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March 2016 VT Issue 059

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thursDAY march 10, 2016

Vientiane Times ISSUE 59


The First National English Language Newspaper
4500 kip

Govt commits to
expanding family
planning access
Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth Ock Kingsada told a workshop
in Vientiane yesterday.
The government will step up Describing the objectives
efforts to ensure that more of the Family Planning
women and girls have access to 2020 movement and Laos
modern contraceptive methods, commitment to support the work
aiming to significantly improve of family planning, Dr Som Ock
reproductive health in Laos by said the government will review
2020. its policy on reproductive health
The government this year and improving access to health
committed to the Family services by women and girls,
Planning 2020 movement and is because females in target regions
dedicated to increasing the use of did not receive adequate health
modern contraceptive methods information.
by Lao women and girls from the This was particularly true
current 42 percent to 65 percent among young women, women
by the year 2020. with no education, and the
Under the programme, Laos poorest women. One in five
is committed to improving women still dont have access to
the lives of women through services and the adolescent birth
increased access to family rate is the highest in this region, Vat Phou Champassak was one of the Lao sites chosen by Japanese tour agencies as the winner of the Unique Tour award under the
planning, Deputy Minister of with 94 out of 1,000 girls aged Mekong Tourism Award 2015. (File photo)

Lao heritage sites awarded


Health Associate Prof. Dr Som Continued page 3

Medics launch
surveillance for Zika virus Mekong tourism prize
Times Reporters between 2012 and 2015. Souknilundon and Unique Tour awards were travel industry to identify unique pupils at schools in remote areas
We expect that all dengue Southivongnorath won by Laos, the Exchange and diversified quality tour in Siem Reap. The programme
The Ministry of Healths patients nationwide, in places Programme award went to products in the CLMV bloc and provides two-way interaction
Communicable Disease Control where there are laboratories, Laos world heritage sites of Cambodia, and the Jurys Special to entice outbound travellers from among tour participants and
Department in collaboration with will be tested for Zika and other Luang Prabang and Vat Phou award was given to Vietnam. Japan to visit these destinations. school pupils and ideally
the World Health Organisation mosquito related viruses, Dr Champassak have won the Luang Prabang was cited Ms Nukiyama said the promotes a win-win relationship.
(WHO) in Laos will take blood Bounkong said. The WHO Mekong Tourism Award 2015, for its World Heritage Site in the ceremony in Tokyo to announce Vietnam was the Jurys
samples from all dengue patients has already agreed to provide with the accolade made public in provincial capital and a Khmu the awards was attended by travel Special award for a tour that
who may possibly be infected financial support to supply the Tokyo, Japan, on March 8. village that is encouraging agents including land operators takes customers to six World
with the Zika virus or other chemical solutions required for Personal Relations officer ecotourism, while Champassak and airline companies associated Heritage Sites. It introduces the
mosquito borne disease. the tests. for the Asean-Japan Centre, Ms was highlighted for the Vat Phou with the selected tour products. PhongNha-Ke Bang National
Deputy Minister of Health Dr Bounkong said there had Junko Nukiyama, told Vientiane cruise and The River Resort. Myanmar was given the New Park, a new destination in
Associate Prof. Dr Bounkong been no reports of Zika infection Times by telephone yesterday The Mekong Tourism Award Destination Award for combining recently popular central Vietnam,
Syhavong told Vientiane Times among dengue patients this year that the Centre and members is an initiative of the Asean-Japan visits to destinations, exemplified and provides an opportunity for
yesterday this will be the first as indicated by blood tests. of a judging committee selected Centre and is supported by the by tours to the Kakku Pagodas customers to experience a variety
time that Laos has tested for Zika He stressed that people five tour products at destinations Ministry of Foreign Affairs of and magnificent views seen at of local cuisines and beers from
and associated viruses. should not panic as the Zika virus in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar Japan, the Japan Tourism Agency, sunset at Bagan. different regions.
The move comes after is not as dangerous as dengue and Vietnam (known collectively the Japan Association of Travel Cambodia won the Exchange Tourism is flourishing in
the Institut Pasteur du Laos fever which afflicts the country as CLMV) as winners of the Agents, and the Overseas Tour Programme Award for teaching Laos and the country saw 4.3
identified that the Zika virus all year round. Mekong Tourism Award 2015. Operators Association of Japan. physical education to elementary million international tourist
was contracted by 19 residents The situation concerning the The New Destination award The main objective of the school pupils and bringing tour arrivals last year, up 4.88 percent
of Vientiane, who were infected Continued page 2 went to Myanmar, Ecotourism award is to encourage the Japanese participants to teach sports to from 4.1 million visitors in 2014.


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2 Home news Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times

Hadxaifong folk learn Vietnam to support commercial


about dangers of alcohol flower cultivation in Vientiane
Times Reporters and Forestry Department has to grow.
completed a project proposal and Vientiane is still experiencing
The Department of Agriculture an initiative to expand flower a considerable shortage in the
and Rural Department in Ho production in areas surrounding number of flower producers
Chi Minh City, Vietnam will the capital will soon get underway. compared to neighbouring
provide technical assistance For the target areas in countries.
and investment support for the Vientiane, the department will Under the cooperation
cultivation of decorative flowers focus initially on the Dongposy agreement, the Lao and
in Vientiane to meet the growing area in Hadxaifong district Vi e t n a m e s e a g r i c u l t u r a l
domestic demand. because this area has potential and departments will also help to
Vientiane Agriculture and is a model for flower plantations. develop other products in the
Forestry Departments Director Only a few hectares of flowers agriculture sector in Vientiane,
General, Assoc. Prof. Dr are planted in the area while there especially livestock breeding
Linkham Douangsavanh told are still more land available for promotion.
Vientiane Times this week more flower plantations, Dr The cooperation is aimed at
that decorative flowers are Linkham said. boosting the relationship between
customary at many different Vietnamese experts have both governments in order to
kinds of events, especially been recruited to help because expand investment and trading
weddings, grand openings, Ho Chi Minh City has good between the two countries.
meetings, funerals, festivals experience in this field and Over the past decades,
and bacis as well as to decorate large numbers of people are Vietnamese investment was
houses and offices. employed in the flower business mainly operated in the resource
Medical staff provide information on the dangers of alcohol. As a result of the spike in in that city. sector notably excavation
demand in recent times due Their lessons and investment and mining, hydropower
Phetphoxay Sengapseuth alcohol consumption and the increaingly harmful effect on to rising household incomes, will create opportunities for Lao development, agriculture and the
intensive treatment methods used society, with dangerous driving Vientiane flower growers can farmers and entrepreneurs to construction sector.
The Ministry of Health is putting for alcoholism. a particular problem. only supply half of the market learn more about the techniques There are still only a
out messages about the risks The office plans to Current figures show that demand and the remainder of for producing seedlings and small number of Vietnamese
posed by excessive drinking, disseminate information on people aged 15 and upwards flowers sold in the capital are in growing flowers successfully. investments in processing and the
currently targeting people in alcohol in every district of the in Laos consume an average of fact imported from Thailand, Dr The initiative will also create service sector as well as a limited
Hadxaifong district, Vientiane, in capital. While there are laws 15 litres of pure alcohol a year, Linkham said. more job opportunities for local number of investments that make
abid to improve public health and to regulate its consumption, mainly in the form of beer, with The Vientiane Agriculture people as family businesses start use of high technology.
reduce traffic accidents. most people arent familiar with consumption rates increasing
Head of the Hadxaifong
district health office, Dr
them and, even worse, lack
understanding of the health
steadily over the past 20 years.
This is the highest rate among all Pakxes new Xe-Don
Bounnalay Sihakoun, said most
people in this area of Vientiane
were lacking information about
problems that can result from
excessive drinking.
Health workers say they
Asean nations and most countries
in the Asia-Pacific region.
Each year, about 60 percent
Bridge to open next month
the negative effects of drinking are spreading the message in a of road accidents in Laos occur as
as the office lacked experts in bid to protect peoples health a result of drinking and driving.
the field. and reduce the death rate from So far, some 2,360 people have
Speaking at the opening accidents and disease caused by been recorded as being killed in
of a workshop on the topic on alcohol and tobacco. accidents involving alcoholic
Saturday, deputy head of the An employee at the drinks and driving.
ministrys Office for Tobacco and Alcoholic Drinks Control The law on alcoholic drinks
Alcohol Control, Dr Soulivanh Office stressed that drinking control came into effect on
Polsena, said more contols were and driving had a terrible effect December 19, 2014 and the
needed in relation to alcohol on society because of the high amended law on treatment on
consumption. rate of deaths and injuries it January 30, 2015. The law on
He stressed that drunkenness caused, as well as the damage alcoholic drinks control is now
was the main cause of road done to property. being circulated among the
accidents in the capital. He pointed out that the public with officials being given
Dr Soulivanh also explained consumption of alcohol was a full understanding of the law
the regulations concerning on the rise, which is having an before starting to take action.

Medics launch surveillance... from page 1


Zika virus and other diseases has been reported The participation of village authorities and Motorists will be able to use the new Xe-Don Bridge in Pakxe district, Champassak province next
through the national epidemiological network family members is important in helping to reduce month. (File photo)
every week. mosquito populations. In particular, children should
Preventive methods against Zika are very apply mosquito repellant to avoid being bitten Times Reporters Transport Department, Dr The bridge would open for traffic
similar to dengue fever prevention by removing during the day. Soukkaseum Pakdymanivong, next month with authorities
the breeding sources of mosquitoes in households Everyone should wear long sleeved clothing The new Xe-Don Bridge in yesterday told Vientiane Times holding the official opening in
and communities. and trousers to protect against mosquito bites. In Pakxe district, Champassak the new Xe-Don Bridge had four June.
The Zika virus is spread through mosquito addition, people suspected of being infected with province is expected to open next lanes which was a significant According to officials
bites, so people should avoid being bitten, including Zika and having the symptoms of fever, rash, month boosting transportation improvement on the old bridges from the project construction
high risk groups such as pregnant women. joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes) should see and economic development for two lanes. committee, provincial authorities
Dr Bounkong said the most effective methods a doctor if they fall ill rather than simply buying local communities. The new bridge will link agreed to construct the new
for clearing mosquito breeding sites include medication at a pharmacy. Construction of the new to Road No.13 South creating bridge in a bid to solve local
closing and sealing all containers, flushing all water Reducing mosquito populations will not only bridge began in 2014 with more convenience for local traffic congestion. The new
vessels, placing guppy fish into water containers prevent transmission of the Zika virus but also help asphalting of the roads surface communities as well as being concrete-bridge is replacing an
to eat mosquito larvae, cleaning areas surrounding to combat other diseases carried by mosquitoes. and installation of light poles important for economic old iron-bridge and will be able
residences, and remembering to do these tasks These include dengue fever, yellow fever, Japanese well underway. development and promoting to handle twice the traffic volume
regularly. encephalitis, West Nile virus and chikungunya. The 220 metre long and 17 tourism between provinces and with four lanes.
These preventive activities should be carried The Zika virus is a member of the virus m wide bridge is scheduled to be neighbouring countries as well, Officials said the new Xe-
out every week to interrupt the life cycle of family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus, completed and opened in April Dr Soukkaseum said. Don Bridge would become an
mosquitoes. and is transmitted by daytime-active Aedes with the project cost estimated He noted that work was important piece of transport
Areas with many mosquitoes will create a mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti. Its name comes at US$14 million. almost complete with the infrastructure for Pakxe district
high risk of an outbreak of viruses transmitted from the Zika Forest in Uganda, where the virus Director of the Champassak asphalting, lighting and security helping promote tourism services
by mosquitoes. was first isolated in 1947. provincial Public Works and system installation taking place. and economic growth.

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Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 Home news 3
Major drug bust nets almost Champassak struggles to put
28,000 amphetamine tablets petrified trees on the map
Times Reporters there, she added. which direction visitors come
Based on a preliminary from, as it has good land routes
Ancient trees that had turned survey of petrified trees, there is linking to the northern provinces
into petrified wood used to be a a sizeable group about 7km from and the neighbouring countries
common sight in Champassak Navaeng village, but the precise of Vietnam, Thailand and
province but they are now few number is unknown. Cambodia.
and far between as people have The unusual trees are part The money generated
been cutting them down for sale. of Khong districts plan for from tourism benefits local
The provincial Tourism provincial development until villagers and also contributes
Office registered a field of 2020, but they will remain off to national development.
petrified trees in the area of limits to most tourists until a road Today the tourism industry is
Navaeng village in Khong is built to the area. generating thousands of jobs
district as a tourist attraction Champassak is famed for its in Laos, helping to alleviate
after discovering it in 2012. scenic and cultural attractions, poverty - particularly in rural
An official from the office, with the World Heritage Site of areas frequented by tourists.
Ms Mala Chanthalam, told Vat Phou being the most notable, According to the Ministry
Vientiane Times yesterday this followed by the stunning beauty of Information, Culture and
area featured on a website set and power of the Khonphapheng Tourism, tourist arrivals in Laos
up by the Champassak Tourism Falls. The falls have been called reached 4.3 million last year,
Office. the Niagara of South East Asia, representing an increase of 4.88
Not many people visit the or the Pearl of the Mekong, and percent over the previous year.
site because there isnt a road attract thousands of visitors Foreign tourist arrivals
link from Navaeng village. Only every year. increased from 2.7 million
The four suspects and seized drugs are paraded in front of the media. some foreign visitors who like Travel to Champassak people in 2011 to 4.1 million
adventure activities make the trip province is easy no matter in 2014.
Times Reporters confiscated two vehicles and over 10 million kip

Xaysettha police in Vientiane last week continued


in cash involved with the illegal trade.
Those arrested were named as Mr Vannasaeng, Govt commits to expanding... from page 1
their crackdown on illegal drugs by arresting four 24, and his brother Mr Malaikan, 22. Also detained
people at an apartment in Nongbuathong village, was Ms Buasavanh, 29, and Mr Khamsone, 39, of 15-19 giving birth.
Sikhottabong district, Vientiane and confiscated Nahae village, Sikhottabong district, Vientiane. Dr Som Ock said they
nearly 28,000 amphetamine pills. The police are continuing their investigations would expand family planning
Head of Xaysettha Public Security Office and trying to ascertain the identities of the other services and encourage the
Lieutenant Colonel Khamkeung Chansoulimath figures involved in the drug ring before sending use of modern contraceptive
reported that after receiving a tipoff police raided the suspects to court. methods by women and girls by
the apartment in Nongbuathong village. We will be continuing our crackdown on drug providing them at district and
village dispensaries.
During the course of the raid, police found trafficking in cooperation with involved sectors in
H e a l t h o ff i c i a l s w i l l
27,785 amphetamine pills, four small bags of other districts to tackle the illegal trade in society, provide more information on
methamphetamine (ice) and four guns. Police also Lieutenant Colonel Khamkeung said. reproductive health and health
services for women and girls,
Weather forecast including poor women in remote
areas of every province.
Dr Som Ock said one reason
for the lack of access to health
services was that the ministry
did not have enough doctors and Associate Prof. Dr Som Ock Kingsada (right) and Ms Frederika Meijer
nurses in rural dispensaries. (left) address the family planning meeting yesterday.
The government would
increase the number of health The UNFPA works to support family planning by ensuring a
staff in dispensaries so that more steady, reliable supply of quality contraceptives; strengthening
women could get information national health systems; advocating for policies supportive of
on modern family planning family planning; and gathering data to support this work.
methods, and would encourage Ms Meijer said family planning was about choice for girls,
their use on a comprehensive women and couples, including the choice of whether to have
basis, he added. children or not, with whom, when, and how many.
Also speaking at the This choice was reaffirmed during the 20 year review of the
workshop, United Nations commitments of the International Conference on Population
Population Fund (UNFPA) and Development as well as in the adoption of Sustainable
Representative Ms Frederika Development Goals. Both of these emphasise broadening
Meijer said access to safe, contraceptive choice, improving the quality of care, and ensuring
voluntary family planning was reproductive rights.
a human right. Laos has made great progress in the area of family planning.
Family planning was The National Birth Spacing Policy, in use since 1995, declares
central to gender equality and that contraceptives will be provided free to everyone who needs
womens empowerment, and them. The National Reproductive Health Policy, in effect since 2005,
was a key factor in reducing pledges to improve the availability and sustainability of quality family
poverty, she added. planning services, Ms Meijer said.

Sub-editor wanted
Vientiane Times is seeking an experienced English language
editor. Must be a native speaker of English and able to edit a
wide range of articles from business to entertainment. Attention
to detail is essential and familiarity with current affairs in Laos
is desirable. Excellent writing skills required. Working hours
approx 11am 6pm Mon-Fri plus a weekly evening shift and
occasional Sundays. Please email:
chanfeature@hotmail.com or
call: 55607017, 021 336047 or drop your CV off at Vientiane
Times on Kamphaengmeuang Road (T4).
4 Home news Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times

Health staff learn about disaster News in Brief


management and assistance Viet, Lao enterprises join forces to improve water supply
Lao and Vietnamese enterprises on Monday signed a memorandum
of understanding (MOU) under which the Vietnamese company
will help its Lao counterpart to improve water supply services.
Director of the Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise, Mr Khampheuy
Dr
Phonepaserth Vongsakhamphoui, and President of Vietnams Huewaco Company,
Ounaphom Mr Truong Cong Nam, signed the MOU, the Lao Economic Daily
(centre) chairs
the disaster reported. Mr Khampheuy said Huewaco will share lessons on water
management supply safety including technologies to minimise water loss, and
workshop
yesterday. commercial service development along with improving the quality of
water supply plants. Mr Truong Cong Nam said the company would
send its experts to work with Lao officials while the Lao enterprise
would send its staff for training with his company.

