Vientiane Times

wednesDAY february 3, 2016

The First National English Language Newspaper

ISSUE 28

Pakxan bridge over Mekong

could be delayed
Khonesavanh Latsaphao

The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship

Bridge across Mekong River
in Borikhamxay province may
not be commenced this year as
the government is not ready
to finance its share of the
construction costs.
A n o ff i c i a l f r o m t h e
Ministry of Public Works
and Transport told Vientiane
Times at the end of last year
construction of the bridge
could start in 2016.
However Director of
the provincial Planning and
Investment Department, Mr
Phonethilat Sitsathone, said
on Monday that it depends on
the decision of some senior
officials who have unofficially
discussed the issue and decided
that it may in fact commence
in 2017.
A f t e r t h e u n o ff i c i a l
conversation it was decided

that work may not start on

the bridge this year because
the government is now in
q u i t e d i ff i c u l t f i n a n c i a l
circumstances, Mr Phonethilat
said.
The design of the bridge
spanning the Mekong River has
already been completed and it
has been agreed that it will
help to boost trade, investment,
tourism and transport in the
region.
Thailand proposed to
share the cost 50/50 for the
construction of the Mekong
bridge between Borikhamxay
province with Bueng Kan
province in Thailand.
According to the Ministry
of Public Works and Transport,
Laos has never proposed an
alternative arrangement to
Thailand in regards to funding
the cost of construction of
the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship
Bridge. However, Thailand

answered that it is amenable

to an alternative proposal from
Laos for its consideration.
Once opened, the bridge
will offer a major transport
route between Thailand and
several cities in Vietnam.
Coming from Bueng Kan
province, vehicles will travel
around 150km to reach Nge
An province in Vietnam via
Lao National Highway No 8 in
Borikhamxay province.
In Nge An, the route then
links up with roads to Hanoi,
Danang and other areas of
Vietnam.
The new bridge will also
further open up northern Lao
provinces like Xieng Khuang
and Huaphan to tourists from
Thailand.
The bridge will likely
provide a further boost to
Borikhamxays already fastgrowing economy.
Continued page 2

Laos and Thailand are still using some ferries for goods transportation across the shared Mekong
River border in Borikhamxay province.
--Photo Poonsab

The 10th Congress of Lao

Peoples Revolutionary Party

4500 kip

Laos to export electricity to

Myanmar, more for Vietnam
Times Reporters

Myanmar hopes to import

electricity from Laos at an
installed capacity of about
300 megawatts (MW) in the
near future while the exports
to Vietnam may be increased
in the next few months.
The Myanmar government
proposed this project to Laos
about two months ago, Deputy
Minister of Energy and Mines
Mr Viraphonh Viravong told
Vientiane Times yesterday.
Currently we are studying
the greater detail of the project,
including the transmission
lines and where the electricity
will be used, Mr Viraphonh
said.
Speaking at the 10th Party
Congress recently, Party
Secretary of the Ministry
of Energy and Mines Dr
Khammany Inthirath reported
that Laos will begin initial
electricity exports to Myanmar
this year.
Mr Viraphonh explained
that the initial exports will be
only a small quantity for use
in a few villages in Myanmar
that are close to Luang Namtha
province of Laos.
For the electricity exports
to Vietnam, Director General
of Ministry of Energy and
Mines Energy Policy and
Planning Department, Dr
Daovong Phonekeo, said that
Laos will begin the exports
with a newly built power
plant, Xekaman 1, this year
in Attapeu province in the
southern part of Laos.
According to the plan,
the plant, that has three energy
generators, will start running
the first generator next month;
then the second generator will
run in the following three
months and the third generator
another three months after

A high voltage transmission line that is used for electricity exports

to a neighbouring country. (File photo)

that, Dr Daovong said.

The southern region of
Laos will have four more
hydropower plants in 2017:
Xekaman 4, Xekaman Sanxay,
Xekong 3 and Xekong 3 Ha.
Importing electricity
from neighbouring countries,
including Laos, is one of several
measures being adopted to help
Vietnam meet the electricity
demand for socio-economic
development, according to a
VNS report.
These projects are expected
to help partially address

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the urgent requirement for

electricity plants for the period
ending in 2020.
Dr Khammany said that
as of 2015, Laos has built 38
power plants at a total cost
of more than 81.7 trillion kip
(US$10 billion), with a total
installed capacity of 6,265MW.
They can generate 33,315
million kWh of electricity a
year; and some 20.4 percent
of the power generated is
consumed in Laos while 79.6
percent is exported.
Continued page 2

2 Home news

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Hadxaifong police searching for

stolen Buddha image
Times Reporters

NZAS students studying English in Vientiane who will depart for study in New Zealand this year.

New Zealand Asean

Scholar Awards open
Times Reporters

The New Zealand Ambassadordesignate to Lao PDR, Mr Ben

King officially announced the
opening of the New ZealandAsean Scholar Awards (NZAS)
2016 Selection Round on
Monday.
Mr King stated that the
scholarships aim to empower
individuals with the knowledge,
skills and qualifications to
contribute to the economic,
social, and political development
of their country.
The ambassador noted that
New Zealands internationally
renowned tertiary institutions
offer a wide range of
highly-valued postgraduate
qualifications, and encouraged
all potential candidates to apply
for the NZAS 2016 Selection
Round. New Zealand is offering
up to 35 scholarships in the
2016 Selection Round for those
seeking to study in areas that
contribute to the development
of Lao PDR, according to a

statement from the embassy

yesterday.
The priority areas for the
2016 Selection Round include
agriculture development, private
sector development including
tourism, renewable energy,
disaster risk management, public
sector management and English
language teaching. Awards
are offered for Postgraduate
Diploma, Masters and PhD
level study.
The applications for NZAS
2016 to undertake postgraduate
study in New Zealand are now
open and will close on April 15
(Paper Applications) and April
30 (Online Applications).
The New Zealand
Government is committed to
providing opportunities for all
and particularly encourages
applications from suitably
qualified women and provincial
candidates.
The New Zealand-Asean
Scholar Awards (NZAS)
recognise New Zealands
close cultural, economic, and

geographic ties with Southeast

Asia. They seek to empower
individuals with the knowledge,
skills and qualifications to
contribute to the economic,
social, and political development
of their region. NZAS are offered
for postgraduate level study.
NZAS are funded by the
New Zealand Aid Programme,
the New Zealand Governments
international aid and
development programme. They
are managed by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade.
To date, more than 160
fellows have been sent to New
Zealand and 135 have completed
their respective degrees and
returned to Laos since the
programme launched in 2005,
according to the embassy.
For further information,
please contact Vientiane College,
23 Singha Road, P.O. Box 4144,
Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Tel: 021 414 873, 412 598,

Vientiane police and authorities

in Hadxaifong district are
searching for an old sacred
Buddha image stolen from Vat
Par temple of Nalong village,
Hadxaifong district.
An official of the
Interrogative and Investigative
section of Vientiane Police
Office told Vientiane Times
yesterday that someone snuck
into the temple Saturday night
and stole the old Buddha image
along with four smaller ones.
The old sacred bronze
Buddha image has been
revered by villagers for a long
time who dont actually know
its age.

