrade border checkpoints, strengthen defence and public security, and preparations for major road development projects slated for 2026 and beyond. Participants are reviewing the government's mid-year performance, discussing upcoming strategic tasks, and evaluating the implementation of Party resolutions. Talks will also cover the export of agricultural produce, use of the product promotion Fund, and broader efforts to support socio-economic recovery amid ongoing global uncertainties and the impact of recent natural disasters. Delegates have engaged in open dialogue and joint consultations to assess the government's performance over the first half of 2025, while shaping the direction for the remainder of the year. High on the discussion list are the implementation of the 12 priority tasks outlined in Resolution No. 10 of the XI Party Central Committee and progress made in fulfilling the resolutions adopted at the National Assembly's recent 9th Ordinary Session. In addition, participants are examining international and regional developments and their implications for Laos, with an emphasis on crafting appropriate and timely policy responses. In his opening address, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed the government's dedication to fulfilling the resolution adopted by the XI Party Congress and concluding the 9th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan. He also stressed the significance of ongoing events to mark three historic milestones, namely the 70th anniversary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the Lao PDR, and the 105th anniversary of the birth of President Kaysone Phomvihane. The prime minister highlighted the ongoing reorganisation of the government's administrative apparatus at both the central and local levels, along with preparations for the three-tier Party Congresses that will lead up to the XII Party Congress in early 2026. Reflecting on the increasingly complex global landscape, Prime Minister Sonexay noted that Laos, like many countries, has faced setbacks such as flooding in several provinces, resulting in loss of life and disruption to livelihoods. Nevertheless, he praised the country's steady progress under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee's Politburo and the government's proactive efforts. Notable gains have been made in addressing economic and financial challenges, ensuring steady national growth, achieving socio-economic targets, and preserving political stability and social order. In conclusion, Prime Minister Sonexay called on all participants to study the agenda topics thoroughly and to provide well-considered, actionable recommendations that would ensure the effective implementation of the meeting's resolutions. Those in attendance include deputy prime ministers, cabinet members, provincial governors, the Mayor of Vientiane, representatives of Party and state organisations, ministry-equivalent bodies, the Lao Front for National Development, legislative and judicial entities, the State Inspection Authority, the State Audit Organisation, and other representatives of mass organisations. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Lao PM urges Attapeu to scrutinise investment projects, strive for economic self-reliance
VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (pic) has instructed Attapeu authorities to take decisive action over unproductive mining projects, as part of efforts to boost economic self-reliance and investment accountability. The premier met with provincial leaders during a working visit to the southern province on July 2 to monitor development progress and preparations for the upcoming 12th Provincial Party Congress. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone addresses a meeting with the leaders of Attapeu province last week. The meeting, held at the Attapeu Governor's office, brought together deputy ministers, senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office, and relevant representatives. In assessing the province's mid-year performance, the prime minister commended the achievements made but stressed the urgency of stronger leadership and more effective implementation moving forward. His main concern was the oversight of investment projects, many of which, he said, had made no progress, experienced delays, violated contractual terms, or had serious negative environmental or social impacts. These projects will now undergo close scrutiny. PM Sonexay advised provincial authorities to issue warnings to the owners of underperforming projects and set firm deadlines for resolution. His stance reflects a national push for stronger accountability, ensuring that all investments contribute to local development without causing harm. If corrective action is not taken within the set timeframe, these ventures will be subject to cancellation or official withdrawal, the prime minister said. To support these measures, he advised provincial authorities to coordinate with the Special Taskforce established under Decision No. 47/PM, dated April 25, 2025. This taskforce is mandated to manage, monitor, and inspect previously approved mining projects, ensuring they comply with legal and environmental standards. The prime minister also reaffirmed the importance of enforcing the legal instruments of the taskforce, particularly in monitoring resource-related activities and ensuring transparent, lawful development practices. Prime Minister Sonexay's visit has injected renewed urgency and clarity into the development agenda of Attapeu province. With a clear focus on disciplined governance, self-reliant growth, and investment accountability, the province is being positioned to serve as a model of resilient, people-centred development aligned with national aspirations. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Lao PM urges Xekong leaders to strive for economic self-reliance
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone talks to provincial authorities during a visit to Xekong on Tuesday (July 1, 2025). - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called on Xekong authorities to strive for economic self-sufficiency and boost growth by unlocking the province's potential. Speaking on Tuesday (July 1) during a working visit to Xekong ahead of the Provincial Party Congress, the prime minister stressed the need to improve transport infrastructure and tackle the hardships faced by ethnic communities, according to a report in the Paxason newspaper. He also said that effective leadership and guidance by the provincial Party Committee would motivate government officials at all levels to work diligently and fulfill their responsibilities. The premier praised provincial leaders' commitment during the first half of 2025 and urged continued focus in the second half of the year to help meet national development goals. He urged Party leaders in the province to strengthen political foundations at the grassroots level, preserve and promote the development of holistic and rural heritage. The prime minister highlighted the need to reduce road accidents, theft, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and gambling, and continue political education and ideological training to inspire change and deeper understanding among Party members and public servants. The Acting Governor of Xekong province, Bounlai Boudthi, gave a detailed report on the province's performance during the first half of 2025 and outlined plans for the remainder of the year. The report highlighted progress in agriculture and forestry. Bounlai said there had been significant growth in crop cultivation and livestock farming, while industry, energy, and mining operations had remained stable and productive. Services, trade and transport had shown steady improvement, including retail and wholesale trade, passenger transport, hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, and tourism-related activities. - Vientiane Times/ANN
