Lao Economy Suffering Due To Covid-19 Outbreak
This year’s Covid-19 outbreak has deepened the impacts on Laos’ economy, resulting in business shutdowns, growing health concerns, and falling sales.
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Government
Vaccinations Continue Despite Lockdown
People are advised to go to any of these locations, which include Lao-ITECC, the Chinese temple in Dongpalaeb village, and hospitals in the capital’s nine districts.
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Covid Cases In Vientiane Hit Daily High, Nationwide Total Exceeds 20,000
The new record of locally-transmitted cases in Vientiane was largely the result of outbreaks in garment factories which accounted for almost 90 percent of the cases in the capital
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Covid-19 Delays Economic Recovery In Laos: ADB
The unanticipated Covid-19 pandemic has delayed economic recovery in Laos, with consumption hit hard by the virus control measures implemented since April
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Fuel Prices Set To Rise Again
Motorists across Laos will have to spend more on petrol as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued a notification on Wednesday increasing the prices of all types of fuel.
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Covid-19 Approaches Large-Scale Community Outbreak: Health Minister
Outbreaks of Covid-19 in some parts of the country are approaching large-scale community transmission, technically known as Level III, Minister of Health Prof. Dr Bounfeng Phommalaysith has warned.
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Authorities Reverse Decision On Shop Closures
Vientiane authorities have revised their decision on the closure of retail and wholesale outlets and will now allow shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets and minimarts to remain open.
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City Authorities Impose Travel Restrictions As Lockdown Tightens
Police and security authorities are placing strict controls on travel and many roads in the capital are now blocked off following new restrictions imposed as a result of the latest lockdown.
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Vientiane Orders Closure Of Non-Essential Goods Shops, Supermarkets
Vientiane authorities have ordered shops and markets that sell items that are not absolutely essential to close until September 30, as an additional measure to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.
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More Than Two Million Doses Of Covid Vaccine To Arrive This Year
Laos will receive another 2,434,580 doses of Covid-19 vaccine from the Chinese and Australian governments as well as the private sector this year
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Land, Air Travel Suspended To Comply With Covid Restrictions
Passengers on public transport, whether wanting to travel by road or air from or to Vientiane, will have to wait another 11 days after city authorities announced a lockdown on Sunday.
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BOL Gives Update On Authorised Money Exchange Units
Some 419 money exchange units have become representatives of commercial banks and will operate under the authorisation of the bank, in an attempt to tackle the difference in currency exchange rates between banks and money-changing outlets.
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Vientiane City Under Lockdown As Covid Cases Surge
Authorities have ordered a full lockdown of Vientiane following new clusters of locally-transmitted cases of Covid in several factories.
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Laos Pushes Into Crypto As It Authorises Mining And Trading
Laos has authorised the mining and trading of cryptocurrencies, in a policy shift by the debt-laden south-east Asian nation that positions it to profit from the crackdown on digital currency mining in China.
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Giant Buddha Statue Plan Rankles Residents of Laos’ Capital
A Chinese firm’s plans to build a 100-meter-high Buddha statue in low-lying Vientiane encapsulate China’s outsized economic presence in Laos
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Covid-19 Control Measures Extended
The Lao government has extended Covid-19 prevention and control measures until September 30, expanding a night-time travel ban to provinces hit by a community outbreak.
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Multiple-Entry Visas Offered To People Of Lao Descent Living Abroad
The government has promulgated a new regulation that offers multiple-entry visas with longer stays for people of Lao origin those who hold another crtizenship and are residents in other countries.
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Authorities Fear Major Outbreak Of Delta Variant
Locally-transmitted cases of Covid-19 are on the rise in Vientiane and other provinces, sparking fears that this could cause a major community outbreak as most cases involve the highly contagious Delta variant.
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Lao Startups Facing Challenges
Lao startups are facing challenges in their efforts to help strengthen the national economy, including a lack of legislation that supports their set up and administration, with little incentive from the government.
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Health Chiefs Mull Third Dose Of Covid Vaccine
Health authorities say that a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine could be an option in the future, to further boost the body’s immune system against new Covid strains such as the Delta variant.
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BOL Requires Currency Exchange Units To Partner With Commercial Banks
BOL issued a notice informing currency exchange units nationwide to register with commercial banks to ensure their operations are carried out under the authorisation of the banking system.
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Chinese Investments In Laos Soar, But Little Wealth Is Spread
Not counted is the cost in damage to the country’s environment and Lao citizens’ loss of homes and livelihoods, experts say.
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Covid Rule-Breakers Subject To Multimillion Kip Fines
Vientiane authorities will issue fines up to 10 million kip to entities who infringe the measures put in place to keep Covid-19 in check.