Every year villagers will

wash the Buddha image with it
thought to bring good fortune
to devotees.
In the incident, thieves
broke into the temple while two
novices slept. Following initial
investigations Police suspect
the perpetrators maybe living
in the village because of past
temple break-ins where money
was also stolen.
Currently Nalong village
authorities and Hadxaifong
police are working together in
their investigation searching
for the Buddha image.
Meanwhile, Xaysettha
police and authorities in Xokyai
village, Xaysettha district are
also continuing their search for

a sacred Buddha image stolen

almost two months ago that has
not yet been found.
A monk from Xokyai temple
Soukansone Phommanychanh
said, The Buddha image is
bronze and over 100 years
old. It has been revered by
Xokyai temple devotees for a
long time.
Many people in other
villages, not only Xokyai, respect
the sacred Buddha image. Monk
Soukansone said.
Authorities are also
urging shops to be vigilant
for anyone trying to sell the
stolen Buddha image and to
notify them immediately so the
sacred object can be returned to
Xokyai temple.

Woman injured as old building collapses

Times Reporters

An old building, which

partially collapsed on Monday
in Vientiane, injured an
American lady who was now
recovering, an official has said.
The woman was walking
past the two-storey building
on Setthathirath Road in
Haisok village, Chanthabouly
district when the front part

of the building collapsed

on her between about 4 and
5pm. The building belongs to
the Ministry of Information,
Culture and Tourism.
A video clip and pictures
circulated online showed the
American woman lying on the
ground surrounded by debris
with some wounds and blood
on her body.
The injured woman was

later transferred to a hospital in

Vientiane and she was confirmed
as recovering. The official said
Lao authorities visited the victim.
There is no official
confirmation on the cause of
the collapse, but the age of the
building was a likely factor.
However, the actual date when
the building was built was
still unclear as officials are
checking, the official said.

Email: nzas@vientianecollege.com
Website: http://vientianecollege.com/
www.aid.govt.nz

Laos to export electricity... from page 1

Viraphonh said the exports shall be mainly
to Thailand while the rest will go to Vietnam
and Cambodia.
Under current arrangements the generated
energy is for both local supply and export to
Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. The sector
also has the potential development of an
electricity grid linking Laos and Singapore and
trading in electricity is possible as Thailand and
Malaysia would also benefit from the project.
Laos will push for the acceleration of energy

integration under the Asean Power Grid (APG)

to address the imbalance in the distribution of
power-generating resources in the region.
APG aims to connect countries with surplus
power generation capacity to those who face a
deficit. The intention is to link up power lines
in the 10 Asean nations by 2020.
Laos can help Asean countries to reduce their
use of fossil fuels, which are the main source of
greenhouse gas emissions, and importantly can
also help Asean to stabilise its power supply.

Pakxan bridge over... from page 1

Currently, there are four Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges across Mekong River; the first connects
Vientiane to Thailands Nong Khai province and the second connects Savannakhet province and
Mukdahan province in Thailand. The third bridge connects Khammuan province with Thailands
Nakhon Phanom and the fourth links Bokeo province in the north of Laos with Chiang Rai
province of Thailand.
Currently, the nation has also seen the opening of the first Laos-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in
Luang Namtha province. The bridge links Xienglab Township in Thachilek district of Myanmars
Shan State with Xiengkok village in Long district, Luang Namtha province, northern Laos.

Lao Press in Foreign Languages

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A rescue worker at the scene of the building collapse.

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Vientiane Times

Lao children report more

interest in reading

Times Reporters

Assessment results have shown

that at schools where libraries
have been established by Room
to Read Laos, the number of
children who enjoy reading has
increased to about 60 percent,
compared to 37 percent in nonproject schools.
Room to Read Laos has
noted the impacts from Room to
Read Laos projects, with local
children improving their reading
skills and fluency by threefold
compared to non-project schools.
In collaboration with
the Research Institution for
Education Science, Room to
Read Laos develops and pilots
the new Grades 1 and 2 Lao
language supplementary student
books for primary schools in
Laos.
Currently, 220 girls graduated
from upper secondary schools
and 139 girls or 63 percent of
these graduates will continue
their study at medium or higher
education institutes including at
bachelor level.
Room to Read Laos has
received various awards from the
Ministry of Information, Culture
and Tourism for its efforts in
encouraging children to read,
including in 2007, 2008, 2010
and 2013.
Room to Read Laos has also
organised literacy programmes
and girls education programmes,
teacher training and support
as well as providing reading
materials and learning spaces
for communities in Laos. These
programmes are currently running
in the provinces of Oudomxay,

Teachers and children read books at a local school in Savannakhet province which has just had a
library established by Room to Read Laos.

Xayaboury, Vientiane province,

Savannakhet, Champassak and
Saravan. They just enlarged
the literacy programme to the
districts of Pakxe and Phonthong
in Champassak province this
year.
Room to Read Laos recently
completed projects in Phongsaly,
Borikhamxay and Khammuan
provinces at the end of last year.
According to the five year
plan from 2016-2020, they
will expand new projects in
Champassak province and
Vientiane.
Room to Read provides
much more than a space for
storing books. Room to Reads

literacy programme transforms

primary schools into a childfriendly learning environment
that enables children to develop
the skill and habit of reading
throughout primary school and
become life-long, independent
readers.
Room to Read provides
much more than material support
to girls. Room to Reads girls
education programme ensures
that girls complete secondary
school and have skills to
negotiate key life decisions.
The programme reinforces
girls commitment to their own
education, works with girls
to develop essential life skills

and increases support for girls

education among their parents,
school staff and communities.
According to Room to
Read Laos, in the period from
2005 to 2015 more than 2,300
girls benefitted from the girls
education programme.
Room to Read Laos
organised more than 1,100
school libraries, constructed 84
reading rooms, and published
184 chi l dr en books and
distributed books to more than
1.7 million children.
It also provided instruction in
reading and writing to students
in Grades 1 and 2 at 70 schools
in Laos.

