Laos asks for 1.12 trillion kip for post-flood infrastructure restoration
By Soulaphone Kanyaphim
(KPL) Government officials representing Ministries of Planning and Investment, Foreign Affairs and Labour and Social Welfare met representatives of NGOs, international organisations, and international community expressing the government needs as much as 1.12 trillion kip (approx USD141 million) for the restoration of basic infrastructure destroyed and damaged in flooding caused by two typhoons Haima and Nockten.
The meeting saw the presence of Minister of Planning and Investment, Mr. Somdy Douangdy.
Typhoons Haima on 24-25 June and Noktan on 30 July-1 August affected 82,493 families in 12 provinces nationwide.
The Haima hit the northern and central provinces Sayaboury, Xiengkhouang, Vientiane and Bolikhamsay. Nock-Ten hit central and southern provinces Vientiane,
Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, and Champassak.
They brought heavy rains, which had caused the rise of water levels in many rivers including Mekong. As a result, many provinces
had been significantly affected by floods and landslides. The worst flooding in decades swept away houses and rice barns and damaged thousands of hectares of farmland, livestock, many schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, water supply systems, electricity networks and other infrastructure in those provinces.
Since June 24, 2011, flooding has killed at least 27 people, the total cost of damage is huge and thousands of people affected.
Vientiane province is the most hard-hit province. The damage cost of the agriculture sector in the province is estimated at 100 billion kip. Meanwhile five of nine districts in Xiengkhouang have been affected by the storm. Houses, roads, electricity and telecommunication systems have been heavily damaged.
ข้อสี่ ตามกติการะหว่างประเทศว่าด้วยสิทธิพลเมืองและสิทธิทางการเมืองเกี่ยวกับเสรีภาพในการแสดงความคิดเห็น (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) ICCPR ได้บัญญัติรับรองในข้อ 19 ว่า
Anourak Phiphaksa Vehicular registration process bettered
By Vinnaly
(KPL) Head of Driving and Vehicle Management Unit of Vientiane Public Works and Transport Division Mr. Nounsay Phasaisombat said the process of registering vehicles was significantly improved due to the use of modern technology.
Mr. Nounsay said that so far this year his Unit had registered over 50,800 vehicles including over 31,200 motorcycles.
?This year 2011, the number of people coming to register their vehicles is up by 5-6% as compared to last year,? said Mr. Nounsay.
?Pre-availability of modern technology, the registration and licensing process was very slow and took several months. The process cost a lot of time for vehicle users and complaining about our service by the general public was very common to us,? said Mr. Nounsay. ?But now we rarely get complaining phone calls and letters from the people.?
Since 2000, around 500,000 vehicles have been registered in Vientiane. This includes 50,000 registered in the last twelve months. And the number of registered vehicles has increased from 11,000 in 2000 to 50,000 this year meanwhile the number of driving licences has increased from over 97,000 in 2000 to over 238,300 this year.
2009 was the 100th anniversary of the birth of the famous “Red Prince” Souphanuvong, president of the Lao PDR until 1986, and Advisor of Communist Party’s Central Committee Party until his passing in 1995. Such centenaries are auspicious times in Lao culture, and consequently there have appeared several biographies of the “beloved leader”.
Featured here are: เรียนรู้ประวัติศาสตร์ลาวผ่านชีวิตเจ้าสุพานุวง โดย ศุขปรีดา พนมยงค์ (Understanding Lao History through the Life of Prince Souphanuvong by Sukprīdā Phanomyong), and ປະທານສຸພານຸວົງ : ຊີວິດ ແລະ ການເຄື່ອນໄຫວ ປະຕິວັດ (President Souphanuvong: Life and Revolutionary Movement, produced by Research Institute of Social Science), being further contributions to the ongoing elaboration of Lao political iconography. These are unreservedly positive accounts of the Prince’s life and achievements, compiled by authors from either side of the Mekong. Both are illustrated with black and white photographs covering events from childhood until his passing.
Interestingly, we seem to be enjoying something of an awakening of interest in Lao history, with the NLA receiving some 10 titles of histories published in Laos in the last two years. The broader context seems to be the 450th anniversary of Viengchan in 2010, which was officially celebrated by the Lao government.
merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members merry christmas and happy new year 2012 to all laohomlaos members
Martin Stuart-Fox is Emeritus Professor of History in the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. He is the author of several books on Lao politics and history, plus more than seventy articles and book chapters.