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Widespread Outbreak Expected In Champassak As Delta Variant Reported
Champassak province is facing an outbreak of Covid-19 in Pathoumphon district, which is expected to be more severe than the first outbreak in Pakxe city because the new cases involve the Delta variant of the virus.
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World Bank To Support Land Administration, Titling In Lao PDR
Land holders across Lao PDR, including some of the most vulnerable households, are expected to benefit from improved land administration and titling thanks to a project approved by the World Bank this week.
Read more Economic Fallout From Covid Deepens: World Bank Survey
he economic fallout in Laos over the second quarter of this year as employment fell off sharply and households and businesses suffered declining income and revenue
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Healthcare Staff Contract Covid Despite Being Fully Vaccinated
A total of 126 people have contracted Covid-19 after being fully vaccinated
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More Than 4 Million People Vaccinated Against Covid
As of August 29, nationwide 2,420,333 people had received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and 1,784,707 people had been given two doses.
Read more Covid-19 Measures Intensified In 15-day Extension
The government has extended Covid-19 prevention and control measures for another 15 days until September 15, with some measures being strengthened.
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Start Of New School Year Postponed
Education authorities have postponed the start of the new academic year, along with school registration and entrance exams to colleges, universities and vocational education centres in several provinces.
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Vientiane Bans Night Travel, Closes Businesses And Schools As Virus Spreads
Vientiane authorities have introduced new restrictions, including a ban on night travel and closure of some businesses and schools, as the community outbreak of Covid-19 widens.
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Laos Records Highest Trade Deficit Of US$99 Million In July
Laos registered a record trade deficit of US$99 million in July, with exports valued at US$374 million and imports at a US$473 million, comprising a total two-way trade value of US$847 million.
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Covid-19 Measures Extended Until Sep 2
The government has extended Covid-19 prevention and control measures for another 15 days until September 2 with some measures intensified amid rising imported cases.
Read more Laos Records 440 New Covid Cases, 2 More Deaths
A total of 11,753 total cases of Covid-19 have now been recorded in Laos with the announcement on Friday of 440 new cases, while two more deaths from the virus were also reported.
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Laos-China Railway Announces 200 Jobs For Lao People
The company on Tuesday invited interested applicants to apply for the jobs concerning the maintenance of communication, engineering and power supply equipment on the railway.
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Govt To Regulate Illegal Lotteries
Lotteries based in foreign countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, China and even the Republic of Korea have been sold illegally in Laos, even though Laos has its own legal lottery.
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Vientiane Closes Schools, Beefs Up Virus Control Measures
Vientiane authorities have ordered the closure of schools in the capital as part of the government’s measures to contain community outbreaks of Covid-19.
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Govt Reveals Debt Payment Plan
Revenue earned from potential mining operations, revamped state enterprises and from other as yet untapped sources will be used to pay debts amounting to almost US$14 billion
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College Graduates in Laos Face Bleak Job Prospects Amid Pandemic Shutdowns
Recent college graduates in Laos are having trouble finding work, as businesses continue to shut down in the face of economic difficulties tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Attapeu, Champassak Order Local Lockdowns After Spike In Covid Cases
Authorities in Champassak and Attapeu provinces have ordered lockdowns to stem the spread of Covid-19 outbreak after locally-transmitted infections were reported.
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Govt Proposes Income Tax Revisions To National Assembly
The Ministry of Finance has revised several articles of the Law on Income Tax, to enable businesses to operate
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Savannakhet City Under Lockdown
Savannakhet provincial authorities have ordered a lockdown in Kaysone Phomvihane city until August 23, after locally-transmitted Covid infections were reported on August 5.
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Govt Spells Out Plans To Tackle Drug Problem
The government is acting with great determination to curb the use of and trade in drugs across Laos, amid the spiralling trafficking of narcotics.
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PM Pledges Massive Cut In State Vehicle Spending
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has told the National Assembly (NA) that his administration will make huge reductions in spending on vehicles.
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US Has Opportunity To Establish Stronger Economic Ties With Laos
The United States has an opportunity to reset its relationship with Laos and establish a future-oriented partnership based on economic development to offer a complement to Chinese influence.
Read more PM Extends Covid Restrictions
The government has extended a prime ministerial order aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 for another 15 days, based on the increase in the number of imported cases of the dangerous virus, which has killed seven people in Laos.
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Rollout Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Underway
Health authorities will continue to use the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine despite some unexpected side effects being reported by a few people.
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Laos, Switzerland Cement Ties With Further Aid Pledged For Laos
Laos and Switzerland have agreed to enhance their longstanding ties and cooperation, with Switzerland promising assistance valued at 65 million Swiss Francs to Laos over the next four years.