Luang Prabang expecting additional

tourists for Chinese New Year
Times Reporters

Chinese visitor numbers to Luang

Prabang town are expected to
increase slightly to 6,500-7,000
a day during Chinese New Year
from February 7-17, according
to local officials.
A senior official from Luang
Prabang Provincial Department
of Information, Culture and
Tourism Mr Khonsavanh
Chelakha explained the number
of tourists would be up somewhat
compared to last years daily
figure of 5,000-6,000.
Last year Luang Prabangs
hotels and resorts couldnt
supply enough rooms for
Chinese tourists, so this year,
the department is working to
give visitors other alternative
accommodation.
Authorities are arranging
temporary accommodation for
Chinese tourists such as tents
and extra parking spaces in the
suburbs as these visitors often
use private cars to cross the
border to World Heritage Luang
Prabang.
According to provincial
officials, Luang Prabang
currently had 76 hotels and
resorts with 1,914 rooms, and 372
guesthouses with 2,628 rooms.
He expected that over the next
two years, the province would
add an additional 200 rooms with
15 new boutique hotels presently
under construction.

The World Heritage city of Luang Prabang is gearing up for Chinese New Year.

When finished, they will add

to the accommodation supply
and help fuel further tourism
industry growth and investment
in the province.
Mr Phonesavanh explained
that the number of hotels had
grown because the province had
improved its infrastructure which
attracted investors each year, as
well as reforming marketing to
promote tourism through online
channels. The province has seen
increasing numbers of Chinese,

Korean and Australian tourists,

with direct flights to the city
especially helping the north Asia
market.
Tourist arrivals in Luang
Prabang last year were 607,584,
an increase of 16 percent
compared to 2014, and tourism
revenue reached US$189 million.
The data showed the number
of Chinese visitors was more
than 60,793 in 2015, an increase
of 50 percent compared to the
previous year. The Chinese

business sector has also made

frequent visits to Laos looking
to invest in tourism related
businesses to accommodate the
influx of their tourists.
The province expected
revenue of more than 1.41
trillion kip over the next
five years, with around 8590 percent of tax and duty
collection coming from the
trade and services sector,
according to the Provincial
Finance Department.

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Home news

Party extends wishes to

Vietnamese counterparts
The Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) has extended
its best wishes to the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV)
on the occasion of its 86th anniversary, which came today.
On behalf of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party
Central Committee, its members and the Lao multiethnic
people, we would like to extend best wishes and fraternal
friendship greetings to the Vietnamese Communist Partys
Central Committee, the Party members, and all Vietnamese
people on the occasion of the anniversary, the LPRP said
in the message.
The LPRP made note in the message of the foundation
of the CPV on February 3, 1930 by Ho Chi Minh, since
which the CPV has led all triumphal successes in the fight
for national liberation, and eventually led to the unification
of the country in 1975.
The LPRP made mention about the achievements of
Vietnam in the process of national defence and development,
especially in the past 30 years of implementing the
renovation policy under the leadership of the CPV.
It noted that political stability and social order have
been maintained, economic development has been steadily
dynamic, and peoples livelihoods have been improved in
both material and spiritual terms.
The LPRP leaders expressed their confidence that the
Vietnamese people, under the clear-sighted leadership of the
CPV led by Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong, would
gain new and greater triumphal success in implementing the
resolutions of the 12th Congress of the CPV.
The LPRP Central Committees External Relations
Committee Head Ms Sounthone Xayachak also sent a message
to her Vietnamese counterpart Mr Hoang Binh Quan to
extend best wishes to the CPV Central Committees External
Committee leaders and officials on the occasion.

Third round of polio

campaign
begins this month
Xayxana Leukai

The National Programme

of Immunisation (NPI) will
provide the free third round
of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
from February 21-29, thereby
creating a full lifelong immunity
to the disease among recipient
children aged 15 years or
younger.
The first round was
conducted from December 2131, 2015 and the second round
campaigned between January
21-31 this year. The two rounds
of the vaccination campaign
reached more than 95 percent
of the target group on each
occasion.
About 2.4 million target
groups in 19 districts received
vaccines in the first and second
rounds. The programme is
expected that target people in
45 districts will be a part of
the third round of the vaccine
campaign.
The NPI Manager, Dr
Anonh Xeuatvongsa said that
children who missed the first
round or second round of the
vaccine campaign are advised
to receive the vaccine at nearby
dispensaries, hospitals and all
healthcare centres.
H o w e v e r, t h e p e r i o d
between vaccines given for each
person should be at least two
weeks apart with the vaccine
being the same.
All children who received
all three doses of OPV, they will
have lifelong immunity against
polio, said Dr Anonh.
Even though medical staff
have been working very hard in
the past months to provide the
first round and second round of
OPV they have to continue to
send this message to access the
target groups who have yet to
receive the vaccine.

Since the beginning of the

month preparations for this
nationwide campaign have
been underway in the mass
media, mass organisations like
the Lao Front for National
Construction, Lao Womens
Union and 10,000 village heads
and village elders.
The National Commission
for Mother and Child has
been briefed on the upcoming
campaign and how they can
support it in terms of social
mobilisation to encourage their
villagers to get vaccinated.
In the community, religious
leaders, teachers and village
health volunteers are also
working with the village heads
and mass organisation staff
to inform families, parents
and students on the dates of
vaccination.
According to the World
Health Organisation, children
under one and those that were
not in schools from 1 to 5 years
of age remained a challenge
for health workers/vaccinators.
This relies on parents bringing
their children for vaccination at
the fixed locations.
Polio is a serious disease
that can cause paralysis and
death. There is no cure for polio;
however we can protect our
children from polio by getting
them vaccinated.
If a population is fully
immunised, they will get
protected against the spread of
this virus. All children under
15 should receive three doses
of OPV.
It is important for all
families to look out for the
vaccination campaign from
February 21-29. If you love
your children, protect them
from polio, as permanent polio
paralysis cannot be reversed,
the WHO stated.

4 Home news

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Nation must improve coordination

for disaster response

News in Brief
Suspected drug dealer nabbed in Savannakhet
Savannakhet provincial police recently apprehended a targeted drug dealer in Nongbuatha
village, Songkhon district, of the province and confiscated 800 amphetamine tablets.
Police stopped the target motorbike in Songkhon district and found 800 amphetamine
pills in a young mans trouser pockets. They have detained Mr Visouk, 18, of
Lattanalangsi village, Songkhon district, according to Khuamsangob Newspaper.
Police said they set up a roadblock to stop and check vehicles after receiving a tipoff
from local people in Nongbuatha that amphetamines were being traded.
Mr Visouk admitted to police the 800 amphetamine pills were his. Police are continuing
to investigate the case.

Dry season crops cover 87,000 hectares

Mr Prasong Vongkhamchanh (seated, right) and Mr James Lette (seated, left).

Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth

Laos must improve its

cooperation and strengthen
coordination for preparedness
and disaster response between
the government and local
authorities.
There have been many
reports on disaster risk
management, disaster reporting
and helping victims in the
country but disaster responses
are still lacking. A meeting took
place in Vientiane yesterday
to discuss disaster response,
attended by Project Manager of
the International Organisation
for Migration (IOM), Mr James
Lette and disaster risk experts
from all ministries of the Lao
PDR, not just the main actors in
emergency management.
During the meeting,
participants reported the
progress of their activities and
experiences in reporting on
disaster response as part of

the project Strengthening the

Capacity of the Government
of the Lao PDR to Respond to
Humanitarian Emergencies.
One senior official
working for the project said the
orientation training on disaster
risk management will present
basic concepts to ministry
officials that can be used in their
everyday work. This includes
a global overview of disasters,
how disaster is linked to climate
change, the legal framework
for disasters (national, regional,
and international), and how
to conduct post-disaster
assessments.
Speaking at the meeting,
Director General of the Social
Welfare Department under
the Ministry of Labour and
Social Welfare, Mr Prasong
Vongkhamchanh said that for
several years, the coordination
for preparedness and response
on disasters in the country has
been lacking in quality. Often the

target groups cannot be accessed

and many local authorities in
the country still cannot report
accurately on what is happening
in their areas.
Mr Prasong said that
training workshops play an
important role in improving
cooperation and strengthening
coordination for preparedness
in disaster response between
the government and local
authorities.
Mr James Lette noted
that We were able to see that
government officials were very
interested in our training.
We believe that local
government officials will better
understand how to establish
emergency shelters such as
collective centres at temples or
other public buildings. Officials
understand how to assess
vulnerable groups, appropriate
buildings for shelters, and meet
the needs of men, women, and
children in these situations.

More than 87,000 hectares of dry season crops are under cultivation nationwide equal to
17 percent of the plan, Laophatthana Newspaper reported recently.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry reported that most of the crops are sweet
corn, beans and seasonal crops. Besides that, farmers nationwide have transplanted rice
seedlings on more than 72,000 hectares equal to 66 percent of the plan and were on target
to finish the transplanting in March. The central areas of the country had transplanted
seedlings on 50,000 hectares, or 72 percent of the plan, 18,000 hectares or 54 percent in
the south and 38,000 hectares or 45 percent in the north.

Xayaboury preparing to welcome 200,000 visitors for elephant festival

Xayaboury province is hoping more than 200,000 spectators will experience the elephant
festival from February 15 to 21, Laosphatthana Newspaper reported recently.
Deputy Director of the provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department said
most sectors were ready for the event, especially hotels, restaurants, and venues hosting
festival activities for visitors, with numbers expected to be up on last years 150,000.
The festival will include activities featuring more than 60 elephants and other events
aiming to promote the protection of elephants and tourism development in the province.

Saravan invests over 21 billion kip to upgrade infrastructure

In the past five years Saravan province has used over 21 billion kip for upgrading
infrastructure in the three districts of Toumlan, Ta-oy, and Samuay, Poverty Reduction
Fund reported recently. Poverty Reduction Fund representatives in the province said they
began the project in 2010 with 73 projects having been implemented in 145 villages.
Over 21 billion kip has been spent on education, health, public works and transport,
energy and mines, agriculture and forestry projects. Some 12 projects received funding
support from the government amounting to 3 billion kip, and more than 1 billion kip was
contributed by local residents.
Authorities also said over 5 billion kip would be used for 29 projects this year in three
districts: nine projects in Samuay district, and 10 projects each in Ta-oy and Toumlan
districts.

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Photo news

Deputy
Prime Minister
and Minister
of Education
and Sports,
Mr Phankham
Viphavanh
(right) inspects
products at the
Lao-ITECC trade
fair in Vientiane
on Monday
marking the 60th
anniversary of the
establishment the
Lao Federation
of Trade Unions
(February 1, 1956 February 1, 2016).
Minister to the Government Office Dr Sonexay Siphandone (right), recently received 250 million
kip from Emoun Hydro Power Company to help provide relief for people affected by the chilly
weather recently, especially in the northern parts of the country.

Authorities concerned should hurry to repair the many broken manhole covers on the roads because
they are putting road users lives at risk. This is one example at a crossroads in Saphanthong Tai
village of Sisattanak district.

The Lao-German Friendship Association (LGFA) and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of
Germany to Laos donate sporting equipment and other items for Borikhamxay province recently
to celebrate the 58th Anniversary of Lao-German Diplomatic Relations.

Wednesday February 3, 2016

In brief from Asia

News Network

Vientiane Times

Region
Constitution does
notpermit foreign judges

SRI LANKA (The Island)

-- Pledging to make the Sri
Lankan Parliament the strongest
in Asia, Prime Minister Ranil
Wickremesinghe said in
Colombo on Monday that the
Constitution only permitted
participation of foreign
judges in domestic inquiries,
but did not allow them to sit
in judgment. Addressing the
Commonwealth Parliamentary
Associations Asia Regional
Seminar under the theme, Role
of Parliament in the Promotion
and Protection of Human
Rights, the Prime Minister said
that the election of Maithripala
Sirisena as President had led to
the protection of human rights
of all communities.

Widespread rain and

windy conditions
expected

SINGAPORE (The Straits

Times) Dont forget your
umbrella when you go visiting
this Chinese New Year, as a
monsoon surge is expected to
hit the region, bringing with it
widespread rain and occasional
windy conditions. Rainfall for
the first two weeks of February
is expected to be slightly above
average, with short-duration
thundery showers in the
afternoons of four to five days,
said the Meteorological Service
Singapore on Monday.

Korea to limit blood donations as Zika spreads

SOUTH KOREA (The Korea Herald,
ANN) -- South Koreas health
authorities released a set of measures
Tuesday to prevent a possible outbreak
of the Zika virus, including a plan to
ban blood donations from travelers
returning from Zika-affected regions.
The announcement came just hours
after the World Health Organisation
designated the virus and its suspected
complications in newborns as an
international health emergency.
In an emergency meeting chaired
by Health Minister Chung Chinyoub in Seoul, health authorities
and medical professionals agreed to
strengthen blood safety measures
at all medical facilities nationwide,
banning those who have traveled to
Zika-affected countries from donating
blood for at least 30 days upon their
return to Korea, as well as coming
up with more efficient and scientific
methods to control mosquitos before
the summer months arrive.
They also agreed to release
guidelines for pregnant women,

who are considered to be the most

vulnerable to the virus, as soon as
possible.
Although the possibility of the
Zika virus spreading in South Korea is
very low - as no mosquitos are active
during the winter months - we will
make sure we are fully prepared and
equipped to deal with the virus should
it spread in the country, Chung said
during the meeting.
WHO on Monday issued a
worldwide warning that the Zika
virus - transmitted through an infected
mosquito that causes mild symptoms
such as fever - is a global public
health emergency that requires a
united response. The agency claimed
the infection has been linked to cases
of microcephaly, in which babies are
born with abnormally small heads and
underdeveloped brains. The specific
warning - officially titled Public
Health Emergency of International
Concern - has been issued by WHO
only three times before, for the 2014
outbreak of Ebola, the 2009 pandemic

Australian official says PM is

considering an early election
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) -Australias prime minister told
government colleagues on Tuesday that
an earlygeneral election within weeks
was a live option, an official said.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull
alone decides the timing of the next
election. He has maintained that he
plans for his government to run a full
three-year term which would make the
election due around September.

