- State leaders foster army’s development on 73rd anniversary
State leaders this week met with officers and soldiers of military brigades as part of events to celebrate the 73rd Lao People’s Army Day (January 20, 1949-January 20, 2022) to show their support for the development of the armed forces. Party Secretary General and State President Thongloun Sisoulith and his entourage on Tuesday visited the 4th Brigade in Savannakhet province, where he was warmly welcomed by provincial leaders and key personnel from the 4th Brigade, while senior officials from the Ministry of National Defence and provincial authorities also participated in the event. ....More >>>

- MRC, GIZ ink agreement to boost transboundary water cooperation
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the German development agency GIZ have signed an agreement to implement the second phase of the Transboundary Water Cooperation Programme in the Lower Mekong Basin. The new agreement, signed on January 17, follows funding commitments made in November by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, which granted the Mekong River Commission an additional 4.45 million euros over the next three years. The programme will enhance the Commission’s ability to monitor and address challenges in the Lower Mekong Basin, including threats posed by climate change, especially flooding and drought. ...More >>>

- Health ministry advises on safe reopening of schools  
Many schools have been given approval to resume face-to-face classes on January 31 but have been warned they must strictly comply with Covid prevention rules. Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control, under the Ministry of Health, Dr Sisavath Southanilaxay, has advised schools whose reopening has been approved to ensure they closely follow 10 measures laid down by the ministry. “These measures and guidelines will help to ease the risk of infection among students and staff,” Dr Sisavath said. “If schools do not comply, they run the risk of spreading the virus to ..More >>>

- Japanese foreign minister awards certificate to Lao businessman
Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has awarded a certificate of honour to the Co-CEO of the Pakse-Japan SME Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Development Co., Ltd., (PJSEZ), Mr Vannada Phomasthit, who was recently appointed the new CEO of Dao Coffee Co., Ltd. The certificate was presented by Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Kenichi Kobayashi, in the presence of the Governor of Champassak province, Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham. The award acknowledges the many contributions made by Mr Vannada in supporting and encouraging Japanese companies to invest in Laos and strengthen the relationship and mutual benefits between Laos and Japan. ..More >>>