Mother and Child Hospital donates to rural health facilities


The Mother and Child Hospital recently handed over wheelchairs
Times Reporters widespread damage to irrigation health services.
schemes, aquaculture infrastructure This means health personnel should and medical equipment to district hospitals in three provinces,
Some 70 health staff from the capitals and riverbanks. have a clear understanding of disaster the Laophatthana newspaper reported yesterday. The items were
nine districts are learning how to better Xieng Khuang, Khammuan, preparedness, communication and
presented to a hospital in Longxan district, Xaysomboun province,
provide assistance to people affected by Champassak, Xayaboury, Vientiane response in times of emergency, to
natural disasters, at a workshop taking and Borikhamxay provinces were ensure that mortality rates are kept to a hospitals in rural areas of Xieng Khuang province, and to hospitals in
place in Vientiane this week. severely affected by the floods. minimum, Dr Phonepaserth said. Huaphan province.
The three-day workshop on Floods that occurred in 2013 killed The Vientiane Health Department
disaster management and emergency 25 people and injured 77 people in 12 had organised the workshop to help
assistance opened yesterday and is provinces, while 353,766 people in fulfil its health development plans, he Slot machines, snooker shops closed down in Luang Namtha
chaired by the Director of the Vientiane 1,152 villages and 162 districts were added. Authorities in Long district, Luang Namtha province, recently met
Health Department, Dr Phonepaserth affected to various degrees. The objective of the workshop was
to discuss the removal and closure of illegal slot machines, snooker
Ounaphom. In 2015, fires destroyed 92 to build the capacity and knowledge of
Weather extremes tend to occur houses and affected 414 people in the health staff in district Health Offices clubs and other gambling venues, the Khuamsangob newspaper
frequently and often with great intensity, districts of Sisattanak, Chanthabouly, and other relevant sectors to ensure they reported. Officials located 10 snooker clubs, of which two had
affecting the lives, infrastructure and Xaysettha, Sikhottabong, Xaythany, were able to manage and help people
licences from the education and sports department. They also found
livelihoods of people in Laos. Sangthong and Hadxaifong. affected by disasters.
Severe flooding in 2011 caused Storms last year affected 1,754 It would also enhance the methods 16 illegal slot machines in a game shop in Long district. Illegal slot
by tropical storms Haima and Nokten households and 7,032 people in used by district authorities to help machines and snooker clubs have proliferated as more people are
impacted 12 provinces, 96 districts, Naxaithong, Xaythany, Sangthong people affected by natural disasters
operating them without a licence. Authorities confiscated snooker
1,790 villages, 82,493 households, and and Hadxaifong districts while floods and enable workshop participants to
429,954 people. also impacted 34 households and 175 share their ideas and experiences, Dr tables and other items and ordered game shop owners to remove the
Floods killed 42 people and people in Naxaithong district. Phonepaserth said. illegal slot machines from Luang Namtha province within three days.
destroyed houses, crops, schools, The Ministry of Health is charged During the workshop, the
Officials will continue their inspections in other districts of Luang
hospitals, roads, bridges, electricity with improving, protecting and International Organisation for Migration
poles, extension lines and promoting the health and wellbeing Laos handed over medicine and first aid Namtha province.
communication systems, and caused of Lao citizens, as well as providing equipment to the department.
Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 Photo news 5

Media representatives visit Malaysian shopping malls, retail trade associations and the Tourism Doctors and nurses from the Vientiane Health Department stand with the President of the Lao
Malaysia Recreation Club, along with 39 participants of Tourism Malaysias Mega Fam Womens Union, Dr Inlavanh Keobounphanh (sixth right), after giving free health checks to the
programme. International media and travel agents came from Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, participants of a golf tournament held in Vientiane on Saturday to raise funds in aid of dengue
Sudan, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, the Seychelles, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as part of prevention. --Photo Phetphoxay
a Tourism Malaysia initiative held this month.

Riding long-tail boats on the Xong River in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, is one of the Bangkok Airways on Monday hosted a dinner reception to thank local media for their support over the
most popular tourist activities as it affords people a great view of the surrounding scenery, with past year. During the reception, lucky draws were also conducted in which the airways rewarded four
a dramatic mountain backdrop. round-trip air tickets for each route:Vientiane- Bangkok, Vientiane- Krabi island and Vientiane-Chiengmai.
6 Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times
Region
In brief from Asia Australia hopes to
News Network
return Iranian asylum
Tianjin learning
from fatal seekers under deal
warehouse blasts
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) The Iranian policy change
CHINA (China Daily) -- -- Australia hopes to send could cover almost 9,000
An environmental cleanup
in Tianjin is complete thousands of Iranian asylum Iranian asylum seekers. About
following the massive seekers back to their homeland 400 were in Australian-funded
blasts that hit the port last under a new deal with Tehran, immigration centers on the
year, and new facilities Australian officials said Pacific island nations of Nauru
will be built to improve Wednesday. and Papua New Guinea.
the local surroundings, Foreign Minister Julie But most live in the
city officials said on Bishops negotiations with her Australian community. It is not
Tuesday. An environmental Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif clear how many of them are
monitoring station has been were well advanced on a deal genuine refugees who could
established by the Ministry expected to be signed next not be sent back to Iran, but
of Environmental Protection week that would lift Tehrans Australia regards the majority
to scrutinise the port and long-standing refusal to accept of asylum seekers from Iran to
surrounding areas 24 hours Iranian asylum seekers who be economic migrants rather
a day, said Zong Guoying, a People watch a total solar eclipse through an x-ray film sheet at a planetarium in Jakarta, Indonesia. dont want to come home, than refugees.
National Peoples Congress --Photo Xinhua Bishops office said. They have been left with
deputy and chief of the Binhai Our preference is for uncertain futures, with Australia

Total eclipse of the sun unfolds,


New Area in Tianjin. people not owed protection to refusing to resettle them and Iran
All air pollutants are within return voluntarily. However, refusing to take them back.
national standards, according where people do not have a An Iranian refugee couple
to statistics provided by legal basis to remain, they who resettled in Cambodia under
the ministry and third-
party entities, he said. In
August last year, a series
of explosions tore through
briefly plunging cities into darkness may be subject to deportation,
Bishops office said in a
statement.
Negotiations began after
an expensive programme funded
by Australia to keep asylum-
seekers from its soil returned
to their homeland in February,
the port, beginning in the INDONESIA (The Jakarta Post, The last time a total eclipse point of Jakarta produced an Bishop visited Tehran in April Cambodian and Australian
Ruihai Logistics Co, which ANN) -- People gazed at the sky occurred over Indonesia was impressive crescent, was also last year and agreed to start a officials said.
was responsible for the safe in wonder and cheered while in 1988. Unfounded fears and streamed on monitors around formal dialogue with Iran on G e n . Ta n S o v i c h e a ,
handling of dangerous goods others knelt in prayer as a total misinformation caused panic, the planetarium. a range of issues, including head of the refugee office in
at the Dongjiang-bonded port eclipse of the sun unfolded over with people papering windows Scientists from NASA and cooperation to prevent people Cambodias Interior Ministry,
in the area. Indonesia on Wednesday, briefly and keeping children indoors. Indonesias aerospace agency smuggling, the statement said. said five bona fide refugees
plunging cities into darkness and Cloudy skies in parts observed the eclipse from Maba Under the repatriation had resettled in Cambodia from
More Singaporeans startling wildlife. of Indonesia dampened in the Maluku islands. (bbn) agreement expected to be Nauru under a four-year, 55
take bus The rare astronomical the spectacle for some. In Wright reported from signed by Zarif when he visits
the Australian capital Canberra
million Australian dollar (US$41
million) programme financed by
phenomenon was witnessed Palembang, a Sumatran city of Jakarta. Ali Kotarumalos and
SINGAPORE (The Straits along a narrow path that more than 1.4 million, thousands Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, on Tuesday, Australia would Australia.
Times) -- Almost six out stretched across 12 Indonesian of residents from mothers George Rajaloa in Ternate, demand guarantees from Iran The Iranian couple told us
of 10 Singapore residents provinces encompassing three carrying infants to old men Abdy Mari in Sigi Biromaru that Iranians who returned home that they decided to go back to
take public transport to work time zones and about 40 million gathered at its landmark Ampera and Rachel Doro in Anchorage would not be persecuted or Iran after they felt homesick,
as new train lines expand people. A partial eclipse was bridge from well before dawn. contributed. punished. Tan Sovichea said.
the countrys rail network, visible in other parts of the But the total eclipse was only
according to a government Indonesian archipelago, a swath briefly visible if at all.
survey. The proportion of Asia and in northern Australia. Too bad we cannot see when
is highest among those Thousands of eclipse-chasers the total solar eclipse occurred,
living in Toa Payoh, at 65.5 flocked to Indonesia from abroad but the dark atmosphere when it
percent, Sembawang (64.9 and the government, which has happened made us feel happy,
percent), Bukit Merah (64.4 been the promoting the event said Palembang resident Martha
percent) and Queenstown for more than a year, forecast a Sembiring. There was also
(63.8 percent). Conversely, substantial tourism boost. Some disappointment for a group of
the proportion of residents tour groups chartered ships to six eclipse chasers who traveled
who drive to work is highest view the eclipse, which began from Canada and the US to
among those living in the in the Indian Ocean and ended Kalimantan.
better-off districts of Tanglin in the Pacific, at sea. A dozen Unfortunately we got
(54.9 percent), Bukit Timah Americans joined a commercial nothing because we had rain
(53.9 percent), and Marine flight from Anchorage, Alaska showers and solid cloud, said
Parade (34.9 pe cent). to Honolulu because its flight optometrist Ralph Chou who
This travelling pattern of path would rendezvous with was hoping to see his 19th total
citizens and permanent an eclipse sweet spot north of solar eclipse.
residents, is shown in the Hawaii. Chou, a Canadian who
latest General Household Thousands of men, women helped develop the international
Survey, done every five years and children gathered in Sigi standards for eclipse filters,
to give the changing profile Biromaru, a hilltop town of said there were still impressive
of the Singapore family, Indonesias Central Sulawesi effects of light and darkness and
including its size, type of province, shouted and clapped as birds appeared confused and
accommodation, educational the sun transformed into a dark disorientated by dark falling
level, travel pattern and orb for more than two minutes. again after dawn.
religion. It was released on Hundreds of others prayed at The previous total solar
Wednesday. nearby mosques. eclipse was in March last
The sun totally disappeared. year and was best viewed on
Soil Erosion in J&K How amazing this sunny Norways Svalbard islands near
village, 50 families morning suddenly changed to the North Pole. The next total
dark, said Junaz Amir, a Sigi eclipse will occur in August
INDIA (The Statesman) -- resident who witnessed the 2017 and be visible over a slice
Nearly 50 families have been eclipse with his family using of North America.
shifted to safer places from special glasses that protect eyes. The entire eclipse, which
Ramban districts Dharam In Ternate, one of the last began with the first patch of
village where soil erosion cities in the eclipses path, some darkness appearing on the edge
and sinking of land have residents said they were viewing of the sun, lasted about three
been witnessed of late. it by looking at the reflected hours.
We have last evening image in bowls of water. Experts For the viewer, the length of
shifted nearly 50 families say the total eclipse can be time the sun was totally eclipsed
to safer places following viewed with the naked eye but depended on their location along
soil erosion in the village, specific filters should be used the path. On land the durations
a district official said on during its partial phases to avoid were mostly between one and
Wednesday. A total of 124 permanent damage to the retina. three minutes.
families have been shifted Most eclipses are partial In the capital Jakarta,
so far from the village which but when the moon is close thousands of residents packed
is facing soil erosion and enough to the Earth, the sun a planetarium at a downtown
sinking of land for past over is completely eclipsed by the park where officials distributed
three months. Seventy-four moons shadow and only a about 4,000 filtered viewing
families were shifted from the spectacular ring of rays known glasses that quickly ran out. The
village in January this year. as the corona is visible. eclipse, which from the vantage
Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 Region 7
Young naturalised
Koreans struggle to fit in
KOREA (The Korea Herald, policies division. those from Vietnam, Japan and
ANN) -- More than 30 percent According to the Ministry of Mongolia.
of foreign-born South Koreans Justice, it takes at least two years Forming a relationship with
aged 15-24 are not in school for children born to non-Korean a stepfather who doesnt speak
and out of work, while for 58.3 citizens overseas to obtain South ones mother tongue, while
percent of them, their parents Korean citizenship after arriving trying to adjust to a completely
had divorced before they moved in the country. In order to do foreign environment can be
to South Korea, a report released so, the child needs to be legally an overwhelming situation
by the Gender Ministry showed adopted by his or her Korean for foreign-born children who
Wednesday. stepparent. As of last year, more moved to Korea, said the IOM
Foreign-born children than 85 percent of all marriage report. This language barrier
refers to young South Koreans migrants in Korea were women. creates a number of challenges
who were born and grew up Public education is for the childrens family life,
overseas and moved to Korea currently guaranteed for foreign- and in some extreme cases, the
as minors, including children born children even when they are children decide to return to their
who were born to non-Korean waiting for their South Korean home countries.
citizens overseas and moved to citizenship, Yoon said. But The number of multicultural
Police gather near Kawerau, New Zealand, after police officers were shot. --Photo AP Korea after one of their divorced there are certain social services children in South Korea increased
parents - usually the mother - one cannot receive without the dramatically from 2006-2015,

New Zealand gunman shoots remarried a Korean national.


Multicultural children, on
the other hand, mainly refers to
citizenship, including all job
training programs offered by the
Ministry of Labor.
from 25,000 to 208,000. The
proportion of school dropouts
among multicultural children

and injures 4 police officers Korean-born children born to a


Korean national and his or her
foreign-born spouse.
According to a report by
the International Organisation
for Migration report, there
was higher than that of South
Korean children.
Their reasons for dropping
We believe different were some 12,000 foreign-born out of school were diverse.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- A were injured. policies and programs are needed children born to non-Koreans While none of multicultural
gunman suspected of shooting and wounding As officers on the ground moved in to arrest for foreign-born children, as overseas who moved to Korea children decided to quit school
four police officers was holed up in a rural New the man, he shot three of them, Clement said. their needs are different from upon one of their divorced because of language barriers,
Zealand house on Wednesday evening, police One suffered serious wounds, while the other two those of children of multicultural parents remarriage to a South more than 15 percent of all
said. suffered injuries that werent life-threatening, he families who were born in South Korean national, as of 2013. foreign-born children who
Police surrounded the house after the said. All three were in stable condition at area Korea, said Yoon Ji-yeon from Among them, the largest number quit their education said it was
man shot and hit officers during two separate hospitals. the ministrys multicultural are from China, followed by because of language difficulties
incidents, said Deputy Police Commissioner In the other incident, the man shot a fourth
Mike Clement. Police also enlisted the help of
the military, which was providing three light-
armored vehicles and a helicopter.
officer in the hand, but his injuries werent
believed to be serious, Clement said. He was
also taken to a local hospital.
Japan court rules against running
The events began unfolding during the
morning, when police were using aircraft as
We are obviously providing close support
to the officers who have been injured and their
restarted Takahama reactors
part of a marijuana operation in the area, about families, and our thoughts are with them at this
70 kilometres east of the North Island town of time, Clement said.
Rotorua, Clement said. Such violence against police is rare in New
He said police heard three shots fired at about Zealand, where patrol officers typically dont People hold
10:30 am About an hour later, a fourth shot was carry firearms. The officers shot, however, were up banners
fired, apparently in the direction of the police all members of a special unit whose members in front of the
Otsu District
aircraft. Clement said no officers in the aircraft carry weapons and wear protective outfits. Court in the
western Japan
prefecture of
Shiga.
--Photo Kyodo

JAPAN (Kyodo News) -- A to shut down the No. 3 unit, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear
Japanese district court on which was restarted late January, power plant also had to evacuate.
Wednesday ordered Kansai and keep the No. 4 unit offline The Takahama complex
Electric Power Co. not to because its operation was recently was the second nuclear power
operate two nuclear reactors suspended due to equipment plant to be brought back online
at its Takahama plant on the trouble. after clearing the new safety
Sea of Japan coast despite their Residents of neighboring regulations, with its Nos. 3 and
having cleared a set of new safety Shiga Prefecture, a portion of 4 reactors resuming operations
standards introduced after the which is within a 30-kilometre on January 29 and February 26,
2011 Fukushima disaster. radius of the Takahama plant, respectively.
The court judgment, the first had filed for the injunction citing But Kansai Electric has
of its kind affecting reactors that insufficient safety measures and seen the No. 4 reactor hit by
resumed operations under the concerns that many residents trouble shortly before and after its
post-Fukushima requirements, could be exposed to radiation if reactivation. The unit shut down
is a blow to the Japanese a severe accident occurs. automatically just three days after
governments renewed push for While the central government it was rebooted for a reason yet to
nuclear power and could also has expanded evacuation be conclusively specified.
cast doubt on the new safety preparation areas to a 30-km In a separate case concerning
regulations. radius of a nuclear power plant the two reactors, the Fukui
The Takahama plant is one from the previous 10 km, District Court issued in April
of two nuclear power stations safety concerns remain in Shiga last year an injunction banning
that are currently online. The Prefecture because in the March Kansai Electric from restarting
injunction by the Otsu District 2011 disaster some people living the units, citing safety concerns.
Court will force the operator beyond the 30-km zone around But the same court lifted
the injunction in December,
allowing the utility to resume
operations at both reactors.
Plaintiffs appealed the court
decision to the Kanazawa branch
of the Nagoya High Court, where
the case is pending.
Under the revamped safety
regulations, which took effect
in 2013, utilities are for the first
time obliged to put in place
specific countermeasures against
severe accidents like reactor core
meltdowns and huge tsunami -
the direct cause of Fukushima
disaster that began on March
11, 2011.
8 Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times
World
Palestinian attacks kill American
student, wound 12 Israelis
JERUSALEM (AP) --
Palestinian attackers unleashed
a series of shooting and stabbing
assaults on Israelis on Tuesday,
including a stabbing spree in
the ancient Mediterranean
port city of Jaffa that killed an
American student near where
Vice President Joe Biden was
meeting with Israels former
president, police said.
The Jaffa assault came as
Biden arrived on a two-day
visit as part of a regional tour
of the Mideast. He is to meet
both Israeli and Palestinian
leaders and there have been
Students shout slogans outside their high school in Paris. --Photo AP speculations he would try to
revive the moribund Israeli-

