Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times
 MONDAY JULY 6, 2020
Inside
World Education
provides US$ 100,000
for War Victims Fund
[PAGE 2]
Maruhan Japan Bank
Lao & LOCA introduce
e-CASS (e-Commerce
Auto Settlement
Solution)
[PAGE 9]
Govt gives green light
to Vientiane Logistic
Park Company for
dry port, logistics
development
[PAGE 12]
Hpakant landslide
death toll rises to 172
M YA N M A R ( E l e v e n
Media/ANN) -- The total
death toll from Hpakant
landslide has reached 172,
and search and rescue
operations for the missing
people are suspended due to
the landslide risk, according
to the local administrative
organisations and rescue
teams.
Myo Myint, deputy head
of Hpakant Township Red
Cross Association said: “We
have to suspend search and
rescue operations due to
heavy rains and the landslide
risk. On Saturday, the
bodies of 11 victims were
recovered. According to
the residents, the number of
missing people is expected
to exceed 250. The missing
people may be buried in
ISSUE 128
Work on Laos-China railway’s
Vientiane station underway
Phomphong Laoin
Construction of the
Vientiane station for the
Laos-China railway project
officially commenced on
Friday in preparation for
the launch of its operations
in December 2021.
A groundbreaking
ceremony was held in Xay
village, Xaythany district on
July 3 for the first station of
the megaproject in capital
with General Manager of the
Laos-China Railway Co Ltd
(LCRC), Mr Xiao Qianwen;
Director of Laos-China
Railway Project Management,
Mr Chantoula Phanalasy, and
representatives from both
nations in attendance.
During the event, Mr Xiao
said the Laos-China railway is
a cooperation project between
the high-level leaders of the
two countries and a symbol of
the friendship between Laos
and China.
“The project is progressing
well, and the rail infrastructure
the mud. Search and rescue
operations will continue
tomorrow if the weather is
fine.”
Wa i k h a r v i l l a g e
administrator U Kyaw
Min said: “The bodies of
67 victims killed in the
landslide were buried. They
are not ownerless. Ward
administrators are still
compiling the list of missing
people.”
Upper House MP U Cho
(aka) U Khin Maung Myint
said: “The bodies of victims
who have the families are
cremated. We are going to
search for the ownerless
dead bodies by sending their
photos to other jade mining
sites. Plan is under way to
designate a no-go area for
CONTINUED PAGE 5
1
The First National English Language Newspaper
www.vientianetimes.org.la and www.vientianetimeslao.la
45 years
2.12.1975 - 2.12.2020
4500 kip
Mr Chantoula Phanalasy (third left), Mr Xiao Qianwen (third right) and Lao and Chinese representatives attend the
groundbreaking ceremony for the Vientiane station.
is about 90 percent complete,” target of the 2021 launch. Namtha via the provinces of and freight stations. It is set
Mr Xiao said. He also advised Mr Chantoula said the Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, to open on December 2, 2021.
the workers to pay attention 414 km-railway runs from the and Vientiane to the capital of “Vientiane will be the
to construction to achieve the Laos-China border in Luang Vientiane with 11 passenger CONTINUED PAGE 2
Heathfield International School selected
for Oxford curriculum standard
Times Reporters
Heathfield International
School in Vientiane last
week announced the school
had been selected by Oxford
Education to join their
Pilot School Programme
commencing in 2020-
2021 to implement the
globally esteemed Oxford
International Curriculum.
Oxford Education
is affiliated with Oxford
University, the first-class
institution voted by The
Times Higher Education
World University Rankings
as number one for the last
four years.
According to the school,
t h e h i g h l y i n n o v a t i v e Mr Jeff Matthewman (centre left), Mr Michael Anderson (right) joint with a student hold
CONTINUED PAGE 11 the Oxford Education plaque during the announcement ceremony in Vientiane last week.
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2 Home news Monday July 6, 2020
The Director General of the National Regulatory Authority, Mr Chomyaeng Phengthongsawat,
shakes hands with the Country Director of World Education Laos, Ms Sarah Bruinooge, at
the ceremony in Vientiane on Friday.
World Education provides US$
100,000 for War Victims Fund
Times Reporters
The US-based non-profit
o r g a n i s a t i o n , Wo r l d
Education Laos, has
provided US$ 100,000 to
support the work of the
War Victims Medical Fund
(WVMF) in the country
during 2020-22.
A Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) in this
regard was signed at the
headquarters of the National
Regulatory Authority
(NRA) for the UXO/Mine
Action Sector of Laos in
Vientiane on Friday between
the Ministry of Labour and
Social Welfare, which was
represented by the NRA,
and World Education Laos.
The MOA was signed
by the Director General of
the NRA, Mr Chomyaeng
Phengthongsawat, and the
Country Director of World
Education Laos, Ms Sarah
Bruinooge. The event was
attended by representatives
from related sectors.
“From 2008, there have
been nearly 1,000 victims
of Unexploded Ordnance
(UXO) across the country
and UXO has killed over 450
people,” said Mr Chomyaeng.
“The UXO in Laos is
one of the challenges to
our country’s development
and we have joined hands
with related sectors to clear
the UXO and to provide
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Supervisor:
Savankhone Razmountry
Editor-in-Chief:
Thonglor Duangsavanh
assistance to victims of
accidents involving UXO,”
he added.
The WVMF was
established in 1996 to
provide Lao nationals
affected by UXO accidents
with access to immediate
medical and dental care
and assistive devices,
per diem assistance for
family members during
hospital stays, and to
contribute towards religious
ceremonies or funerals.
The goal of the WVMF
is to ensure that anyone
directly affected by UXO
accidents in Laos remains
unburdened by medical and
funeral-related debt.
To date, the fund has
helped support more than
1,058 survivors and their
families.
Since July 2016, World
Education Laos has operated
the WVMF in partnership
with the NRA, the inter-
ministerial board in charge
of UXO issues in Laos.
World Education Laos’
programmes are designed
to build capacity, promote
s e l f - s u f f i c i e n c y, a n d
increase inclusion of all
persons through schemes
in education, health, mine
action, and economic
development.
The organisation has
worked to address the
legacy of UXO in Laos
Tel: 021 336042
info@vientianetimes.la
Deputy Editor-in-Chief:
Phonekeo Vorakhoun
in the areas of victims’
assistance, capacity building
of health systems and mine
risk education.
Through the Victim
Assistance Support Team
(2014-17), the organisation
helped 200 UXO survivors
and their families to create
action plans that included
livelihood, psychosocial
support, and vocational
training.
It is also supporting the
government to integrate
mine risk education into
the national curriculum,
enabling more than 500,000
children across the country
to receive messages about
UXO safety, according to
a statement from World
Education Laos.
The statement added
that the United States funds
programmes in Laos to help
address the historical legacy
of UXO contamination,
while making communities
across the country safe
from UXO and restoring
safe access to land and
infrastructure.
Together, these efforts
support the government
and people of Laos as they
work towards achieving
the country’s Sustainable
Development Goals,
including goal number
18 – the removal of UXO
as an obstacle to national
development.
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vorakhoun@gmail.com
Deputy Editor-in-Chief:
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Features Editor:
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UNICEF COVID-19 protection supplies
target women, children
Times Reporters
UNICEF Laos handed
over personal protective
equipment worth US$30,000
to the Lao Women’s Union
and Ministry of Labour and
Social Welfare respectively
on 1 July and 2 July.
According to a press
release from UNICEF,
the personal protective
equipment will be
distributed to staff of the
Ministry of Labour and
Social Welfare and Lao
Women’s Union working in
the area of child protection
at national, provincial
and district levels in 12
provinces and Vientiane.
Additional beneficiaries
include staff and caregivers
in nine long-term care
facilities for childr en
without parental care and
two Lao Women’s Union
Centres for Protection and
Assistance for Women and
Children in Vientiane and
Luang Namtha province.
Procured with the
generous support from
t h e UNIC E F Na t i o n a l
Committee for Australia and
other donors, the personal
protective equipment
support includes 46,400
surgical masks, 46,200
gloves, 236 thermometers
and 940 hand sanitisers.
“UNICEF is one of
Lao Government’s long-
term partners in Laos. With
these supplies, the social
welfare workforce will
feel safe to conduct home
visits, identify vulnerable
children, victims and
provide them with essential
child protection services”
Deputy Minister of Labour Dr Inlavanh Keobounphanh (left) shows a poster for COVID-19
and Social Welfare, Ms prevention at the handover ceremony for personal protective
Baykham Khattiya said. equipment from UNICEF on Wednesday.
Work on Laos-China...
main passenger station of the
Laos-China railway covering
a 150-hectare site. The station
will link to the freight station
at Thanalaeng and other rail
lines in the future,” he said.
According to the
original plan, construction
of the US$5.986-billion
megaproject was set to be
completed by 2021.
The Laos-China Railway
Company recently also started
a Chinese language training
programme in Vientiane for
the first group of Lao nationals
in preparation for the launch
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“UNICEF is the first
and time-tested supporter
o f t h e L a o Wo m e n ’s
Union Protection Centres
for Women and Children
since the establishment
of the centres in 2005,
which provide counselling,
mental health psychosocial
support, legal aid, shelter
and referral services for
women and children
victims of violence and
human trafficking. Since the
outbreak of COVID-19, the
LWU shelter has provided
services to 146 women and
children to reduce anxiety
and make them feel safe
during their stay in the
shelter,” President of the
Lao Women’s Union, Dr
Inlavanh Keobounphanh
said at the handover site.
The COVID-19
pandemic has impacted
many aspects of life for
children in Laos. The
confinement, COVID-19
related school closures and
FROM PAGE 1
of its operations.
The company has selected
248 locals for training who
will be instructed in Chinese
language and railway theory.
After completing their lessons
in Laos, they will attend
practical training in Kunming,
Yunnan province, China.
They will train as engine
drivers, mechanics, train
operators and supervisors of
railway maintenance.
The Lao and Chinese
governments attach great
importance to the railway,
which is part of China’s Belt
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Vientiane Times
limited availability of social
services on the ground
caused children and families
increased stress and rises in
domestic violence and other
risks, such as child marriage
and online protection.
“Social workers are a
lifeline for children who
suffer from violence and
other child protection
issues,” Representative a.i.
of UNICEF Lao PDR Ms
Beate Dastel said. “They
are critical to identifying
risks, facilitating access
to protection services and
ensuring that children are
protected from violence,
exploitation, neglect and
abuse. UNICEF is working
closely with the Government
of Laos and its partners to
provide the support and
protection social workers
need and deserve, to continue
their work and services for
vulnerable children in the
face of COVID-19,” Ms
Dastel added.
--Photo UNICEF
and Road Initiative to build a
global trade network.
The Laos-China railway
project is part of the regional
rail link connecting China’s
Kunming to Singapore via
Laos, Thailand and Malaysia.
The Lao government
hopes the railway will
transform the landlocked
country into a land-link within
the region. The business
sector expects the railway
will help to significantly
lower transportation costs
and enable them to become
more competitive.
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Vientiane Times Monday July 6, 2020 Home news 3
Laos backs China’s approval of Hong
Kong national security legislation
Times Reporters

