Famous Japanese footballers to visit Laos
The Japanese professional footballer Association (JPFA) and some Japan's favorite footballers are planning to visit Laos after finishing Japanese league play at the end of this year.
The delegation will be led by JPFA Chairman Mr. Toshiya Fujita and will be the first time that he and Japaneses footballers have visited Laos.
The JPFA will discuss collaboration with the football federation and the Ministry of education and sports to develop the nation's players and lao sports, said director general of the international relations department of the lao national sports committee, Mr. Soulasith Oupravanh.
The lao football team plans to compete in the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia in November and the ninth National Games to be held in Luang Prabang province in December.
During the visit, the national team will play the Japanese in a friendly match and expect to gain valuable experience in the process because the JPFA has skillful players and the Japanese league currently competes at the international level.
The talented footballers of Laos will be able to train and play in Japan and will be supported by the JPFA, Mr. Soulasith said.
Currently, the Lao players in the U-16 category are talented and will play in ASEAN tournament in Vientiane next month.
After finishing the ASEAN event, the team will prepare to play in a qualifying round, in Vientiane, for an Asian level tournament this year.
The JPFA is also looking for a professional karate-do trainer in Japan who can come to Laos and train the national team, Mr. Soulasith said.
The Lao football team is training hard to prepare for the first World cup qualifying match in Cambodia on June 27 and will face the Cambodia team again in the second qualifying round in Vientiane on July 3.
Top 10 countries that invest in Laos 2008
(KPL) Thailand tops the foreign investment in Laos with 1.5 billion US dollars invested in various projects in the last eight years, has said the Investment Promotion Department, Ministry of Planning and Investment. The department said in its recently released report that the investment from Thailand made Vietnam and China the second and third largest foreign investment in Laos although they ranked first and third largest in the first nine months of 2008, in which Vietnam contributed 181 million US dollars and China did 111 million US dollars to the investment environment of Laos.
Thailand, also the first largest trade partner of Laos, ranked second in the list of foreign investment in the first nine months of 2008, which invested 173 US dollars in various projects across the country.
Top ten largest foreign investors in Laos in the last eight years include
1. Thailand, 2. China,
3. Vietnam, 4. France,
5. Japan, 6. The Republic of Korea,
7. India, 8. Australia,
9. Malaysia and 10. Singapore.
Vientiane to have Sky Train !
Signature of an agreement on the draft Sky Train in Vientiane(KPL) - The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the
proposed construction of a Sky Train (elevated railway) in Vientiane,
was held recently in the Lao capital, between Mr. Phetsamone Vilaphanh, Deputy
Head of Department of Planning and Cooperation of the Ministry of
Public Works and Transport, and Mr. Adrew Khor Poh Kiang, representing
the group of Japanese companies Flagship Maglev (FSG) to the south-east
Asia, in the presence of Mr. Sithong Thonkèo, vice-minister of
Ministry, and Mr. Bounchanh Sinlavong, deputy mayor of Vientiane,
reported the newspaper Lao on business...more info>>
According to the contract BOT (build, operation and transfer), FSG will invest 100% in the concession of this project. It provides a survey of construction instead of 6 to 12 months, a site of 4 years and the official entry into service the following year. According to estimates, 51 km of railways will be laid and 6 stations built between the Friendship Bridge Vientiane - Nong Khai and Nong Chanh market -
Wattay International Airport - Thong Pong - the National University
Dong Dok - The national stadium at Km18 and the National University and
Dong Dok city center.
Regarding technology, FSG will use the latest machines called "Technology of the
21st century" that will allow cars to move automatically airlines
through the magnetic field, as levitation. This technology is already being used in Nagoya, Japan. In addition, with this same technique, Japan and
the Republic of Korea also signed a cooperation contract in the
construction of the railway under the ocean with a length of over 500
kms between Japan and Busan of South Korea.
According FSG, the construction cost will amount to around 300 - 400 million U.S. dollars. Once this project successful, FSG wishes to make the ambitious concession, as always BOT, a Sky Train linking the countries of Asean among themselves and with
Laos shook the center.
The most positive magnetic rail network is that its system complies
with urban use because the wheel moving at 10 cm from the road and
there is no friction, the train is perfectly silent, which is ideal
sound environment issue.
Korea 's B-Boys take to Vientiane stage next month
Korea 's famous Break-Boys, or B-Boys, will take to the stage in Vientiane for two performances in June.
Two break-dancing teams and a beatbox expert will perform “Flying Higher”, at the National Culture Hall on June 4 and 5 from 7.30pm.