INTRODUCTION
In December 1975, after a thirty-year struggle, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) seized power from the former Royal Lao regime, abolished the monarchy, and established the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR). The new institutions of government were modeled on those of the former Soviet Union and Laos is today one of only five remaining Marxist-Leninist states, two of which (China and Vietnam) are its powerful neighbors. It is also one of only five Theravada Buddhist countries, three of which (Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand) comprise its other three neighbors. The paradox of Laos today reflects its position on this fault line between communist leadership and Buddhism.
During its first 10 years in power, the LPRP pursued orthodox socialist policies: it nationalized industry and cooperativized agriculture. But plummeting production and peasant opposition forced a reconsideration. In 1986, the ruling party introduced what it called the "new economic mechanism." Over the next decade, land rights were returned to peasant owners, state-owned industries were privatized (except for a few strategic industries), the economy was opened up to foreign capital, and development aid welcomed. Laos reduced its close dependency on Vietnam, and in 1997 both countries joined ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Je ne dis pas le contraire , mais avec les fonds souverains des pays émergents riche pour n avoir pas les mêmes soucis que les pays européens , peuvent pratiquement tout acheter et puis tout délocaliser . Et que va-t-il rester en France ? Là est la question .
N oublie pas, ce n est que le commencement, en dix ans , tout au plus quinze ans , ils ont mis les pays riches en faillite chronique .
Total n est plus française grâce à la diligence de madame la juge, la sidérurgie non plus , Renault l était-elle encore ... il faudrait peut être faire l inventaire de ce qu il reste à la France avant de savoir qu'un jour qu on a tout vendu pour les sourires de la princesse .
This morning, President Obama and Secretary of Defense Panetta unveiled new strategic guidance that reflects our 21st century defense needs and secures America’s leadership for the future. The Defense Department and State Department continue to work side-by-side to bring the full range of American assets to bear on our foreign policy. As the new strategy notes, meeting our challenges cannot be the work of our military alone. Diplomacy and development are equal partners with defense in our smart power approach to promoting American interests and values abroad, building up our economic prosperity, and protecting our national security.
This new guidance is a critical element in our integrated approach to strengthening American leadership in a changing world. It enhances the capabilities and relationships we need to lead and meet our responsibilities for years to come. And it promotes our strategic priorities, including sustaining a global presence while strengthening our focus on the Asia-Pacific region; deterring our adversaries and fulfilling our security commitments; investing in critical alliances and partnerships, including NATO; combating violent extremists and defending human dignity around the world; and preserving our ability to respond quickly to emerging threats. As we move forward with this strategy, we will continue to consult our allies and partners to address our shared concerns, seize new opportunities, and bolster global stability.
I look forward to continuing the close partnership between the Departments of State and Defense as we work together to realize President Obama’s vision for the security of the United States and its people.
Land is being cleared for construction of the Nongtha Urban Development Project in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane, after the groundbreaking ceremony took place last year.
Vientiane residents are eager to see the progress of the development project.
The project will see the transformation of 74.85 hectares of land in the Nongtha wetland area into an urban development that has essential infrastructure, houses, and environmental protection measures, at an estimated cost of about 1,996 billion kip (US$250 million).
Due to financial issues on the part of the investor, the Ha Do Group of Vietnam, construction has been delayed until now, Chanthabouly district Deputy Governor Mr Sengphone Souvanny told Vientiane Times yesterday.
Work has just now started on building a road on land for which the group has paid compensation to the former occupiers, he said.
Most of the people who had land within the project area have agreed to compensation of US$4 per square metre, but the group is considering paying more to people who have lost both land and housing.
The Ha Do Group has paid the Lao government US$1.5 million to compensate people who have had to move out of the area.
If the cost of compensation rises above this figure, the group will pay an additional 10 percent or US$150,000.
Now that the group's finances are in order, Mr Sengphone said he believed the project would continue to make progress.
The Ha Do Group holds a 50-year concession on the site, which lies within Nongtha Tai and Neua, Dondeng, Phonsavang and Houayhong villages.
The first phase of the project will see US$80 million invested in turning the site into a modern urban area.
The project is one of many such developments taking place in Vientiane to further the overall socio-economic and residential development of the city.
According to the developers, the project will see the construction of roads, hotels, guesthouses, rental properties, restaurants and tourist facilities incorporated into a leisure park.
Vientiane residents have been waiting for this development for a long time and are keen to see how their former home will be transformed.
Several companies have investigated the possibility of developing the Nongtha area in recent years but none have actually gone ahead.
The development of the wetland into an area of premium accommodation replete with tourist facilities has long been considered a possibility due to its proximity to the city centre.
The wetland is an attractive area and it is hoped its development will bring in visitors and residents both from within the country and overseas.