But he told his colleagues at their

first meeting at Parliament House for
the year that the election could be called
much sooner, a government minister
said.
Turnbull said he could call a double
dissolution election, so-called because
both the House of Representatives and
the Senate are dissolved.
Turnbull told his colleagues we
can reasonably expect an election to

Jeong Eun-kyung, acting head of the Korea Centres for Disease Control and
Prevention, speaks during a meeting to discuss measures to prevent the spread
of the Zika virus in Seoul.
--Photo Yonhap

of swine flu and the 2014 resurgence

of polio after its near eradication.
When asked about WHOs
decision, Jeong Eun-kyung, acting
head of the Korea Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, said the

current situation was alarming
worldwide, especially because there
are no vaccines or rapid and reliable
diagnostic tests available.

be at the normal time, in the Augustto-October period, but that is not set
in stone, the minister told reporters
on condition of anonymity because he
was speaking as a spokesman for the
meeting rather than as himself.
He said a double dissolution was
a live option, which would have to be
weighed up, the minister said.
An ordinary election in which the
entire House of Representatives and
half the Senate go to the polls can be
held any time from Aug. 6 until January
14 next year.
A double dissolution election can
be called earlier to break a legislative

dead lock after the Senate has twice

rejected a bill passed by the House
of Representatives. After the early
election, the rejected bill goes to a vote
in a joint sitting of both chambers.
The Senate has already twice
rejected a minor bill on improving
governance of organisations, meaning
Turnbull could call an election as early
as March 12.
He can also use the threat of an early
election to pressure a hostile Senate into
passing legislation, for example, a bill
to create a new construction industry
watchdog that the Senate has already
rejected once.

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016 Region

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Burapha Agroforestry Co., Ltd is a Swedish/Lao plantation and wood products
manufacturing company, with it's own sawmill, processing facilities and plantations.
We are committed to managing and developing our business in a sustainable manner.
Balancing our economic, environmental and social responsibilities is necessary for
sustainable business and beneficial to all stakeholders.
We are looking for Lao Nationals or Expatriates to join our Company.
Sales Manager
Location: Vientiane Head Office
Candidate profile:
We are looking for a high-performing Sales Manager to increase our revenue growth
targets in both export and Lao markets. We expect you to be service minded and
professional in contact with our customers and you will also be responsible for finding
new markets and customers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement a strategic business plan that expands companys
customer base
- Build and promote strong, long-lasting customer relationships by partnering
with them and understanding their needs
- Present sales, revenue and expenses reports and realistic forecasts to the
management team
Qualifications/Experience:
- Bachelor or Master degree in business administration or a related field
- Successful previous experience as a sales representative or sales manager
- Ability to communicate, present and influence
- Proven ability to drive the sales process from plan to close
- Strong business sense and industry expertise
- Evaluate customers needs and build productive long lasting relationships
- Fluent in English and Lao
- Good computer skills
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Location: Vientiane Head Office
Candidate profile:
We are looking for a high-performing Deputy CFO to asssit our CFO and Finance
team of 8 people.
The Deputy will help improving accounting accuracy and key process controls.
He/she will be involved in the teams projects, including move to a new accounting
software and to online banking, review of asset registers, update of internal policies
and trainings. He/she will be part of a fast growing company, and can expect rapid
career advancement accordingly.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for financial report submissions to Lao tax authorities
- Oversee account reconciliations
(Balance sheet accounts, SSO, salary tax, VAT)
- Review and approval of day to day payments,
- Review of accounting entries
- Conduct random audits of past entries and payments sent from the field
Qualifications/Experience:
- Bachelor or Master degree in Finance / accounting, or related qualification
- Completion of Lao CPA course is preferable
- Successful previous experience in accounting
- Ability to work independently and take initiative
- Ability to communicate with and influence others
- Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Excel)
- Native speaker or fluent in lao, working knowledge of English
Receptionist / Secretary
Location: Vientiane Head Office
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform clerical function by preparing correspondence, translating
documents, receiving visitors and answering or directing inquiries.
- Word processing.
- Audio and copy typing.
- Letter writing.
- Creating and maintaining filing systems.
- Scheduling and attending meetings, creating agendas and taking minutes.
- Ordering and maintaining stationery and equipment;
- Maintain and update websites
- Arranging travel and accommodation for staff or customers and other external
contacts
- Liaises between department of the company
Qualifications/Experience:
- At least 1 year experience in administrative or secretarial job
- Fluent in English and Lao
- Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, Power point, Outlook)

Interested candidates should send CV, proof of qualifications and a cover letter to: hr@
buraphawood.com
Tel: 021 451 841 -2. 46 Kaysone Phomvihane Road, Ban Phonesaath, Xaysettha District,
Vientiane Capital.
Any questions concerning Sales Manager position will be answered by Industry Manager,
Mrs. Anna Forsen
Tel: 020 9865 2891, E-mail: anna.forsen@buraphawood.com,
Deputy Chief Financial Officer position will be answered by CFO, Mr. Hugues Ameline.
Tel: 020 761 499 57
E-mail: hugues.ameline@buraphawood.com,

Closing date: 19-02-2016

Excessive emissions a big

problem in 59 cities
CHINA (China Daily, ANN)
-- The national environmental
authority found severely
excessive pollution emissions
during inspections of 648
companies in 59 cities in
December, and it promised
tougher punishment this year
under a newly enacted air
pollution control law.
In Decembers monthly
inspections targeting
companies that discharge air
pollutants, the Ministry of
Environmental Protection and
its inspection teams found
that excessive emissions
were a big problem in the
59 cities that were inspected,
said Zou Shoumin, head of
the ministrys Environmental
Inspection Bureau, on Monday.
Among the 648 inspected
companies, the ministry found
31 polluters that directly
discharged pollutants into
the air or did not use required
facilities to reduce pollution.
The December inspections
covered many provinces in
northeastern, northern, central
and southern regions, including