The Lao PDR congratulates and supports China for the approval of the national security
law for Hong Kong special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
The ministry cited to the approval made on June 30 by the 20th session of the Standing
Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress.
The Lao PDR is of the view that the implementation of the law will guarantee the
security and prosperity of Hong Kong in the long-term. The government of the Lao PDR
Representatives of the Department of Agriculture, GIZ, and the private sector attend the
has always adhered to and supported the ‘one China policy’ and recognised Hong Kong
Asean AgriTrade workshop.
as a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China in accordance with

Agriculture ministry, partners mull Govt stresses role of civil society, NGOs
the one country, two systems policy, the ministry said.

sustainable value chain plans in achieving development goals

help increase and sustain project was limited due to the
Times Reporters
The Department of
Agriculture, in cooperation
with GIZ and the private
sector on Friday, discussed
plans for the Promotion of
Sustainable Agricultural Value
Chains (Asean AgriTrade)
Project to increase farmers’
opportunities in domestic and
regional markets.
The planning workshop
in Vientiane is following the
growing regional trend within
and outside the Asean region
to ensure that agricultural
foodstuffs are sustainably
produced while meeting food
safety and quality standards.
“At the regional level,
there have been collaborative
efforts to strengthen
agricultural production and
trade following international
principles on quality and
sustainability such as the
promotion of standards
like Good Agriculture
Practices (GAP) and Organic
Agriculture (OA),” Deputy
Director of the Department
of Agriculture, Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry,
Mr Siriphon Phithaksoun
remarked at the workshop.
Application of these
standards aims not only to
Lao Red Cross helps disaster
victims in Saravan, Attapeu
Viengdavanh
Banphahaksa
The Lao Red Cross has
helped disaster victims in
two southern provinces and
delivered donations to the
Saravan provincial Red Cross
and Attapeu provincial Red
Cross.
President of the Lao
Red Cross, Dr Khamhoung
Heuangvongsy, delivered
30.9 million kip to the Saravan
provincial Red Cross on June
30 and more than 30 million
kip to the Attapeu provincial
Red Cross on July 1.
The two provinces
reported on their successes
over the past six months and
presented their next six-month
work plan to Dr Khamhoung.
He praised their achievements
and described efforts by the
Red Cross to bolster blood
donations and other areas of
work.
Last year, blood collection
centres across the country
held 1,600 blood donation
farmers’ income and
livelihoods but also make
sure that agricultural goods
are safe for consumers.
Mr Siriphon pointed out
that the government has given
priority to food safety and
sustainable development,
so the department has
implemented a clean
agriculture policy, including
GAP and OA standards while
working together with the
relevant stakeholders.
For instance, under
the cooperation between
Thailand, Germany and
Laos, a strategic plan for
national organic agriculture
development to 2025 and
vision towards 2030 have
been developed to support
the department’s crop sector
development strategy to 2025
and vision 2030 to guide the
development of Lao GAP
and OA certification and
implementation.
Mr Siriphon also outlined
current issues in GAP and
OA as well as agriculture
trends relevant to standards,
certification, production
scale, formulating policy and
incentives.
He noted that the number
of local pilot farms for the
Dr Khamhoung Heuangvongsy visits Attapeu province.
--Photo Lao Red Cross
sessions and collected 55,405
bags of blood, equal to 100.74
percent of the target for 2019.
This year, authorities had
hoped to collect 6,700 bags
of blood but the Covid-19
outbreak prevented blood
collection centres from
accepting donors. To date,
only 82 percent of the target
has been achieved and the
current figure is only 34
high import requirements of
the importing countries.
Therefore, the Asean
AgriTrade project would
support of preparation and
formulation of macro tools
that enhance agriculture
production and trade both
domestically and in Asean.
Mr Siriphon added that the
new Asean-German regional
cooperation project, Asean-
AgriTrade, aims to improve
the framework conditions
to implement quality and
sustainability standards in
agriculture value chains with
the Asean region toward a
common goal.
The project would also
provide support in facilitating
public and private dialogue
and partnership to address
and improve national
standards implementation
and in implementing public-
private sector development
partnerships in selected
agricultural value chains of
interest.
National Project
Coordinator of GIZ, Mr Frank
Tibitanzl, said the outcome
from the discussion would
be documented in a report
for further development into
a proper national work plan.
percent of last year’s figure.
More blood is now needed
because insufficient supplies
were collected during the
Covid-19 outbreak and stocks
are running low.
The Lao Red Cross was
established in 1955 with the
aim of supporting the most
vulnerable people. It works
with communities to improve
their health and livelihoods.
Times Reporters goals with national
priorities,” Mr Maithong
The government has said.
emphasised the importance According to a document
of the role played by civil released at the meeting, since
society organisations (CSOs) approving the 2030 agenda
and international non- in 2015, the government has
governmental organisations been deeply committed to
(INGOs) in helping Laos to fulfilling the international
achieve the United Nations’ agenda by integrating it into
Sustainable Development national socio-economic
Goals (SDGs). development plans.
Director General of the Progress made towards
Department of International achieving the SDGs includes
Organisations under the approval of Goal No. 18 Mr Maithong
Ministry of Foreign “Live safe from UXO in Thammavongsa presides
A ff a i r s , M r M a i t h o n g 2016”, and the creation of over the meeting on Friday.
Thammavongs, who is an SDG implementation –Photo Josh Vhansidar
also Head of the National mechanism in 2017 which
Secretariat for SDGs, involved a national guidance and appointed national SDG
stressed the importance committee chaired by the advocates.
placed on these organisations prime minister, with the Alongside these
by the government when minister of foreign affairs achievements, Mr
addressing a meeting in and the minister of planning Maithong said, there
Vientiane on Friday to and investment as vice- were some challenges,
raise awareness of the need chairmen. especially the broadening
for their participation in “This mechanism led and deepening of public
fulfilling the SDGs. to Laos presenting the first understanding of the SDGs,
He reminded meeting Voluntary National Review as well as misunderstanding
participants, who came at a High-Level Political concerning the roles and
from national SDG Forum held in New York, obligations of SDG indicator
focal points within line the United States, in 2018,” owners.
ministries, government Mr Maithong said. Participants at Friday’s
bodies, INGOs and CSOs, Last year the importance meeting discussed the
of the need for strong of the SDGs was made enhancement of coordination
participation by the public clear to authorities at central and collaboration between
and private sectors and levels and at the local level the government, INGOs and
CSOs with Mr Maithong.
people from all walks of in all 18 provinces. Training
life in achieving these sessions were held to build He called on them
important development the capacity of national to participate in SDG
goals under the slogan
“Leaving No One Behind”.
SDG focal points along with
the approval of a National
implementation, especially
circulating information
about SDGs to targeted
“Participation by civil SDG Roadmap and SDG
society organisations Communication Work Plan. communities that had yet to
be accessed, and building
and international non- The government adopted
governmental organisations 238 SDG indicators for all capacity in SDGs among
local authorities, especially
is very important in ministries and ministry-
supporting and driving the equivalent bodies, as well concerning social and
environmental aspects.
integration of international as a national SDG logo,
Covid-19 data: Asia News Network: Sun, July 5, 2020
Bangkok time 9 ‪ .30 am‬ E Timor          24 (24R)
India    673,904 (19,279D) (409,062R) Laos               19 (19R)
Pakistan 227,254 (4,680D)(125,094R) Diamond Princess Cruise off Japan  
Bang’dsh 159,679 (1,997D) (70,721R) 712  (13D) (651R)
China        83,553 (4,634D) (78,516R)
Indonesia  62,142 (3,089D) (28,219R) Covid-19 data: World: Sun, July 5, 2020
S’pore        44,664 (26D) (40,117R) Bangkok time 4:47 pm
Ph’pines     41,830 (1,290D) (11,453R) World 11,354,456 (533,232D) (5,822,000R)
Japan         19,459 (977D) (16,959R) US 2,902,939 (64,365D) (978,615R)
Nepal         15,491 (29D) (6,143R) Brazil 1,578,376 (60,713D) (916,147R)
S Korea       13,030 (283D) (11,759R) Russia 674,515 (10,027D) (446,879R)
Malaysia     8,658 (121D) (8,461R) Peru 299,080 (10,412D) (189,621R)
Thailand      3,185 (58D) (3,066R) Spain 297,625 (28,385D) N/A
Maldives      2,435 (10D) (1,976R) Chile 291,847 (6,192D) (257,445R)
Sri Lanka      2,074 (11D) (1,885R) UK 284,900 (44,198D) N/A
HK                1,259 (7D) (1,145R) Mexico 252,165 (30,366D) (152,309R)
Taiwan          449 (7D) (438R) Italy 241,419 (34,854D) (191,944R)
Vietnam        355 (340R) Iran 237,878 (11,408D) (198,949R)
Myanmar      313 (6D) (240R) Turkey 204,610 (5,206D) (179,492R)
Mongolia       220 (183R) Germany 197,418 (9,081D) (181,300R)
Brunei            141 (3D) (138R) 
Cambodia     141 (131R) (D=Death, R=Recovered)
Bhutan           78 (51R) Sources: Asia News Network members, selected
Macau           45 (45R) health agencies, Johns Hopkins University
4 Home news Monday July 6, 2020 Vientiane Times

Excerpts from the Lao Media

Luang Prabang supports
domestic production, travel
Translated by Meuangkham Noradeth

Luang Prabang province will support domestic production and travel after being hit by
the Covid-19 outbreak.
The province is now focusing on improving tourist services for locals. This includes
making the approach to tourist sites easy and upgrading related infrastructure. This was
informed by the National Assembly Member for Luang Prabang province, Mr Bounsom
Konmany, at the 9th session of the 8th Legislature of the National Assembly.
Besides, supporting domestic production and tourism-related activities, efforts will
be made to push the economy of the province, he said.
Mr Bounsom said although Laos was not affected by the global pandemic, it will
continue to impress measures to keep the country safe. The same applies for Luang
Prabang province too.
Luang Prabang province is a famed tourist destination, therefore, officials in Luang
Prabang province are joining hands with officials of neighbouring provinces to fight the
adverse impact of the global pandemic. They are focusing on increasing domestic tourism
by trying to expose people of different provinces to other cultures and ethnicities, Mr
Bounsom said.
He said he will focus on improving the basic infrastructure to make tourism convenient.
This includes better roads, better services by the hospitality industry and also gear up to
welcome foreign tourists as and when international tourism begins.
Mr Bounsom encouraged locals to travel across the country and experience the thrill
of visiting tourist sites of Luang Prabang province.
--Pathetlao Daily, July 2