The performances will feature 22 dancers from Korea 's Gambler Crew and Animation Crew, in addition to the music of Beatbox Eunjun, who is credited with establishing the beatbox genre in Korea.
Highlights will include power moves, acrobatic dances, beatboxing and hip-hop music. “Flying Higher” aims to show the audience how freedom can be expressed through creative dance movement...more info>>
A B-Boy or B-Girl is a person devoted to hip-hop culture, specifically the break dance element. The term originated with the first hip-hop DJ, Kool DJ Herc, who, on noticing the reaction of some dancers to drum breaks, named them Break-Boys or B-Boys.
The performances are sponsored and organised by the Korea Foundation, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Laos , and the Lao Ministry of Information and Culture.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea yesterday announced the performances, which will be free.
By Vientiane Times
Laos to have direct flight to Japan !
Officials from Laos and Japan will conduct a feasibility study of direct flights between Nagoya Airport in Japan and Wattay International Airport in Vientiane.The Director General of the Civil Aviation Department, Mr Yakua Lopangkao, told Vientiane Times yesterday that Lao officials will first collect basic information regarding potential passenger demand.
“We expect to collect the information within the next two months and then we will send it to Japan,” he said. “We will meet with Japanese officials a month later.”
Mr Yakua observed that more people are flying from America and Japan to Indochina, especially to Laos...more info>>
Mr Yakua said that last year Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh visited Japan and met with his Japanese counterpart to discuss various areas of cooperation. One of the issues discussed was the possibility of a direct flight from Nagoya to Vientiane.
Laos has direct flights to several countries, including Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. Air Asia started direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , late last year.
A flight between Laos and Singapore is also under consideration, Mr Yakua said.
“Last month, we had meetings with representatives from airlines in Singapore who told us they needed a more detailed survey before any developments could take place,” he added.
A direct flight to Myanmar is also under discussion, as officials believe such a move could boost tourism in the region.
“Our government has an open policy concerning flight connections with any foreign country to encourage tourism in Laos ,” Mr Yakua said.
Earlier last year, the Lao government granted visa exemptions to Japanese tourists to strengthen relations between the two countries.
This has led to an increasing number of Japanese visitors to Laos.
According to the Lao National Tourism Administration, in 2005 around 23,000 Japanese visited Laos and in 2006 this figure increased by just two percent.
But in 2007 the figure jumped by 34 percent as a result of the visa exemption.
Tourism officials confirmed that the number of Japanese tourists was increasing, contributing to economic growth.
By Somsack Pongkhao
Vientiane Times
Top 10 Foreign investment in Laos 2008
The total foreign investment in Laos has reached 6 billion USD, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Laos reported. Top 10 list of foreign investors in Laos is as follows:
1. Thailand, (1.355 billion USD in 169 projects)
2. China, (1.138 billion USD in 237 projects)
3. Viet Nam (535.7 million USD in 120 projects)
4. France (428.2 million USD in 58 projects)
5. Japan (420.3 million USD in 33 projects)
6. India (350.2 million USD in 3 projects)
7. Australia (330.8 million USD in 27 projects)
8. South Korea (294.4 million USD in 105 projects)
9. Malaysia (135.2 million USD in 33 projects)
10. Singapore (101.1 million USD in 22 projects)
Other countries that showed high foreign investment in Laos include Canada (ranking 11), Swizerland (ranking 12), England (ranking 13), Russia (ranking 14), Norway (ranking 15), Taiwan (ranking 16), United State (ranking 17), Germany (ranking 18), Poland (ranking 19), Italy (ranking 20)
Lao agencies attributed increases in foreign investment to the country’s open policy and political stability.
According to the Department of Foreign Investment Promotion and Management under the above ministry, investors from 37 countries and territories have invested in 1,031 projects in Laos.
Source: kpl and ecom
Japanese TV to promote Lao star
A new entertainment programme from Japanese television channel Nihon Shinbun Kyokai (NSK) has selected a Lao pop singer to be promoted worldwide, Indee Records announced yesterday.
“The programme is the newest from NSK, and has not yet been broadcast,” an official from the Media Department of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Phaiboun Philathong, said yesterday.
He added that the show would promote various singers throughout Asia; Laos is the first country to be presented as a growing number of Japanese fans are interested in Lao music and the country...more info>>
The programme selected Nalin Daravong from Indee Records, and will film footage of her lifestyle and performances.
“They recorded me doing everyday things like studying and helping my parents, as well as singing on stage,” Nalin said.