Shanxi, Sichuan, Guangdong

and Shaanxi provinces.
Some companies failed
to obey requirements. For
example, a thermal power plant
in Zhongshan, Guangdong,
continued to pollute, despite
b e i n g o r d e r e d 11 t i m e s
since June 29 by the citys
environmental bureau to stop
polluting.
ive of the companies that
were found to be polluting
provided heating services to
the cities of Xianyang, Shaanxi
province, and Changchun,
Jilin province.
All the polluters have
received tough punishment,
said Zou.
For example, the
environmental watchdog of
Anshan, Liaoning province,
exposed an iron mine company
in the city with excessive
emissions and fined it on
a daily basis, totaling 4.82
million yuan (US$733,000).
Imposing daily fines for
companies that persist in
polluting is one of the powerful
tools provided by the Law on

Environmental Protection.
Between January and
November, the total amount of
daily fines levied against 611
polluting companies reached
485 million yuan, Zou said.
The ministry and local
bureaus inspected 1.58 million
companies, exposing 51,000
polluting companies in the first
11 months of last year.
Meanwhile, the Law on
the Prevention and Control of
Atmospheric Pollution took
effect on January 1.
We will highlight the
responsibilities of local
governments in protecting
air quality during the laws
implementation, said Wang
Jian, deputy head of the
ministrys Pollution Control
Bureau. The punishment of
polluters will also get tougher.
The newly implemented
law will facilitate air pollution
control, along with the law
revised last year and a national
campaign against air pollution,
increasing the cost to companies
with excessive emissions if they
worsen air quality, Wang said.

Students protest against cop

attack on protesters
INDIA (The Statesman, ANN)
-- Agitated over the alleged
assault on student protesters by
police, students from various
universities across Delhi on
Tuesday taged a protest outside
police headquarters here
blocking the traffic at ITO.
A video of police thrashing
a group of students with
sticks and fists and dragging
women by their hair outside
RSS headquarters here during
a protest over Dalit student
Rohith Vemulas suicide had
triggered widespread outrage
with Congress and AAP seeking
action against the erring cops.
The students from Krantikari
Yuva Sangathan (KYS) and
Left-backed All India Students
Association (AISA) staged a
demonstration outside the police
headquarters demanding action
against the cops who allegedly

assaulted the protesting students.

Government is not listening
to our demands, police is
attacking us, where are the
students supposed to go? Hang
ourselves like Rohith did and
succumb to their atrocities?,
said JNU Students Union Vice
President Shehla Rashid Shora.
A KYS protester said, The
police commissioner needs
to tell the country why cops
behaved in this manner and on
whose instructions they did so.
They were so prompt in taking
action against the students, why
is the top cop not acting against
his own policemen now?
The protest by the students
caused traffic jam at the ITO
stretch as they did not allow the
vehicles to move ahead.
The students alleged that
they have been treated in similar
manner by the police whenever

they have tried to stage any

demonstrations and raise their
voice against any issue.
Be it the Occupy UGC
movement or protests against
sexual harassment by any
professor, we always had to
face similar crackdown from
police. So many times we tried
to go to the HRD Ministry but
we were not even allowed to
submit memorandums, said
Sunny Kumar, a protester.
The students from Jawaharlal
Nehru University had decided
to go on an indefinite hunger
strike last week when they
were detained from outside
HRD Ministry for staging a
protest there against the alleged
delay in justice to Vemula, a
Dalit PhD scholar who was
found hanging at Hyderabad
Central Universitys hostel
on January 17.

Taiwan county builds huge glass shoe

as tribute to women
Taiwan (AP) -- A Taiwanese
county has built an enormous
glass shoe as a tribute to local
women who suffered from a
debilitating foot disease.
Completed last month,
the transparent 17-metre tall
structure in Chiayi county in
the southwest of the island
has already attracted large
numbers of visitors even
before it officially opens in
two weeks.
Intended for use as a wedding
hall and tourist attraction,
the shoe honors women who
suffered in the past from arsenic
poisoning from well water that
caused gangrene, a condition
sometimes known as black feet
disease.
Because feet often had to be
amputated, many women faced
discrimination and were unable
to marry or start families, let
alone wear high-heeled shoes.
Basically, this is built not

only to remind us of the time

when people suffered from the
disease, but also to represent
our hope that women can now
realise their dreams of walking
toward their blissful future in
their high-heels, said the county
government head Helen Chang.

Visitor Lin Yi-ling, 56, said

the glass shoe was a fitting
tribute to the women whod
suffered from the disease. So
when I learned the history
behind the high-heel wedding
hall, I thought I should come to
visit, Lin said.

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

World

10,000 young migrants unaccounted

for EU police agency says
THE HAGUE, Netherlands
(AP) -- Authorities dealing
with Europes migrant crisis
have lost track of about 10,000
unaccompanied children amid
fears that organised crime gangs
are beginning to exploit the
vulnerable youngsters, a senior
official at the European Unions
police agency said Monday.
Europol Chief of Staff Brian
Donald said that the figure
would be a conservative
estimate across all the countries
that are dealing with this migrant
crisis over the past 12-18
months.
The revelation that so many
youngsters are unaccounted
for is the latest worrying
development in the migrant
crisis and underscores the risks
faced by people fleeing conflict,
poverty and persecution in the
Middle East, Africa and Asia
even once they have reached the
apparent safety of Europe.
Donald said the estimate
of 10,000 missing was based
on reports by law enforcement
authorities, governments
and non-governmental
organisations.
Theyre lost in the system,
he said of the minors. I think
our concern is that we know that
there are people out there who
will exploit minors. We know
there are people who will take
them and use them for their own
purposes.

Sweden, a popular
destination for migrants, already
is aware of the problem.
The Stockholm county
government released a report last
week citing Swedish Migration
Agency statistics that said 1,900
of the 55,000 unaccompanied
minors who have applied
for asylum in Sweden in the
past six years disappeared.
The whereabouts of 1,250 of
those is still unclear. About
88 percent of those who went
missing are boys. There is very
little information about what
happens after they disappear.
These children are particularly

vulnerable to being exploited in

various ways, the report said.
Amir Hashemi-Nik
of the Stockholm County
Administration said some
of those who disappear are
believed to be in the grip of
human-trafficking rings and end
up in prostitution, begging or
other criminal activities. some
disappear simply because they
dont like the place where they
have been assigned and decide
to leave, others go when they
approach their 18th birthday
because they are worried it will
be harder to get asylum.
North African boys

are particularly likely to go

underground because, unlike
Syrians or Afghans, they are
unlikely to get asylum.
Many of them have lived
on the streets in many other
countries before coming to
Sweden, the report said.
Many of these children become
involved in crime. Last week
Britain announced it would
accept an unspecified number of
refugee children, after charities
and opposition politicians
pressured the government to help
the thousands of unaccompanied
minors fleeing conflicts in Syria
and elsewhere.

Migrants and refugees disembark from a ferry after their arrival at the port of Piraeus near Athens. --Photo AP

French President Francois Hollande (left) welcomes his Cuban

counterpart Raul Castro at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France.