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Sangthong District, Villages in Vangvieng Locked Down As Locally Transmitted Cases Reported
Authorities have ordered a lockdown in Sangthong district of Vientiane and villages in Vangvieng district of Vientiane province after locally transmitted cases of Covid-19 were reported.
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Govt No Longer Accepting Iron Ore Pilot Project Proposals
New proposals for the survey, extraction and export of iron ore in the form of pilot projects will no longer be considered, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced.
Read more Seventh Person Dies From Covid-19
The Champassak Taskforce for Covid-10 Prevention and Control reported the death of a 38-year-old man, who lived in Veunsom village, Khong district.
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Laos Faces Spiralling Budget Deficit
The escalating deficit will ramp up the government’s public debt burden, posing challenges for Laos in sourcing more funding to address the shortfall.
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BOL To Take Urgent Action On Differences In Exchange Rates
The Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) is now working to tackle several unresolved issues related to financial matters, including differences between the exchange rates in the market and banks.
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Laos Issues E-commerce Regulations
Laos is making strides toward providing clear legal guidance for e-commerce operations by issuing legal measures to facilitate the regulation of online business activities.
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Can China’s Belt and Road Open Up Landlocked Laos?
As a 420 km high-speed railway nears completion, two Chinese-built highways have been given the green light. Will these projects open up Laos, or make it a crossing point on China’s Belt and Road?
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Laos To Get 1.4 million Doses Of Covid Vaccine In Coming Weeks
China and the United Kingdom will provide Laos with more than 1.4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines in coming week or weeks, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control said on Tuesday.
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Southern Provinces Order Lockdowns As Covid Cases Surge
Taskforces for Covid-19 Prevention and Control in Xekong, Attapeu and Savannakhet provinces have ordered localised lockdowns from July 23 to 29 in a bid to stem the spread of infection as more cases are identified.
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Covid Taskforce Names Priority Provinces For Vaccinations
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control is prioritising the rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations in Champassak, Savannakhet, Khammuan and Saravan provinces.
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Vientiane Police Crack Down On Gun Trade
The illegal online trade in firearms is partly responsible for the increase in the number of robberies and murders taking place in Vientiane, police say, while officers are cracking down on the trade.
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Laos Records US$932 Million Trade Value In June
Laos saw a record US$932 million in the value of imports and exports for June, but recorded a trade deficit of US$62 million
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Villages Inundated As Heavy Rain Lashes Two Provinces
Many villages in at least two provnces of Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang provinces are suffering from flooding following torrential rain in recent days, according to local media.
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LCB’s Depositors To Be Repaid
Officials of the Bank of Lao PDR (BOL) have confirmed that customers or depositors of the Lao Construction Bank Limited (LCB) will be repaid once data of the bank’s depositors are provided.
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Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine Delivered To Laos
Laos on Monday received more than one million doses of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine donated by the United States (US) government.
Read more Covid Restrictions Extended, Some Lifted To Ease Economic Impacts
The surge in imported cases of Covid-19 has prompted the government to extend the virus control measures outlined in Prime Ministerial Order No. 15 for another 15 days until August 3.
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Covid-19 Claims One Life, 131 New Cases Reported
A man has died after returning from neighbouring Thailand where he was tested positive for Covid-19, Lao authorities said on Sunday.
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Virus Taskforce Announces Fourth Death From Covid
The death of an elderly man from Covid-19 brings the total number of fatalities from the virus to four, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control announced on Thursday.
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Vientiane Court Sentences Covid Spreaders To Jail
Vientiane People’s Court on Thursday handed down prison sentences to six people after finding them guilty of spreading Covid-19, facilitating illegal entry and exit from Laos, and deliberately concealing the movements of foreigners who entered Laos illegally.
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Vientiane Police Net Huge Drug Haul
Police discovered almost 17 million amphetamine tablets when they stopped a truck on the 450 Road in Xaythany district, Vientiane, on Tuesday.
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Second Doses Of Pfizer, Sinopharm Vaccines Available From Today
Health workers will begin providing second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines on Thursday as part of the immunisation campaign to vaccinate 50 percent of the population by the end of this year.
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Savannakhet Gets Tough On Covid Rule Breakers
Savannakhet provincial authorities will hand out fines ranging from 10-30 million kip to individuals or businesses found to be breaking the rules on Covid-19 prevention.
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Nam Theun 2 Shareholders, Govt Partner In World’s Largest Hybrid Floating Solar Project
The government and shareholders in the Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant have agreed to develop Nam Theun 2-Solar, the largest hybrid floating solar project in the world.
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Laos To Get 1 Million Doses Of Covid-19 Vaccine On Thursday
One million doses of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine are set to reach Laos on July 15, giving a boost to the government’s efforts to protect people from the Covid-19.
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Govt Extends Ban On Imported Cattle, Beef Products
The government has extended the ban on the import of cattle and other beef products due to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease, which is continuing to spread in various areas of the country.
