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Mekong Memo Laos Weekly: Business, politics, finance, trade & legal news.

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Here is your Mekong Memo Laos for the week of January 31, 2024. Click on the link of our sponsor above, pay for a subscription, share with a friend or hit that reply button and tell us what you think.

Headlines:

Singapore and Laos Celebrate 50 Years

Laos and Malaysia See Shared Opportunity

Thailand-Laos and China-Laos Train Services

Social Indicator Survey III Reveals Critical Insights

The Ever-Escalating Debt Crisis

International Tour Operator Faces Backlash for Unsettled Debts

PM Advocates Improved Ag Production

Vientiane Battles Fuel Shortages, Disruptions

Laos At Forefront of ASEAN Power Grid 2.0

Germans Share The Journey of the Buffalo Man

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Singapore and Laos Celebrate 50 Years

As Singapore and Laos toast 50 years of diplomatic relations, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has reiterated the importance of Singapore's role in helping Laos realize its economic potential. Laos, facing fiscal challenges (putting it mildly?), has opportunities in renewable energy, particularly hydropower, and rare earth deposits. Singapore's import of hydroelectricity from Laos and discussions on carbon credit transfers under the Paris Agreement are potential areas of collaboration. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Laos focused on the 2024 ASEAN themes of regional resilience and connectivity, with talks on digital payments, ASEAN Power Grid, and other international developments, including the situations in Myanmar and Gaza.

Read more: Straits Times (LA-SG Relationship, FM Retreat), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore (Read Out)

Laos and Malaysia See Shared Opportunity

Laos and Malaysia are committed to cooperation in tourism and exploring new business opportunities. At the ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane, officials from both countries discussed ideas about how to strengthen their respective tourism sectors. Laos, as the ASEAN chair for 2024, and Malaysia, the chair for 2025, are keen to promote ASEAN's three pillars and boost tourism. Malaysian companies are also encouraged to explore opportunities in Laos as the country develops, lest they are left behind.

Read more: The Star (Tourism), New Straits Times (Business)

Thailand-Laos and China-Laos Train Services

The State Railway of Thailand is set to launch a train service from Bangkok to Vientiane in April, a new connectivity option for both people and cargo between Thailand and Laos. The service includes a 20-minute journey from Thanaleng station in Laos to Vientiane's Khamsavath station. The China-Laos Railway is meanwhile expanding seating capacity in response to high demand, especially during the Spring Festival travel rush.

Read more: VietnamPlus (Thailand-Laos Service), Benar News (China-Thailand HSR), Travel And Tour World (China-Laos Expansion)

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