--Photo Xinhua

Cubas Castro pays

historic visit to France
PARIS (Xinhua) -- Cuban
President Raul Castro on
Monday paid a historic state
visit to France, the first ever by
a Cuban leader in two decades,
with a view to reinforce bilateral
ties, increase trade links, and
discuss debt relief.
The two-day visit reflects
Cubas friendship and high
esteem, the French presidents
office said in a press release.
At the Elysee Palace, French
President Francois Hollande
rolled out the red carpet for the
Cuban leader, who is seeking to
bolster Havanas connections
with the West after being
isolated for decades.
During a one-hour talk, both
leaders are to discuss ways to

inject dynamism into a bilateral

economic partnership via
tourism and transport, in addition
to development accords.
Besides, they are to sign an
agreement to write off US8.5
billion of Cubas US$11.9billion- debt, to convert it into
financing for development
projects expected to help Havana
quicken its growth.
Frances sales to Cuba
totalled 131 million euros
(US$142.8 million) for January
to November 2015, down from
157 million euros in 2014,
figures which, according to
Mathias Fekl, junior minister
in charge of foreign trade and
tourism, were not in line with
our ambitions.

Vientiane Times

Business

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.la

New plant aims to

process quality tea for export
Times Reporters

A new tea processing plant

in Laos northern province of
Oudomxay, which is being
invested in by a Chinese
business, is ready to process
good quality tea for export to
China after the construction
of the facility was completed
last year.
A senior official from
the provincial authorities
delivered a report during
the signing ceremony of the
land concession for the new
tea processing plant. Present
were representatives from the
provincial land management
o ff i c e a n d t h e C h i n e s e
company, with the ceremony
held recently in the province.
The new plant, which
has been built in Pakbaeng
district, will have the capacity
to process up to 8,000 tonnes
of tea per year, adding fuel to
the provinces tea production
potential.
C u r r e n t l y, t h e r e a r e
only a few small-scale tea
processing plants operating in

the province. The new plant is

able to produce a better quality
of tea products, the official
from the provincial investment
promotion section said.
Tea is now being grown
on over 8,000 hectares of land
in 11 villages in the district.
Tea planting and processing
has the potential to be one
of major cash crops for the
province and local authorities
have encouraged farmers to
cultivate it on a commercial
basis in a bid to drive economic
growth.
Export products grown
in Oudomxay also include
rubber, sweet corn, bananas
and other crops.
Despite that tea is not
our main export product,
the department official Mr
Khamchack Laocheubeng
said, adding that the province
has the potential to further
expand tea planting initiatives
in the future.
The province also has
wild tea trees aging from
400 to more than 1000 years
old, whose leaves fetch

considerably high prices on

international markets.
We have set a clear plan
to continue promoting tea
planting and production,
through collaboration with
Chinese investors, he said.
In addition to tea, the
provincial authorities will
continue promoting animal
husbandry enterprises to
alleviate poverty and improve
the living conditions of local
residents, whose incomes
remain relatively low.
The average income
per capita of the provinces
residents is only just over 9
million kip (about US$ 1,200)
per annum.
In order to maximise the
potential of these cash crops,
the provincial authorities
recognise the need to upgrade
the knowledge of technical
staff so that they can provide
better planting know-how to
local farmers.
More training courses
will be conducted, along
with on-the-job experience as
well, he confirmed.

Petro China slides after profit alert

Workers conduct security checks on PetroChinas pipeline

equipment in Kunming, Yunnan province.

CHINA (China Daily, ANN) -- Petro China Co, the countrys biggest
oil and gas producer, fell in Hong Kong after saying2015 profit may
have fallen 60 percent to 70 percent from a year earlier because of
the slumpin energy prices.
The stock closed down 3 percent at HK$4.61 in Hong Kong,
after earlier falling as much as4.2 percent. The citys benchmark
Hang Seng Index lost 0.45 percent.
Petro China cited crudes fall and lower domestic natural gas
prices for the estimated drop infull-year earnings, estimates for
which were compiled according to Chinese accountingstandards,
it said on Friday in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
The company sees the oil market continuing to be weak this year
and is seeking to cut costs.It reported net income of 107.2 billion yuan
(US$16.3 billion) for 2014. Profit is seen dropping by59 percent,
according to the median of 22 forecasts compiled by Bloomberg,

based oninternational accounting

standards.
What likely matters for
the bulk of Petro Chinas share
price movement over the next
fewmonths is oil prices, any
news on gas pipeline subsidiary
sale and, to a lesser extent,
anyannouncement of further
capex cuts, James Hubbard,
a Hong Kong-based analyst
atMacquarie Capital Securities
Ltd, said in an research note after
Petro China issued itsstatement.
Petro China is a geared
play on oil prices that is safe
from the perspective that it has
accessto low cost State funding
if it ever needs it.
Brent crude, the benchmark
for more than half the worlds
oil, plunged 35 percent last
year,punishing producers and
forcing drillers from the United
States to Asia to slash spending
andcut staff.
P e t r o C h i n a s S t a t e owned parent China National
Petroleum Corp plans to keep
oil productionsteady and boost
gas output with only limited
amount of money to invest this
year, DeputyGeneral Manager
Wang Dongjin said last month.

Wednesday February 3, 2016

JDB reviews 2015 outcomes

and launches new products
Advertorial Desk

The Joint Development Bank

(JDB) recently held a meeting
to review the banks business
operation results for the year
2015 and a gala dinner to launch
its new products at Don Chan
Palace hotel in Vientiane.
The event was attended by
Deputy Governor of the Bank
of the Lao PDR Mr Sonexay
Sitphaxay, President of JDB
Administration Board Mr
Ekkaphan Phaphithak, JDB
Director General Mr Sounthorn
Chanthavong, chief executive
officers, staff, businessmen and
customers.
JDBs meeting reviewed
the business operation results
of year 2015 and set next years
plan and together launched its
new products including ATM
Healthy Life and Payroll Loans.
In addition to this, the bank
congratulated its outstanding
banking staff who have actively
contributed to bank development
work by presenting JDB awards,
premium awards, and golden
awards.
This was the banks second
meeting with customers and
businessmen in a bid to build
closer relationships between
itself and its customer base.
This meeting provided an
opportunity for the banks chief
executive officers and customers
and businessmen to exchange
views on the business operations
of customers and businessmen
to understand more about the
banks policy and new products.
Besides that, it provided an
opportunity for businessmen
to be able to access funding

Mr Ekkaphan Phaphithak presents an award to an outstanding

banking staff member at the meeting.

sources. The bank has a

sufficient amount of money
in order to provide customers
with loans and support their
businesses to expand and grow
more and more.
Henceforth it has made a
notable contribution to national
socio-economic development
in line with the slogan Joint
Development Bank develops to
succeed stably.
JDB is one of the largest
banks in Laos and has been in
operation since 1989. It provides
complex finance services and
seeks to upgrade the service
standards provided to Lao society
by stepping up to the international
level in all aspects.
Nowadays, Joint
Development Bank has opened

service units across the country

to provide all-round financial
services including deposit
services, with customers able to
open accounts in Lao kip, Thai
baht and US dollars, with interest
calculated on a monthly basis.
The headquarters of JDB
is located on Lane Xang
Avenue, Vientiane. At present,
Joint Development Bank has
expanded to encompass 31
service units, a figure which is
expected to grow further to reach
40 units this year and increase to
50 units in 2017.
The Joint Development Bank
(JDB) is currently preparing its
readiness for going public and
listing on the Lao Securities
Exchange (LSX) at some point
in the near future.

