(KPL) The construction work of the fourth Lao-Thai Friendship Mekong River Bridge is still put on hold thanks to Thailand�s inability to disburse money for this huge undertaking, said a local official.
According to the Public Works and Transport Office of Bokeo, the Chinese and Thai governments would make a joint contribution of US$ 59 million to fund the construction of the 480 metre bridge, which would link Don village, northern Laos� Bokeo province, and Ing village, Chiang Rai province of Thailand.
Upon completion, the bridge would facilitate the communication between the three neighbouring countries, Laos, Thailand, China.
The Lao government would give four billion kip for the compensation to the local residents in the vicinity of the proposed bridge site, who will be relocated.
Mr. Thavone Vorabouth, Deputy Director of the 4th Lao-Thai Friendship Mekong River Bridge Construction Project, told KPL News yesterday that whereas China is ready to disburse its share of the cost but Thailand has not said when it would cough up the money.
�According to the schedule, the construction should commence at the end of 2009 and due for completion in 2013 but if the Thai government dragged its feet on this the actual construction date would have to be pushed forward, said Mr Thavone.
He also said that the Cooperation Committee, made up of representatives from Laos, Thailand and China had been making preparations for the bidding process and the bid envelopes should be opened in December 2009.
Showing posts with label Laohotnews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laohotnews. Show all posts
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Party Secretary General to visit China
(KPL) The Secretary General of the Lao People�s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao PDR Choummaly Sayasone will pay a working visit to the People�s Republic of China from 9 to 16 August.
The visit is in response to an invitation of his Chinese counterpart, the President of the People�s Republic of China who is also Secretary General of the CPC Central Committee, Mr Hu Jintao.
The visit is in response to an invitation of his Chinese counterpart, the President of the People�s Republic of China who is also Secretary General of the CPC Central Committee, Mr Hu Jintao.
NOUL disseminates ASEAN work
(KPL) National University of Laos (NOUL) on 5 August held a meeting, to disseminate the 42nd anniversary of ASEAN and 12th 
anniversary of Laos became a member of ASEAN country to students and teachers and officials in
University.
The meeting was chaired by Alounkeo Kittikhoun, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs who is also an ASEAN senior official, attended by representatives from ministries of Industry and Commerce, Information and Culture, Planning and Investment and
Finance.
Mr Alounkeo highlighted the achievements of ASEAN since establishing ASEAN and proclaiming the ASEAN charters into practice on 15 December 2008.
The initiative for ASEAN integration and ASEAN cooperation on politic, security, economy, trade and social culture were also touched upon at the meeting.
anniversary of Laos became a member of ASEAN country to students and teachers and officials inUniversity.
The meeting was chaired by Alounkeo Kittikhoun, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs who is also an ASEAN senior official, attended by representatives from ministries of Industry and Commerce, Information and Culture, Planning and Investment and
Finance.
Mr Alounkeo highlighted the achievements of ASEAN since establishing ASEAN and proclaiming the ASEAN charters into practice on 15 December 2008.
The initiative for ASEAN integration and ASEAN cooperation on politic, security, economy, trade and social culture were also touched upon at the meeting.
High-level meeting on controlling cigarette consumption
(KPL) The Ministry of Education and the Inter-ministerial Tobacco Control Committee jointly held a meeting on disseminating information on the harmful effects of cigarette smoking in Vientiane.on 4 August.
This meeting was attended by Mrs Sengdeuane, Deputy-Minister of Education, Mr Sath Insixiengmai, Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Tobacco Control Committee, and representatives from four district education services.
The event focused on increasing knowledge on the control on tobacco and cigarettes and how to teach school children about the harmful effects of cigarette smoking.
Regarding the work on controlling cigarette smoking, the delegates stated that it is up to the mayor of Vientiane to decide on the areas that should be smoke free, such as offices, schools, hotels, guest houses, restaurants, markets, bus stations, public parks, temples etc in Vientiane Capital.