Mr Phaiboun said the programme would be broadcast worldwide, and would therefore be a good opportunity to promote modern Lao music.
“This is a great chance for our singers and bands to be exposed to a wider audience,” said Indee Records President, Anoulack Pathammavong.
After three days of recording Nalin's life in Laos , the TV crew will go to Vietnam , Cambodia , Thailand , Indonesia and other countries throughout Asia .
“They will select singers from each country to feature on the show, and we've been lucky to be their first country selected,” Mr Anoulack said.
Nalin was the winner of the Close-Up 2005 singing contest, where she was discovered by Indee Records, which approached her about making an album.
“The debut album from Nalin was released at the end of last year, and now her songs are on high rotation on various radio programmes in Vientiane ,” Mr Anoulack explained.
Last week, she staged a free concert with Vorachith Intharaphithak, or Sam, at the Lao-ITECC, which attracted almost 1,000 fans.
“The crew was there to capture my performance on stage on their last day,” said Nalin.
Mr Phaiboun also reported that the programme would invite various singers from each country to perform in Japan in June this year, Laos included.
NSK was established in July 1946, to elevate the ethical standards in reporting and protect and promote the media's common interests. NSK is an entirely independent and voluntary organisation funded and operated by the private media of Japan .
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes
Vientiane highway (Road No.1) completed !
Road No. 1: highway to progress Road No.1 officially opened this month, bringing both economic and health benefits to Vientiane residents; it is also a symbol of the cooperation between Laos and Japan .
Road users enjoy travelling in comfort on the new road financed by Japan .
The upgrade of the road includes a drainage system that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport believes will prevent flooding in the rainy season.
The installation of streetlights has also made a great difference to driving conditions in the city...more
The Lao government and people, especially Vientiane residents, are thankful the road has finally been completed, and travel around the city is now more comfortable and safer.
This project was of great importance, said the Project Coordinator of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr Dedsongkham Thammavong.
He said the reconstruction of the road with Japanese assistance was a significant contribution to the improvement of communication and transportation in Vientiane and in the region.
Mr Dedsongkham said the new road would provide both direct and indirect benefits to Laos . It would certainly improve conditions for people operating businesses along the road.
The road is 29 kilometres long and runs from the Sikhay junction to the Thanalaeng warehouse. Its reconstruction cost more than US$366 billion kip (about 4.645 billion yen).
The smooth, black-topped road has helped to improve the capital's image, especially as it is such a central part of the city, Mr Dedsongkham said.
It will enable Laos to become a more efficient transit country and provide more opportunities for people in the sub-region to engage in trade and tourism.
“As you know, the road will also support our efforts to reduce poverty. Better road access is central to realising the government's goal to eradicate basic poverty by 2010. With more roads, people living in the rural areas will be better able to improve their standard of living,” he said.
Japan has been a major donor to the development of road and bridge infrastructure in Laos .
Before the road was rebuilt, it regularly flooded outside Ongteu and Inpeng temples during the wet season.
“I am confident we will not have to suffer from flooding any more now that engineers have installed drains on either side of the road, leading to Hongxaeng and Hongpasak canals,” Mr Dedsongkham said.
It is anticipated that business along the road will boom and contribute to the country's socio-economic development.
According to Ministry of Public Works and Transport statistics for 2004, Laos has 31,209 km of roads, 8.6 percent more than in 2001.
The data shows that in 2005 there were 4,497 km of tarred roads, an increase of 4 percent. There were also 10,097 km of gravel roads, up 8.8 percent up, and 16,616 km of dirt roads, 11 percent less than previously.
The expansion of the road network has boosted the economy and helped to improve people's living conditions all around the country.
Roads enable the transport of farmers' crops and other goods to markets, and in this respect Road No. 13 is considered to be the backbone of the country.
All corners of the country are now being linked, with Roads 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 18 and others becoming a part of this network.
All provinces have road access and there are now 125 roads accessing districts nationwide.
River communication has also improved, with the building of ports and embankments along the Mekong River in the north of the country, to facilitate river transportation through Laos , Thailand , Myanmar and China .
Vientiane residents believe that the good condition of the newly-finished road will also bring health benefits.
A resident of Saphanthong village in Sisattanak district, Mr Khamsone, said he was pleased to be able to travel on a smooth and clean road. He believed it would bring an end to flooding and would reduce the amount of dust blowing around.