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Laos Fears Outbreak Of Delta Variant Of Covid
Authorities fear the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant of Covid-19 after nine imported cases have been reported in Laos.
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Govt To Take Stronger Action To Contain Spread of Covid-19
The government has vowed to take stronger action to contain the spread of Covid-19 and to tackle economic difficulties created by the pandemic.
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Champassak Runs Out Of Covid Treatment Facilities
Champassak province is running out of facilities to accommodate people who test positive for Covid-19, with many infected Lao nationals now returning from Thailand.
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Laos, Russia Agree To Cement Ties, Broaden Cooperation
Lao and Russian foreign ministers have agreed that both sides will work together to cement ties and broaden cooperation between their two countries.
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Three Provinces Order Lockdowns In Virus-Affected Villages
Authorities in Vientiane, Saravan and Champassak provinces have ordered lockdowns in villages deemed to be at risk of Covid-19 transmission, following new cases of the virus.
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Covid Taskforce Orders Use Of Track And Trace QR Code
People living in Laos and entering the country will be required to install the LaoKYC programme on their smartphones so they can use the Lao Sou Sou service to scan a QR code.
Read more Laos Extends Lockdown Measures Until 19 July
The government has decided to extend a Prime Minister’s Order designed to control the Covid-19 outbreak for another 15 days, amid growing concerns over the surge in infections in neighbouring countries.
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Laos To Sell Vietnam Its Wind Power With Mitsubishi’s Help
Japanese trading conglomerate Mitsubishi Corp. will develop a massive onshore wind farm in Laos that will supply electricity to Vietnam.
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Laos Grapples With Rising Inflation
The consumer price index has continued to surge despite measures imposed by the government to manage the prices of goods in local markets.
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Vangvieng Authorities Call For Lockdown Of District
Vangvieng district authorities have asked Vientiane provincial authorities to consider ordering a lockdown in the district after cases of Covid-19 were reported in the area recently.
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Govt Approves Bokeo-Boten Expressway Linking China, Thailand
The government has approved the construction of an expressway running between Bokeo province and Boten, which will link China and Thailand through Laos.
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32 New Covid Cases Reported, Including 3 Delta
Laos has confirmed 32 new cases of Covid-19 cases, with three people testing positive for the highly infectious Delta variant of the virus.
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26 New Cases Of Covid Reported
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Monday reported 26 new cases
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New Shipment Of Vaccine To Arrive Next Month
Health officials will roll out round 3 of the vaccination programme next month, when target groups will be given the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccines.
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Vientiane To Vaccinate 80% Of Adults Against Covid-19 By Year End
Vientiane authorities have an amitious plan to have 80 per cent of its population vaccinated against Covid-19 to create herd immunity and break the chain of Covid-19 infection by the end of this year.
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Concerns Increase Over New Covid-19 Variants
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has expressed concern about emerging variants of the virus
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Laos Voices Appreciation Of Asia-Europe Partnership
Laos values the Asia-Europe Partnership as an important forum for promoting cooperation and understanding between the peoples of the two regions.
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Ministry Eases Covid Restrictions For Education, Sports
The Ministry of Education and Sports is now allowing kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, vocational schools, colleges and universities in areas of provinces that have no new coronavirus infections to reopen. However, all schools, colleges and universities in Vientiane will remain closed
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Lao Airlines To Resume Domestic Flights On June 25
Lao Airlines has announced that it will resume domestic flights on June 25, with several weekly flights to different provinces that will carry travellers who have received Covid-19 vaccines.
Read more Lockdown Extended But More Restrictions Lifted
The government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days until July 4 but has eased some restrictions to alleviate the hardship caused by the Covid-19 outbreak and gradually normalise the situation.
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Laos Sets Out Rules for Securing Investment Promotion Incentives
Laos has issued important new guidelines on obtaining investment promotion incentives in the country.
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No Travel Privileges Even With Two Doses Of Vaccine
Everyone entering Laos must comply all of the standard Covid-19 prevention and control measures, even if they have had two doses of a Covid vaccine, a senior government official has said.
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Police Make Breakthrough In Motorbike Theft
Vientiane police arrested a group of young men after they allegedly stole numerous motorbikes, tracking them down to a guesthouse in Xaymoungkhoun village, and confiscated nine bikes found in their possession.
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Foreign Nationals Living And Working In Laos Offered Covid-19 Vaccinations Free Of Charge
However, they cannot choose which vaccine they will receive as the government has allocated the different vaccines for separate target groups.
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500,000 Doses Of Sinopharm Vaccine Arrive From China
This is the fifth delivery of vaccine produced by Sinopharm (China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.) and will be used to vaccinate people aged 18 to 60 under the government’s National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.