Luang Prabang destroys fake products
(KPL) The imitation products were destroyed on 4 August, Luang Prabang province, following the seizure of more than 1,000 dozens of fake shampoo and five dozens of toothpaste, worth more than 8.5 million kip, by customs officers.
The event was attended by representatives of the Committee of Intellectual and Property Rights Management and product dealers in the province.
Mr Somsak Bounmaphet said the destruction of fake products aimed at providing justice and advantages for society and protecting intellectual and property rights of the producing company.
He said that, �this was the third destruction of imitation products by the local authorities�.
In 2006, the provincial authorities seized and destroyed counterfeit products worth more than 42.2 million kip, and in the following year additional fake products worth 31.8 million kip were destroyed.
A police officer said that the confiscation was aimed at protecting consumers� rights.
�The smuggling of counterfeit products declined compared to the previous years and people knew which is fake and which is real,� he continued.However, there was a number of merchants still take advantage through the circulation of fake products, he added.
He expressed concern for peasants who lack knowledge of which products are real.
Head of Technology and Science Service in Luang Prabang province Sipaseuth Duangsavath said that the circulation of fake products did not only violate the copyright law but also impact on the socio-economic development.
He called on all social strata to combat against counterfeit products and cooperate with our inspection committees to inspect fake products smuggling.
�Any counterfeit product circulation in Laos is against the law of the Lao PDR and Prime Minister�s notice No 529, proclaimed on 4 April 2008,� a customs officer said.
The event was attended by representatives of the Committee of Intellectual and Property Rights Management and product dealers in the province.
Mr Somsak Bounmaphet said the destruction of fake products aimed at providing justice and advantages for society and protecting intellectual and property rights of the producing company.
He said that, �this was the third destruction of imitation products by the local authorities�.
In 2006, the provincial authorities seized and destroyed counterfeit products worth more than 42.2 million kip, and in the following year additional fake products worth 31.8 million kip were destroyed.
A police officer said that the confiscation was aimed at protecting consumers� rights.
�The smuggling of counterfeit products declined compared to the previous years and people knew which is fake and which is real,� he continued.However, there was a number of merchants still take advantage through the circulation of fake products, he added.
He expressed concern for peasants who lack knowledge of which products are real.
Head of Technology and Science Service in Luang Prabang province Sipaseuth Duangsavath said that the circulation of fake products did not only violate the copyright law but also impact on the socio-economic development.
He called on all social strata to combat against counterfeit products and cooperate with our inspection committees to inspect fake products smuggling.
�Any counterfeit product circulation in Laos is against the law of the Lao PDR and Prime Minister�s notice No 529, proclaimed on 4 April 2008,� a customs officer said.
Laos expresses condolences over death of late Filipino President
(KPL) Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Phongsavath Boupha yesterday, at the Philippine Embassy in VientianeCapital signed a book of condolence to mourn for the late President of the Philippines, Mrs Corazon Aquino, who passed away on 1 July 2009.
�We wish to extend our deepest sincere sorrow and sympathy to the government and people of the Philippines, as well as the family members and relatives of Mrs Corazon Aquino,� wrote Mr. Phongsavath on behalf of the Lao government and people.
Orphan students in Luang Prabang receives aids from GPAR
(KPL) The Governance and Public Administration Reform (GPAR) programme in Luang Prabang province provided a number of aids to orphan students in Luang Prabng province on 31 July.
The aid was presented by an expert of International Volunteer and received by Mr. Sengchane Sinsay, Director of Orphan School in the presence of teachers and students.
Last year the GPAR gave a number of agriculture tools to the Orphan school in Luang Prabang province.
In addition, the GPAR also presented aid relief package and cloth to students of ethnic school in Nam Bark and Xieng Ngeun district, Luang Prabang province
Privates companies grants to make Constitution Day
(KPL) The Governance and Public Administration Reform (GPAR) programme in Luang Prabang province provided a number of aids to orphan students in Luang Prabng province on 31 July.