The Deputy Director of the Ophthalmology Centre, Dr Siphetthavong Sisaleumsak, said that dust was a significant contributing factor to respiratory problems and eye diseases each year, especially conjunctivitis.
“Now that the road is properly surfaced, it should help to alleviate the problem,” he said.
By Xayxana Leukai
Vientianetimes
Number of Asian visitors to Laos increase !!!
Asian visitor arrivals to Laos surge The steady increase in the number of visitor arrivals to Laos has continued, with a 29 percent rise during the first seven months of this year.
Visitor arrivals from January to July reached 887,842, up 29 percent from the same period last year, according to statistics from the Lao National Tourism Administration.
The figures indicate that Asean and regional visitors alone reached 765,255, up 35 percent compared to the same period last year, while there were 82,183 visitors from Europe , a 4 percent increase...more info
This period saw an increasing number of visitors not only from Southeast Asian countries but also non-Asean regional countries, especially Brunei , the Philippines , Singapore , India , Japan , and China .
People from European countries such as Greece , Germany , the Netherlands and Finland are also arriving in increasing numbers.
The only tourist group that did not increase in this time was visitors from central and South America , with only 36,250 during the period, according to statistics.
Thai visitors to Laos lead the way, with 519,288 (a 35 percent increase), followed by Vietnam with 155,754 (49 percent more than last year), and the US with 27,324 (a 1 percent increase).
“The increase in the number of tourists is due to our government's open-door policy to tourism, and the general stability of the country,” said the director of the administration's Department of Planning and Cooperation, Mr Sounh Manivong, yesterday.
“It's also the result of Lao tourism promotion efforts throughout the region and the world, from both state and private sectors.”
Mr Sounh said that Laos has become a well-known destination for visitors to Asia , and it is now easier to travel to and within the country, with upgraded transportation systems and more flights coming into the country from foreign airlines.
There have also been improvements in general facilities and services as well as tourism infrastructure, along with more visa exemption agreements with countries in the region that have allowed visitors to gain easier access to Laos , he said.
Most tourists arrive in Laos via the new Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet province, and the border checkpoints from Thailand in Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces and Vientiane , Mr Sounh said.
By M.Vongsam-ang
Vientianetimes
2 Lao pop stars perform at Laos Festival 2007 in Japan !
Photo: Ting Phylavanh and Ardsana Jantarsi, member of OVerdance.The queen of Lao pop star: Ting Phylavanh and Ardsana Jantarsi, the member of Overdance, became the highlight of the 1st Laos Festival in Japan 2007.
This is the first ever Laos Festival 2007 in JAPAN and it is an ideal occasion to further promote Lao culture and tradition in Japan and strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and Lao PDR as a member of ASEAN.
The Laos Festival2007 is a part of the series of the events to mark the commemoration of the 40th Founding Anniversary of ASEAN in Japan. Tokyo Kokusai Gakuen High School is also the fifteenth anniversary.
As expected, the event will feature Lao food, music, dance, products and a flea market. Proceeds will go to funding being raised by the Tokyo Kokusai Gakuen High School to build a school in a rural area in Laos.
To watch video clips from this event, click at the link below
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=13614941
Lao Participating Youth are ready to Join the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth 2007 !
28 Laotian youth leaders and young professionals are chosen across Laos as delegates to the 2007 Ship for SouthEast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP).The 28 Lao participating youth are part of a 300-member delegation from within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan...more info >>
The SSEAYP, an annual youth diplomatic cultural exchange program sponsored by the Cabinet Office of Japan, administered in the country by the National Youth Commission (NYC), and is participated in by delegations from Japan and the ASEAN countries, aims to “cultivate the spirit of Asian cooperation” through fostering and strengthening camaraderie and mutual understanding between and among the young people of Southeast Asia and Japan by providing 300 of them annually the opportunity to live together for around two months on board luxury sea vessel M/S Nippon Maru and visit the participating countries.
While on board the ship, the participants will have interactions through solid group activities, discussions, exhibits, cultural presentations and other activities. While on country visits, they will undertake various activities such as courtesy call, interaction with local youth, educational visits to relevant institutions, and home stay with local families.
The Lao delegation will join its counterparts from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan in Singapore on October 22 for the inauguration ceremony.
SSEAYP 2007 is scheduled to be held from 22 October to 12 December 2007. During this period, the ship will visit five of the ten ASEAN countries namely Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos (by air) and Japan
Members of the Lao Participating Youths (LPY) to this year’s SSEAYP include Tomm, member of Princess, famous group girl band.