Smoother road from

Luang Namtha to Bokeo
The gravel road from Long district in Luang Namtha province that links Meung district
in Bokeo province has been improved for year round travel.
The Head of the Public Works and Transport office of Long district, Mr Chin Kilivong,
said that the road from Long to Meung districts is 40 km long and its construction was
completed recently.
He said the road from Long district begins at Xiengkok village and ends at Namfa
bridge linking the border with Meung district.
Earlier this was a gravel road, which was six metres wide and it was inconvenient for
traffic, especially during the rainy season, Mr Chin explained.
He said Cheungyuixeung company bought concessional land in Meung district to
grow agricultural crop for exporting to China. The company repaired the road-making
the travel between Long and Meuang smoother throughout the year.
The company has invested more than four billion kip to repair the road between Long
and Meung districts. The company also coordinated with local officials in Long district
to repair the Namfa bridge at a cost of more than one billion kip. This will help develop
the region.
--Socio-Economic Daily, July 2

Villagers in Xaysomboun sell

pineapple to earn better
Vi l l a g e r s i n P h o u n g
village, Hom district,
Xaysomboun province,
are leading a better life
after growing pineapples
for sale.
The Deputy Head of
Phoung village of Hom
district, Mr Paotouher
Yiacheu, said his family
grows pineapples and this
has helped them earn 20
to 30 million kip per year.
Previously, his family
had been growing rice.
H o w e v e r, t h i s w a s Pineapple can help villagers in Phoung village to earn more.
not enough to sustain
themselves. His family then switched to growing pineapples to alleviate poverty.
Initially, his family grew pineapples at a small scale to see how it sells. When they
got a good response they decided to grow more and market it better. They have been
growing pineapples since 2011.
He said it is not difficult to sell pineapples as traders and local villagers buy straight
from his garden for 2,000 kip to 4,000 kip depending on the size.
Mr Paotouher’s family grows pineapples over one hectare and hopes to add to this area.
--laoedaily.com.la, July 1
Vientiane Times Monday July 6, 2020 5
World
In brief from Asia Heavy rain to continue
News Network
in South China
Russia’s COVID-19 CHINA (China Daily/ warm air and providing
cases surpass 674,000 ANN) -- Heavy rainfall dynamic conditions
MOSCOW (Xinhua) will continue to hit southern conducive to the occurrence
-- Russia added 6,632 China for the first half of of heavy rainfall, she added.
COVID-19 cases in the
July, following continuous By Sunday, the sustained
past 24 hours, raising its
total number of infections rainstorms in some of the rainstorms had affected 12.1
to 674,515, its coronavirus country’s regions since June million people scattered
response centre said in a 2 that have caused big losses across 13 provincial regions
statement Saturday. of life and economic damage, along or south of the Yangtze
The death toll grew by 168 according to meteorological River, killing 78, ruining
to 10,027, while 446,879 and emergency management almost 80,000 hectares
people have now recovered, agencies. of crops and leading to
including 8,986 over the Since flood season 25.7 billion yuan (US$3.6
last 24 hours, according to started in March, the billion) in direct economic
the statement. Moscow, the country has seen 24 regional damage, according to the
country’s worst-hit region, strong convective weather latest national data available
reported 680 new cases,
taking its tally of infections processes, and in June from the Ministry of
to 224,210. eight rounds of short-term Emergency Management.
As of Friday, 280,415 thunderstorms, gales or Wang Zhihua, deputy
Cellphone photo taken on July 2, 2020 shows rescuers carrying the body of a victim after
people were still under hail occurred, according head of the disaster relief and the landslides at a jade mining site in Hpakant, Kachin State, Myanmar. --Photo Xinhua
medical observation, while to China Meteorological public service department of
more than 20.7 million
COVID-19 lab tests have
Administration.
In June, the average
been conducted nationwide, precipitation was 112.7
the China Meteorological
Administration said at a Hpakant landslide... FROM PAGE 1
news conference on Friday
Russia’s consumer rights millimetres, 13.5 percent that until July 13 there will the dangerous mining sites. and the KNGPC, Ks 10 killed 114 scavengers. In
and human well-being above average. Nearly be more rainfall in southern It has been raining here million. 2020, nearly 30 people
watchdog said Saturday. 60 percent of counties in regions than in previous since 10 days. The main The army is planning to died due to landslides and
cause of this tragic incident provide rice and other relief the collapse of mud lakes.
Hospitals coping well South r a i n s t
China experienced
orms in June,
years.
is linked to excessive jade assistance to the victims. According to the records
in the face of both Pre c i p i t a t i o n c o u l d
mainly in the provinces reach 100 to 300 mining. I would like to According to the of Kachin State government,
dengue, Covid-19 request the people not to records, many scavengers there were 19 landslides in
outbreaks of Guizhou and Sichuan, millimeters in areas
Chongqing municipality, along the Huaihe River, come to Hpakant in the died due to the landslides Hpakant Township in 2019,
SINGAPORE (The Straits rainy season.” since 2000. Since 2010, resulting in 93 deaths and
Times) -- Hospitals here and the Guangxi Zhuang the Hanjiang River, the
Kachin State government the death toll from the 14 injuries.
are coping well despite autonomous region, the Yangtze River and part of donated Ks 50 million, landslides have killed Hpakant Township sees
having two major infectious administration said. Southwest China, about 50 Northern Command, Ks around 100 to 300 every around 300,000 migrant
disease outbreaks, “ Wi n d s f r o m t h e to 80 percent more than in 50 million, Hpakant Gem year. In December, 2015, workers coming from the
Covid-19 and dengue, south and the west have previous years, he said. Association, Ks 50 million the collapse of waste piles four corners of the country.
going on at the same time. continuously transported “The rain in July and
Associate Professor water vapor from the South accumulated impacts
Kenneth Mak, director
China Sea and the Bay brought by the rain in June
of medical services at the
Ministry of Health, said: of Bengal to the Yangtze will raise risks for torrential
“The dengue outbreak at River, providing abundant floods and other geological
this point in time has not water,” Zhang Fanghua, disasters in these areas,” he
taxed us in terms of our chief forecaster with the warned.
ability to provide hospital National Meteorological According to the
care for patients, whether Center, said on Friday. administration, the rain
(they have) Covid-19 At the same time, cold air belt in the eastern parts of
conditions or other medical from North China continued China will move northward
conditions.” Singapore to move southward, meeting starting from mid-July.
is facing one of its worst
dengue outbreaks, with
1,468 people infected last
week, the highest weekly
number ever.

Public urged not to

buy meat from banned
countries
PETALING JAYA,
Malaysia (The Star)
-- Pig farmers have long
been implementing strict
biosecurity measures to
protect the local swine
industry from viral diseases.
They are also urging the
public not to buy pork
products from prohibited
countries through online
platforms.
Federation of Livestock
Farmers’ Associations
of Malaysia (FLFAM)
president Tan Chee Hee
said local pig farmers
tightened biosecurity
levels as the African swine
fever (ASF) outbreaks that
occurred outside Malaysia
last year. “At our farms, we
have tightened biosecurity
levels by making sure we The Three Gorges Dam in Yichang, Hubei province discharges
use disinfectant, among floodwaters on Thursday to prepare for the arrival of the
others. Yangtze River’s first flood this year. --Photo Xinhua
6 World Monday July 6, 2020
Kuma River floods cities
after record rainfall
KUMAMOTO (The Japan
News/ANN) -- The Kuma
River flooded Saturday
due to record rainfall in
Kumamoto and Kagoshima
prefectures, causing
extensive damage in the
surrounding areas.
To r r e n t i a l r a i n h a d
drenched the area since early
Saturday, and landslides
occurred in areas where
special heavy rain warnings
were issued. A number of
people reported that they
have not been able to get
in contact with their family
members.
A 38-year-old man who
farms in the lower reaches
of the river in Yatsushiro,
Kumamoto Prefecture, said
he found shelter in a sturdy
two-story building early on
Saturday.
“The road in front of
this building is flooded with
muddy water, and I hear
thumps whenever driftwood
hits the building,” the man
said.
His home is in Kumamoto
City but he stayed overnight
on his farm. He tried to go
home at one point when
warnings were issued, but
the road was blocked and
he decided at around 6 a.m.
to stay at the farm, waiting
in his car for the rain to
stop. As the water level
increased, however, he fled
to the building at about 7
a.m.
“The first floor was
flooded in about an hour.
The water is rising to the
stair landing now,” he said.
Some people were
standing on their roofs
waiting for rescue
helicopters. In the afternoon,
Cambodia postpones 13th ASEM Summit to mid-
2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic
PHNOM PENH (Xinhua)
-- Cambodia, the host
of the 13th Asia-Europe
Meeting (ASEM) Summit,
has decided to postpone
the ASEM13, which had
initially been scheduled
for Nov. 16-17 in Phnom
Penh, to mid-2021 due to
the COVID-19 pandemic,
according to a foreign
Houses are inundated in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, due to the flooding of the Kuma
River on Saturday. --Photo the Yomiuri Shimbun
the weather was improving,
but the water level was
increasing compared to the
morning.
A river flooded near
a hospital in the town
of Ashikita, Kumamoto
Prefecture, inundating
the first floor with about
30 centimeters of water.
About 120 people living in
a nursing home and other
facilities run by the town
stayed safe by evacuating
to the second floor of their
facilities or staying on their
beds.
Kuma River is a class-A
river stretching about 115
kilometres. It originates
in the mountain range
running through the Kyushu
region and flows through
Hitoyoshi, the village of
Kuma and Yatsushiro into
the Yatsushiro Sea. It is
one of three major rapids
in Japan, and the basin was
badly flooded in 1965.
An employee at a hotel
ministry’s press statement
on Saturday.
The statement was
released after the ASEM
Senior Officials’ Meeting
(SOM) via videoconference
on July 2-3, which was
chaired by Sok Siphana,
senior advisor of the
Cambodian government
and ASEM SOM Leader for
located in Kuma, where the
river narrows, said she was
awakened by the sound of
loud rain. The road in front
of the hotel was inundated
and water flowed inside, so
the staff evacuated to the
second floor.
“Water came up nearly to
the ceiling on the first floor.
It happened in a flash. I can’t
believe it,” she said.
Evacuate amid outbreak
T h e J a p a n
Meteorological Agency,
which issued special heavy
rain warnings to Kumamoto
and Kagoshima prefectures,
held an emergency press
conference at 6 a.m.
Saturday, and strongly urged
residents to “act to protect
your lives.”
At the conference, the
agency urged residents to
evacuate as soon as possible,
regardless of designated
shelters, to buildings as far
away as possible from rivers
and cliffs.
Cambodia, and participated
by SOM Leaders of all
ASEM Partners.
Siphana expressed his
sincere appreciation for
the support that all ASEM
Partners have extended
to Cambodia in hosting
ASEM13, it said.
“Due to COVID-19,
however, all ASEM SOM
Leaders unanimously
expressed their
understanding of and
support for Cambodia’s
request to postpone
ASEM13 to mid-2021,”
the statement said.
It added that the
meeting stressed the
need to promote effective
multilateralism and
collective response to the
COVID-19 pandemic,
which caused not only
daunting challenges to
public health system
The agency also touched
on the possibility of heavy
rain in other areas and said,
“Please follow advisories
from your municipalities
without waiting for a
warning, and ensure your
own safety.”
For those who are
worried about being infected
with the new coronavirus
at evacuation centers, the
agency said, “The local
governments concerned
have taken measures.”
Landslides in Shizuoka
Pref.
Shizuoka - Torrential
rain that lasted from Friday
to Saturday caused a series
of landslides on the Izu
Peninsula in Shizuoka
Prefecture. Mud flowed into
a house next to a mountain
in the town of Matsuzaki in
the prefecture.
According to the
prefectural government, the
two residents of the house
have been evacuated.
across the globe but also a
severe fallout to the global
economy.
“To this end, ASEM
SOM Leaders discussed
the draft ASEM Ministerial
Statement on COVID-19,
which is expected to
be released in mid-July
2020,” the statement said.
ASEM is comprised of
53 partners, encompassing
21 Asian countries, 30
European countries, the
Asean Secretariat, and the
European Commission.
Collectively, ASEM
partners represent 65
percent of the global
economy, 60 percent of
the world’s population,
55 percent of the world
trade and 75 percent of the
world tourism.
ASEM was founded in
1996 and Cambodia became
its member in 2004.
Russian voters
approve amendments
RUSSIA (China Daily/
A N N ) - - R u s s i a ’s
constitutional amendments
were supported by 77.92
percent of voters during
a week-long vote in the
country and some overseas
polling stations, the
country’s Central Electoral
Commission said on
Thursday.
The vote, initially set
for April, was delayed due
to COVID-19, and the
period of voting itself was
extended to allow for social
distancing.
The voting day was set
for Wednesday, but Russians
were able to cast their ballots
either for or against the 206
proposed amendments from
June 25 to July 1.
Residents of Moscow,
hardest hit by the
Russian President Vladimir Putin shows his passport
as he arrives to cast his ballot in a nationwide vote on
constitutional reforms at a polling station in Moscow. --Photo
Alexei Druzhinin
coronavirus, and those in
the city of Nizhny Novgorod
could also vote online.
Russian RT TV reported
that millions flocked to the
polls all over the country
on Wednesday to cast their
ballots.
Russian polling stations
are usually lively places
with music, food stalls and
entertainment.
But this vote was far more
subdued with temperature
checks at the door and staff
handing out face masks.
The images on RT TV
showed that the final day
of voting was incident-
free, although several
hundred people in Moscow
and several dozens in St
Petersburg took to the streets
to voice their opposition to
the overhaul.
The rally in the Russian
capital was peaceful, and
saw police officers handing
out protective masks to
predominantly young
activists, RT TV said.
Some critics hit out at
the Kremlin for lumping
more than 200 proposed
amendments together in one
package, but most were not
upset at being unable to vote
separately on the changes.
Out of trust
Ta i s i a F y o d o r o v a ,
Vientiane Times
a 69-year-old retiree in
St Petersburg, said she
voted yes “because I trust
our government and the
president”.
The amendments, the
bulk of which are dedicated
to social issues according
to Russian authorities, have
grabbed headlines in the
West mainly because they
redefine the eligibility for
the presidency and could
theoretically provide
incumbent President
Vladimir Putin with a
chance to stay in power for
two more terms.
Putin made no mention
of how the changes could
affect his own career in
an eve-of-vote speech on
Tuesday.
He said he would decide
later whether to run again,
and that the resetting of
the presidential term count
was necessary to keep his
lieutenants focused on their
work instead of “darting
their eyes in searching for
possible successors”.
China’s Foreign Ministry
spokesman Zhao Lijian said
on Thursday:”The voting
result reflected the choice of
the Russian people.”
As a friendly neighbor
and comprehensive strategic
partner of coordination in the
new era, China will respect,
as always, the Russian
people’s choice of their
own path of development,
and support the country’s
efforts for bringing long-
term stability and security
as well as promoting social
and economic development,
he told reporters at a regular
press briefing in Beijing.
Martin McCauley, a
veteran Russia-focused
historian, said the vote on
the amendments isn’t about
Putin. It’s the first ever
“truly Russian constitution”.
Previous Russian
constitutions were either
inspired or influenced by
foreign legislators, but
the amendments that the
country is voting on are
truly “Russia-centered”,
McCauley said.
Vientiane Times Monday July 6, 2020 7
8 Monday July 6, 2020 Vientiane Times