France faces day of protests


Palestinian peace talks.
Police spokeswoman Luba
Samri said the man killed in Jaffa

over labour reform, train strike


was an American tourist, but Israeli policeman frisks a Palestinian after a stabbing attack in
Jerusalem Tuesday, March 8, 2016. According to the police, a
did not provide further details. Palestinian woman in her 50s tried to stab Israeli security forces
A dozen Israelis, civilians and member in Jerusalems Old City before being shot dead.
police officers, were wounded --Photo Mahmoud Illean AP
PARIS (AP) -- Angry unions and youth are joining strikes that are delaying some suburban and in the Palestinian knife and gun
forces in a day of protests against French President long-distance trains - but not local transport. attacks. University in Nashville, the bright promise that he held
Francois Hollandes effort to tamper with the The contested labor reform would put Along with the Jaffa attacker, Tennessee, issued a statement for bettering our greater world,
countrys 35-hour workweek to create new jobs. wiggle room into Frances sacrosanct 35-hour three other Palestinian assailants identifying the American Zeppos said.
were shot and killed in the days stabbing victim as Taylor Force, In the Jaffa attack, Israeli
Several union and student organisations work week, imposed in 2000 by the Socialists a student at its Owen Graduate Channel 2 TV interviewed a man
rash of violence, the latest in a
called protests across France on Wednesday and now a cornerstone of the left. The current wave of near-daily Palestinian School of Management who identified only by his first name,
to try to kill the bill which has even divided Socialist government wants adjustments to assaults on Israeli civilians and was on a school trip to Tel Aviv. Yishai, who described how he
Hollandes Socialists. reduce Frances 10 percent unemployment rate security forces that erupted in Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos confronted the Palestinian as
The protests fall on the same day as rail as the shortened workweek was meant to do. mid-September. said all the other Vanderbilt he stabbing people in the street.
The bloodshed - mainly students, faculty and staff on the I was sitting down playing
Britain aims to be worlds best stabbings but also shootings and
car-ramming attacks - has killed
trip are safe.
Zeppos said Force had
guitar and I heard screaming
from across the street, said

dementia care nation by 2020


28 Israelis. During the same traveled to Tel Aviv to expand the man, who wore a T-shirt of
time, at least 176 Palestinians his understanding of global the rock band Tool. I saw a
were killed by Israeli fire. Most entrepreneurship and also to man run at me with a knife, I
LONDON (Xinhua) -- A dementia diagnosis can Jeremy Hughes, CEO of of the Palestinians have been share his insights and knowledge ran at him with the guitar and
identified by Israel as attackers, with start-ups in Israel. smashed it in his head. He was
Britain will become the most bring fear and heartache, but the Alzheimers Society, said: This horrific act of violence so stunned and didnt know
while the rest were killed in
dementia friendly country in I want Britain to be the best We applaud the governments clashes with security forces. has robbed our Vanderbilt family what to do with himself and
the world within four years, place in the world to live well firm commitment to make the The chancellor of Vanderbilt of a young hopeful life and all of then started running away.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt with dementia. We have made UK the most dementia friendly
announced Sunday.
He published a dementia
massive strides on diagnosis
rates and research - the global
place in the world. We look
forward to leading the continued Turkey, Greece determined to
implementation plan pledging a
7-days a week National Health
Service(NHS) to help people
race is now on to find a cure for
dementia and I want the UK to
win it, said Hunt.
transformation of society and
investment in research so that,
by 2020, people with dementia
solve refugee problem together
live well with dementia. I want us to make big get the support they need every Refugees
It will make Britain the most progress on the quality of care day of the year - whether that are seen in
Greeces
dementia friendly society in the and treatment. Hospitals can be at home, in residential northern
world by 2020, said Hunt. be frightening and confusing care, hospital or in the wider border village
He said the plan published places for people with dementia, community. of Idomeni
Sunday will empower people so our new plan will guarantee David Mayhew, Prime on March
8, 2016.
with dementia and their families them safer 7 day hospital care, Minister David Camerons Thousands
through improved care and as well as tackling unacceptable Dementia Envoy, said: This of refugees
transparency. variations in quality across plan lays out a clear direction are stranded
As part of plans to raise England through a transparent for driving forward improved in Greeces
northern
awareness of health concerns, rating system. care, new treatments and border village
a new pilot scheme will extend The plan will mean for the greater awareness, and it will of Idomeni.
NHS Health Checks. For the first time people with dementia be important to link this strategy --Photo
first time the checks will include and their families will be able to international efforts if we are Xinhua
awareness raising, education to compare the quality of to have the greatest impact.
and discussion of risk reduction dementia care in their local The British government is ISTANBUL (Xinhua) -- Turkish and Greek prime There, Davutoglu asked for three billion euros
for dementia for people aged areas. Care commissioners will investing US$214 million U.S. ministers said Tuesday that they are determined (US$3.3 billion) in aid, in return for Turkeys help
40 or older. This is currently make sure services are safer dollars to develop a national to prevent illegal traffickers and migration in the in stemming the influx of refugees into Europe and
only available for people aged for people with dementia 7 Dementia Research Institute to Aegean Sea bordering the two countries. accepting those deemed ineligible for asylum into
over 65. An estimated 850,000 days a week, with every person drive forward new treatments Turkey and Greece share the same perspective the continent.
Britons currently suffer from with dementia receiving a and help fulfill a goal to find a with regards to solving the Syrian refugee crisis, At the summit, Davutoglu also suggested
the disease. personalised care plan. cure by 2025. Turkeys Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, said a one-for-one deal, where the EU resettles one
during a joint press conference with his Greek Syrian refugee from a camp in Turkey in exchange

Heavy rains close Abu Dhabi


counterpart, Alexis Tsipras, in Turkeys western for a Syrian which Turkey will accept from Greece.
city of Izmir. Some 2.7 million Syrians are sheltered in
Both leaders had previously co-hosted a camps in Turkey.
airport, Emirates schools Turkish-Greek High-Level Cooperation Council
meeting focusing on joint efforts to better handle
Tsipras, while pledging his country will do its
best to help the refugees, had vowed earlier not to
the influx of refugees into Greece and other allow Greece to become a warehouse for souls,
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Heavy rains have closed Abu Dhabis international airport European countries by sea via Turkey. requesting from all European countries to share
and shut schools in the United Arab Emirates. Greece, already suffering from an ailing the burden.
Abu Dhabi International Airport, home to Etihad airline, announced the flight suspension economy, is confronted with tens of thousands Addressing the joint press conference with
Wednesday on Twitter due to severe weather conditions. Dubai International Airport, home to of refugees along its border with Macedonia, a Davutoglu, Tsipras referred to the thousands of
the long-haul carrier Emirates, saw some flights delayed. non-European Union (EU) country which closed refugees who died in the Aegean Sea on their
The state-owned The National newspaper of Abu Dhabi also said local schools had been its route into Western Europe. way towards Europe, adding that both Ankara and
Turkey and Greece have a common answer Athens are dedicated to solving this humanitarian
closed, while others in Dubai planned to close early. to Europe, which believes that Greece and Turkey tragedy and preventing illegal trafficking.
The United Arab Emirates National Center for Meteorology and Seismology had warned should deal with the crisis alone, Davutoglu said. Many refugees, seeking better life conditions
that heavy rains were possible today. Both Davutoglu and Tsipras attended a special in other countries, have become victims of illegal
Heavy rains are uncommon in the desert nation. EU-Turkey summit in Brussels on Monday. trafficking, he said.
Business
Vientiane Times 9

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.la Thursday March 10, 2016

Female employees want more


international experience
C H I N A ( C h i n a D a i l y,
ANN) -- A latest PwC
survey found that 74 percent
of females in the Chinese
mainland and HongKong
said the opportunities for an
international experience are a
driving factor in keeping them
with an employer.
PwC surveyed 3,937
professionals from 40
countries, including 170
respondents from the
Chinese mainland and Hong
Kong, to find out about
their international mobility
experiences and aspirations. Female college students participate in a job fair held particularlly
Honourable Ambassador to iCare Benefits Laos, Ms Kaikham Onedamdy presents a vocational In parallel, PwC surveyed 134 for them in Nanjing, capital of eastChinas Jiangsu Province.
education scholarship to a garment worker to assist her son. executives with responsibility
for global mobility to explore certain assumptions and said they are most concerned

iCare Benefits provides c u r r e n t m o b i l i t y, t a l e n t gender stereotypes, for about what role they will return
management and diversity example that women with to at the end of the assignment.
trends. children do not want to work Zhou Xing, PwCs Chinese

scholarships for garment


The report highlights that overseas or that women do mainland and Hong Kong
professionals are experiencing not want to move because diversity leader, said, To attract,
a time of unprecedented it will put their partners retainand develop female talent,

workers children
femaledemand for mobility, higher income at risk. international employers must
but this demand is not yet In fact, 41 percent of adopt a modern, more flexible
reflected in reality. More global female respondents approach to mobility. A gender-
than half of global mobility who said they want to inclusive mobility programme
Times Reporters Honourable Ambassador iCare Benefits Programme executives said their female undertake an international will include a world-class

T
to iCare Benefits Laos, and makes sure women are truly employees were under assignment are parents, repatriation programme,
o help celebrate awarded to the children of visible in the organisation represented in their mobility and 78 percent of women together with flexibility, choice
International hard working female garment employing over 90 percent populations. in a dual-career couple earn and options around assignment
Womens Day iCare workers as a reward for their female staff. We understand While 60 percent of equal to or more than their duration and package.
Benefits Programme loyalty and on the job diligence. the importance of women in multinationals are using partner. The survey also found that
has provided vocational The programme aims to allow society, their influence, and mobility to develop their When looking at the 84 percent of females in the
training scholarships to disadvantaged workers to send issues that affect them, Ms succession pipeline of future professional concerns women Chinese mainland and Hong
5 outstanding children of their children to vocational Toomkham said. leaders, only 22 percent are have when considering an Kong would like opportunities
deserving female garment training courses so they can iCare Benefits Programme actively trying to increase international assignment, to work overseas to be more
workers so they can further develop marketable skills, find helps improve the lives of their levels of female nearly 60 percent of female transparent at the companies
their education. jobs and be financially self- workers and make dreams mobility. respondents from the Chinese they work for, higher than the
The vocational training sustainable. come true by offering interest The PwC report challenges mainland and HongKong global finding at 65 percent.
course scholarships valued at iCare would like to free terms to allow them to
US$2,000 each will become acknowledge the contribution purchase essential household
an annual event to lessen the
financial burden on the families
of women in our society and the
importance of gender equality
products and services such
as labour saving appliances,
Italys landmark Jobs Act so far having
of workers, announced iCare
Benefits Programme CEO, Ms
knowing that we have a long
way to go. Many women and
health check-ups, vocational
training programmes and mixed impact on labour market
Toomkham on International their families struggle with even well-deserved holidays.
Womens Day. poverty and face barriers to iCare Benefits began ROME (Xinhua) -- So far, Italys security, the act comes after less of a long-term commitment.
The training courses earning income, lack educational in 2014 and has been the
Jobs Act, a set of labor reform mounting criticism about the Previously, Italys labor market
include truck and tractor opportunities, and discrimination pathway to a better life
driving, construction, beauty in the workplace, explained Ms for workers by offering initiatives that might be the polarisation of the labor market earned criticism for being too
salon skills, and hotel and Toomkham. comprehensive employee central achievement of the two- between the security enjoyed rigid, forcing companies to offer
hospitality at Corn Inc Industry To empower women iCare benefits packages that year-old government of Italian by workers who are employed workers temporary contracts to
Training Centre. Benefits is providing English enhance workers lives while Prime Minister MatteoRenzi, on indefinite contracts and the avoid having to offer the worker
Employers nominated the courses to garment workers boosting their morale, loyalty has been a mixed bag. Experts vulnerability of those who are a contract for life.
children of deserving female supported by IASEC under a and productivity. Its goal is say that is not likely to change not. It has applied to those who So far, unemployment
workers for the scholarships Singaporean student exchange to open doors for people to in the near term. started work on or after March figures have improved slightly:
with the final selection made programme, labour saving access products and services The Jobs Act dismantled 7, 2015. in 2014, before the Jobs Act
by iCare Benefits as a way products such as washing that enable comfortable, Article 18 of the Italian Workers The majority of was implemented, Italys
of highlighting International machines and refrigerators healthy, smart and prosperous Statute, which made it very economists agree that by unemployment rate was 12.7
Womens Day. allowing women to spend more living. It is bridging gaps and
The scholarships were quality time with their families, tackling common problems difficult for any company with making labor markets more percent. At the end of last year,
presented by Ms Kaikham recruiting female staff members, in developing markets related more than 15 employees to fire flexible and transparent, it had improved, dipping to 11.4
Onedamdy, International and hiring local women to the affordability of staple workers. companies would be more percent, though still far above the
Finance Corporation producers to make products such goods and services while Designed to help give likely to hire new workers 8.4 percent level recorded five
O p e r a t i o n s O ff i c e r a n d as Lao traditional sinh. caring about people. atypical workers more job because a new hire becomes years ago.

Exchange rates as of March 9, 2016


Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public

Foreign Currencies Buying Selling

US Dollar 50-100 8,105 8,145

Thai Baht 229.39 231.1

Euro 50-500 8,884 8,929


10 Business Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times

Lao representatives
showcase innovation at
Asia-Pacific Forestry Week
Times Reporters Trade/Voluntary Partnership approaches, enhancing the

T
Agreement (FLEGT/VPA), flow of ecosystem services and
he government which the Lao Government integrating livelihood benefits
is using the is currently embarking on, in forest restoration.
innovative tool he added. Director General of
Forestry Legality President of the Lao Department of Forest
Compendium in the wood Wood Processing Industry Inspection, Mr Khamphout
processing industry as part of Association Mr Thongsavanh Phandanouvong explained
working towards improving Soulignamat stressed during that the FLEGT/VPA was
forest governance in the his presentation at Asia-Pacific the main avenue contributing
country. Forestry Week the government to strengthening forest
Director General of the had always recognised the governance in the country. A senior official of Hitachi, Ltd.s labor union, right, hands over a written demand to the firms executive
Department of Forestry, private sector as the main Good governance of the in Tokyo.
Ministry of Agriculture actor in developing the wood forest sector would allow
and Forestry, Mr Sousath
Sayakoummane highlighted
processing industry and
playing an important role
forest maintenance for
future generations, further
Electronics firms set to raise
the initiative while attending
Asia-Pacific Forestry Week
recently in the Philippines,
in the FLEGT/VPA Process.
Mr Thongsavanh said
this initiative would ensure
development opportunities
for wood processing in the
country, value adding to
base pay by minimum 1,500
which is held every four years. sufficient legal timber products, create employment
JAPAN (The Yomiuri Shimbun, been led by six major firms overcome deflation, it is
He explained The Forestry supply for industries, opportunities in the forest
ANN) -- Major electronics Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu Ltd., essential to realise a high basic
Legality Compendium was improved forest governance sector and open a wider range
manufacturers, including NEC Corp., Panasonic Corp. and pay hike and spread the trend to
a comprehensive review and sustainable forest of export markets. Hitachi, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Toshiba Corp. Toshiba, which is a wide range of industries.
of the legal framework for management in Laos. He said once the FLEGT/ Electric Corp., are in the final in the middle of restructuring its If major electronics
the forestry sector in Laos According to a press VPA was fully operational, stage of their adjustments for management, is not involved companies throw cold water
along the supply chain of release from Lao EU-FLEGT timber products from Laos the proposal of a monthly basic in this years industry-wide on the current positive mood
timber products - starting during the conference, the would be in full compliance pay hike of at least 1,500 negotiations. In the wake of about the basic pay hike, it
from forest land classification, Lao delegation had also with the EU Timber in response to labor unions Mondays labor-management would have a negative impact
d e m a r c a t i o n , i n v e n t o r y, reported significant increase Regulations which promoted demands for 3,000 in this negotiations, it is likely the on the entire Japanese economy.
quota approval, management in forest cover between 2010 placement of legal timber on years shunto spring wage hike workforce will secure at least Management believes that an
and harvesting, transport, and 2015 due to considerable the EU market and its trading negotiations. a 1,500 basic pay hike. This amount half as much as the
processing and export. progress in slowing down partners. Labor unions are going is expected to increase the initial demand would be a good
This work will assist the rate of deforestation and Lao companies would also to further negotiate with momentum of the trend toward compromise for both sides.
elaboration of the Timber restoring forests, especially gain easier access to other management, aiming to ensure an increase. L a b o r, o n t h e o t h e r
Legality Definition, which is on previously deforested markets such as Asean, the the increase reaches the 2,000 Due to such factors as hand, aims at realising the
a core part of the Forest Law lands, while emphasising USA, Australia, New Zealand range. an economic slowdown 2,000 hike, but they have to
Enforcement, Governance and the adoption of participatory and Japan. Once the amount is finalised, i n e m e rg i n g c o u n t r i e s , deal with the differences in
it will mean there has been a basic management has taken a business performance between

In brief
pay hike for three consecutive cautious stance toward the companies. While Hitachi
years. Such a result will have basic pay hike as it would and Mitsubishi are enjoying
a large ripple effect on the increase the burden of labor favorable results, Fujitsu and
Unemployment level in Switzerland drops in February industry, as labor unions at about costs in the future. Behind the NEC are not doing so well.
GENEVA (Xinhua) -- The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) reported 160 member companies of the decision to accept the 1,500 The major focus from now will
on Tuesday that unemployment levels in Switzerland reached 3.7 percent in February, Japanese Electrical Electronic basic pay hike is likely not only a be whether labor unions at those
down from 3.8 percent in January 2016. and Information Union will start desire to boost workers morale, companies take concerted action
With 2,227 fewer people registered as jobless last month, SECO indicated that 161,417 their negotiations by using the but also corporations awareness to obtain the same hike.
individuals were classified as unemployed in the period under review. results of those major companies of their social responsibility, All company managements
This still represents a 7.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year.Statistics as a benchmark. observers said. plan to release their decisions
Shunto talks have usually To help the economy on March 16.
show that youth (15 to 24 year olds) unemployment decreased by 3.3 percent, with 20,491
young adults looking for a job last month.