The aid was presented by an expert of International Volunteer and received by Mr. Sengchane Sinsay, Director of Orphan School in the presence of teachers and students.
Last year the GPAR gave a number of agriculture tools to the Orphan school in Luang Prabang province.
In addition, the GPAR also presented aid relief package and cloth to students of ethnic school in Nam Bark and Xieng Ngeun district, Luang Prabang province
The aid was presented by an expert of International Volunteer and received by Mr. Sengchane Sinsay, Director of Orphan School in the presence of teachers and students.
Last year the GPAR gave a number of agriculture tools to the Orphan school in Luang Prabang province.
In addition, the GPAR also presented aid relief package and cloth to students of ethnic school in Nam Bark and Xieng Ngeun district, Luang Prabang province
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Karen Activist Wins Ramon Magsaysay Award
An ethnic Karen human rights activist from Burma has won the 2009 Ramon Magsaysay Award for “dauntlessly pursuing non-violent yet effective channels of redress, exposure, and education for the defense of human rights, the environment, and democracy in Burma," according to the awards committee.
Ka Hsaw Wa is one of six winners of the award, which is presented annually to those “who address issues of human development in Asia with courage and creativity, and in doing so have made contributions which have transformed their societies for the better,” according to the Board of Trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF).
Ka Hsaw Wa (Photo: ERI)
The Ramon Magsaysay Award was first created in 1957 and was named after the popular Filipino president who was highly respected for his humility and service to humanity.
Ka Hsaw Wa is the co-founder of an international environmental organization known as EarthRights International. He becomes the second Karen activist to win the illustrious award.
The first Karen winner was Cynthia Maung who founded the Mae Tao Clinic in the Thai border town of Mae Sot. She was awarded the prize in 2002 for “Community Leadership.”
Another of the six prize winners for 2009, Krisana Kraisintu from Thailand, is being recognized for “her untiring and fearless dedication to producing much-needed generic drugs in Thailand and elsewhere in the developing world.”
The other awardees are: two Chinese, Yu Xiaogang and Ma Jun; a Filipino environmental activist, Antonio Oposa Jr; and Deep Joshi, an Indian who has been recognized for combining “head and heart in the transformative development of rural communities.”
The winners of the 2009 Ramon Magsaysay awards will each receive a certificate, a medallion bearing a likeness of the late Filipino president, and a cash prize. The Magsaysay Award ceremony will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on August 31, according to the RMAF.
RMAF President Carmencita T Abella said, “The Magsaysay awardees of 2009 are true Asian heroes, putting their advanced knowledge and skills at the service of the critical needs of their people.”
Abella said that each of the awardees are addressing major issues affecting the growth and preservation of their respective societies, such as health care, mass poverty, community displacement, environmental degradation and human rights.
“They are each using calibrated strategies to craft lasting solutions to spirit which infuses their leadership for change. They all refuse to give up, despite adversity and opposition,” said Abella.
Ka Hsaw Wa is one of six winners of the award, which is presented annually to those “who address issues of human development in Asia with courage and creativity, and in doing so have made contributions which have transformed their societies for the better,” according to the Board of Trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF).
Ka Hsaw Wa (Photo: ERI)
The Ramon Magsaysay Award was first created in 1957 and was named after the popular Filipino president who was highly respected for his humility and service to humanity.
Ka Hsaw Wa is the co-founder of an international environmental organization known as EarthRights International. He becomes the second Karen activist to win the illustrious award.
The first Karen winner was Cynthia Maung who founded the Mae Tao Clinic in the Thai border town of Mae Sot. She was awarded the prize in 2002 for “Community Leadership.”
Another of the six prize winners for 2009, Krisana Kraisintu from Thailand, is being recognized for “her untiring and fearless dedication to producing much-needed generic drugs in Thailand and elsewhere in the developing world.”