Publicity of Bid Results of Owner-Supply Material (Box Publicity of Bid Results of Owner-Supply Material
substation)for Laos-China Railway Project (Boten-Vientiane (AIS high voltage switchgear、GIS high voltage ring
Section) network cabinet、High voltage cables 、Traction
Bid Number: MWTLWZ2020-01 transformer、Breaker 、Electric isolation switch 、Mutual
inductor)for Laos-China Railway Project (Boten-Vientiane
The bidding candidates results of Owner-Supply Material (Porcelain Section)
insulator) for Laos-China Railway Project (Boten-Vientiane Section) has Bid Number: MWTLWZ2020-02
finished, the bid results are as follows:
1. Bid Winner The bidding candidates results of Owner-Supply Material (AIS
Lot No.: DB01 (Name: Box-type substation) high voltage switchgear、GIS high voltage ring network cabinet、High
Bid Winner: TGOOD voltage cables 、Traction transformer、Breaker 、Electric isolation switch
Bid-winning price: CNY 23,899,048.00 、Mutual inductor) for Laos-China Railway Project (Boten-Vientiane
Lot No.: DB02 (Name: Box-type substation) Section) has finished, the bid results are as follows:
Bid Winner: TGOOD 1. Bid Winner
Bid-winning price: CNY 15,993,907.00 Lot No.: DB01 (Name: AIS high voltage switchgear)
2. Contact Information Bid Winner: JIANGSU DAQO CHANGJIANG ELECTRIC CO.,LTD.
Tenderee: Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. Bid-winning price: CNY 7,195,672.19
Address: Room 6030, Floor 6, Vientiane Center, Vientiane City, Laos Lot No.: DB02 (Name: GIS high voltage ring network cabinet)
Contact: Feng Jianxiang Bid Winner: XJ Group Corporation
Tel: +856-2058104188 Bid-winning price: CNY8,651,833.00
Email: wzb@lcrc.ltd Lot No.: L01 (Name: High voltage cables (power cables of 10kV and
Supplies agency: China Railway Materials Group Corporation above (single core)))
Address: Floor 7, Block C, Guohai Plaza, No. 17 Fuxing Road, Bid Winner: Wuxi Jiangnan Cable Co.,Ltd
Haidian District, Beijing Bid-winning price: CNY 8,272,104.04
Contact: Gao Wenting Lot No.: QB01 (Name: Traction transformer)
Tel.: 010-51898557 Bid Winner: Yunnan Transformer Electric.Co.,Ltd
E-mail: mwtlwz@126.com Bid-winning price: CNY 43,600,000.00
Lot No.:QB02 (Name: Breaker (110kV and above))
Bid Winner: Jiangsu Province Rugao High Voltage Electric Apparatus Co.,Ltd,
Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. Bid-winning price: CNY 2,343,600.00
July 6st, 2020 Lot No.:QB03 (Name: Breaker(27.5kV))
Bid Winner: Royway
Bid-winning price: CNY 5,703,000.00
Lot No.:QB04 (Name: Electric isolation switch(110kV and above))
Bid Winner: Jiangsu Province Rugao High Voltage Electric Apparatus Co.,Ltd
Bid-winning price: CNY1,398,800.00
Lot No.: QB05 (Name: Electric isolation switch（27.5kV Catenary use and
traction use）)
Bid Winner: Jiangsu Province Rugao High Voltage Electric Apparatus Co.,Ltd,.
Bid-winning price: CNY 3,647,500.00
Lot No.: QB06 (Name: Current Transformer(110kV and above))
Bid Winner: sieyuanHZ
Bid-winning price: CNY 2,678,400.00
Lot No.: QB07 (Name: Voltage transformer（110kV and bove、27.5kV）)
Bid Winner: sieyuanHZ
Bid-winning price: CNY 2,726,400.00
2. Contact Information
Tenderee: Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd.
Address: Room 6030, Floor 6, Vientiane Center, Vientiane City, Laos
Contact: Feng Jianxiang
Tel: +856-2058104188
Email: wzb@lcrc.ltd
Supplies agency: China Railway Materials Group Corporation
Address: Floor 7, Block C, Guohai Plaza, No. 17 Fuxing Road,
Haidian District, Beijing
Contact: Gao Wenting
Tel.: 010-51898557
E-mail: mwtlwz@126.com

Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd.