Spains industrial production rises by 0.7 percent in January


China pledges expansion of fiber-
MADRID (Xinhua) -- Spains industrial production rose by 0.7 percent in January
when compared with the same month a year earlier, according to the Index of Industrial
optic networks
Production (IPI) published on Tuesday by Spains Statistical Office (INE).
Bai Yang (Peoples Daily) -- low-cost network on many Miao Wei, head of the
According to the INE, production of consumer goods rose by 2.2 percent, with durable
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, occasions, confessing that Ministry of Industry and
consumer goods production falling by 0.2 percent and production of non-durable in an annual government work information networks in Information Technology,
consumer goods rising by 2.4 percent. report, revealed plans to build some developing countries recently set this years main
Production of capital goods rose by 6 percent in January year-on-year and that of a fiber-optic network in order outperform Beijings. objective for Broadband
intermediate goods rose by 2.2 percent, while production of energy fell by 8.5 percent. to narrow the digital divide In last years government China, a national plan aimed
between urban and rural areas. report, Li also stressed projects at increasing urban and rural
China, Vietnam to fulfill trade target of US$100b in2016 Fiber-optic networks will to deliver telecoms, radio, broadband coverage.
HANOI (China Daily, ANN) -- The target of US$100 billion in the bilateral trade revenue be developed in a number of television and Internet service This year an additional 80
cities and 50,000 administrative over a single broadband million households will be
between China and Vietnamis to be reached in 2016, said an official of the Chinese
villages will be linked to fiber- connection, develop fiber-optic covered by fiber-optic network,
embassy on Tuesday. optic networks, Li pledged in networks and significantly while broadband service will
Speaking with Chinese and Vietnamese reporters, Hu Suojin, the commercial counselor, the report he delivered Saturday increase broadband speeds. be offered to another 14,000
saidthe bilateral trade revenue between China and Vietnam hit US$95.8 billion in 2015, a at the opening meeting of the The recent push for villages, according to Miao.
growth of14.6 percent year-on-year. fourth session of the 12th information networks In addition, over 600,000
Among members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Aseam), Vietnam National Peoples Congress. comes as China experiences 4G base stations will be built,
rankedthe second in the list of Chinas major trade partners following Malaysia. Li added that the network an increased expansion of with some cities gaining full
will provide more urban and Internet applications. fiber-optic network coverage.
Bulgarian GDP grows by 3.0 percent in 2015 rural residents greater access As of the end of 2014, Moreover, 4G network will
to information and other the number of Chinas fixed cover counties and developed
SOFIA (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.0 percent year-
digital services. broadband users exceeded townships, Miao added.
on-year in 2015 in real terms, according to preliminary data released by the countrys As Chinas latest effort 200 million, while 3G and Since information
National Statistical Institute (NSI) on Tuesday. to improve its information 4G users reached more than infrastructure is directly linked
The nominal value of the GDP for 2015 was 83.373 billion BGN or 48.953 billion US infrastructure, the plan heralds 580 million. Among them, with the countrys economic
dollars using the average annual exchange rate of 1.76441 BGN for 1 dollar, the NSI said. increased access and faster 97 million subscribed to the development and improved
GDP per capita was 6,801 dollars, NSI said.Meanwhile, gross value added (GVA) at network speeds. 4G network. A total, 40.9 standards of living, these
current prices amounted to 73.805 billion BGN, and in real terms it increased by 1.5 Li previously urged percent of users have access to efforts will in turn boost social
percent in comparison with the 2014, NSI said. construction of a high-speed, bandwidths of 8Mbps or more. progress.
Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 Business 11

Challenging year ahead for Asean Economic Community

tourism industry
This year, STB forecasts
tourism receipts to grow by
zero to 2 percent to be in
the range of US$22 billion
to US$22.4 billion. Visitor
arrivals are expected to be
between 15.2 million and 15.7
million, a growth of zero to 3
percent.
Analysts said these
challenges are not new and there
has to be a concerted effort to
rethink Singapores proposition
as a tourist destination.
Apart from exploring
new visitor markets, such as
Popular tourist site Marina Bay. The Singapore Tourism Board has secondary cities in China
forecast little to no growth for the local tourism industry this year and India, Singapore should
due to the weakening global economy and a strong Singapore dollar, consider how it can better Official delegations from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, Asean, and hundreds of
companies attend the meeting in Timor-Leste.
which is expected to lead to less tourist spending. market its local heritage and
culture to attract repeat visitors,
SINGAPORE (The Straits
Times, ANN) -- Growth in
the tourism industry is likely
of the US monetary conditions,
it said.
Increasing regional
said Ngee Ann Polytechnics
senior tourism lecturer Michael
Chiam.
Asean, Portuguese-
to slow to a crawl this year
as tourists tighten their belts
ahead of a weakening global
competition will also pose
challenges to Singapores
tourism sector.
Mr Kevin Cheong,
chairman of the Association
of Singapore Attractions,
speaking nations enhance
economy.
The Singapore dollar is also
likely to stay strong against
Last year, visitor arrivals
inched up 0.9 percent year on
year to 15.2 million but tourism
said attractions here need
t o e m p h a s i s e d i v e r s i t y,
uniqueness and authenticity.
business environment
regional currencies, further spending fell 6.8 percent to Attractions will have to
deterring regional tourists from US$22 billion. This is below work together to attract visitors Times Reporters integration between the CPLP contacts. Portuguese-speaking

H
raising their spending. the long-established target - set to Singapore, he added. countries and the Asia-Pacific entrepreneurs can settle
All this will add up to a in 2004 - of 17 million visitors Singapore faces undreds of delegates and the geostrategic importance and taking advantage of the
challenging year for the sector, and US$30 billion in tourism competition from other and companies of Timor-Leste. geographical position of
said the Singapore Tourism receipts by 2015. destinations such as Malaysia, from 20 countries It had theme rooms by Timor-Leste, establish contact
Board. The main reason for the fall Thailand and Australia, gathered in Dili, country, where every visitor networks and investment in the
Global economic growth was fewer business travellers which have relatively weaker Timo-Leste, from February had the opportunity to know region, especially in view of
may be hampered by the and less spending per person . currencies. 25 to 27, for an unprecedented the business realities of each the accession of Timor-Leste
slower growth momentum Depreciating currencies He added: Due to these meeting that brought together of the represented countries. to Asean.
of the Chinese and United of top source markets like competitive market forces, entrepreneurs and investors Agriculture, agro industry The event aimed to
States economies, as well Indonesia, Malaysia and industry players will be forced from the Community of and agro food, construction foster partnerships between
as uncertainties such as the Australia also contributed to review our pricing structures Portuguese Language and public works, education, companies in the community,
ongoing reforms in China and significantly to lower arrivals downwards to stay in the Countries (CPLP) and the energy, manufacturing, health, a dimension that has been
the impact of the normalisation and spending. game. Association of Southeast Asian i n f o r m a t i o n t e c h n o l o g y, consolidated by CPLP and also
Nations (Asean). telecommunications, transport CE-CPLP and EU-CPLP.
They came from Angola, and tourism were, among Minister of Commerce,
We are hiring! Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Cape others, some of the business Industry and Environment,
Verde, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, sectors that were present in Constancio Pinto, said Timor-
We are one of the leading insurance companies Spain, Guinea Bissau, Dili. Leste is in a very dynamic
having our main office in Vientiane. We are Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Its a unique opportunity region and can be a bridge
looking for young, energetic and ambitious Malaysia, Mozambique, to meet and establish business for the Portuguese-speaking
Portugal, Sao Tome and contacts with the entire countries in this region. I
candidates to fill the vacancy of an Office Principe, Singapore, Thailand, business world of CPLP and hope that other members of
Administer; Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. its vicinity as well as Asia and the CPLP use Timor-Leste
A unique opportunity was the Pacific, said Mario Costa, as an economic bridge. So
learning about opportunities President of the Directorate of the Dili Forum is a unique
in Timor-Leste, the CPLP and CPLP Exporters Union (EU opportunity for contact with
Responsibilities; Asean, to identify projects, - CPLP), an entity that was other entrepreneurs not only in
Answering incoming telephone call and welcome customer enhance business and forge organising the forum. the CPLP, but also Asean and
partnerships and agreements. The intention was also the Pacific.
visiting our office The meeting included a to leverage the joint efforts The meeting was supported
format for product promotion, so that, in a globalised and by the CPLP, the Business
Record all incoming documents and distribute to respective services and business-to- increasingly competitive Confederation of the CPLP
business contacts (B2B) and environment, the CPLP flag (EC-CPLP) and the CPLP
departments presentation of the business can be part of the worlds Exporters Union (EU-CPLP)
Record outgoing documents despatch daily environment and investment business and equally enhance as well as the government
in the participating countries. trade between this Community of the Democratic Republic
Administration of human resource and stationery records It included an exhibition and the Asia-Pacific. of Timor-Leste, and aimed
of products from several Former President and to promote Timor-Leste as a
Translation of English to Lao and vice-versa documents. countries, promoting national Nobel Peace Prize winner platform for development.
companies and local commerce, Jose Ramos-Horta said We Source -- Embassy of
and an international panel live in a global economy and Democratic Republic of Timor-
Requirements; space to discuss the economic it is important to establish Lese to Laos.
Diploma/Degree holder in English/Administration/Business
Studies or professional qualification. Central bank to cut growth
Good command in both English and Lao.
Strong mindsetand leadership in performing multitasks
forecast for this year
THAILAND )TheNation, ANN) The Bank of Thailand plans to lower its forecast for the countrys
Keen to develop customer relationship 2016 economic growth by the end of this month, Governor VeerathaiSantiprabhob said yesterday.
The central banks current official prediction is for growth of 3.5 percent this year - a forecast
it made in December.
Interested candidates are welcome to write to us as below:` However, two full months into the year, he said sideways risk was more likely to tie in with
the lower end of the banks band of growth expectations, hence it needed to adjust its projection
TOKOJAYA LAO ASSURANCE CO., LTD accordingly.
Veerathai added that monetary policy was currently not the proper tool to fuel the economy,
58/02-58/03, Manthaturath Road, Ban XiengNgeun, and that while the government could act through fiscal policy, such a policy should focus on
enhancing private investment that targeted productivity improvement more than on spurring
Unit 8, Vientiene, Lao PDR consumer spending, |as before.
Stimulus packages driving consumer spaInvestment aimed at improving productivity is
Tel: (856-21) 264 712 -5 Fax: (856-21) 264717 essential for Thailand in the long run, as such investment will lead to healthy economic growth,
Email: ceo@tokoassurance-lao.com he explained.
Short-term policies to |stimulate the economy would still be important, but the government
should have clear measures in place to promote projects that focus on productivity improvement,
because that would be much more meaningful investment, he stressed.
12
12 Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times

CVs of 26 NA candidates Savannakhet province (19 to be elected)


Candidate No. 1 Candidate No. 2 Candidate No. 3
Lieutenant General Sengnuan Xayalath Prof. Dr Eksavang Vongvichit Dr Khampheuy Phanthachone

Date of birth: September 1, 1949 Date of birth: August 4, 1952 Date of birth: January 5, 1956
Place of birth: Nammy village, Vilabouly Place of birth: Lathhuang village, Paek Place of birth: Phaknao village, Vilabouly
district, Savannakhet province district, Xieng Khuang province district, Savannakhet province
Ethnic group: Phouthai Ethnic group: Lao Ethnic group: Phouthai
Current address: Dongsavath village, Current address: Phakhao village, Xaythany Current address: Sounantha village, Kaysone
Sisattanak district, Vientiane district, Vientiane Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province
Current position: Party Central Committee Secretariat member, Current position: Party Central Committee member, Minister Current position: Provincial Party Committee Deputy
Minister of National Defence to Government Office Secretary, provincial Deputy Governor
Qualifications: Qualifications: Qualifications:
Higher diploma in military studies PhD in medicine PhD in economic planning
Bachelor in political studies Higher level political studies Higher level political studies
Positions held: Positions held: Positions held:
2001-2006: Deputy Director General of General Staff 2006-2011: Deputy Minister of Health 2005-2008: Savannakhet province Vice Governor
Department, Ministry of Defence 2011-2016: Minister of Health 2008-2010: Savannakhet province Vice Governor; in charge of
2006-2011: Director General of General Political Department, 2016: Minister to Government Office Director of provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Ministry of Defence Nominated by Government Office 2010-2015: Savannakhet province Vice Governor
2001-2014: Party Central Committee Secretariat member, Deputy 2015 until now: Provincial Party Committee Deputy Secretary,
Minister of National Defence provincial Deputy Governor
2014 until now: Party Central Committee Secretariat member, Candidate No. 5
Ministry Party Committee Secretary, Minister of Defence Mr Khamphan Khounsavanh
Nominated by Ministry of Defence Candidate No. 6
Dr Ketkeo Sihalath
Date of birth: March 1, 1965
Place of birth: That Inghang village, Kaysone
Candidate No. 4 Date of birth: October 5, 1960
Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province
Dr Souvanpheng Bouphanouvong Place of birth: Phonthan village, Phonhong
Ethnic group: Lao
Current address: Phonsavangneua village, district, Vientiane province
Date of birth: May 15, 1960 Kaysone Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province Ethnic group: Lao
Place of birth: Viengxay village, Viengxay Current position: Provincial Party Committee member, Current address: Hongkae village, Xaysettha
district, Huaphan province Director of provincial Department of Planning and Investment district, Vientiane
Ethnic group: Phouthai Qualifications: Current position: Vice Chairman of Committee responsible
Current address: Phonphanao village, Masters in economic planning for constituency affairs of National Assemblys Seventh
Xaysettha district, Vientiane Higher level political studies Legislature
Current position: Party Cell Secretary, Chairperson of Committee Positions held: Qualifications:
of Economics, Planning and Finance of the National Assembly, 2009-2013: Deputy Director of provincial Planning and PhD in regional development strategy, road engineering
Seventh Legislature Investment Department Higher level political studies
Qualifications: 2013-2014: Director of provincial Planning and Investment Positions held:
PhD in political economy Department 2005-2011: Vice President of Vientiane Urban Development
PhD in political studies 2015 until now: Provincial Party Committee member, Director Administration Authority
Positions held: of provincial Department of Planning and Investment 2011 until now: Vice Chairman of the committee responsible
2006-2010: Member of National Assemblys Sixth Legislature Nominated by Savannakhet province Administration for constituency affairs of the National Assemblys Seventh
for Vientiane, Vice Chair of NAs Committee of Economics, Legislature
Planning and Finance Nominated by NA Standing Committee
2010 until now: Member of NAs Seventh Legislature for
Vientiane; President of Inter-Parliament Friendship Caucus Candidate No. 8
between Laos, Australia and New Zealand; NA Standing Dr Bounkhuang Khambounheuang Candidate No. 9
Committee member; Chair of NAs Committee of Economics, Mr Sanya Praseuth
Planning and Finance Date of birth: April 3, 1955
Place of birth: Phalantay village, Phalanxay Date of birth: March 14, 1962
district, Savannakhet province Place of birth: Naxay village, Xaysettha
Candidate No. 7 district, Vientiane
Ms Phavanh Bualuanglath Ethnic group: Lao
Current address: Xokkham village, Xaysettha Ethnic group: Lao
district, Vientiane Current address: Naxay village, Xaysettha
Date of birth: January 1, 1965 Current position: Ministry Party Standing Committee district, Vientiane
Place of birth: Xamnady village, Nongbok member, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Qualifications:
district, Khammuan province Qualifications: Masters in computer programming
Ethnic group: Lao Masters in veterinary science Higher diploma in political studies
Current address: Nalao village, Kaysone Higher level political studies Positions held:
Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province Positions held: 1990-1995: Worked at Mekong River Commission (Thailand)
Current position: Grassroots Party Committee member, 2000-2005: Director of Savannakhet province Department of 1995-1997: Worked at the Ministry of Finance
Deputy Director of provincial Department of Public Works Agriculture and Forestry 1997-1999: Deputy Director General of Treasury Department,
and Transport 2006-2015: Director General of Department of Livestock and Ministry of Finance
Qualifications: Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 1999-2007: Deputy Director General of Accounting
Bachelor degree in architecture 2015 until now: Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Department, Ministry of Finance
Intermediate level political studies Nominated by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 2007-2010: Deputy Office Head, Ministry of Finance
Positions held: 2012-2016: Office Head of Ministry of Science and Technology
2010-2013: President of Party Inspection Committee, Deputy Nominated by the Ministry of Science and Technology
Director of provincial Department of Public Works and
Transport Candidate No. 11
2013 until now: Grassroots Party Committee member, Deputy Mr Vankham Inthichak Candidate No. 12
Director of provincial Department of Public Works and Dr Bounluan Vongchanthy
Transport, member of provincial Womens Union Executive
Committee Date of birth: September 20, 1952
Nominated by Savannakhet province Administration Place of birth: Koutxong village, Atsaphon Date of birth: August 17, 1954
district, Savannakhet province Place of birth: Phapho village, Pathoumphone
Ethnic group: Phouthay district, Champassak province
Candidate No. 10 Current address: Nalao village, Kaysone Ethnic group: Lao
Mr Chansone Senbottalath Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province Current address: Sibounheuang village,
Date of birth: July 4, 1956 Qualifications: Chanthabouly district, Vientiane
Place of birth: Huaymeun village, Thapangthong Bachelor in chemistry-biology Qualifications:
district, Savannakhet province Higher diploma in political studies PhD in environmental hygiene
Ethnic group: Lao Positions held: Higher diploma in political studies
Current address: Borna-ngua village, 2000-2004: Director of Savannakhet Provincial Department Positions held:
Chanthabouly district, Vientiane of Public Works and Transport
1984-1987: Worked in Pakxong district, Champassak province
Qualifications: 2005-2006: Governor of Songkhon district
1993-1999: Worked at Ministry of Health
Masters in mining survey and excavation 2006-2010: Member of National Assemblys Sixth Legislature
and President of Lao Front for National Construction, 1999-present: Director General of Administrative and Protocol
Higher diploma in political studies
Positions held: Savannakhet province Department of the National Assembly.
2007-2011: Director General of Department of Geology and 2011-2015: President of the provincial Caucus of the National Nominated by Standing Committee of the National Assembly
Mines Assemblys Seventh Legislature and President of Lao Front for
2011-2014: Director General of Department of Geology and National Construction, Savannakhet province
Mines, Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment 2016: President of the provincial Caucus of the National
2015- until now: Deputy Minister of Natural Resource and Assembly, Seventh Legislature