The other awardees are: two Chinese, Yu Xiaogang and Ma Jun; a Filipino environmental activist, Antonio Oposa Jr; and Deep Joshi, an Indian who has been recognized for combining “head and heart in the transformative development of rural communities.”
The winners of the 2009 Ramon Magsaysay awards will each receive a certificate, a medallion bearing a likeness of the late Filipino president, and a cash prize. The Magsaysay Award ceremony will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on August 31, according to the RMAF.
RMAF President Carmencita T Abella said, “The Magsaysay awardees of 2009 are true Asian heroes, putting their advanced knowledge and skills at the service of the critical needs of their people.”
Abella said that each of the awardees are addressing major issues affecting the growth and preservation of their respective societies, such as health care, mass poverty, community displacement, environmental degradation and human rights.
“They are each using calibrated strategies to craft lasting solutions to spirit which infuses their leadership for change. They all refuse to give up, despite adversity and opposition,” said Abella.
PM advises on reinforcing preventive and control measure on new flu
(KPL) Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh gave an advice on controlling and countering the new type influenza A (H1N1) pandemic at the Friendship Hospital yesterday.
PM Bouasone was reported on the outbreak of new type influenza epidemic from the chief of the National Coordination Committee to Prevent Contagious Diseases, Dr Bounlay Phommasack.
In his report, a resident of central Borikhamsay province died of the new flu out of 156 people infected with the flu in eight provinces of Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Borikhamsay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Champassak, Saravane and Vientiane Capital.
“The infection majority includes Vientiane Capital, Borikhamsay, Savannakhet and Champassak province, Dr Bounlay admitted. “The spread is rather rapid”.
Accordingly, PM Bouasone gave advice to leading committee members for preventing and controlling disease epidemic on research and upgrade the preventive level including sanitation education campaign, access to target communities, risk groups and schools.
“The health measure is a key for preventing the pandemic of 2009 flu,” PM advised. “Share experiences on preventing measure with neighbouring countries”.
This includes the use of thermal screening, isolation ward, drug resistance and medical treatment in combination with control measure. All hospitals, dispensaries and clinics rooms should cooperate in the control and prevention of pandemic, PM continued.
A preventive measure should be applied to athletes who will participate in the 25th SEA Games, particularly checking measure at the checkpoints.
PM Bouasone called on the Ministry of Public Health to study responding measure through the launch of a combat campaign against the outbreak at schools, offices and organisations, and communities. “If this campaign avails, it will reduce the outbreak,” said the Premier.
On the same day, PM Bouasone, representing the Government provided a number of preventive suits, hygienic masks, soap and disinfectants to the Friendship Hospital and they will then be further dispatched to other hospitals.
PM Bouasone was reported on the outbreak of new type influenza epidemic from the chief of the National Coordination Committee to Prevent Contagious Diseases, Dr Bounlay Phommasack.
In his report, a resident of central Borikhamsay province died of the new flu out of 156 people infected with the flu in eight provinces of Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Borikhamsay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Champassak, Saravane and Vientiane Capital.
“The infection majority includes Vientiane Capital, Borikhamsay, Savannakhet and Champassak province, Dr Bounlay admitted. “The spread is rather rapid”.
Accordingly, PM Bouasone gave advice to leading committee members for preventing and controlling disease epidemic on research and upgrade the preventive level including sanitation education campaign, access to target communities, risk groups and schools.
“The health measure is a key for preventing the pandemic of 2009 flu,” PM advised. “Share experiences on preventing measure with neighbouring countries”.
This includes the use of thermal screening, isolation ward, drug resistance and medical treatment in combination with control measure. All hospitals, dispensaries and clinics rooms should cooperate in the control and prevention of pandemic, PM continued.
A preventive measure should be applied to athletes who will participate in the 25th SEA Games, particularly checking measure at the checkpoints.
PM Bouasone called on the Ministry of Public Health to study responding measure through the launch of a combat campaign against the outbreak at schools, offices and organisations, and communities. “If this campaign avails, it will reduce the outbreak,” said the Premier.