SSEAYP started in January 1974 based on Joint Statements issued between Japan and the five ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1985. Vietnam participated in the programme in 1996 while Laos and Myanmar participated in 1998. Cambodia joined the programme in 2000.
MORE PHOTOS OF LAO Participating youth this year at: http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=13413226
http://samakomlao.blogspot.com
Top 10 foreign investment countries to Laos 2007
Foreign investment on the rise in Laos(KPL) 440 million USD of foreign investment was pumped into Laos over the first six months of the 2006-2007 fiscal year which began from October 2006. The Lao government granted licences to 122 foreign investment projects over the period, accounting for 70 percent of the government’s target of 171 for the whole year. The majority of investments were made in the areas of agriculture, garment and textiles, industry, handicraft, mining, energy, trade, hotels, restaurants and services.
For the period, the biggest investors into the country are as follow:
1. China
2. France
3. Japan
4. The Republic of Korea
5. Myanmar
6. Poland
7. Sweden
8. Thailand
9. The US
10.Viet Nam
Source: kpl.net.la
Two Lao master-degree graduates lecture study in Japan
Photo: From left to right, Mr. Sengsouvanh Chanthalunvong and Mr Sengsouvanh Chanthalunvong (KPL) The Ministry of Education last Friday held a lecture on graduation from universities in Japan and the application of knowledge into the socio-economic development of the country.
Two graduates with master degrees were selected for last week lecture held in Vientiane.
Lecturers were Mr Sengsouvanh Chanthalunvong who has just graduated from the Nagoya University under the support of Japanese Development Scholarship lectured the theme “Help a child who has done a mistake” and Mr Kaenchan Phommachack lectured his essay “Human Trafficking in Laos”.
“I intend to apply knowledge I have gained in the university in Japan to contribute to the socio-economic development of Laos,” said Mr Sengsouvanh.
Attending the event were Mr Ouam Sengchadavong, Deputy Minister of Education together with representatives of Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defence, People’s Supreme Court and a number of alumni from Japan.
(KPL) The Embassy of Japan in Laos held a send-off reception at the Embassy on 30 March for 26 Lao students, who have won scholarships from the Government of Japan under the annual Monbukagakusho scholarship scheme. The students will leave for Japan between 2- 3 April... moreThe 26 students will study in different subjects and levels, including two students tol do Philosophy Doctorate in finance, management geological and environment, five master degrees in studying Japanese language, finance, economy, trade, international commerce law, a bachelor scholarship and 15 higher education scholarships.
All students have passed hard selection exam. The Japanese Government provides scholarships to good Lao students to study in Japan, which aims to help Laos in human resource development and boosts relation and co-operation between Laos and Japan.
The function was attended by Dr. Ponemek Dalaloy, Minister of Public Heath who is also President of the Laos-Japan Friendship Association, Mr. Litou Bouabao, Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Kazuhiro FUJIMURA Charge d’Affaires a.i. of Japan and guests.
Source: kpl.net.la
3 Years donation from AEON Japan to build 100 schools in Laos
(KPL) AEON, the Japan’s single-largest shopping mall developer and operator, has completed its funded construction of primary school ThinXom in Luang Prabang district of the same name province. The opening ceremony for the newly built AEON Sakura (Cherry Blossom) School was held on 27 March and was attended by Minister of Education Somkot Mangnormek, governors of Luang Prabang and Xiengkhuang provinces, UNICEF Country Representative Ms Olivia Yambi and the representatives of AEON Club... more
“Children are the future of any society. Good schools help providing the children better education, and therefore, building schools is building future of our own society,” said Mr Somkot Mangnormek, Minister of Education.
“This school will not only make the current students happy, but will also allow future generation of children to enjoy a better education in Laos,” said Mr Somkot.
Nationwide, there are 85% of children enroll in 9,000 primary schools.
AEON is implementing the Laos school Construction Fundraising Campaign in partnership with the Japan Committee for UNICEF.
Donations are being collected over a three-year period at some 8,000 AEON locations including JUSCO stores throughout Japan and other retail outlets and offices operated by 64 AEON companies in order to build 100 schools in Laos.
AEON plans to complete 30 elementary schools by the end of March, including 15 in two districts Nan and Luang Prabang of the same name province and other 15 in two districts Kham and Pek in Xiengkhuang province.
It is funding this work with donations collected from customers and additional funds from the AEON 1% Club and Japan Committee for UNICEF.
To date, the AEON has built 206 schools including 149 in Cambodia and 57 in Nepal as a way of giving children opportunities to learn.
Source: kpl.net.la