4
Environment Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration
Nominated by the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment
Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 13
Candidate No: 13 Candidate No: 14 Candidate No: 15
Mr Somphet Inthathilath Mr Viengthavisone Thepphachanh Mr Bountem Xouangsayavong

Date of birth: January 5, 1954 Date of birth: September 10, 1970 Date of birth: August 6, 1950
Place of birth: Nakathing village, Atsaphone Place of birth: Sepon village, Sepon district, Place of birth: Xouang village, Nong district,
district, Savannakhet province Savannakhet province Savannakhet province
Ethnic group: Blou Ethnic group: Lao Ethnic group: Lao
Current address: Sayaphoum village, Current address: Phonphanao village, Current address: Sounantha village, Kaysone
Kaysone Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province Saysettha district, Vientiane Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province
Qualifications: Qualifications: Qualifications:
Diploma in machinery Masters in international economics Higher diploma in political pedagogy
Bachelor in political studies Masters in public policy Higher diploma in political studies
Positions held: Positions held: Positions held:
2005-2009: Director of Labour and Social Welfare Department 2007-2010: Acting Director General of National Assemblys 2006-2010: Member of the National Assemblys Sixth
of Savannakhet province, member of the National Assemblys Department of Foreign Affairs Legislature, Deputy Head of National Assemblys Committee
Sixth Legislature 2010-present: Director General of National Assemblys for Savannakhet province
2009-2011: Governor of Phin district, Member of the National Department of Foreign Affairs 2011-present: Member of the National Assemblys Seventh
Assemblys Sixth Legislature Nominated by National Assemblys Standing Committee Legislature.
2011-present: Vice President of the National Assemblys Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration
Committee for Savannakhet province, member of the provincial
Standing Party Committee, and President of the provincial
Front for National Construction Candidate No: 17
Dr Souksavanh Xaysombath Candidate No: 18
Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration Mr Thongsay Inthiseng
Date of birth: May 15, 1967
Place of birth: Nakoutchan village, Atsaphon Date of birth: November 5, 1965
Candidate No: 16 Place of birth: Lahanam, Songkhone district,
Mr Phousamay Kittilath district, Savannakhet province
Ethnic group: Phouthay Savannakhet province
Current address: Nalao village, Kaysone Ethnic group: Phouthay
Date of birth: August 6, 1965 Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province Current address: Phoxay village, Kaysone
Place of birth: Phonsim village, Kaysone Qualifications: Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province
Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province PhD in education administration Positions held:
Ethnic group: Lao Higher diploma in political studies Masters in rural economic development
Current address: Nakae village, Kaysone Positions held: Higher diploma in political studies
Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province 2014-2016: Director of Saysomboun Technology College Positions held:
Qualifications: Member of Executive Committee of provincial Youth Union 2012-2013: Acting Head of provincial office of the National
Bachelor degree in public administration Member of Executive Committee of provincial Trade Union Assembly
Bachelor degree in political studies President of provincial Young Businessmen Association 2013-present: Head of provincial office of the National
Positions held: Member of Executive Committee of provincial Chamber of Assembly
2012-present: Deputy Head of Administrative Office of Commerce and Industry Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration
Savannakhet province President of provincial Private Education Association
Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration
Candidate No: 21
Colonel Inhom Chansina
Candidate No: 19 Candidate No: 20
Lieutenant Colonel Somphone Ms Oravan Samathmanivong Date of birth: February 6, 1952
Soutthisombath Place of birth: Nongkadeng village, Vilabouly
Date of birth: December 8, 1974 district, Savannakhet province
Date of birth: June 13, 1954 Place of birth: Xebanghieng village, Ethnic group: Phouthay
Place of birth: Nongbualao village, Xonbouly Songkhone district, Savannakhet province Current address: Phonsa-ad village, Kaysone
district, Savannakhet province Ethnic group: Lao Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province
Ethnic group: Xouay Current address: Huameuang Tai village, Qualifications:
Current address: Dongdamduan village, Kaysone Phomvihane Kaysone Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province Higher diploma in military strategy
district, Savannakhet province Qualifications: Higher diploma in political studies
Qualifications: Masters in livestock husbandry Positions held:
Diploma in medical science Positions held: 2009-2015: Deputy Chief of provincial Military Command
Higher diploma in political studies 2008-2015: Director of Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry 2015 until now: Vice President of provincial Veterans
Positions held: Production Promotion Project under the Department of Federation
2006-2008: Deputy Director General of provincial Physical Agriculture and Forestry Department, Savannakhet province Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration
Sport Department 2016-present: Head of International Cooperation and Project
2009-2010: Vice President of National Veterans Federation Management Unit under the Department of Agriculture and
2011 until now: Member of National Assemblys Seventh Forestry Department, Savannakhet province. Candidate No: 24
Legislature Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration Mr Xaysomseun Bhothisane
Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration
Date of birth: June 4, 1964
Candidate No: 22 Candidate No: 23 Place of birth: Kongyark village, Xonbouly
Ms Malayki Phasouvor Ms Khampheng Vilaythong district, Savannakhet province
Ethnic group: Lao
Date of birth: June 12, 1957 Current address: Oudomvilay village,
Date of birth: July 25, 1966 Kaysone Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province
Place of birth: Kongpathoumvan village, Place of birth: Namchalo village, Vilabouly
district, Savannakhet province Qualifications:
Xaybouly district, Savannakhet province Masters in curriculum development and teaching
Ethnic group: Lao Ethnic group: Phouthay
Current address: Oudomvilay village, Diploma in political studies
Current address: Nonsavath village, Kaysone Positions held:
Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province Kaysone Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province
Qualifications: 1993-1994: Teacher at provincial Pedagogic College,
Qualifications: Savannakhet province
Higher diploma in English language Bachelor degree in psychology
Finished political studies course (basic level) 1994 until now: Deputy Director of provincial Pedagogic
Diploma in political studies College
Positions held: Positions held:
1983-2005: Teacher at Savannakhet provincial Pedagogic Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration
2010-2014: Member of Standing Committee of Savannakhet
provincial Youth Union, Head of Media Division College
2015: Member of Standing Committee of Savannakhet provincial 2005-2016: Official of Womens Union of Savannakhet
Youth Union, Head of Youth-Junior Development Centre province, Vice President of provincial Womens Union Candidate No: 26
2016: Member of Standing Committee of Savannakhet provincial Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration Office Mr Khamphoui Pholsena
Youth Union, Head of Office of provincial Youth Union Executive
Committee Date of birth: June 20, 1955
Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration Place of birth: Thatan village, Champassak
district, Champassak province
Ethnic group: Lao
Candidate No: 25 Qualifications: Current address: Phonsa-ad village, Kaysone
Mr Ouphayvan Xayavong Masters in law Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province
Higher diploma in political studies Qualifications:
Date of birth: August 20, 1969 Positions held: Bachelor degree in machinery and transportation
Place of birth: Sayamoungkhoun village, 2001-2005: Head of law dissemination unit under the Justice Finished political studies course (basic level)
Kaysone Phomvihane district, Savannakhet Department of Savannakhet province Positions held:
province 2005-2009: Studied for masters degree in Thailand 1991-1997: Director of Laos-Soviet Friendship Machinery and
Ethnic group: Lao 2009 until now: Deputy Director of Justice Institute for Maintenance Factory No. 2 in Savannakhet province
Current address: Huameuang Tai village, Kaysone southern region 1991 until now: Vice President of Transport Operators
Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration Association of Savannakhet province, member of provincial
Public Works and Transport Departments Party Committee.
Nominated by Savannakhet provincial Administration
To be continued next issue...
14 Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 15
Lifestyle

Love? Theres an app for that


Nirmala Ganapathy urban educated professionals, Growth has been fast.
that include scores of women Tinder has seen more than
SINGAPORE (The Straits who move to the big cities a 400-per-cent increase in
Ti m e s , A N N ) - - A n k i t for employment and studies, downloads over the last year.
Vengurlekar, a full-time are increasingly deciding Over the last six months alone,
blogger based in Mumbai, where they study, work, live it has gone from 7.5 million
India, went on US-based dating and date. to 14 million swipes every
app Tinder over a year ago, first Tinder started gaining day. Users swipe right if they
out of curiosity. traction in 2013, opening an are interested or swipe left to
The 33-year-old, who has office in India last month, reject.
since been on many dates while Indian dating apps We have grown on the
through Tinder and other like TrulyMadly, Woo, and basis of word of mouth. For
Indian dating apps, calls it a Floh.in - which all promise example, in India, users have
revelation, particularly in a more lasting relationship - the longest chat conversations
a country like India which have since gained attention in on Tinder of any market
is still largely conservative a country where more than half worldwide, says Taru Kapoor,
with dating seen as a Western of the 1.25 billion population is head of Tinder in India.
concept. under 35. In terms of potential, there
What is interesting The apps are popular with is incredible room for growth
about an online dating app those between the ages of 18 everywhere as more and more
in a country like India is the and 34. Indians adopt the smartphone.
casualness of it all. There is Sachin Bhatia, co-founder India has 160 million
an interesting mix of people. I of TrulyMadly, which has smartphone users.
have even been on dates where 500,000 active users, says one Another app, Woo, grew
within minutes women were indication of how attitudes are from 10,000 users in its first
propositioning for casual sex, changing is that his company month in the southern city
Vengurlekar says. decided to remove an option of Bangalore to two million A member of the Truly Madly staff in New Delhi demonstrates how her companys dating app works
In a country where for users to reveal their religion subscribers across the cities on the smartphone.
matrimonial websites have within a month of its launch in when it launched in 2014. It
dominated for years and 2014, after women users said promises connections not independent and more women Varadarajan, based in southern 30, a software engineer.
families fix marriages on the it was irrelevant. swipes, targeting those aged coming into the workforce, city of Bangalore, signed up for She has now removed her
basis of caste and religion, In our mind, 22- to 25 and above. says Sumesh Menon, chief Tinder after her friends told her profiles from all dating apps
dating apps are redefining how 26-year-olds are our core A key driver for our executive and co-founder of to stop living under a rock. except on Floh, an app that also
a small but growing number of audience. They dont have a business and entire industry Woo, which recently launched I feel that men were just helps people meet up in events
women and men in their 20s lot of inhibitions on their mind. is the growing impact of in Indonesia and is looking to looking out for interesting in real life.
and 30s meet. They want the opportunity to economic growth with expand in Southeast Asia. conversations and I am not too sure how this
In the larger cities like New connect and meet new people, people moving to big cities Still not everyone is a fan commitment was not even on will pan out... Casual fun and
Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, Bhatia says. and becoming financially of the dating apps. Keerthana the agenda, says Varadarajan, flings are so not me.

The voice for greater equality


Feature Desk marathon (50 kilometer). She participating in Salwan Cross The goal of the UN campaign
has been a podium finisher Country Run for the past three is to reach 1.3 billion people of
INDIA (The Statesman, ANN) in numerous such races. She years, running by holding India by developing a locally
-- She believed she could, so was adjudged the Runner of hands and bonding with the relevant strategy, localising
she did... the Year 2012 (Winner) and visually challenged children. communication assets (print
Burning midnight oil on the Runner of the Year 2013 Stressing on fitness even as materials, advertisements,
many moonless nights, bearing (Runner up) in the Delhi-NCR she celebrates the day, she said, films, digital communications),
the storm and thunder, running region. I strongly feel for women to securing PR opportunities,
against the wind and sailing Co-founder of the Gurgaon- get physically fit and healthy recruiting celebrity
against the tide, believing in based leisure running group for in this day and age of myriad ambassadors and brokering
the splendid suns and sparkling women called RunDivas, lifestyle diseases. corporate partnerships.
stars, she did it her way. And, t h r o u g h i t , Ta n u j a h a s Juggling between the many Responsible for promoting
her achievements are many and encouraged many women to things she does, she authored and popularising the UNs
she gave all of her that shone, take up running for the first the book Parenting in the Age Global Goals campaign in
but the stories are untold. Author, marathoner, nutritionist and fitness consultant Tanuja Sodhi. time. She has also been very of Mc Donalds. It was released India, Mudhar, who is also
March 8, as the world active on the charity circuit and recently. the CEO and Managing
celebrates International known international law goals. had raised funds for a special Moving on strong across Director of London-based
Womens Day, thestatesman. firm Zaiwalla & Co, as an Reddy, who hails from needs children based NGO the world, Natasha Mudhar is media consultancy Sterling
com spoke to a few beautiful international lawyer, Reddy Andhra Pradesh, was awarded Ashish Foundation by running busy making a global impact. Media, has since successfully
women achievers who created is now one of the few female the Gold Award for Woman ADHM 2012 for them. She promotes UN global goals. brought on board partners
an impact. And, as we take a Asian individuals to manage of the Year (Asian Achievers Tanuja was also a host and Mudhar, as the India such as Reliance Group, Tata,
moment to spread their good an international law firm in Awards, October 2010) and co-host for various Pinkathon director for the United Nations Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif,
news in celebration of real London. She has handled high the Glory of India Award for Promo Runs for Breast initiative Project Everyone, has Hrithik Roshan, eBay India
women across the universe, profile clients, such as the Dalai her outstanding performance in Cancer Awareness in August- been helping promote the new to help promote the global
lets hear out what the day Lama, the TATA corporate the legal field (January 2012). September 2013. She has been UN global goals in the country. goals.
means to these dynamic conglomerate and Bank Mellat, Meanwhile, at home in

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and strength. name but a few. I observed Womens Day
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Day is an important global day of pledge for parity, and this Sodhi, author, marathoner,
that has come to play a pivotal is surely a call to action that we nutritionist and fitness
role in highlighting not just the must heed in order to ensure consultant. She co-hosted a Advertising your products at www.vien-
great achievements of women women are treated as equals in 3 kilometre-5 kilometer-10
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greater equality for women in access to the job market, Monday.
society, international woman Reddy said. A former Naval Officer, world will appreciate the quality of your
achiever Pavani Reddy told Calling upon all women to Tanuja began running at the products via the Vientiane Times website.
thestatesman.com. move forward in celebration, age of 40 in 2008 and since
At just 36, Reddy has she said: This International then, there has been no looking For more information please contact:
made her mark in a trade often Womens Day I would urge
all women to celebrate and
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She has taken part
Tel: 336042, 336048
criticised for its old boys
network environment. embrace their differences as in numerous full and half Fax: 336041, Email: editor@vientianetimes.la
Partnering with well- well as their shared common marathons and one Ultra
16 Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times
Lifestyle Lao Peoples Democratic Republic
Ministry of Industry and Commerce
Second Trade Development Facility
Project ID No: P130512
REQUEST FOR EXPRESS OF INTEREST
For
Private Sector Development Consultant andAdministrative Assistant
The Second Trade Development Facility (TDF-2) is a multi-donor program financed by Australia, the
European Union, Germany, Ireland, United Stated of America and the World Bank focusing on improving
trade and private sector development in Lao PDR. The development objective of TDF-2, which is
implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), is to support the implementation of
governments trade and integration priorities outlined in the 2012 Diagnostic Trade Integration Study
(DTIS) Roadmap, and in particular to contribute to improved competitiveness and diversification,
focusing outside the natural resource sectors.
The Lao Business Forum (LBF) is designed to improve the business enabling environment by providing
a platform for effective dialogue between the business community and Government and facilitating
information-sharing with potential investors.
The LBF is structured at four levels: an annual forum, steering committee meetings, public private
consultation meetings, and private sector working groups meetings. Lao National Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (LNCCI)will perform the Secretariat functions for the LBF and is responsible for overall
coordination and facilitation.
To support the LBF secretariat, National Implementation Unit is looking for qualified technical
consultants to fill the following positions:

1. Private Sector Development Consultant


Vocalist Noy Chanthachone and her band entertain guests at a recent event in Vientiane.
Tasks and responsibilities:

Lao band strikes a


1. Manage day to day operations of the secretariat under the guidance of a Senior LNCCI Executive
and Deputy Secretary General.
2. Promote a strong private/public partnership between the government of Lao PDR, the donor
community and the private sector.

chord with
a. Promote the LBF within the business community and raise its professional and political
profile.
b. Act as a honest broker in the best interest of the private sector to foster good working relations
between the business groups and government counterparts to support and promote policy

party guests
initiatives that emanate from the LBF.
c. Conduct follow-up dialogue with the Government Counterparts on the various issues raised
at formal LBF and Working Group meetings.
3. Work closely with the Government Focal Point at DPC, MoIC, and Business Groups to organize
various meetings under LBF, including meetings of private sector working groups, public private
consultation at technical level, project steering committee, and the annual forum.
Sisouphan Amphonephong 4. Act as a resource center and single contact point for the private sector. Coordinate inputs from

M
and work with individual business groups on the identification of policy issues, their prioritization
s Noy Chanthachone, at the working group level, and preparation of recommendations to the Government.
vocalist with the a. Provide necessary support to enable better participation of a broad and diverse range of Lao
band Sisavath, is businesses in the LBF and the Working Groups to pursue common issues of interest to the
pleased with the good feedback private sector.
that she and her band have b. Co-ordinate the activities of the PS working groups;
received after performing at c. With support from the Government Focal Point at DPC, MoIC, facilitate Public-Private
Consultation meetings, prepare inputs to semi-annual Steering Committee meetings, and
many events in Vientiane and the annualLBF meeting to ensure that the interests of all private sector players are fairly
further afield in the provinces. and adequately reflected in all LBF activities.
She had always liked d. With support from the Government Focal Point at DPC, MoIC, prepare necessary technical
singing in public and decided to inputs to semi-annual meetings of the Steering Committee, annual Business Forum, and
become a vocalist with a band provides meeting logistic support for Steering Committee Meetings and the annual Forum.
when she finished secondary e. Monitor progress regarding implementation of actions agreed at the LBF, support the
school. She now lives in Bo-o Secretariat and Government Focal Point at DPC, MoIC, in following up with line ministries,
village, Hadxaifong district. and disseminate information to all participants.
For more than 10 years Qualifications requirement:
she has been learning the In order to qualify for the assignment, the candidates shall meet the following requirements:
Post graduate degree in law, business administration or economics;
trade and has gained a lot of At least 5 year experience working for government agencies, private businesses or donor funded
experience, both as a singer projects;
and as a performer, which Past experience in similar assignments is desired.
has provided her with a lot of Good understanding of the operations of the government and its structure;
satisfaction as she strives to Good knowledge of the operations of private businesses and issues facing them;
keep her audiences happy and Excellent communication and presentation skills;
entertained. Excellent command of English and Lao.
The band is now well
known and popular, and has 2. Administrative Assistant
many bookings.
Tasks and Responsibilities
In the high season of March Perform a full range of secretarial duties for the LBF Secretariat, including screening and routing
and April, they have almost 10 correspondence and telephone calls, arranging meetings, drafting routine responses;
bookings a month. The five Translating basic project documents and preparing presentations;
members of the band earn more The band is proving a hit with partygoers. Support the secretariat to liaise with external parties related to the LBF activities;
than 1.5 million kip for each Assist in preparing project documents and maintain filing as required. Ensure that all internal
performance, which Ms Noy popular songs they know will many bookings that Ms Noy and external documents to be produced during a project cycle are accessible in the filing system
thinks is not a bad income for entertain guests, as well as old has to turn down requests. at all times;
this kind of work. party favourites that always One of the reasons the Assist in identifying and obtaining relevant information;
Over the years her life has bring a smile to peoples faces band is so popular is that they Organize workshops and seminars as required by the secretariat;
changed dramatically thanks to and get them dancing. are very accommodating and Provide necessary logistics and secretarial support to the secretariat; and
Perform other duties as assigned by head of the secretariat.
her prowess as a vocalist. She They have a wide range and often play longer than the time Qualifications Requirement:
now owns a car, as well doing can sing not only traditional originally agreed to. Minimum a Bachelor degree in Law, business administration or economics;
a job that she loves and being folksongs, but modern Lao, We dont get too many Minimum two years of relevant working experience;
in control of her life. Thai and western songs. They requests to play at weddings Past experience in the capacity of an Admin Assistant or Program Assistant in a similar setting
In March and April, lots of have to be prepared to perform because usually the bride and or a donor funded project is an asset;
people hold parties of one kind for five hours at a time. groom hold the party in a Fluency in English and Lao;
and another, either to celebrate Ms Noys band not only restaurant or hotel, Ms Noy Excellent computer skills, especially with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
the building of a new house, plays at events in Vientiane but says. This shall be a full-time assignment for a period of 12 months, based in Vientiane, Lao National of
a birthday, a wedding, or a their popularity has spread to On March 8, International Commerce and Industry Office (LNCCI), expected to start as soon as possible.The full detailed ToR is
Baci ceremony. These two the provinces. Customers are Womens Day, the band available at the NIUs website: http://t4dlaos.org/index.php/en/work-with-us/vacancies
The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants (IC) selection method set
months are the time when there charged depending on how far was kept busy providing out in the Consultant Guidelines, in line with the World Banks Guidelines Selection and Employment
is the highest demand for our the band has to travel. entertainment as usual. of Consultants, January 2011.
services, Ms Noy says. People in rural areas I am happy that the job The NIU now invites interested eligible consultant to provide information indicating that you are qualified
The members of the particularly like music I love has provided me with to perform the services (curriculum vitae with expressions of interest and references). Expressions of
band continue to develop that features an electronic a good standard of living. I interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by
their characters and stage keyboard, which Ms Noys never thought I would be so e-mail) by March 24, 2016, 16:00 oclock.National Implementation Unit (NIU), Ministry of Industry
presentation, changing their band is happy to provide, and successful and plan to continue and Commerce, Ban Phonxay, Xaysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. Tel: +856(21) 41 39
routines and introducing new this kind of music goes down working as a singer until either 16 45 39 82; Fax: +856(21) 41 39 16
numbers so they dont become well at more informal events. I get fed up with it or people E-mail: Amphaphone.t@laosaft.org; Attention: Mr. Phouvieng Phongsa, NIU Director.
stale. They perform newly Sometimes the band has so stop hiring us, said Ms Noy. Note: only short list will be contacted.
Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 17
Opinion
Streetwise

What more could be done to prevent illegal


wood processing plants?
Recently, the authorities have discovered many wood processing and furniture plants
operating illegally following inspections in some districts throughout the country.
Many people are concerned about this issue and want the authorities to do more to
prevent this problem. Vientiane Times asked some people on their thoughts about what
more should be done to stamp out illegal wood processing facilities.
Visith Teppalath illegal plants will damage impacts on our wooden and Mr An Vaenvongkham, Ms Chiengkham Sysouvanh, need help from members of
the countrys industrial and furniture products sector if a resident of Phonpapao an employee in Xaythany the public. Everyone should
Ms Nidaphone commercial sector in various foreign vendors worry about village, Sisattanak district: district: In fact our country inform the authorities if they
Phongnakhone, a resident ways. It might cause vast the standard and quality of I have heard about this issue has a good law to regulate see suspicious activities in
of Kaoliew village, our products or the fact that these issues but many relation to timber harvesting
Sikhottabong district: I they are produced at illegal incidents still happen because or processing.
think it is not good that many plants. These incidents still most people dont mention
illegal wood processing continue to happen because the problems and some Ms Toun Therdtakoun, a
and furniture plants have the related sector and people seem to be selfish resident of Champassak
been found in some districts authorities dont pay attention by doing things illegally, province: Such incidents
around the country. Recently to monitoring and preventing especially in relation to have been happening for
more than 20 were discovered such activities. Meanwhile wood and furniture plants. a long time already and
in Hinboun district of some operators dont follow Meanwhile the authorities in the authorities crack down
Khammuan province. This the rules or respect the law. charge do not strictly enforce periodically but it never
sets a bad example for others So to resolve the problem the the rules and ensure that all seems to stop. Many people
and it also indicates that the related sector and responsible operators comply with the think that there might be
related sector does not have authorities needs to improve law. I guess they figure they some powerful persons
good systems to prevent such their working systems in are not powerful enough to behind the operators
incidents. Otherwise, the various ways. overrule those running the supporting them to continue
illegal plants. But it is not their operations without
any fear. This is not a
Vientiane Times Subscription 2016 and that the authorities have
discovered many unregistered
good situation for our
countrys development
wood and furniture plants, and the concerned sector
1. DOMESTIC SUBSCRIPTION (6 issues/week) and online fee which effectively means in particular. I think this is
78 issues (3 months) 305,000k +100,000k 405,000k they are operating illegally. an important issue and the
Regular price 156 issues (6 months) 609,000k +100,000k 709,000k Those plants make wooden authorities in charge should
312 issues (1 year) 1,217,000k +100,000k 1,317,000k furniture, processed wood act quickly to try to solve
Home Delivery (City Centre) 78 issues (3 months) 390,000k +100,000k 490,000k
products, charcoal and the problem otherwise it
Area: Thadeua Rd. Dongdok, concrete formwork. I think will only continue to get
156 issues (6 months) 780,000k +100,000k 880,000k
Ban Tanmixay and Sikhay the best way to get rid of the worse. Those who break
villages. 312 issues (1 year) 1,560,000k +100,000k 1,660,000k illegal wood and furniture the rules and continue their
2. DOMESTIC SUBSCRIPTION FOR PROVINCES (6 issues/week), inclusive of postage cost plants in our country is for operations should receive
the related authorities to severe punishment. It is only
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312 issues (1 year) 2,902,000k check and monitor all we may be able to solve this
156 issues (6 months) 1,451,000k +100,000k 1,551,000k
wood processing facilities issue permanently.
Deliver to Provinces
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the required permissions only the illegal processing
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that any plant is illegal, the also illegal logging, which
Thailand, Vietnam,
156 issues (6 months) 3,328,000k +100,000k 3,428,000k authorities should strictly many people in rural areas
Cambodia 312 issues (1 year) 7,488,000k +100,000k 7,588,000k fine the operators and put can tell you about. They want
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Asia, Australia & New 156 issues (6 months) 4,368,000k +100,000k 4,468,000k law. In regards to controlling prevent logging in protected
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312 issues (1 year) 8,736,000k +100,000k 8,836,000k the standard and quality of areas. In my opinion, it would
products, if the authorities be better if everyone paid
Europe (Including Russia)
156 issues (6 months) 4,992,000k +100,000k 5,092,000k find that any plant doesnt more attention to preventing
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18 Opinion Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times

Once a year not enough to What


Whatthe
theLao
Laopapers
paperssay
say
sample the best of Lao cuisine Gambling
Editorial Desk The annual food festival is from Sikhay village in All in all, both shoppers
not wanted at
A
beneficial for the preservation Vientiane. and vendors suggested that the

festivals
fter enjoying a large and promotion of Lao culture, She also said that each festival take place twice to four
variety of Lao and and is a fine showcase of the edition of the festival offered times a year if possible.
Asean dishes at the food and handicrafts produced a wider range of interesting In my opinion, since the
recent annual Lao by women and their villages. things to buy. This year she event is so popular and is an
Translated by Times Reporters
Food Festival in Vientiane, Now some people are bought a lot of dried food to attractive way of publicising
hundreds of people have urged suggesting that the organisers store for use later. Lao culinary traditions, it
the organisers to stage the the Lao Womens Union One vendor from Luang should be held twice a year, Many villages nationwide are organising Phavet
event more frequently, saying and Lao Business Womens Prabang province, who did especially as so many people Sandone festivals but traders are taking advantage to
their stomachs are missing out. Association hold the not give her name, said she have expressed an interest organise gambling in temple grounds which needs
The message came over event two or three times a would like the organisers to in buying food and other attention from concerned officials.
loud and clear at a meeting products at the festival. Recently, a Pasaxon Van-Athit reader in Vientiane
held by the Lao Business Speaking at the review province called this reporter to share their opinion with
Womens Association and
Lao Womens Union to review
Even though we eat and meeting, President of the Lao
Business Womens Association
readers regarding the organising of gambling in temples.
He said that during the Phavet Sandone at one temple
the 11th Lao Food Festival,
which took place at the end
cook Lao food every day, Ms Chanthachon Vongxay said
this years festival generated
of Phonhong district, Vientiane province, he saw
traders promoting Koung Kai, gambling which involves
of January.
This year the food festival
its good to have a taste of over 2.4 billion kip a
substantial amount that was
throwing dice out of a bowl.
During the festival in Phonhong district traders openly
generated over 2.4 billion kip
in revenue, with 160 booths other kinds of food from much appreciated by the many
women who sold food and
promoted gambling in the temple area with even many
children aged between 8 and 10 participating, some
exhibiting and selling a variety
of food and products from around the country. handicrafts at the event.
The festival enables Lao
even with the blessing of their parents.
He urged concerned officials to consider if it was
around the country, as well as women to earn some money
stalls set up by some Asean and generate interest in Lao suitable to allow gambling at temples.
countries. year, saying once a year is hold the food festival twice cuisine and cooking methods All kinds of gambling should not be performed in temple
The festival ran from too infrequent to enjoy the a year if possible so that she and could encourage more grounds as this could develop into a serious social
January 28-30 and proved smorgasbord of delights from and her friends from Luang Lao women to learn how to problem in the future.
very popular. Visitors opened all the provinces in Laos and Prabang would have another run a food business, like many This reporter wants concerned officials to consider this
their purses and spent a lot Asean member countries. opportunity to sell their food. other women in Asean member before children become addicted gambling and dont
of money, with every stand I think the Lao Food She explained that the festival states. go to school.
selling some of their products. Festival should be organised was a chance to advertise the Vientiane Times welcomes --Pasaxon Van-Athit Weekly, March 6
As a keen shopper and four times year. Once every glories of Luang Prabang stories and comments from
readers. Articles can be
Nation needs more
observer, I too attended three months would be dishes and give foreign tourists
the food festival which, appropriate, I think. Even a taste of what they could find written in English or in Lao
for the second successive though we eat and cook Lao in the northern province. (which we will translate
year took place in spacious
Chao Anouvong Park after
food every day, its good to
have a taste of other kinds
Some people also
commented that three days
into English). Dont forget
to include your name and
blood donations
previously being held at the of food from around the was rather a short time for address so that we can contact
Blood saves the lives of many people so its necessary
National Culture Hall. country. Some dishes are the festival and suggested it you with any questions.
Talks between shoppers difficult to cook and I dont take place over a week to give Please send your stories or for members of the public to donate.
and vendors revealed an know how to prepare them shoppers the chance to sample comments to our editorial desk The Lao National Blood Service under the Lao Red
overall positive appraisal of properly, said a regular at and buy food from all around by emailing:phonethikeo28@ Cross is an important community centre providing a
the festival. the festival, Ms Chanthaly the country. yahoo.com safe and clean environment for receiving life saving
blood donations.
The centre regularly undertakes visits to many schools,