July 6st, 2020

Vientiane Times
Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.la
Maruhan Japan Bank Lao & LOCA introduce
e-CASS (e-Commerce Auto Settlement Solution)
Mr Anthony Chin outlines
the strategies and
performance of MARUHAN
Japan Bank Lao during the
signing ceremony.
Advertorial
Maruhan Japan Bank Lao
and LOCA - a Lao based
online taxi service company,
have partnered to launch the
bank’s electronic payment
(e-payment) service for
LOCA’s drivers in order
to facilitate the company’s
operations.
Chief Executive Officer
of the bank Anthony Chin
a n d L O C A’s D i r e c t o r
Souliyo Vongdala signed
an agreement on Wednesday
t o u t i l i s e M a r u h a n ’s
e-commerce auto settlement
solution for Loca’s drivers.
Witnessing the ceremony
were Director General of
the Payment Management
System Department under
the Bank of the Lao PDR,
Soulisack Thamnouvong;
Vice President of the Lao
National Chamber of
Commerce and Industry,
Thanongsinh Kanlaya, who
is also President of the Lao
ICT Commerce Association,
along with invited guests.
Addressing the signing
ceremony, Mr Souliyo
said the e-payment service
would enable 400 drivers of
LOCA to get their income
faster and more securely via
Business
cashless payments.
He added that the
cooperation between the
bank and his company
was a small starting point,
but a newly important
phenomenon in Laos in
utilising fintech technology
in transportation and the
financing field.
“ I hope LOC A an d
MARUHAN Japan Bank
Lao will de ve lop an d
cooperate in more areas
in the future to meet the
growing needs of society,”
he stated.
Mr Chin said
MARUHAN was pleased
to provide convenience to
businesses making things
easy and transparent.
“LOCA now has
a solution to do au t o
settlements – anytime and
anywhere. No need to come
to the office, no need to
come to banks,” the CEO
said, adding that drivers can
get their income anytime
and anywhere.
“We want to give this
benefit to them [LOCA and
its drivers].”
The CEO added that
MARUHAN wants
to provide the whole
ecosystem for small and
medium enterprises (SMEs),
a vital component of the Lao
economy.
SMEs account for about
99 percent of all registered
firms in Laos, according to
the World Bank.
The 2013 Economic
Census conducted by the Lao
Statistics Bureau recorded
that SMEs accounted for 82
percent of total employment
in the country.
Given the significance of
SMEs to the Lao economy,
MARUHAN has attached
great importance to the
sector.
“So we are building a full
ecosystem for SMEs - to get
funding, to get e-payments;
July 3, 2020
9.024 9.044
0,4115 0,4198
315,90 318,26
10.140 10.192
1.237 1.262
9
Monday July 6, 2020
we want to provide a digital
solution,” Mr Chin said.
Very soon, the bank
plans to launch a banking
application for SMEs, while
enhancing their partnership
along with providing
various training for SMEs.
Partnering with
MARUHAN, Mr Souliyo
hoped it would help to boost
the company’s efforts to
expand its business in the
future.
“Convenient and safe
payment is an important
key for facilitating business
operations,” he said.
Established in 2018, the
Laos-based ride-hailing
service application company
is currently operating in
Vientiane and the tourism Mr Souliyo Vongdala (left) and Mr Anthony Chin (right) shake hands after a demonstration
of the e-commerce auto settlement solution.
city of Luang Prabang.
LOCA also plans
to expand its business
operations in other
economic-hub provinces.
Since early this year,
the company has prepared
to offer services for vans in
addition to its current taxis
and private cars.
“I believe that the
number of various kinds
of vehicles partnering with
LOCA will increase,” Mr
Souliyo said. Mr Anthony Chin (seated right) demonstrates how the e-commerce auto settlement solution works.
Mr Anthony Chin (centre left), Mr Souliyo Vongdala (centre right) and participants of the signing ceremony join group
photo after the signing.
10 Business Monday July 6, 2020
Laos has currently exported a total of 1,680 heads of buffalo and cattle.
Laos’ livestock exports to miss target
due to COVID-19 pandemic
Times Reporters
Laos won’t be able to achieve
its target for livestock
exports, including buffaloes
and cattle, as trade has been
affected by the Covid-19
pandemic, a standing
committee has informed
the 9th Ordinary Session of
the National Assembly’s 8th
legislature.
The government,
especially the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry,
had set a target for exporting
100,000 heads of buffalo and
cattle during 2020 but the
country has exported only
1,680 heads so far this year.
Trade between Laos and
neighbouring countries has
been affected by the strict
measures implemented in the
region to prevent and control
the spread of Covid-19,
including the closure of most
local and traditional border
checkpoints.
However, Laos earned
US$70 million from livestock
exports in the first quarter of
this year, according to the
Ministry of Industry and
Imported car sales jump 41percent
in June despite pandemic
S.KOREA (The Korea
Herald/ANN) -- Sales of
imported vehicles in South
Korea jumped 41 percent in
June from a year earlier on
tax cuts and new models, an
industry association said on
Friday.
The number of newly
registered foreign vehicles
rose to 27,350 units last
month from 19,386 a year
earlier, the Korea Automobile
Importers & Distributors
Association (KAIDA) said
in a statement.
“A reduction in individual
consumption taxes and new
model launches particularly
b y A u d i Vo l k s w a g e n
Korea helped buoy the
monthly sales,” a KAIDA
spokeswoman said over the
phone.
The three bestselling
Commerce.
The demand for livestock
in neighbouring countries,
especially China and
Vietnam, has increased in
recent years.
To ensure sustainable
growth and domestic supply,
the Ministry, in cooperation
with relevant sectors, is
promoting livestock breeding
across Laos in an attempt
to get people to shift from
traditional farming methods
to farming systems for
industrial processing.
The government also
has given the green light
to domestic and foreign
entrepreneurs to invest in this
field and provided special
policies and incentives.
Currently, there are
d i ff e r e n t a g r i c u l t u r a l
promotion projects to
encourage farmers to breed
livestock on a commercial
basis.
Last year, livestock
was the top earner in the
agriculture, forestry and rural
development sector, with
total sales worth US$227.7
million.
models were the Audi A6 40
TDI sedan, Mercedes-Benz’s
E300 4MATIC sedan and
E250 sedan, the statement
said.
From January to June,
foreign carmakers sold a
total of 128,236 autos, up
17 percent from 109.314 in
the same period of last year,
KAIDA said.
Imported brands
accounted for 17 percent
of South Korea’s passenger
vehicle market in the
January-May period, up from
15 percent a year ago. Their
market share for June will be
available in August.
German brands --
Audi-Volkswagen Korea,
BMW Group Korea and
Mercedes-Benz Korea -- sold
a combined 83,647 vehicles
in the first six months, up 44
According to statistics on
imports and exports during
2019, livestock was among
the top two products exported
from Laos to Vietnam, with
sales worth almost US$220
million. It was also among
the top 20 products exported
to China, with sales worth
US$7.5 million.
Markets in China’s
Yunnan region have a
demand for 500,000 cattle
from Laos annually, and
this is one of the key fields
prioritised for a study to see
how the country can meet the
demand for cattle in Chinese
markets.
Laos and China have
outlined guidelines for
breeding livestock to be
exported to Chinese markets,
including the origin and size
of animals.
Vietnam also has an
annual requirement for
300,000 to 400,000 heads
of buffalo and cattle from
overseas, but Laos has been
unable to fulfil this demand.
The ministry this year will
strive to expand livestock
breeding by about six percent.
percent from 57,957 a year
ago, it said.
Japanese carmakers
continued to struggle
with low demand despite
aggressive marketing as the
two countries are still at odds
over Japan’s export curbs
against South Korea.
Their combined sales
plunged 57 percent to 10,043
units in the first half from
23,482 a year ago during
the same period, as the two
countries are still at odds over
Japan’s export curbs against
South Korea.
Five Japanese brands
are available in the Korean
passenger vehicle market --
Toyota Motor Corp. and its
luxury brand Lexus; Honda
Motor Co.; and Nissan Motor
Co. and its premium brand
Infiniti.
Govt highlights agriculture export
push to National Assembly
Times Reporters
The government will continue
to implement measures to
support farm production
for export Minister of
Agriculture and Forestry,
Dr Lien Thikeo told the 9th
session of the 8th Legislature
of the National Assembly
recently.
The ministry has been
negotiating market openings
for crops, fruit and cattle with
China, Vietnam, Thailand
and the European Union,
with 80 percent of the exports
bound for China.
The ministry has
successfully negotiated
openings with Thailand for
12 crops and Vietnam for
13 crops. The European
Union has already opened
its market for all kinds of
goods from Laos. However,
with the recent tightening of
access conditions to the EU
market, there are only two
locally-based companies that
can maintain the hygiene
standards for fresh fruit and
vegetables.
“China is the largest
market for Lao exports
receiving a 50,000-tonne
quota of rice and 500,000
cattle per year,” the minister
said.
In addition, the ministry
has successfully negotiated
market opportunities and
regulated hygienic conditions
for export crops and related
products, including rice,
corn, cassava, bananas,
watermelons and sweet
potatoes to China and another
24 crops as part of an opium
China to promote digital upgrade
CHINA (China Daily/ANN) --
China is actively accelerating
the integrated development
of next-generation
information technology
and manufacturing, in a bid
to further promote digital
transformation and foster
high-quality development.
A new guideline dubbed
the integrated development
of the next-generation
information technology and
the manufacturing industry
was approved on Tuesday
during the 14th meeting of
the Central Committee for
Deepening Overall Reform.
T h e m e e t i n g u rg e d
efforts to accelerate the
integration of the new
information technology and
manufacturing, speed up
the innovative development
of industrial internet,
accelerate the fundamental
transformation of
manufacturing processes and
enhance the level of digital,
networked and intelligent
modes of manufacturing.
Experts said the integration
of the two sectors will help
accelerate the comprehensive
digital transformation of
the manufacturing sector,
provide strong impetus
replacement project.
At present, China has
issued barcodes for 16
crops from Laos that can be
exported to China, Dr Lien
explained.
Currently, the ministry is