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State, Private Sectors Set Up Joint Venture Dry Port Company To Develop Lao Logistics
A joint venture agreement was signed in Vientiane on June 10 to establish Thakhek Dry Port Co Ltd, which will develop “Thakhek Dry Port” as a gateway for international goods and encourage Laos to become a regional and international logistics service centre.
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Laos Govt Approves Vientiane-Pakse Expressway Route Selection
The Lao government has recently approved the route selection for Vientiane-Pakse Expressway Project recommended by a Chinese engineering company.
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Laotians Still Affected by Wartime Use of Agent Orange, Study Finds
The survey found that 500 people in Laos under 50 years of age have congenital disabilities that may be associated with their parents’ or grandparents’ exposure to toxic herbicides during the war.
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Laos At High Risk Of Major Outbreak, Officials Warn
Although the number of new Covid cases is continuing to fall, further community outbreaks remain a great concern in Vientiane.
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Additional Funding To Help Laos Reach 50 Percent Vaccination Target
An additional US$15 million was made available on June 9 to help Laos stop the spread of Covid-19, following an agreement between the World Bank and the government, according to World Bank
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Taskforce Sets Conditions For Entry And Exit From Vientiane
The Vientiane Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has specified the conditions under which local residents, government officials and members of organisations may enter or exit the capital from now until June 19.
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Ministry Issues New Guidance To Tackle Corruption, Bureaucratic Malpractices
Authorities have issued a new guidance to prevent officials in-charge of natural resources and environment affairs from committing corruption and bureaucratic malpractices.
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Concerns Intensify Over Blood Clots In Covid Patients
News that a diabetic woman who contracted Covid-19 had two legs amputated last week because of blood clots has sparked further alarm about the complications that can be caused by the virus.
Read more Lockdown Extended For 15 Days, Some Restrictions Lifted
The government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days until June 19, with restrictions to continue in areas of infection known as red zones, while some virus control measures have been eased.
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Markets Under Scrutiny In Covid Crackdown
The government is keeping a close watch on Vientiane’s markets and is taking steps to reduce the risk of the Covid-19 virus spreading after it was found that several infected people had visited markets.
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WHO Validates China’s Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine For Emergency Use
The World Health Organisation (WHO) validated on Tuesday the CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac for emergency use.
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Pfizer Vaccine Will Be Used To Protect Most Vulnerable
The government will use this batch to vaccinate 50,300 people above the age of 60 and with underlying health conditions, under the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.
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100,620 Doses Of Pfizer Vaccine Expected Soon
Some 100,620 doses of Pfizer vaccine are expected to arrive in the coming days, according to the Centre of Information and Education for Health, Ministry of Health.
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Ministry Asks Telecom Operators To Cut Charges, Increase Internet Speed
Telecom operators plan to cut the charges for voice calls by 15 percent, as well as increase internet speeds, so that people can study online and work from home more easily during the Covid-19 outbreak.
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Finance Ministry Suspends & Waives Tax Payments
The Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the government, has issued an instruction on the suspension and waiver of income tax payments as well as postponement of the payment of the annual road tax for 2021.
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Smoking-Related Deaths Remain A Cause For Concern
Laos has the second worst record of all Asean countries with regard to smoking-related deaths, even though health officials have worked to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco.
Read more Hopes Rise For End To Lockdown As Covid Cases Dwindle
Lao people are hoping that the government will be able to control the spread of Covid-19 after only one new case of the virus was reported on Monday.
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City Authorities Issue Fire Warnings
A house fire has prompted Vientiane authorities to request people to check their electrical appliances and replace old wiring and other electrical equipment, after numerous fires have been blamed on electrical faults.
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Utilities Reduce Electricity And Water Tariffs For Households
The state-run Electricite Du Lao (EDL) and Vientiane Water Supply State Enterprise have cut power and water tariffs by three and five percent respectively to help people cope with the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
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Oudomxay Police Seize 1 million Amphetamine Pills
Oudomxay provincial police last week arrested a couple after stopping their vehicle and discovering more than 1 million amphetamine pills and 48 bags of drug precursor chemicals weighing 1,200kg.
Read more Next Vaccine Shipment Expected Soon
The government is speeding up the Covid-19 vaccination programme as it now has enough vaccines for 760,000 people, while waiting for the next delivery to arrive.
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Vientiane-Pakxe Expressway Awaiting Govt Approval
Construction of the Vientiane-Pakxe expressway will go ahead after the government gives the green light for the proposed route, when feasibility studies on all sections of the highway will begin.
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More Villages Named Red Zones As Covid Spreads
Twenty-nine villages have been named as red zones, meaning they will remain under 24-hour surveillance and general entry and exit is banned in an attempt to contain the Covid-19 virus.
