President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Oudet Souvannavong (left), and a member of the Lao-Russian Association for Socio-Economic Development on Friday sign a document as a basis for cooperation in business, trade, investment, services, tourism, and transportation between Laos and Russia and the Eurasian Economic Council.   --Photo Lao National Radio

More than 300 officials from across the country and international development partners gather in Vientiane last week for the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) review meeting. The meeting reported an 81.6 percent reduction in maternal mortality since 2000, one of the fastest declines globally. Child mortality has also dropped by over 60 percent. Deputy Minister of Health Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth called for continued efforts to ensure that every woman, child and adolescent in Laos survives and thrives through equitable, quality healthcare services. The two-day meeting also focused on experience-sharing and planning the RMNCAH strategy for 2026-2030 to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage by 2030.

Journalists from Laos’ central provinces visit Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, on June 27-29 after taking a short course on management and safety in online social media. The course and visit are part of the Green Action Through Media, Mass Organisation and Civil Society in Laos (GAMCIL) project, supported by the European Union.

Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith on Friday chairs a meeting to announce the establishment of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee. The meeting, held at the Special Economic Zone Promotion and Management Office in Vientiane, was attended by ministers and senior officials from line ministries and related sectors. Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Bountheung Douangsavanh, has been appointed Vice Chairman of the committee. Addressing the gathering, Mr Saleumxay said the recent reshuffle of top government officials aligns with the Party and state’s aims to elevate investment to a new level. He stressed the need to improve transparency in investment approval processes and the importance of enhancing one-stop services to streamline the management of approved projects.