By Khamphone Syvongxay (Latest Update January 05, 2012)
OUI Mr. BAUDIN est bien époux de Kongmany , soeur de Cai son car celle-ci était mon professeur d'anglais. Mr. BAUDIN , lui, était directeur du collège de Thakhek. Ya Mè DOC avait 2 filles, la première s'appelle Svanthong, mariée à un haut fonctionnaire thailandais ( general Issraphong HOUNPHAKDY )
Vietnam seeks stronger trade ties with Laos 18:09 08/01/2012
Vietnam will increase its trade and investment ties with Laos, aiming to raise two-way trade to US$1 billion in 2012 and US$2 billion in 2015, says Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
Mr Phuc made the commitment at a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong in Vientiane on January 8.
Vietnam seeks stronger trade ties with Laos
Lao PM T. Thammavong welcomed Deputy PM Phuc (L) in Vientiane on January 8 He said bilateral trade was valued at US$636 million between January-November, 2011, a year-on-year increase of 48 percent, and it is estimated to hit US$700 million for the whole year.
According to Deputy PM Phuc, many Vietnamese businesses such as Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group, Golf Long Thanh Trade and Investment JSC, the Bank of Development and Investment of Vietnam, and Hoa Phat group have already operated successfully in Laos.
To date, Vietnamese businesses have invested more than US$3.5 billion in Laos, ranking second among foreign investors in the country.
Mr Phuc said the two countries have cooperated well in education, human resources training and transport infrastructure construction. They have also held a number of cultural exchanges and workshops on information technology and science and technology.
Both countries have agreed to enhance the implementation of joint statements and high-level agreements reached by their top leaders to welcome Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2012.
Many Vietnamese localities which do not border Laos, including Quang Ninh, Vinh Phuc, HCM City and Hanoi, have provided practical assistance to Lao provinces.
This represents the close-knit, long lasting and durable relationship between Vietnam and Laos, said Mr Phuc.
PM Thammavong welcomed Mr Phuc to the 34th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Economic, Cultural, Educational and Scientific and Technological Cooperation and said he believes that the results of the session will help raise bilateral ties to a new level in the near future.
The Lao government supports and creates the best possible conditions for Vietnamese businesses to operate in the country, said the PM.
He proposed organizing conferences on trade promotion and meetings between Lao leaders and Vietnamese businesses to iron out snags and facilitate their operations in Laos.
Come on people!!! Can we all just get along and move on with a better thing!! I think this is not necessary to accuse each other for whatever the reason maybe!!! As a leader, you should be able to withstand the noise, accusation, and whatever the opposition will do to you, right ?? What are some lessons learned from the past leadership so that we do not make the same mistakes!!! As I can see and hear from this forum.... There's much more lessons need to be learn and share among our Lao people. By criticizing and mocking each other, does it really make you abetter person or a community leader??? I guess you already know the answer, right? How can we move thing forward if you still living in the past??? Why is it o.k. for you to do your way and not someone else???? I believe "RESPECT" is a two way street and definitely not a one way street!!! I am not quite sure why khon Lao love to fight among themselves and make a negative criticism against one another.
Anyway, have a wonderful new year and good luck to everyone to continue to do their job and serving Lao people and community taht tehy live in. May we all stay focus and do what is best for the great common cause!!! Last but not least, may 2012 bring much more joys, prosperity, longivity, happiness, and sucess to each everyone of you and yours!!!
Liberia is one of the top 5 countries in the world whose farmland are under the control of foreign concessionaires, according to a report made by Grain, a non-governmental organization supporting small farms. The other countries include Laos, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, Indonesia and Romania. At world level, most target countries for farming land purchases made by foreign companies or citizens are in Africa or South America but investors do not avoid Australia, eastern Europe or South-East Asia as well.
Foreigners own more than 1% of farming areas in Africa in 20 out of the 56 countries of the continent. In Liberia foreign companies control 67% of the farming land, which is 200,000 hectares. In Sierra Leone, 15% of the land is leased on a long term or is owned by foreign companies. The same situation can be found in South America, in countries like Paraguay or Uruguay, where foreigners own a quarter of farming lands.
Romania ranks first among European countries for the percentage of farming land owned by foreign companies. In the local market, foreign investors own 7% of the farming land, which is 700,000 hectares. In the Czech Republic, non-residents own 4%, while in Ukraine investors own 3%. Foreigners hold in Romania farming land worth 1.5 billion euro for 700,000 ha of land, according to data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and an average price of 2,000 euro/ha.
Investors exploit land in Romania by means of local companies. Foreign citizens cannot purchase land unless they have stable residence in Romania or buy as a juridical person.