Read more 56 More Infections Raise Covid Total To 1,878
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Tuesday warned that it will be difficult to prevent the spread of Covid-19 if people with the virus fail to provide information about those they have come into contact with.
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Laos To Get Additional Doses Of Russia’s Sputnik V Vaccine
Negotiations are currently underway regarding the supply of additional doses of Russia’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine to Laos
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Police Nab Man For Fake News Post
Police detained a 23-year-old man after he posted a clip on social media which falsely implied there had been a plane crash in Luang Prabang province.
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Govt Tightens Travel Restrictions In Red Zones
The Ministry of Health has instructed authorities in 18 provinces to classify areas of Covid-19 outbreak into colour-coded zones as part of efforts to control the spread of the virus.
Read more Covid-19 Rules Updated, Some Strengthened, Others Eased
The government has intensified Covid-19 prevention and control restrictions, while easing some where appropriate, as it extends measures to contain the outbreak for another 15 days until June 4.
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Govt Confirms Stable Food Supplies During Pandemic
The government has said there is a sufficient supply of foodstuffs and consumer products for at least two months despite delays in transport caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Three Provinces Ease Lockdown Restrictions
Some provinces where only a few cases of Covid-19 have been recorded remain under lockdown but are easing restrictions to enable people to engage in business and earn a living.
Read more Laos Struggles To Contain Escalating Virus Outbreak
The number of new Covid-19 cases is spiking, not only in Laos but also in the whole region, despite reinforced measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
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J&C Group Supporting The Community
J&C Group provided the village administration of Saphanthong Tai with 25 rice bags in the value of LAK 10’000’000
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Vientiane Capital To Lock Down By Zones
Vientiane authorities have ordered a 14-day lockdown in so-called red zones of the city where the highest number of Covid-19 infections have occurred.
Read more 21 New Covid Cases, Risk Of Escalating Outbreak
Laos recorded another 21 cases of Covid-19 on Sunday but, although this number is small, authorities are concerned that a large number of people who are carrying the virus or are classified as at-risk of infection are concealing their identity.
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Laos’ Plan for 2021 Is To Vaccinate 50 Percent Of The Population
The vaccines being used are AstraZeneca, Sputnik V and Sinopharm and the total supply currently stands at 1,536,000 doses, which can immunise about 760,000 people, or 10.3 percent of the population.
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Hike In Premium Grade Fuel Price To Hit Motorists’ Pockets
Petrol stations in the capital and Vientiane province are now selling premium grade fuel at 11,289 kip per litre, which is the lowest price in the country.
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Harsher Penalties Demanded For Officers Involved In Drug Offences
Party and government leaders have demanded that state officers involved in the abuse of narcotic drugs should be subject to harsher penalties than ordinary citizens a move seen as setting officers as an example.
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More Family Members, Older People Contract Covid-19
More and more family members and older people are developing Covid-19 due to failure to comply with measures imposed to contain the spread of the virus.
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Australia, Laos Agree On Large-scale Covid Vaccination Support
Australia and Laos on Wednesday announced that Australia will provide a grant of AUD15.2 million for the rollout of safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines in Laos.
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Two Policemen Sacked For Concealing Illegal Entry Of Foreign Nationals
The Ministry of Public Security has stripped two Savannakhet police officers of their position and cancelled their allowances, charging them with deliberately concealing the movements of foreigners who entered Laos illegally.
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Vientiane Woman Dies After Being Vaccinated
A 63-year-old woman has died after being given the AstraZeneca vaccine last week
Read more New Guidelines Issued For Vientiane Entry & Exit
The Vientiane Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has issued new guidelines which require people wishing to exit or enter the capital to submit certain documents while the lockdown remains in force.
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Unemployment Spirals Due To Covid-19 Outbreak
The unemployment rate has increased sharply since the end of 2020 amid measures imposed to prevent the spread of the virus.
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Govt To Continue Suspension Of Passenger Transport
The government will continue to suspend all passenger transportation services by land, water, and air between the capital to provinces and within provinces.
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Factories Can Continue Operations During Lockdown
Factories are permitted to continue their operations so long as they strictly comply with Covid-19 prevention and control measures, a senior government official has said.
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Lockdown Extended Until May 20
The government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days until May 20 in an ongoing effort to contain the Covid-19 outbreak as new cases continue to surge.
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90 Percent Of Tourism Businesses Close Due To Covid Outbreak
The hospitality industry in Laos is facing a further slump as a result of the ongoing outbreak of Covid-19 with about 90 percent of businesses forced to close their doors.
Read more Covid Cases Surge In Bokeo
Bokeo province was recorded the highest number of new Covid infections on Sunday, recording 60 new cases, with an outbreak in Tonpheung district infecting 57 people.
