Laos 20241106: Masterful, Cardinal, Otherworldly

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Headlines:

Laos-China Railway Popularity Booming

Party Calls for Action on Economic Woes

Mekong Dams Threaten Climate, Economic Health

Vocational Training Center JV with Singapore

Tourism Cooperation With Cambodia

Haze Action Plan Launched for MY, TH, LA

Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases

International Joint Disaster Response Training

Flooding Damages Irrigation Systems

Coffee Cultivation Builds Futures in Laos

Australia Delivers New Humanitarian Aid to Laos

Digital Education Push

Luang Prabang Tourism Blows Past Goal

Rehabilitation Workforce for a Healthier Future

Coffee in the Clouds on 300m High Zipline

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Laos-China Railway Popularity Booming

The China-Laos Railway has seen a 44% increase in passengers over the past 10 months, a welcome sign of the popularity of this new transportation option. The railway, which connects Vientiane to the Chinese border, is playing an increasingly important role in both passenger and freight transport, with potash exports to China in particular seen as a boon for the economy. The success of the railway is a positive sign for Laos as it continues work to transform from a landlocked to a land-linked country.

Read more: China Daily (Passenger Numbers), Laotian Times (Potash Exports), Laotian Times (Land-Linked Transition)

Party Calls for Action on Economic Woes

The Lao People's Revolutionary Party is demanding action to address the country's economic challenges, which have been hammered by rising inflation and a weakening currency. While the inflation rate dropped to 20.7% in October, down from a peak of 36.75% in January, the country isn’t out of the woods yet. The party is calling for measures to support business development, improve the position of SMEs, and draw more foreign investment to stabilize the economy.

Read more: The Star (Party Call to Action), The Star (Inflation Drop), The Star (SME Development)

Mekong Dams Threaten Climate, Economic Health

The proliferation of dams along the Mekong River is undermining the region's climate and economic health. The dams, many of which are built by China, are interrupting the river's natural flow, affecting fish populations and agricultural productivity downstream. This is particularly concerning for countries like Laos, which rely heavily on the Mekong for their livelihoods. As the region tries to manage the impacts of climate change, there are growing calls for a more sustainable approach to development along the river.

Read more: The Diplomat

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Vocational Training Center JV with Singapore

Laos and Singapore have partnered to launch the Singapore International Institute for Enhanced Vocational Training help with skill development in Laos. The institute will offer courses in areas including hospitality, tourism, and construction, with a focus on providing practical, job-ready training. The partnership is part of broader efforts to improve ties between the two countries in support of Lao economic development goals.

Read more: Laotian Times