On the same day, PM Bouasone, representing the Government provided a number of preventive suits, hygienic masks, soap and disinfectants to the Friendship Hospital and they will then be further dispatched to other hospitals.
Soukkasuem debriefs press on achievements of World Ecotourism Conference 2009
(KPL) The United Nations World Ecotourism Organization (UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA) and the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and 300 participants from the public, private and non-governmental sectors from 30 countries met at the World Ecotourism Conference 2009, hosted by Lao National Tourism Administration in Vientiane for a three days, 15-17 July.Mr. Soukkasuem Phothisan, Vice-President of Lao National Tourism Administration said at the press conference in Vientiane on 28 July that this conference affirms that the mainstream sustainable tourism principles, processes and practices of all aspects of tourism initiatives, management, development, interpretation, program plans, policies, projects, proposals, propositions, strategies, system and undertakings can adequately meet the challenges of the Energy-Climate Era, while at the same time take steps to respect our cultural and civilized heritage.
Touching on synergies and private-public sector partnership, he reckoned that such a tie-up would be useful to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.
Regarding the value of tourism products and services, he said that the attempt to measure and evaluate its effectiveness should consider the bottom line or profits, while at the same time take into consideration the competitive factor.
He also said that academics are playing an important role in tourism as they teach tourism to the tourism officers, touching on subjects like sustainable tourism and other principles.
Results of Lao International Challenge 2009
(KPL) One hundred and eleven competitors from eight countries, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia and Laos, took part in the Lao International Challenge 2009, a badminton competition. The matches were held in Vientiane and the competition ended last Saturday.The final results:
Men’s singles final: Wong Beryno Jiann Tze (Malaysia) beat Nguyen Hoang Nam (Vietnam) with the scores: 21-17, 21-16
Women’s singles final: Umezu Chie (Japan) beat Kametani Nozomi (Japan) with the scores: 19-21, 21-15, 21-12Men’s doubles final: Angriawan Berry, Ulinnuha Muhammad (Indonesia) beat Vanhvilay Chanhda, Latsavong Yothin with the scores: 21-16, 21-15
Women’s doubles final: Akao Aki, Imabeppu Yasuyo (Japan) beat Yamada Seiko, Hayashi Yuka(Japan) with the scores: 15-21, 21-11, 21-14
Mixed’s doubles final: Duong Bao Duc, Thai Thi Hong Gam (Vietnam) beat Ulinnuha Muhammad, Gozali Jenna, with the scores: 21-17, 21-23, 21-18
Saysettha receives 500 manuals on kip currency use promotion
(KPL) The Bank of the Lao PDR gave 500 copies of the manual on kip currency use promotion worth seven million kip to the Saysettha district administration, in anticipation to the 5th enlarged meeting of Saysettha district on 31 July, Vientiane.
The meeting used this manual in the dissemination of the decree on foreign currency management and Kip currency use promotion to the participants.
Mr Santy Phonmeuanglao, Deputy Director of the Exterior Relation Department of the Central Bank, presented the manual to the Office Head of Saysettha Administration, Mr. Khampane Phouangpradith.
The dissemination of decree is aimed to control the domestic flow of foreign currencies and priceless items, and kip currency stability and circulation of goods in the country.
The meeting used this manual in the dissemination of the decree on foreign currency management and Kip currency use promotion to the participants.
Mr Santy Phonmeuanglao, Deputy Director of the Exterior Relation Department of the Central Bank, presented the manual to the Office Head of Saysettha Administration, Mr. Khampane Phouangpradith.
The dissemination of decree is aimed to control the domestic flow of foreign currencies and priceless items, and kip currency stability and circulation of goods in the country.
Course on counseling for drug addicts
KPL) The Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision organised a training-of-trainer course on counselling drug addicts from 3 to 7 August, Vientiane. The participants were from the Ministry of Public Health, UNODC and Singapore International Foundation.