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EDL To Discount Electricity Rates During Lockdown Period
The new electricity rates for households will be calculated from May to July in provinces under lockdown. The discount applies only to residential consumers and does not include value-added tax (VAT).
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Authorities Mull Policies To Ease Impacts Of Covid-19
A number of policies are being considered to mitigate the effects of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak on the economy and people’s livelihoods.
Read more Taskforce Orders Tougher Action To Curb Escalating Covid Outbreak
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has told its provincial bodies to intensify action to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, which is spreading rapidly.
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Inflation Continues To Rise Amid Covid-19 Crisis
The year-on-year inflation rate continued to rise in Laos in March amid economic distress triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more 93 More Cases Of Covid-19 Confirmed
An additional 93 people have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of known cases in Laos to 604.
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Immigration Department Suspends Penalties For Returning Lao Migrants
All Lao nationals wishing to return to Laos from Thailand, including those who have been working there illegally, are being encouraged to enter at official border crossings without fear of being fined.
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Sports Stadium To Become Makeshift Hospital As Virus Cases Surge
Temporary hospitals opened in Vientiane on Monday to accommodate Covid-19 patients amid a surge in new cases, while authorities insist that there are sufficient hospital beds.
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Blood Transfusion Centre Issues Appeal For Donors
The National Blood Transfusion Centre, run by the Lao Red Cross, is calling on members of the public to give blood urgently, saying it is needed for the treatment of Covid-19 at hospitals around the country.
Read more Govt Orders Preparations For Worsening Covid Scenario
The government has instructed the relevant authorities to review and draw up plans of the essentials they need to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak as the number of cases continues to rise.
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Driving In Laos: What License Do I Need ?
There is always much confusion among foreigners living in Laos about the required licenses to drive.
So what kinds of licenses are needed to drive in Laos ? These are the four possibilities to legally drive a vehicle in Laos:
Covid-19 Taskforce Sets Up Four Testing Centres
The National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control is using four additional places in its efforts to identify and test people who may be infected with Covid-19, who will now be tested for the virus.
Read more Schools Close In Vientiane, Move To Distance Learning
The Ministry of Education and Sports has ordered the closure of public and private schools in Vientiane from April 22 to May 5
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Lao Airlines Suspends All Domestic Flights
Lao Airlines is suspending all domestic flights until May 5 after the government on Wednesday introduced new measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Vientiane.
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Rollout Of Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Speeds Up
People in Vientiane and some provinces have now had their first and second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
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Laos Locks Down Capital, Provinces As COVID Cases Climb
Laos has announced a two-week lockdown in the capital Vientiane, with restrictions also ordered in several provinces as the number of COVID cases in the country suddenly climbs
Read more 28 New Cases Of Covid-19 Confirmed
Another 28 people have tested positive for Covid-19 after 656 people were tested for the virus this week, bringing the total number of known cases to 88
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Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Makes Good Progress
The government plans to vaccinate at least 150,000 people in the initial stages of the programme.
Read more Four More cases Of Covid-19 Confirmed
Four more people have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of known cases in Laos to 58, the Ministry of Health announced on Saturday.
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After A Day Of Confusion, Govt Dismisses Capital’s Lockdown Proposal
The government has decided not to lock down Vientiane after considering a request by city authorities to impose the drastic measure until the end of this month.
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Laos Now Perceived To Be The Third Most Corrupt Country In The Asean Bloc In 2020, Says Transparency International
Laos is now also the third most corrupt country in the Asean bloc, following Myanmar and Cambodia.
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Laos Reports 1st Human H5N6 Avian Influenza Case
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports the first human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) virus infection has been reported in Laos.
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Laos Enjoys US$42 Million Trade Surplus In February
Laos recorded a trade surplus of US$42 million in February even though the value of goods sold to the country’s two main trading partners, China and Vietnam, dropped compared to January.
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Police Issue 15 Ban Rules, Prohibit Drunk Driving Over Lao New Year
The General Police Department recently issued 15 banning rules in regards to the celebration of Lao New Year during April 14-16
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Nation Mourns As Former President’s Wife And Son Among Victims Of Boating Tragedy
The nation is mourning the tragic loss of several members of former President Choummaly Sayasone’s family when a pleasure boat capsized on Sunday, resulting in the death of the former president’s wife and son
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Russia to Build Airport in Laos, Train Armed Forces in Sign of Strengthening Military Ties
Russian troops have been clearing an area of around 500 hectares of unexploded ordnance, or UXO, in Laos’ Xieng Khouang province with plans to build a new airport and military facility as part of an expansion of military aid to the impoverished Southeast Asian nation
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Power Supply For Laos-China Railway Completed
The Laos-China Railway Power Supply Project has been completed on schedule, paving the way for the planned operation of the railway in December.