coordinating with the General
Administration of Customs
of China drafting conditions
and regulations for the export
of dried tobacco leaves,
passion fruit and oranges.
Furthermore, the two
sides are also preparing
documentation on market
openings for durian, longan,
dragon fruit, jackfruit and
Job’s tear, he said.
Dr Lien said that so
far, three companies have
completed 90 percent of
livestock quarantine centres
capable of processing
228,000 animals annually.
At present, Lao authorities
are waiting for a technical
team from China to inspect
and confirm the facilities for
official use.
The ministry will
continue to coordinate with
the Ministry of Industry
and Commerce, National
Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and entrepreneurs
to actively work with China
to negotiate and report
agricultural product lists to
be confirmed along with
the necessary sanitary and
phytosanitary measures.
The agriculture ministry
will cooperate with China
to conduct inspections at
international and local border
checkpoints between the
two countries to ensure the
prompt movement of farm
for high-quality economic
development and support
the upgrade of China’s
manufacturing capabilities
to the mid-to high-end of the
global value chain.
Zhang Li, head of the
China Center for Information
Industry Development,
said digital transformation
of manufacturing is crucial
for coronavirus epidemic
prevention and control and
the upgrade of China’s
manufacturing industry.
“It will help further
develop the industrial digital
economy, optimise the
allocation of manufacturing
resources and raise the total-
factor productivity. It will
also help accelerate supply-
side structural reform of
the manufacturing sector
and foster high-quality
development in the long run,”
Zhang said in an article posted
on the WeChat account of the
Big Data Industry Alliance
of China.
Zhang cited a white
paper released by the World
Economic Forum, saying
manufacturing enterprises are
expected to see positive effects
of the digital transformation,
with a predicted increase in
Vientiane Times
products, especially fresh
produce, he said.
The ministry will
continue to encourage export
support projects such as the
rubber standards centre in
Vientiane; crop and animal
production and quarantine
standards centre in Vientiane;
three cattle quarantine
and standards centres in
Luang Namtha province;
the establishment of a bio-
fertiliser plant in Savannakhet
province; a rice and crop
seeding research centre; as
well as the establishment of
a modern agricultural and
industrial development zone
in Vientiane.
The minister also
outlined efforts to support
families, local small and
medium businesses, and
foreign investors to develop
and produce high-value
agricultural products using
modern technology in the
form of 2+3 farming so that
local people will adopt the
technology used.
Other priorities include
creating favourable
conditions to facilitate
investment in modern
and swift cross-border
transportation services,
and developing human
resources in line with the
Lao agricultural product
development strategy to
ensure farmers acquire the
necessary technical skills.
The construction of local-
level agricultural promotion
centres would lead farmers to
learn and share ideas on the
development of products and
services, Dr Lien said.
revenue of 22.6 percent, and
a 17.6-percent reduction in
costs.
China’s economy is
currently transitioning from
a phase of rapid development
to a new stage of high-quality
development, with a focus on
innovation-driven economic
growth and upgrade of the
economic structure. The
government has initiated a
series of policies on digital
transformation to catch up
with advanced economies
and inject new impetus into
the economy.
Miao Wei, minister of
industry and information
technology, said during a
recent news conference in
Beijing that the ministry
will continuously encourage
the use of next-generation
information technology to
support epidemic prevention
and control as well as
work resumption and
production. The ministry
will make a big push to
support the development of
new technologies such as
5G, artificial intelligence,
industrial internet, the
internet of things, internet
of vehicles, big data and
block chain.
Vientiane Times
Heathfield International School ...
curriculum is ideal for
international students with
a focus on wellbeing. It
helps students develop the
global skills they need for
future academic and career
success.
Heathfield International
School will welcome
curriculum leaders from
Oxford International in future
to support local teaching
staff in implementing the
curriculum.
The school believes
its academic excellence
will be greatly enhanced
by adopting the Oxford
International Curriculum.
The Oxford Education
plaque was handed
over during a ceremony
last week to the school
Headmaster, Mr Michael
Anderson by the Deputy
Head of Mission at the
British Embassy, Mr Jeff
Matthewman.
The ceremony was
Monday July 6, 2020 Business 11
FROM PAGE 1
attended by the Ministry
of Education and Sports’
Office Head, Ms Daravone
Kittiphan, the Board
President of Heathfield
International School, Mr
Sounthone Phommachak
and British Business Group
Lao President, Mr John
Cockcroft along with local
authorities.
During the event, the
school also announced
that new buildings and
facilities would be ready
for teaching staff and
students in September. The
facilities include modern
classrooms, new music and
art rooms, a swimming pool,
indoor sports centre, tennis
courts and a multi-purpose
astroturf pitch.
Please contract us No.
0305458899, 02055928899,
website: www.heathfield.
la, email: info@heathfield.
la, Phakhao village in
Xaythany district.
12 Monday July 6, 2020
Feature
Govt gives green light to Vientiane Logistic Park
Company for dry port, logistics development
Officials and representatives of businesses seen at the ground-breaking ceremony.
Advertorial Desk
C
eremonies
marking the
ground-breaking
and signing of a
concession agreement for
the Thanaleng Dry Port
and Vientiane Logistics
Park (VLP) project between
the Ministry of Planning
and Investment and the
Vientiane Logistic Park
Company Limited were
held in Vientiane on July 3.
The ground-breaking
ceremony was held in the
morning at the project site
in Dongphosy village of
Hadxaifong district, and the
ceremony for the signing of
the concession agreement
was held at Landmark
Riverside Hotel in the
evening.
The agreement was signed
by the Deputy Minister for
Planning and Investment, Ms
Khamchan Vongseneboun,
and Vientiane Logistics Park
Company’s Chairman, Mr
Chanthone Sitthixay.
The events were
witnessed by the Lao Front
for National Development’s
President, Dr Xaysomphone
Phomvihane, the Public
Wo r k s a n d Tr a n s p o r t
Minister, Dr Bounchanh
Sinthavong, the Minister to
the Prime Minister’s Office,
Mr Alounkeo Kittikhoun, the
Phongsavanh Group Founder
and Honorary Chairman,
Dr Od Phongsavanh, and
officials and representatives
from the Ministry of Finance,
Vientiane Administration
O ff i c e , L a o N a t i o n a l
Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, several embassies,
concerned sectors and
companies.
The project is part of the
national socio-economic
development plan of the
government to meet the needs
for infrastructure development
and modern logistics service at
the international level.
The Thanaleng Dry Port
and Vientiane Logistics Park
Project is a project being
built with the cooperation of
the Lao government under
a BOT (Built, Operate and
Transfer) scheme and a 50-
year concession agreement. It
is a joint venture between the
government and its partner,
and the Ministry of Finance
holds part of the total shares
on behalf of the government.
Initially, the project will
cover an area of 200 hectares.
The total investment for the
project is US$727 million
and the construction will be
divided into three phases.
The first phase is expected
to be completed in 12 to 14
months.
The project is a
large-scale scheme for
infrastructure development
in Laos. It is the first priority
for the National Logistic
Development Strategy
2016-30, which is aimed at
expanding the policies of the
Lao government.
An artist’s impression of the project’s design.
Ms Khamchan Vongseneboun and Mr Chanthone Sitthixay (third from left) inked the agreement.
It is also the only
comprehensive logistics
p r o j e c t i n Vi e n t i a n e
Capital, combining two
key components at a single
l o cat i o n (co -l o c a t i o n )
to maximise the benefit
of regional economic
integration and logistics
connectivity namely:
1. The Thanaleng
Dry Port:
The Thanaleng Dry
Port will serve as the first
international multimodal
transport terminal that will
provide the integrated “port”
service in an inland location
aiming to facilitate trade
and reduce the logistics
cost through its origin
and destination services
for containers transport
with LCL (less container
loading) facilities, providing
transshipment operation and
streamlined international
border crossing for import,
export and transit cargo. The
Dry Port will be equipped
with modern handling
equipment, vehicles and
all categories of customs
warehouses to accommodate
increasing containers
volume, while the operation
will be controlled by the
latest Terminal Operating
Systems (TOS) that will
ensure speed, security and
reliability.
2. The Logistics Park:
The logistics zone is
an area focusing on value
added services to the Dry
Port Operation such as:
 A logistics Centre
that companies can operate
transports and logistics
businesses, e-commerce
activities and goods
distribution both domestic
and international.
 A Free Zone for the
production, manufacturing,
assembly, storage of goods
waiting for import, export
and transit. It will also
house an international trade
promotion centre that will
provide commercial service
and serve as showroom
Vientiane Times
for Lao export products
especially those from SME.
 A Tank Farm that
will store liquid bulk cargoes
such as petroleum products
etc.,
 A C o l d C h a i n
facility for animal meat,
fruits and vegetables.
In sum, the project is
part of the national socio-
economic development plan
of the government to meet
the needs for infrastructure
development and modern
logistics service at the
international level. Once
the project’s construction
is completed, it will serve
Laos with full modern
infrastructure to integrate
all transport systems at the
international level.
The transport by land,
railways and sea is also
expected to strengthen
competition in the logistics
and transportation sector
and facilitate trade for Laos.
The project’s cost is rather
high as it will be equipped
with full services for land
transport and railways
in order to contribute to
Laos’ socio-economic
development. In addition,
the project will contribute to
creating jobs for Lao people
and improving their living
standards.
Vientiane Times Monday July 6, 2020 Feature 13