Mr Kou Chansina, Deputy President of the National Committee for Drug Control and Supervision, said that the aim of this course was to impart counseling skills and to provide knowledge on drug addiction treatment.
At present, the government is treating and rehabilitating 26,000 drug addicts.
Mr Kou Chansina, Deputy President of the National Committee for Drug Control and Supervision, said that the aim of this course was to impart counseling skills and to provide knowledge on drug addiction treatment.
At present, the government is treating and rehabilitating 26,000 drug addicts.
Teachers learn new teaching skills during TESOL Conference
KPL) The Faculty of Linguistics, National University of Laos, organised the Seventh Lao TESOL Conference, which is about the teaching of English as a second language at NUOL on August 2-3.Mr. Lytou Bouapao, Deputy-Minister of Education, who spoke at the opening ceremony, said that the meeting aimed to provide pedagogical skills and to introduce new teaching skills to teachers of English language.
During the conference, the teachers exchanged experiences with one another and such interactions enabled them to hone their teaching skills.
During the meeting, the teachers focussed on improving their teaching skills in listening, reading, speaking and writing.
IUCN gives grant aid to Laos for strengthening forestry law enforcement
(KPL) The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Laos provided assistance worth US$37,600 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Forestry Inspection Department, for strengthening the enforcement of the forestry law.
The money will be for natural conservation, protection of forests and water resources and wild animals, and other bio-diversity.
The signing ceremony took place on 29 July at the Department of Forestry Inspection.
The signatories to the document, Mr. Khamphout Phandanouvong, Deputy Director of the Forestry Inspection Department, and Ms Latsamay Silavong, IUCN country representative, and representatives of concerned sectors.
The aid will be spent on organising training courses on the enforcement of the forestry law and the implementation of the forest conservation project in Champassak province, which started early this year and will end in 2010.
The money will be for natural conservation, protection of forests and water resources and wild animals, and other bio-diversity.
The signing ceremony took place on 29 July at the Department of Forestry Inspection.
The signatories to the document, Mr. Khamphout Phandanouvong, Deputy Director of the Forestry Inspection Department, and Ms Latsamay Silavong, IUCN country representative, and representatives of concerned sectors.
The aid will be spent on organising training courses on the enforcement of the forestry law and the implementation of the forest conservation project in Champassak province, which started early this year and will end in 2010.
Preparation for 450th anniversary of Vientiane celebration on track
(KPL) The Executive Board of Vientiane Capital convened a meeting on 3 August, to review the preparing frameworks for the 450th proclamation anniversary of Vientiane as the national capital.
The celebration is a remarkable event for ethnic people nationwide, particularly Vientiane residents.
Vientiane Administration staffs at all levels are now focusing on the implementation of all movements in the preparation framework of the celebration.
The plenary meeting of organizing committees for the celebration of the 450th proclamation anniversary of Vientiane took place at Vientiane Administration Office under the chairmanship of Vientiane Mayor Sombath Yialiher who is the Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee for the celebration.
Deputy Vientiane Mayor Somvandy Nathavong passed a progressive report on preparing the celebration of the 450th proclamation anniversary of Vientiane as the national capital, 2009’s second half plan, focal draft plan and a work plan for the year 2010, Prime Minister’s draft notice on the celebration of the 450th proclamation anniversary.
The report also pointed that Vientiane Administration would organise a meeting of Vientiane Party Cell to stimulate the implementation of the sixth five-year plan for socio-economic development.
In general Vientiane enjoys political stability and social orderliness basically.
Another important campaign is the dispatch of civil servants to the grassroots for strengthening political base, and creating development village cluster. Under this campaign, ten villages have been already declared development village cluster.
The GDP of Vientiane has increased by 11.91 %, the per capita income averaged US$1,829/year and different economic sectors have seen a constant growth.
At the same time, Vientiane was able to attract grant aids and loans from friendly countries, with an amount of over US$3.19 million of grant aid for 36 projects. The administration granted investment licenses to 37 private foreign companies, worth US$35.8 million in the first half of this year, Vientiane.