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Eight Die In Pleasure Boat Capsize On Sunday
Eight people drowned when a pleasure boat capsized on Sunday morning during a trip on Nam Ngum Lake
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Mass Rollout Of Covid-19 Vaccine Gets Underway
The government has begun vaccinating the most vulnerable and at-risk groups in a step towards ending the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Thai Govt Confirms List Of Approved Vaccines For Foreigners To Enter Thailand With Reduced Quarantine
The Thai government has released its latest guidelines and requirements for foreign tourists wanting to enter the country.
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Pi Mai Lao Celebrations Limited To Traditional Events
Provinces across the country will organise scaled-down events to celebrate Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) from April 14-16 this year.
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Australia Assists Laos With Purchase Of Covid-19 Vaccine
Australia will extend further assistance to Laos with regard to the purchase of Covid-19 vaccine and its transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.
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Handicraft Designers Pledge To Protect Traditional Designs
Better knowledge of copyright and trademarks has become necessary in the traditional handicraft industry.
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Laos Must Speed Up Reform To Maximise Benefits Of Railway: World Bank
In order to maximise benefits from the rail project, Laos must quickly create a business friendly environment.
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Govt Bans Public Events Over Pi Mai (Lao New Year)
All public events are banned over the Lao New Year holiday from April 14-16 as part of the government’s continuing measures to keep Covid-19 in check.
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Motorists Warned To Avoid Kasy-Nan Road
Motorists driving between Vientiane and Luang Prabang are advised to avoid the section of Road No. 4C
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Vietnam Hands Over $111 Million Parliament Building to Lao Government
The building highlights Vietnam’s desire to prevent Laos from spiraling off into China’s orbit.
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Lao Govt To Address Seven Urgent Issues To Spur Development
Newly-elected Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh highlighted the seven concerns
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Inflation Down But Cost Of Living Remains High
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 113.61 points in February, indicating an inflation rate of 1.91 percent year-on-year, down from the 2.01 percent recorded in January
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Former Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith Elected As State President
Party Secretary General, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith has become the new President of the Lao PDR
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UN’s AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccines Donation Arrives In Laos
Source: Star The arrival of the first shipment of the Covid-19 vaccines from the COVAX Facility marked an important step
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Laos Grants 25-Year Power Grid Concession To Chinese-Majority Firm
The deal will deepen China’s involvement in the Lao government’s goal of transforming itself into the “battery of Southeast Asia.”
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Lao Authorities Require People Entering Laos To Wear Out-Smart Bracelet
Lao authorities are advising foreign airlines to provide passengers flying to Laos with “out-smart” bracelets that monitor their temperature, as part of continuing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Read more Unemployment Spirals To 23.4 Percent Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
Unemployment in Laos has skyrocketed to 23.4 percent, indicating that about 320,000 people are out of work
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New English Language Curriculum On Track For Use In Primary Schools
Source: Vientiane Times The new English language curriculum for Grade 3 primary students will be rolled out at the start
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Luang Prabang To Lead The Way In Digital Transformation
Luang Prabang province has begun the first steps in becoming a Smart City through the creation of e-government practices.
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Pork Price Spirals As Controls Fail
Authorities have been unable to cap the price of pork, which has now risen above the price set during the Covid-19 pandemic, and are trying to find a way to keep prices down.
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Ministry Seeks Changes To Expressway Toll, Currency Exchange Rates
The Investment Promotion Department of the Ministry of Planning and Investment has advised the Laos-China Joint Expressway Development Co., Ltd. to revise the toll rate currently charged for pick-up trucks and also the dollar-kip exchange rate
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Inflation Down, But Financial Hardship Persists
Although inflation is trending downwards, many people feel their personal situation has not improved at all due to the mismatch between their income and spending.
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MRC Blames Mekong River’s Blue Hue on Upstream Outflow Restrictions, Decreased Rainfall
Water levels in the Mekong River are down to “worrying” levels with some parts of the major Southeast Asian waterway in Laos and Thailand turning blue due to increased algae growth
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Xekong To Open First Int’l Border Crossing With Vietnam
Xekong province will open its first international border crossing with Vietnam next month to ease the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
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Laos Increasingly Witnesses Extreme Weather
Source: Vientiane Times Laos has witnessed increasingly extreme weather events due to climate change causing unusualy situations. In recent years,
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Laos Planned Railways: Opening a National Rail Network in 2021
At present, Laos doesn’t have any railways. However, that is about to change in 2021.
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Vientiane Creates New District
Vientiane authorities are in the process of creating a new district, which will be the tenth in the capital
Read more Laos Tightens Measures As Covid-19 Cases In Neighbouring Countries Rise
The government has issued a notice stating more stringent measures against Covid-19 have been put in place for Feb 1- Mar 31, 2021.
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