Steak House Ribera:Wrestling’s

spiritual home in Japan
TOKYO (The Japan Times) grudge happened to show up
-- That’s right — you, the at Ribera at the same time and
puny weakling reading this things got out of hand.
article! You think this is a Nowadays, wrestlers from
story about vegan food? overseas visit Ribera less
Wrong! This is a story about frequently, with the number
professional wrestling and of shows they do in Japan
meat! far fewer than in the golden
It’s also a story about a age of the 1980s and ’90s.
small, family-run steakhouse The majority of Ribera’s
in Tokyo whose name has current customers have little
acquired legendary status interest in wrestling, and
around the globe through many even wonder who the
word of mouth alone. hulking characters flexing
“ We d i d n ’t s e t o u t their muscles in the photos
to become famous,” says are.
Toshihiko Yamaguchi, who Instead, they come for the
runs the Meguro branch of simple menu, based around
Steak House Ribera, which good-quality steak, which
has become something you can order in half- or full-
of a pilgrimage site for pound cuts. The ambitious
professional wrestlers from can tackle Ribera’s eating
all over the world. “Wrestlers challenge: Those who can
from overseas just came here eat three servings of “jumbo”
and took the place to their steak and rice within 30
hearts.” minutes win ¥10,000 (and
If you’re not a fan of the meal for free).
wrestling, chances are you’ve For overseas wrestlers
never heard of Steak House Wrestling fever: Both branches of Steak House Ribera are covered, floor to ceiling, in photos of notable wrestlers. visiting Japan, however,
Ribera. Yamaguchi’s father, Ribera will always be their
Norikazu, opened the first is proof that you’ve made it. “thousands” of wrestlers visits from star grapplers were the complete opposite spiritual home.
branch, which has room “ We d o n ’t s e l l t h e have visited Ribera over the from overseas were a regular of how they appeared in the “I can’t count the number
for around 10 customers jackets,” he continues. “We years, and the photos that occurrence, and he was ring. Others would finish of wrestlers who have been
seated along a counter, in give them as presents, as a cover the walls, ceiling and even invited to stay twice their match and then go out here,” says the younger
Tokyo’s Gotanda area in token of our appreciation. shop front — including stars at the Minneapolis home drinking and carousing in Yamaguchi. “There aren’t
1972. A second, which seats If we thought about it only like Hogan, The Rock, The of wrestler Road Warrior Roppongi, then get up for really any famous wrestlers
around 30 and is situated in terms of publicity, the Undertaker and John Cena, Animal. their next match without from overseas who haven’t
about a 20-minute walk from wrestlers would see through all clad in Ribera jackets Having been around going to bed. Some looked been here.
Meguro Station, opened five it. That’s not our intention. — bear testament to the professional wrestlers his like hellraisers, but actually “It’s a real honor,”
years later. It started purely with us restaurant’s standing in the whole life, Yamaguchi says they would go straight back to he continues. “It wasn’t
The elder Yamaguchi wanting to give Brody wrestling world. there is often a gap between their hotel after their matches. something that we set out to
originally had no interest in a present. More than the Also making several their public image and reality. It was interesting, the different make happen. We weren’t
wrestling, but his restaurant’s publicity, it made us happy to appearances in the photos “Among the wrestlers types you would get.” trying to use the wrestlers to
destiny was shaped by a see Brody wearing the jacket alongside the wrestlers — at I met when I was younger, Yamaguchi says trouble become famous. They just
random visit by American in wrestling magazines. That various stages of his life — you would get two types,” was not unheard of during liked the place. It makes me
grappler Bruiser Brody in feeling was what made us is the younger Yamaguchi he says. “Some played the that period, and the police really proud that these people
the late 1970s. Brody, who want to give out more.” himself. Now 45, he grew part of villains, but in real life would have to be called in would come all the way here
was on the lookout for some Yamaguchi says that up in an environment where they were very serious. They if wrestlers with a real-life from their own countries.”
steak during a trip to Tokyo,
was so enamored by Ribera
that he asked Yamaguchi
to make him a jacket with
the restaurant’s name on it.
Norikazu obliged and gave it
to Brody as a present.
Brody began wearing the
jacket at wrestling shows
around the world, which
aroused the curiosity of
other wrestlers, who had
never heard of Steak House
Ribera. Gradually, they
began to check the place out
for themselves whenever
they visited Tokyo, and
Yamaguchi created more
jackets to give to wrestlers
as presents.
Before long, visiting
Ribera had become a rite
of passage for overseas
wrestlers making the trip to
Japan, and the satin bomber
jacket with the bull’s-head
logo on the breast became a
must-have item for any self-
respecting wrestler.
“Today’s wrestlers started
off as fans, and they grew up
seeing people like Brody and
Hulk Hogan wearing Ribera
jackets,” says the younger
Yamaguchi. “It’s often said
that for a wrestler, being
given your own Ribera jacket Managing a legacy: Toshihiko Yamaguchi, who now runs the Meguro branch of Steak House Ribera, grew up surrounded by professional wrestlers.
14 Monday July 6, 2020
Opinion
e e t w i se
Str
Buddhist Lent starts this week with people around the country marking the occasion with making merit-
making, by offering alms to monks in the morning and taking part in candlelight processions in the
evening. Vientiane Times asked people for their thoughts on the correct way to observe Lent.
Visith Teppalath
Ms Kaisy Soutthavong, a
resident of Chanthabouly
district, Vientiane: I’m very
happy that it’s time for Lent
once more. I enjoy going
to a temple to give alms
and meet other devotees.
Lent is a very important and
meaningful time because
it’s an opportunity to do
good deeds and earn more
merit. I think that during
Lent people should try to
behave better than they
normally do. People should
stop drinking alcohol and
refrain from smoking
because it will make us
healthier and happier, both
physically and mentally.
We can also save money.
We should also practise
good morals and try to
be virtuous. I don’t like
drinking in general and
I can easily stop during
Lent. My husband tried to
stop drinking during Lent
last year but unfortunately
he wasn’t successful. But
he’s going to try again this
year and I think that, given
sufficient willpower, he
should be able to exercise
more control and go teetotal
for three months.
Mr Khamkone, a resident
of Pakngum district,
Vientiane: Like other
Buddhists, I enjoy making
merit during Lent. I will
regularly give offerings to
monks because I want to
gain more merit. I plan to
go to a temple and chant the
scriptures, attend various
rituals and make more merit
which I will dedicate to my
forebears and other people
who have died. I will cut
down or stop drinking
and smoking. It’s good
that many drinkers try to
reduce their intake or stop
altogether during Lent and
How should we conduct ourselves
appropriately during Lent?
People pray before Buddha images at Vat Haisok in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane.
I’m sure it helps them to
relax and have more time
for work, earning money,
and their families.
Ms Ornchan, a resident
of Sikhottabong district,
Vientiane: Lent is a time
for merit-making and also
a good time to uphold our
cultural traditions. Gaining
merit makes us happier
and being happier usually
leads to fulfilment. As
an elderly person I enjoy
making merit. It’s a good
way to live and I believe
that if we have faith we
will get what we wish
for. Giving something to
other people, especially
monks, is good for us and
Vientiane Times
Devotees give offerings to monks at Vat Haisok.
our spiritual wellbeing. their children and should
So we should all make not drink or smoke and
merit if we can, especially if possible should refrain
during Lent. Doing good from bad conduct because
and earning more merit children always imitate their People take part in an almsgiving ceremony at Vat Ongteu in
will make ourselves and parents’ behaviour. Vientiane.
our families happy. Young
people, especially students,
should conduct themselves
appropriately and avoid
drinking, smoking, and
anti-social behaviour. Going
to a temple to learn about
the teachings of the Buddha
and to meditate are good
things to do.
Mr Phan Mingmano,
a resident of Xaysettha
district, Vientiane: The
Lenten period is a very
significant time, not only in
Laos but in other Buddhist
countries. To mark the
start of Lent I will go with
my family and friends
to offer alms to monks,
which always makes me
feel satisfied. I want to
make merit for myself and
my family. I also dedicate
merit to my ancestors and
grandparents who died a
long time ago, and I wish
for good things in the
future. I think everyone,
especially young people and
students, should spend their
time wisely during Lent.
If more people were to do
good deeds, our society
would be more peaceful and
contented. As young people,
we should do useful things
for our country and society
and not just make merit
during Lent but whenever
we have the opportunity.
During Lent parents should
set a good example to
Vientiane Times
All-out efforts needed to build
a moderately well-off society
CHINA (China Daily/
ANN) -- Modernisation
will lead China toward
national rejuvenation. As
the architect and leader
of China’s modernisation
drive, the Communist Party
of China, has improved
the national governance
system and enhanced its
governance capacity to
achieve the goal of building
a m o der ately well-off
society in all respects by
the end of 2020.
The fourth and
fifth National People’s
Congress worked out plans
for the modernisation
of agriculture, industry,
science and technology, and
national defense sectors.
In 1980, the international
standard for determining
a modern society was per
Aerial photo shows a view of the Lujiazui area in Shanghai.
capita GNP of US$3,000,
while China’s per capita
GNP was only US$250.
To a c h i e v e n a t i o n a l
modernization, the CPC
advanced the “three-step
strategy”: increasing per
capita GNP to $500 by
1990, and US$1,000 by
2000.
After China’s per capita
GDP reached US$1,000 by
2001, the CPC adjusted
the country’s economic
development to realize the
“Two Centenary Goals”-
of building a moderately
prosperous society in
all respects by 2020,
and developing “a great
modern socialist country
that is prosperous, strong,
democratic, culturally
advanced, harmonious, and
beautiful” by 2049.
That China is moving
toward achieving the twin
goals is evident from the
fact that its per capita GDP
crossed US$10,200 last
year.
After 1978, the CPC
focused on economic
construction, making
reform and opening-up the
main drivers of economic
development. Apart from
implementing programmes
to build a moderately
well-off society in all
respects, the Party also
focused on comprehensive
reform by deepening
economic reform.
And to deepen reform,
the Party strengthened
socialism with Chinese
characteristics while
making greater efforts to
modernise the national
governance system and
improve its governance
capacity.
The national governance
system includes all
institutional mechanisms,
laws and regulations in
the fields of economy,
politics, culture, society,
ecological civilisation
and Party construction.
The Party has promoted
modernisation in these
fields through institutional
reform to realise the goal
of building a prosperous,
strong, democratic,
culturally advanced,
harmonious, and beautiful
China, and promote all-
round development of
“material civilisation,
spiritual civilisation,
political civilisation, social
civilisation and ecological
civilisation”.
Besides, the CPC
has taken measures
to improve its market
economy governance
capacity, in order to ensure
Monday July 6, 2020 Opinion 15
socialist market economy construction and protection areas can improve their and control. Through
minimises the risk of programmes. Thanks to livelihoods through collaborative governance,
market failure and prevents these efforts, impoverished ecological migration. China has removed many
loss of State assets. It regions with poor Moreover, in the wake obstacles on the economic
also aims to improve ecological environments of the novel coronavirus development path, and
its State governance will eventually emerge outbreak, the Party there are enough reasons
capacity by deepening out of poverty with better requires authorities at to believe it would do the
inner-Party reform so it and improved ecological different levels to strike same to achieve the goal
can eventually achieve environments. And, more the right balance between of building a moderately
national modernisation for i m p o r t a n t l y, p o v e r t y - economic development well-off society in all
the benefit of all people. stricken people in such and epidemic prevention respects.
Minimising risks,
alleviating poverty and
reducing pollution are
all major challenges that
have to be overcome to
build a moderately well-
off society in all respects.
In fact, the 19th National
Congress of the CPC
focused on removing
obstacles on the path of
national modernisation
by launching campaigns
aimed at preventing and
solving major risks,
targeted alleviation of
poverty, and prevention
and control of pollution.
And since the three
major challenges are
intertwined, the CPC is
promoting collaborative
governance to solve key
problems. For example, as
poverty and environmental
pollution form a vicious
circle in China, most of the
poverty-stricken areas are
located in regions with poor
ecological environment. To
solve this problem, the
CPC has made alleviating
ecological poverty a part
of its targeted poverty
alleviation work.
In ecologically fragile
regions, the Party has
been making painstaking
efforts to manage local
ecological environments
through ecological
conservation, restoration,
16 Monday July 6, 2020 Vientiane Times
Entertainment
Record-breaking feat for Lao artists return to public view after
BLACKPINK’s comeback single Covid-19 hiatus
PHILIPPINES (The following of One Direction Park and Danny Chung in
Philippine Daily Inquirer/ (31.7 million). But the Korean, with some phrases
ANN) -- BLACKPINK is ladies are just as popular on in English.
gearing up for its four-year other streaming platforms, R e a d a l s o :
milestone next month, having like Spotify (where they BLACKPINK’s ‘How You
released its debut album have 20.8 million monthly Like That’ tops 100 million
Square One, featuring the listeners). views in record time.
No. 1 hit “Whistle”, on Aug. Blinks certainly have their When the track isn’t
8, 2016. work cut out for them - and, showing off Lisa’s kick-
Last Friday, Ji-soo, Jennie, upon the invitation of Globe ass rapping skills, it casts
Rosé and Lisa gave their and Globe Kmmunity PH, each of the girls in an
fans, known as Blinks, great Inquirer Entertainment was optimistic light as they
reason to cheer long before there last Friday to witness sing about bouncing back
August and the September and share virtual space with from a bad relationship
release of the girl group’s them to cheer the girls on, and breakup.
upcoming album. never mind if a considerable F o r instance, in a
The prerelease streaming chunk of their giggly chat stanza sung by Jenny and
of its comeback single “How was in Korean. Jisoo, following Lisa’s rap Agency artists display their
You Like That” on V Live last For their V Live event, about karma, the dance Agency entertainers and their new activities. new work.
Friday set off a celebratory Ji-soo, Jennie, Rosé and song winkingly warns of Sisouphan Amphonephong
fan event that, with 86.3 Lisa engaged fans with comeuppance: “In such a
million views, enabled the f r i e n d l y b a n t e r, s o m e dark place, shine like the The Alist Talent Agency Laos is getting
lovely quartet to break five of it in English, about stars/With a smile on my back into the swing of things with a feast of
Guinness world records on how appreciative they face, I’ll kiss you goodbye/ activities after entertainers remained largely
YouTube, including those are of their fans’ support. Laugh at me while you still hidden from public view during the Covid-19
for most viewed YouTube But the highlight of the can/Because it’s now your outbreak.
video in 24 hours; most event was the making of turn…” Alist Talent Agency Laos representative
viewed music video in 24 “How You Like That’s” Later, the four girls member of the GB2 band, Mr Alexon Sitthiso,
hours; most viewed music colour-draped, energy- feistily declare: “You should told Vientiane Times last week that during the
video in 24 hours by a K-pop driven music video, where have ended me while you still Covid-19 outbreak the agency’s entertainers
group; most viewers for the behind-the-scenes footage had your chance. Are you had been unable to appear in public after all
premiere of a video; and most of the ir c hore ograp h y listening, guys?” social activities were banned.
viewers for the premiere of a rehearsals was shown. Speaking of the event, But some of them had continued to
music video. The song itself is no we’d like to thank the movers work at home, such as by reviewing beauty
Among music acts, slouch. It was released and shakers of Globe, who products, creating online shows, and selling
BLACKPINK has the largest through YG Entertainment invited us to the streaming various products to the public.
number of subscribers on and Interscope Records party as part of its activities They had also produced video clips to
YouTube (39.8 million), and written by Korean- for the #KmmunityHwaiting encourage people to follow the government’s
surpassing even the American rapper Teddy Month in June. guidelines on ways to prevent the spread of
Covid-19.
Last month the agency resumed business
and its artists sprang into action again,
Work for Plan International Laos to support young people especially girls and women in having a quality
especially on social media, enabling them to
education and a strong career. Apply to our prospective Secondary Education strengthening program as Team interact with members of the public.
Leader! This is an exciting senior role with great potential for impact. One of the agency’s employees, Ms Alis,
Plan International is a development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for
girls. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling had acted in a music video along with other.
the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children. Another, Ms Tanoy, had acted in a music
Plan International has been working in Laos since 2007 and is delivering integrated programs in Bokeo, Oudomxay, video for Ola Black Eyes, while Ms Keota
Saravane among other provinces. Plan International’s focus in Laos is supporting children, especially girls to access
their rights to education, health, ASRH and economic empowerment. We closely partner with the Ministry of had been chosen to act in a new series.
Education and Sports, Government of Lao PDR. Miss International Laos 2018 Piyamart
Plan is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, members of ethnic groups and Phoumpasert (Barbie) was chosen to perform
people with disabilities. Plan offers competitive salaries and long-term employment opportunities for all posts.
Plan International Laos is looking for: in a music video for Jack The Voice and May
ADB Team Leader – Education for Employment (subject to award) La-ong took part in a music video for Mr
The Education for Employment Sector Development Program is part of phased Asian Development Bank support to
strengthen human capital development in the Lao PDR. The program will help the Ministry of Education and Sports
Alexon Sitthiso.
to undertake reforms to progressively align secondary education, technical and vocational education and training, Mr Pern was also chosen to act in a music
and higher education with evolving workforce skill needs. video for Jack The Voice, while Mr Alexon
Due to the withdrawal of our previously nominated candidate, Plan is now urgently seeking a qualified, in-country performed alongside Ms Keota in the series.
candidate for the position of Team Leader for this active bid.
Duties and responsibilities: A newcomer to the agency, Mr Bob and bring fresh new ideas to the world of
• Focal point for MOES and ADB on project management; Yokong, is in the process of creating a music entertainment.
• Develop detailed work plans for the consultant team and supervise and coordinate inputs to ensure tasks are He thanked all customers and artists for
undertaken effectively within 1 month of mobilization;
video to introduce the public to his acting
• Coordination and work with MOES and government on PPE reforms; skills. continuing to place their trust in the agency
• Dialogue/coordination with development partners; Alexon said he was confident that this and encouraged artists to get creative and
• Coordinate across all the technical implementing units to ensure that all project activities are undertaken as
planned; month the agency’s artists would have liven up the entertainment scene to keep
• Prepare and update projections for the contract awards and disbursements; many opportunities to display their talents everyone happy.