Thailand ranks as an Asian leader on government offices and other community destinations
to educate about Red Cross work, recruit blood donors

gender parity, but we can do better


and send the blood to treat patients in all hospitals
around the country.
In 2015, 33,994 people around the country donated
blood with students making up more than 50 percent,
Chularat Saengpassa director of the award-winning help in ensuring the reliability victims kept silent for so long. but more is needed.
Thai Lawyers for Human of forensic-test results. While laws prescribe This year the centre is setting the target of receiving
Thailand (The Nation, Rights Centre , said: Two Thai gender parity, overall, protection for women, there is 38,000 bags of blood donations, so they are campaigning
ANN) -- As the world celebrates decades ago, laws firms were appears significantly better than probably not enough awareness to encourage more people to donate allowing them to
International Womens Day reluctant to hire women. They the world average. A global of when people men and supply safe blood across the nation.
today under the theme of felt women would have so many survey by Grant Thornton women alike should stand up
Pledge for Parity, lets check constraints about travelling to revealed that Thailand ranks to prevent an offence. To reach its target the centre needs the cooperation of
out how Thailand has fared on provinces and staying overnight among countries with the In the United States, a big society.
that front. for work. But theres no such highest proportion of leadership campaign is now going on --Khuamsangob Daily, March 8
Do Thai women have their attitude anymore. Theres no roles held by women in the Asia with four main objectives: To
presence felt in the social, sexual discrimination in the legal Pacific (APAC) region. recognise that non-consensual
economic, cultural and political
landscape?
profession these days.
As the legal profession
Some 37 percent of all
senior management roles in this
sex is sexual assault; To identify
situations in which sexual
Road maintenance a
At the Commerce Ministry,
permanent secretary Chutima
Bunyapraphasara has proudly
became more accepting of
women, the number of female
lawyers had risen significantly,
country are held by women. The
two other states that ranked well
were the Philippines (39 percent)
assault may occur; To intervene
in situations where consent has
not or cannot be given; and To
high priority
ranked herself among the many Yaowalak said. and Indonesia (36 percent). create an environment in which There are many roads damaged around Vientiane so the
women that have got important In Thailands political Globally, the proportion of sexual assault is unacceptable concerned sector must give higher priority to repairs for
posts in running the countrys landscape, two members of the senior business roles held by and survivors are supported. the convenience of motorists.
commercial affairs. And the current Cabinet are female. They women stands at 24 percent, S o o n a f t e r U S Vi c e Recently, many potholes have been repaired but many
ministrys six key departments are Tourism and Sports Minister up slightly from 22 percent last President Joe Biden went up on road users are questioning why officials used only gravel
are all led by female officials. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and year. stage at the Academy Awards
In the private sector, Industry Minister Atchaka Still, Thailand should be able and implored Oscar viewers to to fill holes without asphalt. So the concerned sector
several prominent executives Sibunruang. to do better. Russia, which has Take The Pledge, the Its On needs to investigate further.
are also female. Chadatip Not many years ago, the highest number of women Us website for the campaign Besides this, road surfacing is normally being
Chutrakulsupaluck and Yingluck Shinawatra also specifically in executive roles went down, which showed the undertaken during the daytime which is adding to traffic
Supaluck Umpujh launched made history when she became (45 percent), show there is still huge attention from people keen congestion, so if possible this work should be done at
the highly successful Siam Thailands first female prime room for improvement. to act on such a campaign. night is in many other countries.
Paragon, while Nualphan minister. Gender parity aside, I So, lets hope that similar A Vientiane Mai reader gave the opinion that in many
Lamsam has also stood out as A familiar face for the reckon that Thailand should efforts are made in Thailand countries before repairing the road they dig deep and
the president of Muang Thai protection of women and try harder to advance womens too. Lets support not just wide and use a mix of asphalt and stone for the potholes.
Insurance Plc. children in the Thai society rights and protection. gender quality but also try Recently, many damaged roads were assigned to be
In various occupations, is also a woman Paveena Yaowalak, who has worked to stop sexual violence in all
Thai women have also been repaired and reconstructed but until now work has not
Hongsakul. In so many high- on many sexual abuse and circumstances.
proving that they can work as profile legal cases, Khunying domestic violence cases, Women deserve equality - started, such as in Dondeng and Phonkham villages.
well as men. Porntip Rojanasunan is also the laments that the situation equal opportunities, protection --Vientiane Mai Daily, February 29
Ya o w a l a k A n u p h a n , figure many people turn to for has hardly changed, as many and support.
Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 19
Arts & Leisure

Charity fashion event to support disabled women


Sisouphan Amphonephong

T
he Landmark
Mekong Riverside
Hotel and the Lao
Disabled Womens
Development Centre
(LDWDC) launched a month-
long celebration to mark
International Womens Day in
Vientiane yesterday.
The campaign kicked off
with speeches on womens
empowerment by leaders and
representatives of the Lao
Womens Union, Lao Business
Womens Association and the
LDWDC.
Following that, the Some products produced at the Lao Disabled Womens Development
participants witnessed the Centre.
launch of a fashion event under
the theme of the Beauty of
Imperfection, with the actual
catwalk finale scheduled to Officials from the fashion event pose for a group photo after completing the press conference.
take place on March 31 at
Landmark Mekong Riverside through a series of photos and generous enough to donate magazine, Dpro and the
Hotel. videos on display. their pieces for this cause. designers, Aek Phosay, Khang,
Throughout this month long Alongside the handicrafts All funds raised during Cherit, Finale, Elegant and Lo
celebration the Landmark Hotel exhibition will be a booth from the event will go to support King Fung.
will work in collaboration with Revlon with their Choose the Lao Disabled Womens Attending the opening
the LDWDC to host a special Love product range and Development Centre and its were representatives including
weaving and handicrafts featured dresses by prominent work with disabled women Ms Orathai Santikhongkha
demonstration where patrons designers. from throughout the country. from Landmark Hotel, Ms
are most welcome to support The exhibition will remain The campaigns main Siamphone Silattanakoun of
disabled people by buying their on display until the end of partners include Revlon and the Lao Womens Union, Ms
products. this month, and the Landmark Chic Hair professionals for hair Chanthachone Vongsay of
Supporters will also be Hotel together with Revlon and and makeup, Phoenix Events the Lao Businesswomens
able to learn how to make Chic Hair professionals will Asia Lao for the lighting and A s s o c i a t i o n a n d M s Costume collections from various designers on display.
their handicrafts, as well as close the fundraising campaign sound system, Houayhong Chanhpheng Sivila from
have the chance to interact with the charity fashion Vo c a t i o n a l Tr a i n i n g f o r the Lao Disabled Womens designers to attend the press and CHERIT, announcing that
with the LDWDC sisters and shows featuring local and Women, Sengdara Fitness, Development Centre. conference included Khang, their collections will be among
understand their hardship Thai designers who have been 108 Job Magazine, Update Some of the participating Finale, Elegant, Aek Phosay those on display.

Ip Man 3 under scrutiny for box Five Pop Girls powering on


office fraud with new members
CHINA (China Daily, ANN) -- single cinema, sold-out ghost marketing manager at China
Ip Man 3, the third installment screenings at midnight and Film Cinema Guranggu Tianhe
of the hit kung fu franchise during daytime on a weekday, branch.
based on the life of a martial fully booked front two rows According to Chengdu
arts master specialising in (often considered less desirable Economic Daily, similar
Wing Chun skills, has enjoyed seats) in theaters in advance, situations are happening
massive success on its opening and abnormally high ticket nationwide, including Hengda
weekend in China. prices alleged to falsify an Cinema in Dongguan, South Five Pop Girls
According to estimates new line-up at
enhanced performance at the Chinas Guangdong province a promotional
from the Beijing-based box box office. and Pacific Cineplex in event late last
office monitor Ent Group, the According to a Weibo Chengdu. year.
fight flick grossed 443 million post made by Shanghai- Liu Hui, General Manager
yuan (US$68.1 million) in just based Dongfang Daily, ticket of UME Cineplex Huaxing
three days. This may seem like prices at China Film Cinema branch in Beijing, a theater
good news, except that the high Guanggu Tianhe branch in accused of faking sold-out
earnings were marred by fraud Wuhan, Hubei province rose shows on weekdays, said she is
allegations that Dayinmu Film sharply after midnight, rising helpless to face the allegations
Distribution, the distributor of from 38 yuan (US$6), a during an interview with
Ip Man 3, is bulk-purchasing widely accepted discounted Beijing News.
discount tickets through price for films, to 203 People are often
cinema chains across the yuan (US$31) at midnight. suspicious at the good box Sonelamphanh Vorasan had to turn down some events The majority of events
country to enhance the films Furthermore, tickets were office performances of due to overlapping invitations, request FPGs to perform
perceived performance. sold for showings of the domestic films, but this is in Five Pop Girls (FPGs) are she said. modern dance which requires
Ticket sales for Ip Man 3 105-minute film in the same itself a doubtful point to make. still going strong with two FPGs were established them to keep up with all the
surpassed 300 million yuan movie hall (hall No 3) at For a film like Ip Man, it is new recruits joining at the in 2010 with the original latest moves.
(US$46 million) on March merely six minute intervals. actually very normal to have end of last year following the members participating in FPGs are an independent
5, the second day since its Logistically speaking, this is a box office performance and departure of previous members various entertainment contests. act which allows them to
opening. This is a mind- not very likely. showing schedules like we do. for personal reasons. The new line-up has join a variety of events, even
blowing figure in March, when More than 80 percent I would not be surprised if the The newest members of the gelled well allowing them to traditional performances.
box office performances tend of ticket sales are made final ticket sales reach 1 billion dance group are Andy and Or, put all their experience and In addition, Mou-noi said
to be weak. through third parties (referring yuan (US$154 million), said who were in fact fans and had confidence into their onstage that over the past four years,
Internet users began to to e-ticketing apps). Only Liu. been following them for quite performances. FPGs had performed more
speculate on the authenticity when cinemas reach a certain According to Liu, Disneys some time. All FPGs are students at than 1,000 times gaining
of box office earnings, with number of screenings can Zootopia, which is also playing Mou-noi, one of FPGs Institute of Fine Arts and are more experience from each
renowned Sina Weibo user we receive subsidies from right now, is showing 13 longer term members, said it inspired by their love of music appearance onstage.
dianyingpiaofangba, who them. I personally opted times a day at her theater. The was regrettable for the band to and dance. This is the main Currently, the group is
specializes in analyzing box for increasing the number number for Ip Man 3 is 15, not lose the previous two members reason why FPGs started and performing at many product
office performances in China, of invalid screenings for the remarkably high compared for their own personal reasons. why we are still going strong, launches and charity events.
calling to stop films from subsidies. I apologize for any to Zootopia. Attendance rate But the change in line-up Mou-noi explained. She added that theyd
paying the price of these of the inconveniences this may is roughly between 70 to 80 doesnt appear to have affected At the school FPGs like to thank their fans for
actions (box office frauds). have caused, and I state that percent on weekends, and as their popularity. members are only studying supporting the group and for
Signs of this dubious this cinema has not signed any of now, only two shows on C u r r e n t l y, w e h a v e Lao traditional dance, but them to follow updates through
phenomenon started to spread agreements with the distributor the afternoon of March 7 and become very popular and many their modern dance styles are the Facebook page Five Girl
on Chinas social media, from of Ip Man 3 for direct purchases four shows on the afternoon of events have invited us to join learned from social media such Pop (Girl Group Lao) and
the surge of ticket sales from a of movie tickets, said Jin Zhe, March 8 are sold out. them. But unfortunately, we as YouTube. YouTube.
20 Thursday March 10, 2016

Classified Vientiane Times

HOTEL LAO SERVICED APARTMENTS APARTMENT FOR RENT


*Value *Comfort *Service Spacious & tastefully decorated In the centre of Vientiane
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Pencils of Promise (www.pencilsofpromise.org) is recruiting a Lao National for


the position of WASH Coordinator, to conduct daily program implementation
in Luang Prabang Province.

Two years of prior work experience, familiarity with Water, Sanitation and
RentsBuy Co., Ltd is a leading professional real estate
Hygiene concepts, prior project or team management experience, computer
company offering;house, land, apartment, office,
proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications, excellent oral and
warehouse, business for rent /for sale and
written Lao and English language skills, and current valid motorbike drivers
property valuation throughout Lao PDR.
license needed. Role will work directly with the Programs Manager and
Dongpainar Rd., Ban Phontan, Saysetta
Programs team in one of the fastest growing nonprofits in the country.
District,Sisattanak, Vientiane
Office mobile: 021 262319/20, 020 23333347,
E-mail resume and cover letter to Jua at jua@pencilsofpromise.org with the
77600059
subject line WASH Coordinator.
www.RentsBuy.com email: rentsbuy@gmail.com
Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 Classified 21

Vientiane Times
on CD-ROM
Issues of Vientiane Times from
1994 to March 2016 have been
recorded on CD-ROM. Now
available at Vientiane Times
office. Phonpapao Village, Unit 32,
Sisattanak district,Vientiane.
P.O. Box: 5723,
Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048,
216364.
Fax: (856-21) 336041.
Email: editor@vientianetimes.la

VPS LAO PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC


Car rental service MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

We have many types of cars for rent new REQUEST FOR EXPRESS OF INTEREST
model and old, sedan & 4 wheel such as:
MG.TOYOTA. NISSAN. KIA. HYUNDAI, National Project Coordinator
SMALL AND MIDDLE SEDAN FOR CITY Sale & Rental houses.
AGL assurances Allianz Group We find you a suitable accommodation in Vientiane. forEIF Tier-2 Project: Strengthening National Quality Infrastructure and Industrial Statistics
Short term 1-7days & long 1-12 months
Price range from Kip 4 000 000 and up. in the Lao PDR
Self drive or with driver
Provide vehicle for Project & Private Apartments & houses reasonable price available now. Background
Affordable price and best service Over 15 years experience guarantee. Government of Lao PDR has approved the new Project Strengthening National Quality Infrastructure
Office B. Thonkang, R. sokpalaung 15/279 and Industrial Statistics in the Lao PDR, as part of the EIF Tier-2 Program. Primary objectives of the
Call for free advice and pick up at your convenience.
For English call Mr. Chanh anytime project are: 1) to strengthen the national quality infrastructure (component A); and 2) to support the
Tel: 020 55599900. 55593013, Tel: 020 55 51 25 02 and 020 588 94 567.
enhancement of industrial statistics (component B), thus contribute to increasing quality, safety and
office: 030 9800630 Email: oudalee_rangsy@yahoo.com
Email: vpscarrental@yahoo.com reliability of Lao products and services, and improving overall competitiveness of Lao businesses.
mewvp@yahoo.com
www.vpscarrental.com
The National Implementation Unit (NIU) within the Foreign Aid Division of the Ministry of Industry
and Commerce (MoIC) is the secretariat for the PEC, the grant recipient entity, and the core technical
House For Sale or Rent and fiduciary implementing unit for the Tier-2 project. The Project are requiring following positions will
be based in Department of Standardization and Metrology (DSM), Ministry of Science and Technology
Very good location, Ban Chomphet, Close (MoST) the Implementing Agency (IA) for the component A. Below are the detailed scope of work and
to Talat Souanemone qualification and experience requirements:

Main Responsibilities:
Provide technical assistance on project coordination under the component A of the EIF Tier-2 project.
Assists the DSM to assume operational management of the project in accordance with the project
document and both UNOPS/NIU policies and procedures
In cooperation with the DSM and with technical inputs from the NIU, prepares, monitors, reviews
and updates project work plans and budgets (annual and quarterly)
2 Storey house full furnished, 200 sqm with a 60 sqm Jointly with the DSM prepares background notes and synthesis reports, based on the conclusions
living room, kitchen and recommendations of international and national consultants
4 bedrooms with their own bathroom, A/C in the all house, Together with the DSM prepares various project status reports for coordination meetings, for periodic
2 cars parking with remote door, Swimming pool reviews, for annual reviews and for the term evaluations
For rent only 13,600,000 Kip / Month Assists the DSM to organize the review/evaluation missions
For sale only 2,320,000,000 Kip.
Administers the mobilization of project inputs under the responsibility of the national counterpart
Contact Lao, English and French 020 2222 1970 or
agency/agencies
With respect to international/national consultants or institutions under contract to the project, assists
020 2308 8780
to ensure that these consultants/institutions deliver the inputs in accordance with their contract/terms
of reference
Under the supervision of the DSM, manage the project budget related to local inputs and expenses.
Additionally, ensure that: (1) Accounting records and supporting documents are well kept and (2)
Financial operations are transparent and UNOPS and NIU financial procedures are applied
Reports regularly to keeps the DSM up-to-date on project progress and flags problems
Other assigned duties as required by the DSM or NIU

Qualification and experience requirements:


Minimum Bachelor Degrees in Economics, Business Administration or related field
Minimum 03 years of working experience with Lao national development projects funded by
international donors
At least 2 years of experience in a similar assignment
Strong understanding of the government policy with respect to trade promotion
Technical knowledge and experience related to the enhanced integrated framework process and
trade a distinct advantage
Authority and seniority that is appropriate to the project
English skills (reading, writing and speaking) a must
Project management skills with a strong focus on attention to detail

The indicative estimated inputs for this assignment are 9 person-months on a full time basis, with the
possibility for extension for additional 1 years, based on performance and the availability of project
funding.
. The expected commencement of services is expected as soon as possible.The full text of the ToR can
be accessed at the NIUs website:http://www.laosaft.org/index.php/en/procurement.

The NIU now invites interested eligible consultants to provide information indicating that you are
qualified to perform the services (curriculum vitae with expressions of interest and references). Interested
consultants may obtain further information at the address below. Expressions of interest must be
delivered to the address below on or before March21, 2016, 16:00 oclock (submissions via email
are also acceptable).

Ministry of Industry and Commerce


National Implementation Unit
P.O.BOX 4107, Phonexay Road, Vientiane Lao PDR
Tel: +856 21 413 916;
E-mail: amphaphone.t@laosaft.org;www.laosaft.org
22 Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times

Whats On
Art exhibition Fundraising exhibition for disabled Lao Golf Challenge
Maison de la Culture is holding women Registration fee 1.2 million kip.
an exhibition by a Lao artist When: March 12, now open for registration
TProducts made by the
from the USA, Phonepaseuth Where: Long Vien Golf Club. Km 17, Thadeua Road, Vientiane
Lao Disabled Womens
Vannalathsamy. Embroidery from For more information call: 021 216666, 020 55699917
Development Centre
Luang Prabang province will also on display as well as
be on display on the opening day. designer fashions. The
There will be an auction of final day will feature a
paintings starting on March 10 at fashion show.
7:30pm and ending on March 15 Where: Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel, 2nd floor, Vientiane
at 5pm. Lobby
When: March 10 to 31. Opening When: March 8-31
night reception at 6:30pm. For more information contact: 02022422252
Where: Maison de la Culture, Naxay village, Xaysettha district, Fashion Design Contest
Vientiane.
Dance classes Seeking Best Lao Young Designer 2016 for Pi Mai Lao (Lao New
Year). Lao designers aged 18 to 25 are encouraged to enter the
competition.
Freestyle popping with Popper Tuny OMC. Beginners registration Where: Entries must be submitted to Lao Fashion Week
fee 15,000 kip. Secretariat Office, House No. 99/01, Nam Phou Square, PO Box
Where: Laobangfai Academy 8044, Vientiane.
When: Every weekend at 9am When: March 30.
For more information call 020 5228 3234, 030 977 8357, For more information call: 021 254808 (office hours), Fax: 021
Facebook Laobangfai Academy. 254809,
E-mail: info@laofashionweek.com or Facebook:
Lao Supermodel 2016 University Job Fair Martial Arts LaoFashionWeek.