Cereal traders, big multinational companies in the food industry, banks and investment and pension funds are among the most active investors in farming land. On the background of the economic crisis investors considered that placement in land is safer than placements in shares, bonds or precious metals.
According to Liberian law, only Liberian citizens or qualified foreigners can own land. Foreign companies investing in agriculture in Liberia may sign a long-term lease, renewable for the life of their investment.
Little has changed in Laos' one-party political system and its rulers are trying to emulate the market-based authoritarianism of China and Vietnam with pro-business reforms, with some success. ลิตเติ้ลมีการเปลี่ยนแปลงในระบบการเมืองลาว'หนึ่งของบุคคลและผู้ปกครองที่มีความพยายามที่จะเลียนแบบอำนาจตามตลาดของจีนและเวียดนามมีการปฏิรูป Pro ธุรกิจกับความสำเร็จบางอย่าง The once fragile economy has grown an average 7.9 percent a year since 2006. เศรษฐกิจที่เปราะบางครั้งมีการเติบโตเฉลี่ยร้อยละ 7.9 ต่อปีตั้งแต่ปี 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: blue max To: "laosnetworkroom@googlegroups.com" Sent: Thursday, 19 January 2012 4:59 PM Subject: Re: ຍອມຮັບວ່າມີການປ່ຽນແປງຣະບົບຜູ້ນຳໃນລາວນ້ອຍນຶ່ງ
Relatives and supporters of three Americans jailed and tortured in Laos are appealing to the Obama administration to put high-level pressure on the communist government for their release.
However, one of the leaders of the campaign for their freedom suspects that President Obama might ignore their plea, as he seeks better relations with the Southeast Asian nation despite its brutal human rights record.
When they heard that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent greetings on behalf of Mr. Obama on the Laotian new year earlier this month, “we were appalled,” said Philip Smith, director of the Center for Public Policy Analysis in Washington.
He added that the new year’s message, which also expressed hopes for expanded bilateral military relations, makes him worry that the White House is drifting toward “total appeasement of a military dictatorship.”
Mr. Smith joined a coalition of organizations representing Laotian-Americans and Laotian Hmong refugees in writing to Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton to seek “higher diplomatic” attention to the plight of the three naturalized U.S. citizens of Hmong descent.
The three Hmong-Americans have been “interrogated, beaten and tortured, according to eyewitness and multiple sources,” Mr. Smith said.
Congshineng Yang, 34, Hakit Yang, 24, and Trillion Yunhaison, 44, visited Laos with valid tourist visas in July 2007. Laotian soldiers and secret police arrested them the next month in northeastern Laos.
“They were arrested without charges and for unknown reasons,” Mr. Smith said.
The secret police later moved the three Americans to Lao’s notorious Phonthong Prison in the capital, Vientiane. Their families believe the three are now being held in a secret military prison in the northeast of the country.
Mr. Smith said the families initially appealed to Ravic Huso, the U.S. ambassador to Laos at the time, and urged him to raise a diplomatic protest to the foreign ministry.
“He did almost nothing,” Mr. Smith said.
Mr. Huso assigned the case to a consular officer, who confirmed the arrests, Mr. Smith said.
“We wants answers now …,” said Shen Xiong, a spokeswoman for the families and the wife of Hakit Yang. The three Hmong-Americans had relocated from Laos to Minnesota, where their families still live.
The State Department cited a privacy act that restricts what they can say about Americans imprisoned abroad.
“We are unable to confirm claims that U.S. citizens were ever or still are in the custody of the Lao government,” an official said.
The Laotian Embassy declined to respond to an e-mail request for comment.
The State Department’s latest human rights report calls Laos “an authoritarian one-party state” where prison conditions are “harsh and, at times, life threatening.”
The Hmong people have long been the target of repression by Laotian communists because they sided with royalist forces, organized by the CIA, in the Laotian civil war, which ended in 1975.
The same day that a top Chinese official praised U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman as a friend of China, the outgoing envoy denounced the communist government for imprisoning a prominent artist.
“It is very sad that the Chinese government has seen a need to silence one of its most innovative and illustrious citizens,” Mr. Huntsman wrote in an introduction to a Time magazine profile on Ai Weiwei.
The artist, also an outspoken government critic, was included among Time’s 100 most influential people last week.
On the day of the April 21 publication, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping expressed his regret that Mr. Huntsman will resign from his position later this month.
“You are an old friend of the Chinese people,” Mr. Xi said.
Mr. Huntsman, a former Republican government of Utah, is considering seeking the GOP nomination to challenge President Obama, who appointed him ambassador in 2009.
Call Embassy Row at 202/636-3297 or e-mailjmorrison@washingtontimes.com