While 64 local private companies received investment licenses from Vientiane worth 451,849 billion kip.
The urban infrastructure construction project in Vientiane is in progress including the expansion of rural electricity, which is now covered by 99.4% and water supply covered by 70% out of 500 villages in Vientiane.
In preparation for the celebration of the 450th anniversary, the organising committee has completed the compilation of Vientiane history, an image of the new urban planning for 2020 has achieved 80%, and a number of public parks in Vientiane have already been decorated with flowers.
The construction of Dongdok-Thanaleng road is in progress as planned and the main roads in Vientiane have also been upgraded.
The celebration is a remarkable event for ethnic people nationwide, particularly Vientiane residents.
Vientiane Administration staffs at all levels are now focusing on the implementation of all movements in the preparation framework of the celebration.
The plenary meeting of organizing committees for the celebration of the 450th proclamation anniversary of Vientiane took place at Vientiane Administration Office under the chairmanship of Vientiane Mayor Sombath Yialiher who is the Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee for the celebration.
Deputy Vientiane Mayor Somvandy Nathavong passed a progressive report on preparing the celebration of the 450th proclamation anniversary of Vientiane as the national capital, 2009’s second half plan, focal draft plan and a work plan for the year 2010, Prime Minister’s draft notice on the celebration of the 450th proclamation anniversary.
The report also pointed that Vientiane Administration would organise a meeting of Vientiane Party Cell to stimulate the implementation of the sixth five-year plan for socio-economic development.
In general Vientiane enjoys political stability and social orderliness basically.
Another important campaign is the dispatch of civil servants to the grassroots for strengthening political base, and creating development village cluster. Under this campaign, ten villages have been already declared development village cluster.
The GDP of Vientiane has increased by 11.91 %, the per capita income averaged US$1,829/year and different economic sectors have seen a constant growth.
At the same time, Vientiane was able to attract grant aids and loans from friendly countries, with an amount of over US$3.19 million of grant aid for 36 projects. The administration granted investment licenses to 37 private foreign companies, worth US$35.8 million in the first half of this year, Vientiane.
While 64 local private companies received investment licenses from Vientiane worth 451,849 billion kip.
The urban infrastructure construction project in Vientiane is in progress including the expansion of rural electricity, which is now covered by 99.4% and water supply covered by 70% out of 500 villages in Vientiane.
In preparation for the celebration of the 450th anniversary, the organising committee has completed the compilation of Vientiane history, an image of the new urban planning for 2020 has achieved 80%, and a number of public parks in Vientiane have already been decorated with flowers.
The construction of Dongdok-Thanaleng road is in progress as planned and the main roads in Vientiane have also been upgraded.
KNU Asks Thai Government to Pull out of Salween Dam Project
Burma’s Karen National Union (KNU) appealed on Tuesday to the Thai government to halt its involvement in the construction of the Hat Gyi Dam on the Salween River, warning that the project would cause “huge” environmental damage and human rights abuses.
The KNU made the appeal in a letter to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
David Takapaw, KNU vice chairman, said: “The dam will result in huge environmental impacts and human rights abuses. It will force local villagers to flee to Thailand and become refugees. So we asked him: please, don’t continue the dam construction.”
In recent months, Thai engineers have conducted a field survey at the construction site on Salween River. Many villagers in the area are reportedly opposed to the dam project.
According to the Karen River Watch, a memorandum of understanding was signed in June 2006 between Burma’s Department of Electric Power, the Thai energy authority EGAT and China’s Sinohydro Corporation to build the Hat Gyi dam.
The dam is one of a series scheduled to be built on the Salween River in a joint Thai-Burmese government program. They are expected to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity, much of which would be delivered to Thailand.
Some reports have claimed that the dams will affect more than 10 million people from 13 ethnic groups in Burma.