Calling young men and women, as well as children, to enter the


The Faculty of Economics and
Demonstration Fashion Design Contest
Lao Supermodel Contest.
Business Administration at the
Conditions: A demonstration of Judo, Seeking Best Lao Young Designer 2016 for Pi Mai Lao (Lao New
National University of Laos is
- Males must be aged 18-28, at least 1.70m tall and have Karatedo, Aikio and Kendo. Year). Lao designers aged 18 to 25 are encouraged to enter the
holding its annual job fair.
completed high school When: March 1, starting at competition.
When: March 25
- Females must be aged 18-25, at least 1.65m tall and have 2pm. Where: Entries must be submitted to Lao Fashion Week
When: Meeting Hall of the
completed high school Where: Lao-Japan Budo Secretariat Office, House No. 99/01, Nam Phou Square, PO Box
Faculty of Economics and
- Children, aged 6-10. Centre. Free admission!!!. 8044, Vientiane.
Business Administration
When: Applications open until March 30. When: March 30.
Where: Apply at LT Company, Phonxay village, Xaysettha
district.
Art Exhibition For more information call: 021 254808 (office hours), Fax: 021
254809,
For more information: 020 59581881 Ms Nhui, or 020 2247 9479 The 10th Lao Womens Art Exhibition takes place this month. E-mail: info@laofashionweek.com or Facebook:
Ms Ting When: March 11-18 LaoFashionWeek.
www.facebook.com/lao super model 2016 Where: National Institute of Fine Arts, Chao Anouvong Road
For more information call: 021 212463, 021 314776
Botanical Drawing Exhibition Mini Vientianale Short Film Festival
British Culture Day
The Mini Vientianale International Short Film Festival returns to
The French Institute in Luang Prabang province and Pha Tad Kae
The British Embassy to Laos is organising a British Culture Day the silver screen this weekend.
invite the public to attend a botanical drawing exhibition at the
French Institute by Kongngern Sengdee. this week. Come along and enjoy a variety of cultural and fun The festival will showcase an exciting line-up of over 90
When: Open until March 13, Monday to Friday 9-12am and events. national and international short films to the Vientiane
2-5:30pm. Saturdays from 9-12am. When: Saturday March 12, from 3:30 to 9pm. community both indoors for daytime screenings and in the
Where: French Institute, Luang Prabang Where: The British Embassy to Laos in Phonxay village, evenings at the Cinema Department (off Khouvieng Road,
Xaysettha district, Vientiane. same street as the French Medical Centre and PVO).
For further information please contact 030 7700005, 020
Visit the Lao Peoples Army Museum 54582124
When: Friday, March 11 to Sunday, March 13
Where: March 11-12, 10am-9:30pm at the Cinema Department
Community members and tourists are invited to visit the Fashion Design March 13, 10am-3:30pm at the Cinema Department
March 13, 4pm-9:30pm at the National Culture Hall
Lao Peoples Army Museum to learn about past battles,
the brave acts of Lao soldiers, national defence and the
Contest All screenings are FREE and open to the public.
development of the army. For the full programme visit www.vientianale.org or www.
Seeking Best Lao Young facebook.com/vientianale
The museum features display weapons during the war Designer 2016 for Pi Mai
time and information about the birthplace of the Lao Lao (Lao New Year). Lao
Peoples Army and its history, as well as detailed accounts
of battles against foreign invaders. Visitors will learn about
designers aged 18 to 25
are encouraged to enter the
AFC Cup 2016
the victories of the Lao military and people in each period competition.
Where: Entries must be Lao Premier League Champions 2015 Lao Toyota FCs
of the revolution, and can view pictures of the enemies
submitted to Lao Fashion upcoming AFC Cup matches:
who destroyed parts of the country and oppressed ethnic
Week Secretariat Office, March 16 JOHOR DARUL TAZIM from Malaysia VS Lao
groups.
House No. 99/01, Nam Toyota FC (Away)
The museum also details the growth and expansion of the
army after the liberation of the country since 1975.
Phou Square, PO Box 8044,
Vientiane.
Job Fair April 13 Lao Toyota FC VS JOHOR DARUL TAZIM from
Malaysia (Lao National Studium Km 16)
When: Open daily from 8.30am-11.30am and 1.30pm-4pm. When: March 30. Come along and apply for a job. April 27 JSW BENGALURU FC from India VS Lao Toyota FC
Where: Kaysone Phomvihane Road near That Luang For more information call: When: March 19. From 9am to (Away)
esplanade in Nongsangthor village, Xaysettha district, 021 254808 (office hours), 6pm May 11 Lao Toyota FC VS AYEYAWADY UNITED from
Vientiane. Fax: 021 254809, Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel Myanmar (Lao National Studium Km 16)
For more information contact: 021 900 662 E-mail: info@ For more information please
laofashionweek. contact 030 908 2386
WoW Fashion Week 2016 com or Facebook:
LaoFashionWeek. Book launch and exhibition
Dont miss the capitals major event, Vientiane Wow Fashion The Vientiane Times welcomes notices from members When: Opening reception on February 26. Exhibition runs until
Week 2016, featuring more than 20 talented Lao and Thai of the public for announcement on this page. Any April 10, entrance free
designers.
events or functions open to the general public are Where: TShop Lai Gallery, opposite Vat Inpaeng, Vientiane.
Where: New ITECC Mall, 7th floor
When: March 11-12 suitable for publishing. The book is available at the TShop Lai Gallery, Couleur dAsie,
For more information call: 021 265 853 Contact: editor@vientianetimes.la i:cat Gallery, Monument Books.
Vientiane Times Thursday March 10, 2016 Sports 23

SPECIFIC PROCUREMENT NOTICE


Invitation for Prequalification
Vientiane, Lao PDR

Construction of the extension of the French School Josue Hoffet (Vientiane,


Laos) at Ban Haxaykhao, Vientiane, Lao PDR

Works comprise: Construction of buildings, roads, water and drainage, sport


Real Madrids Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) jumps to head the ball during the Champions League Round
facilities of 16 (second leg) soccer match between Real Madrid and Roma at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid,
Spain on Tuesday. --Photo AP

The LYCEE FRANCAIS JOSUE-HOFFET has received funds from


the AMBASSADE DE FRANCE - SERVICE DE COOPERATION ET
Madrid beats Roma 2-0 to reach
DACTION CULTURELLE towards the cost of the Construction of the Champions League quarters
extension of the French School Josue Hoffet (Vientiane, Laos), and it
intends to apply part of the funds to payments under the contract for 2016 MADRID (AP) -- Cristiano Roma had a few clear goal in four Champions League
Ronaldo and James Rodriguez chances before Madrid scored games this season. Madrid
01 Constr. Lychee VTE. scored second-half goals to help but could not capitalize on them and Barcelona are the only
Real Madrid defeat Roma 2-0 to reverse the 2-0 loss in Rome, unbeaten teams in this seasons
and advance to the Champions failing in its attempt to reach competition.
The Employerintends to prequalify contractors and/or firms for the League quarterfinals for the the quarters for the first time in Salahs first chance came
sixth consecutive season on eight years. in the 28th minute, when he
construction of the school compound. The works comprise: Tuesday. Forward Mohamed Salah sent a shot into the side netting
Ronaldo scored his 13th goal had two incredible opportunities from a great position inside the
in the competition this season by that could have changed the area, and early in the second
- Building Construction approx. 4,000 sqm; turning home a cross by substitute match if they had gone in. Striker half he missed the target from
forward Lucas Vazquez in the Edin Dzeko also was in a good close range.
- Road construction, Water and Sanitation works; 64th and Rodriguez added to the position to open the scoring but Later, Alessandro Florenzi
- Electrical, mechanical works incl. elevators, centralized Air conditioning lead four minutes later with a low squandered his chance. and Kostas Manolas had
shot from inside the area to give You can think that if we dangerous shots saved by
systems; Madrid a 4-0 aggregate victory. had scored first, the game Madrid goalkeeper Keylor
It was a difficult game, but would have been different, Navas, not long before Ronaldo
- Sport facilities and swimming pool. in the end we got our objective Roma coach Luciano Spalletti finally opened the scoring.
which was to go through, said. But the reality is that we Madrids attack finally
Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane lost 2-0 twice. Its only right that broke through when Vazquez
It is expected that invitations for bid will be made ealryApril 2016. said. Over the 90 minutes, many Real Madrid will go through. beat a defender on the right
things could have happened Weve got to improve in terms of flank and crossed for Ronaldo
Interested eligible Applicants may obtain further information and inspect the because we were up against a our mentality and how decisive to score his 90th career goal
prequalification document at the: team with good players, but we we are. We werent at the level in the Champions League.
got the job done. we had to be tonight. Rodriguez, who had been
In the other game on Tuesday, Despite allowing chances jeered by local fans in recent
LYCEE FRANCAIS JOSUE-HOFFET Wolfsburg reached the last eight on counterattacks, Madrid games, sealed the victory after
for the first time with a 1-0 win controlled the game at the entering the area and firing
Route de Thadeua, BP 2526, Vientiane 99241, Laos at home over Belgian champion Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, a left-foot shot past Roma
Gent. where it is yet to concede a goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
From Monday, 14 of March 2016 from 14:00
Email: daf@lyceehoffet.org
A complete set of the prequalification documents in English language may be Serena Williams beats Wozniacki
purchased by interested Applicants on the submission of a written application
to the address above and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of 250,000
in exhibition at Garden
LAK. The method of payment will be cash. The document will be sent by NEW YORK (AP) -- Serena Williams beat
good friend Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-4 in
email, or can be collected as hard copy at the LYCEE FRANCAIS JOSUE- an exhibition at Madison Square Garden on
HOFFET. Tuesday.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion hasnt
Applications for prequalification should be submitted in sealed envelopes, played a match since losing the Australian Open
final Jan. 30, pulling out of two tournaments
delivered to the address above by latest Monday, 28.03.2016 at 16:00 hours. because of illness. Shes scheduled to return to
competition at Indian Wells this week.
Im headed out to the desert, and well
Envelopes shall be clearly marked as followed: see what happens, Williams said in an on-
court-interview.
Application to Prequalify for 2016 01 Constr. Lychee VTE There were plenty of mistakes many
LYCEE FRANCAIS JOSUE-HOFFET punctuated by a shriek for Williams early
on Tuesday, but as she does so often, she
Route de Thadeua, BP 2526, Vientiane 99241, Laos somehow was still ahead at the end of the set.
The game started to look more familiar: the
court coverage, the well-rounded repertoire,
NOTE: The employer considers splitting the work into two similar the big serves to escape trouble. She even tried
quite a few drop shots with mixed results.
sized packages or Lots, which will be decided upon evaluation of the Pre I never miss one in practice, ever, she
qualification applications. If identifying sufficient companies (min. five) insisted.
Proving she was moving just fine, Williams
capable performing the contract in one Lot only, the works will not be divided earned her first set point when she sprinted Serena Williams returns a shot to Caroline
into two Lots. to the net to run down a drop shot, and then Wozniacki during a BNP Paribas Showdown tennis
immediately raced back to chase down a lob. match, Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in New York. (AP)
With her dogged defense, Wozniacki forced
LYCEE FRANAIS JOSUE-HOFFET Williams into some long rallies. But as was the France beat two-time major champion Stan
tablissement homologu par le ministre franais de lducation nationale case in 10 of their 11 career meetings which Wawrinka 7-6 (6), 6-3. Two games midway
BP 2526 Route de Thadeua, Vientiane, RDP Lao | Tl. : 00856 21-260-926| Fax : 00856 includes the 2014 US Open final a few miles through the second set were played as mixed
21-263-454| www.lyceehoffet.org away Williams offense was too much. doubles Williams and Wozniacki came onto
Page 1 sur 1 In the first match of the BNP Paribas the court in their warmups, and Williams teamed
Showdown, 16th-ranked Gael Monfils of with Wawrinka and Wozniacki with Monfils.
24
Thursday March 10, 2016 Vientiane Times

Sports
Vientiane Secondary School Laenly dominates womens
streetball teams crowned champions 100m at the University Games
trophies respectively. Sangkhomsay
In the U-14 boys category, Bubphanouvong

T
the champion was Noob team
from Vientiane Secondary h e n a t i o n s b e s t
School after they emerged womens sprinter Ms
victorious 24-16, while in Laenly Phoutthavong
the U-14 Girls Kiettisack easily won gold in the
International School finished 1st Lao University Games 100
first with a score of 16-11. metres event at the National
In the U-14 categories, University of Laos (NUOL)
the second and third runners- stadium on Tuesday.
up received 300,000 kip and The speedy 19 year old
200,000 kip with medals and representing hosts NUOL took
trophies respectively. out the event final by a sizable
Eastern Star Bilingual margin as she eyes another
Schools Chairman Mr Yilmaz gold medal in the womens
triple jump.
Mr Yilmaz Ari presents a trophy to the winning team. Ari presented the trophies and
There are 19 track and field
medallions to the winning events at the 1st university
Phaisythong Chandara experience. teams. games currently being hosted Laenly Phoutthavong (left) approaches the finish line in the womens

T
The Red Eagles team This year, there were 42 by NUOL from March 5-15. 100 metres final.
he U-16 Boys-Red from Vientiane Secondary teams registered to the 1st Meanwhile, in the mens
Eagles team from School were crowned as the Streetball tournament in four 100 metres event on Tuesday, Laenlys achievements Prabang province in 2011.
Vientiane Secondary champions after edging out categories, U-14 Boys, U14 Mr Anousone Xaysa from include winning gold in the At the 9th National Games
School has been crowned as their opponents 24-21. The Girls, U-16 Boys and U16 Health Sciences University womens triple jump at the 10th she won gold in the womens
the inaugural champions of team received 750,000 kip Girls, according to Eastern Star won the gold medal. National Games in Oudomxay 400 metres and womens 4 x
the 1st Eastern Star Streetball along with medals and a trophy Bilingual School. Currently, Laenly and province in December 2014, a 100 metre relay along with a
Tournament after outclassing for their efforts. They played a The idea for the streetball Anousone are national team silver medal in the womens silver medal in the womens 4
all their rivals from other total of four matches to finish tournament came from Mr runners and both will have the triple jump with a leap of 12.6 x 400 metre relay and bronze
schools. first in the tournament. Osman, a physical education opportunity join other athletes metres in the Pre-SEA Games in the womens 400 metre
The Eastern Star Bilingual In addition, U-16 Girls- teacher, who previously was from the current competition in Singapore last year, to go hurdles.
Schools athletics department Blue Eagles team, also from part of such organisations to represent NUOL at the with a haul of medals in her The NUOLs athletic team
organised the streetball Vientiane Secondary School, in Myanmar where he was Asean University Games in respective events at the 9th won four bronze medals from
tournament from March 5-6 at finished on top after defeating working for an international Singapore in June. National Games in Luang track and field events at the
its campus as a way to promote their opponents 18-14. They too school. 16th Asean University Games
health and fitness amongst its received 750,000 kip in prize He stated that they hosted in Vientiane in December
student population. money, a trophy and medallions. up to 120 teams in various 2012.
Streetball features three In the U-16 categories, categories during his last year Laos came away empty-
players per side in a half- the second and third runners- in Myanmar. He is aiming for handed in athletics events
court format, making for a fast up received 500,000 kip and 100 teams to participate in next at the 28th SEA Games in
300,000 Kip with medals and Singapore and won only two
paced and exciting football years tournament.
bronze medals in track and
field at the 27th SEA Games
in Myanmar.
At the 26th SEA Games
in Indonesia, Laos failed to
win any medals but won a
bronze at the 25th SEA Games
in 2009. At Thailands 15th
Asean University Games in
Anousone Xaysa (second right) with friends at the NUOL stadium 2010, Laos won one silver and
on Tuesday after succeeding in the mens 100 metres final. five bronze medals.

Lao football fans admire UEFA


Champions League Trophy
Sangkhomsay Fans were also able to opportunity to admire the
Bubphanouvong watch footage of the UEFA Champions League Trophy,
Champions League Trophy in what was a first for Laos,
Lao and foreign football fans Tour and admire the jerseys with many sporting enthusiasts
alike gathered at Vientiane worn by some of their favourite taking the opportunity to pose
Centre on Tuesday to enjoy world football stars. with the trophy.
taking some shots at goal and The opening ceremony UEFA Champions League
also a spot of table football of the event was attended and Heineken also supported
at an event supported by the by Assistant Minister of football related activities at
UEFA Champions League and Education and Sports and Chao Anouvong Park on
Heineken. Vice President of National Wednesday and they will
Some of the lucky football Olympic Committee of Laos continue to host other events at
fans were able to walk away Mr Somphou Phongsa along ITECC Mall in Vientiane from
with prizes including football with representatives from March 11-12.
mugs, jerseys and footballs UEFA Champions League and Champions League matches
after taking part in the friendly Heineken have an estimated audience of
competition. Fans also had the unique 150 million viewers per match.

Lao football fans


enjoy shooting at
goal at Vientiane
Centre on
Tuesday.

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