US film academy invites 819 new

• Guide and advise the executing agency and implementing units about the progress of the project, potential
bottlenecks, and of actions to address them;
• Provide technical advice, including written technical inputs, to support implementation of specific technical

members this year to increase diversity

activities across outputs as required;
• Define results indicators (quantitative or qualitative) for every project component and develop the overall M&E
strategy and workplan and implement including data collection, management and reporting requirements.
• Collect information on the teachers trained and other capacity building workshops supported and make an
assessment of the effectiveness of these training programs and how can this be delivered more effectively.; LOS ANGELES (Xinhua) Aparicio (Roma), Florence set specific inclusion
Requirements: -- The Academy of Motion Pugh (Little Women), Choi goals as part of its A2020
• At least a masters’ degree in education or other relevant discipline Picture Arts and Sciences Wo o - S h i k ( P a r a s i t e ) , initiative to double the
• Substantial experience working in the education for employment sector in the Lao PDR.
• Experience in team leader roles, ideally on ADB assignments. has extended invitations to Bernie Taupin (Rocket number of women and
• High level M&E system design and implementation experience. 819 artists and executives, Man), Cynthia Erivo underrepresented ethnic/
• Excellent partnership and communication skills. including 15 Oscar winners, (Harriet), Awkwafina (The racial communities by
FOR ALL PLAN POSITIONS:
• We strongly encourage equally qualified female candidates to apply t o j o i n t h i s y e a r, t h e Farewell) and Chinese- 2020.
• Strong commitment to the equal rights and participation of girls and women is essential organisation said last week. American film director “The Academy is
• Strong commitment to the Rights of the Child is essential
• Plan does not tolerate child abuse. All Plan staff are selected and employed in line with the conditions of Plan’s
The 2020 class is 45 Lulu Wang (The Farewell). delighted to welcome
Child Protection Policy. These include appropriate reference and background checks. percent women, 36 percent A number of Chinese these distinguished fellow
• Applications will not be acknowledged. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No correspondence or underrepresented ethnic/ f ilmmak er s , in clu d in g travelers in the motion
telephone calls will be entered into. picture arts and sciences,”
• Short listed candidates will be required to attend panel interviews and other selection procedures.
racial communities, and 49 Wu Jing (The Wandering
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 25th July 2020 percent international from Earth, Wolf Warrior) and said Academy president
TO APPLY FOR THIS POST: 68 countries, according to Zhao Tao (Ash Is Purest David Rubin, adding
Send your resume/CV, and cover letter. In the cover letter please state on a separate names and contact details
of three referees and your salary expectation to Plan International Laos, PO Box 6026, Vientiane, Lao PDR, or to a press release from the White, Mountains May “We have always embraced
PlanLaos.JobVacancies@plan-international.org, Academy. Depart), are also among extraordinary talent that
Please state in cover letter how you learned about the job – through emails, Vientiane Times, INGO Directory, 108 The star-studded list of the new invited members. reflects the rich variety of
Jobs, or friends.
invitees includes Yalitza In 2016, the Academy our global film community.”
Vientiane Times Monday July 6, 2020 17
18 Monday July 6, 2020 Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times Monday July 6, 2020 19
Classified What’s on
Essay writing contest
for students
Students
currently
enrolled in
college and
university, with
valid student
enrollment
cards, can apply for an essay writing
scholarship. Write a 1,000-word essay about
Free occupational talented women to have a chance to win a

training for women

Women aged between 16 and 34 years who
are currently not working can apply for a
ໂຮງພິມ ມັນທາຕຸລາດ free training course in wig making. Selected
participants will join the 40-day course
Manthaturath Printing Press with free accommodation and meals. After
B. Nongbouathong, training, the participants who graduate will be
Sikhottabong district, employed and receive a salary ranging from
Vientiane Lao PDR
Tel: 217 243,
1.2 million kip to 3.12 million kip with welfare
measures such as training courses. For more
Moblie: 020 55516138
information, please call 02059595479.
Where: Lao-Korea Skills Development
Institute.
When: Applications can be submitted during
Scholars
US$2,500 cash award for the best candidates.
The scholarship has been started with the aim
of highlighting the hidden talent of women with
the motto “First woman to achieve big”. All the
candidates, male/female, can participate but
you need to find stories on those women who
were the first ones to do certain projects ever.
Where: Apply online. For more information,
please visit https://bit.ly/2NKLdZv
When: The application deadline is October 15.
Asean-India research
training fellowship

Attention Vientiane Times subscribers working hours this month.

wanting to gain
more research

We at Vientiane Times would like to inform Song writing contest
our subscribers that we now offer newspaper Enter this contest by writing a song about the
boxes for use in homes and offices. The benefits of breast milk, frequent handwashing,
education, and a healthy diet. The winning
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lock and key, help protect your paper from a music video will be made by Anysay Keola
inclement weather. Those interested in obtaining a box should contact and aired on television.
the Vientiane Times office or call us at: When: Applications accepted until July 17
Where: Apply at www. facebook.com/
Tel: 336042; Fax: 336041 sabaigai.sabaijai
experience are
invited to apply
for the Asean-
India Research
Training fellowship. The fellowship allows
young researchers to work at any Indian
research/academic institution. The purpose
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talented young researchers of Asean member
countries. For more information,
please visit https://bit.ly/314p0NT
Where: Apply online at www.aistic.gov.in.

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20 Monday July 6, 2020
Sports
Juve dominate Torino, Lazio sink at Olimpico
ROME (Xinhua) -- Gianluigi
Buffon marked his milestone
on Saturday by helping
Juventus claim the highly-
anticipated Derby della Mole
with a 4-1 home victory
while Lazio’s Scudetto hopes
were all but ruined after a
lopsided 3-0 defeat to AC
Milan.
Buffon, who just
renewed his contract with
Juventus to 2021, entered
the Allianz Stadium with
647 appearances in the Serie
A, sharing the top spot with
Paolo Maldini on the all-
time tally. After starting in
Saturday’s game, the 42-year-
old legend now holds the
record alone.
It took the home side
just two minutes to break
the deadlock. Paulo Dybala
found the net with a low
strike after a mazy run in
the box, his fifth consecutive
game on the scoresheet.
Juventus continued the
pressure and extended the
lead in the 28th minute
through a rapid counter-
attack when Cristiano
Ronaldo surged forward,
drawing the defenders and
then threading through for
Juan Cuadrado to finish with
an angled drive.
Torino pulled one goal
back on the stroke of the half-
time, when Andrea Belotti
beat Buffon from the penalty
spot.
Juventus restored a two-
goal margin with a stunner
from Ronaldo on the hour
mark as the talisman finally
broke the curse to convert
a free kick for the first time
since joining the Old Lady in
2018. It is also his 25th goal
of the Serie A season, the first
Juve player to achieve this
feat since 1961.
The Bianconeri added
the fourth before the whistle
thanks to an own goal from
Koffi Djidji as he accidentally
prodded Douglas Costa’s
floated pass into his own net.
Second-placed Lazio
failed to keep the pressure
on Juventus as they were
crushed 3-0 by AC Milan at
Olimpico Stadium.
The Rossoneri scored
the opener in the 23rd
minute with a stroke of
luck as a long attempt
from Hakan Calhanoglu
took a deflection off the
defender to loop over
helpless goalkeeper
Thomas Strakosha.
The away side extended
the lead in the 34th minute
as Zlatan Ibrahimovic
converted a spot-kick,
Vientiane Times
three minutes after his
tap-in was flagged offside.
Manuel Lazzari scored
a goal for the Aquile seven
minutes after the restart
but was also caught offside
in the build-up.
AC Milan sealed the win
in the 59th minute when
Giacomo Bonaventura’s
smart pass found Ante
Rebic, who placed a daisy-
cutter into the net.
The defeat for Lazio,
coupled with Juventus’
victory, made the race for
the Serie A title seem a
foregone conclusion as the
defending champions have
established a seven-point
lead over the Biancocelesti.
In another fixture on
Saturday, Sassuolo earned
their second consecutive win FC Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (right) vies with Torino’s
in an entertaining 4-2 home Bremer during a Serie A football match between FC Juventus
victory over Lecce. and Torino in Turin, Italy. --Photo Xinhua