Copies of the KNU’s letter to Abhisit were also to be presented by Karen environmental advocates at a meeting in Bangkok on Tuesday attended by Thai environmental rights groups and Burmese environmental advocates.
The meeting was to focus on human rights abuses and environment issue related to the project, according to an ethnic Shan environmental advocate, Sai Sai, who attended the meeting.
Thailand plans an energy program known as the National Power Development Plan which includes the dams on the Salween River. The plan is expected to be completed by the year 2014, according to Sai Sai.
Meanwhile, his environmental group, the Shan Sapawa Environment Organization (SSEO), released on Tuesday a new report titled “Roots and Resilience” and charging that the construction of dams on the Salween River will result in human rights abuses and environmental damage and will benefit only the Burmese regime and Thai authorities.
SSEO Spokesman Sai Sai said: “Human rights abuses will widely happen if the dam is constructed. Villagers will come to Thailand en masse as refugees.”
Local villagers would receive no benefit from the dams, which would serve only the interests of the Burmese regime and neighboring Thailand, he said.
The environmental damage would include flooding, deforestation and the disappearance of traditional and cultural heritages, Sai Sai maintained.
The SSEO report said the biggest Salween River dam, the Tasang dam, would flood more than 100 villages, forcing thousands of villagers to relocate. One community of 15,000 in Keng Kham, Shan State, had been forced to move 10 years ago because of work on the dam, and most had fled to Thailand, the report said.
Most of the electricity generated by the 7,110 MW Tasang dam will be sold to Thailand. Project investors include the Thai MDX Company and China’s Gezhouba Group Company.
The KNU made the appeal in a letter to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
David Takapaw, KNU vice chairman, said: “The dam will result in huge environmental impacts and human rights abuses. It will force local villagers to flee to Thailand and become refugees. So we asked him: please, don’t continue the dam construction.”
In recent months, Thai engineers have conducted a field survey at the construction site on Salween River. Many villagers in the area are reportedly opposed to the dam project.
According to the Karen River Watch, a memorandum of understanding was signed in June 2006 between Burma’s Department of Electric Power, the Thai energy authority EGAT and China’s Sinohydro Corporation to build the Hat Gyi dam.
The dam is one of a series scheduled to be built on the Salween River in a joint Thai-Burmese government program. They are expected to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity, much of which would be delivered to Thailand.
Some reports have claimed that the dams will affect more than 10 million people from 13 ethnic groups in Burma.
Copies of the KNU’s letter to Abhisit were also to be presented by Karen environmental advocates at a meeting in Bangkok on Tuesday attended by Thai environmental rights groups and Burmese environmental advocates.
The meeting was to focus on human rights abuses and environment issue related to the project, according to an ethnic Shan environmental advocate, Sai Sai, who attended the meeting.
Thailand plans an energy program known as the National Power Development Plan which includes the dams on the Salween River. The plan is expected to be completed by the year 2014, according to Sai Sai.
Meanwhile, his environmental group, the Shan Sapawa Environment Organization (SSEO), released on Tuesday a new report titled “Roots and Resilience” and charging that the construction of dams on the Salween River will result in human rights abuses and environmental damage and will benefit only the Burmese regime and Thai authorities.
SSEO Spokesman Sai Sai said: “Human rights abuses will widely happen if the dam is constructed. Villagers will come to Thailand en masse as refugees.”
Local villagers would receive no benefit from the dams, which would serve only the interests of the Burmese regime and neighboring Thailand, he said.
The environmental damage would include flooding, deforestation and the disappearance of traditional and cultural heritages, Sai Sai maintained.
The SSEO report said the biggest Salween River dam, the Tasang dam, would flood more than 100 villages, forcing thousands of villagers to relocate. One community of 15,000 in Keng Kham, Shan State, had been forced to move 10 years ago because of work on the dam, and most had fled to Thailand, the report said.
Most of the electricity generated by the 7,110 MW Tasang dam will be sold to Thailand. Project investors include the Thai MDX Company and China’s Gezhouba Group Company.
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