Mr Sounthorn Chanthavong addresses the meeting.

Exchange rates as of February 2, 2016

Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public

Foreign Currencies

Buying

Selling

US Dollar 50-100

8,125

8,165

Thai Baht

228.89

230.6

Euro 50-500

8,847

8,891

10 Business

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

In brief

Record players for newbies and oldies

Asean remains top

trading partner
for Guangxi for 5
years

NANNING (Xinhua)
-- The Association of
Southeast Asian Nations
(Asean) remained the
biggest trading partner for
south Chinas Guangxi
Zhuang Autonomous
Region over the past five
years, authorities said on
Monday.
As a gateway for
cooperation between
China and Asean,
Guangxis total
imports and exports to
Aseaneconomies grew to
568 billion yuan (US$92
billion) from 2011 to
2015, accounting for
almost half of the regions
total foreign trade,
according to Nanning
customs.
In terms of building the
Silk Road Economic Belt
and the 21st-Century
Maritime Silk Road,
Guangxi has expanded
cooperation with
Aseanmembers, said
Wang Yadong, deputy
customs chief.

Falling oil prices contribute

to lower inflation
Somsack Pongkhao

Various record players are displayed at the Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba store in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

JAPAN (The Yomiuri Shimbun,

ANN) -- Technology like CDs
and Internet streaming has
diversified the ways we listen
to music, but the value of vinyl
records is being recognised
once again, and various types of
record players are being released
in keeping with that trend.
According to the Recording
Industry Association of Japan,
production of vinyl records has
been increasing since 2010,
with production volume in
2014 reaching 401,000 units,
about 1.5 times as many as
the previous year. The 2015
production volume was 534,000
units as of October.
Many popular artists,
including AKB48,
KyaryPamyuPamyu and
Masaharu Fukuyama, have
recently released analog versions
of their work. The opening of a
vinyl record specialty store in

Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, is also

giving young generations more
opportunities to experience
vinyl records.
According to Tsuyoshi
Kurokawa, a clerk at the
Yodobashi Camera Multimedia
Akiba store in the Akihabara
district of Chiyoda Ward,
Tokyo, a broad range of
customers visit the stores
record player section, from older
generations who are familiar
with the heyday of vinyl records
to young people.
I think the warmth of the
sound on vinyl records attracts
many people, Kurokawa said.
In addition to a record player,
the usual devices necessary
for listening to vinyl records
are an amplifier and speakers.
According to a record player
manufacturer, a player in the
50,000 range would mean a
total cost of about 100,000 with

the amp and speakers.

However, there are some
affordably priced entry-level
products on the market.
Amadana Corp., known
for the design of its home
appliances, released a record
player with a built-in speaker
called Sibreco (16,200) in
December. After turning on the
player and putting the needle on
the record, the music emanates
from the speaker built into the
bottom of the player.
For those who listen to
music on a portable player,
inMusic Japan K.K. released
in November the Air LP
(nominal price of 14,800),
which allows users to connect
the record player to a computer
by using a USB cable. Vinyl
records can be recorded onto
the computer and the data can
then be transferred to a portable
music player or smartphone.

The continuing decline in

oil prices has significantly
contributed to a lower inflation
rate in Laos, the lowest in six
years.
The inflation rate in Laos
in 2015 averaged 1.28 percent,
down from the average rate
of 4.62 percent recorded the
previous year.
Over the past six years, the
inflation rate had ranged from
4.13 to 7.58 percent, except
2009s figure which was recorded
at 0.03 percent, according to the
Bank of the Lao PDR.
A senior economist from the
National Economic Research
Institute, Dr Leeber Leebouapao
told Vientiane Times yesterday
The falling inflation rate was
mainly attributed to the drop in
fuel prices as it contributes to
lowering the cost of production.
Another significant factor
was sufficient supply of food
products and other goods to meet
the demand in society, which
used to be one factor driving
inflation, Dr Leeber said.
He observed that since the
establishment of the Asean
Economic Community goods
could cross the border more
easily with many Lao people
importing a lot more goods from
Thailand particularly food items.
Dr Leeber said the Bank of
the Lao PDR recently lowered
the interest rate which should
further contribute to reducing
the cost of products and boosting
productivity in the country.

Last year, the Ministry

of Industry and Commerce
approved 12 changes in fuel
prices, with a majority being price
reductions which contributed to
lower production costs in Laos.
In January this year the
ministry adjusted the fuel price
down twice.
The latest fuel prices in
Vientiane are 7,970 kip a litre for
premium petrol, 6,970 kip a litre
for regular grade petrol, and 5,600
kip for diesel.
According to the Bank of the
Lao PDR, last year in January
the Consumer Price Index stood
at 122.7 with the inflation rate at
2.04 percent.
This trended downwards to
1.44 percent in February, 1.19
percent in March, 0.95 percent
in April, 1.19 percent in May,
1.37 percent in June, 1.17 percent
in July, 1.29 percent in August,
1.23 percent in September, 1.32
percent in October, 1.27 percent
in November and 0.90 percent in
December.
In general, the inflation rate
in Laos was lower than the rate
of economic growth which was
recorded at 7.5 percent this year.
Economists forecast that the
economy will continue to grow
at 7.5 percent this year which
will be driven by several largescale projects such as the Hongsa
power plant and hydropower
projects.
In addition, a number of
projects which have been stalled
in past years have recommenced
construction further driving
economic growth.

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Lao stock market report

Trade Summary
The LSX continued its losing streak, with BCEL and PTL leading the decline. With moderate
turnover of 50,000 shares, the Lao market index closed at 1,164.56 points, down 3.62 points
or 0.31 percent.
EDL-Gen finished flat at 5,850 kip on 14,600 shares matched, while BCEL and PTL
lost 100 kip each. BCEL hit a new low of 4,700 kip in this session. LWPC and SVN had no
trades, closing at 7,100 kip and 3,400 kip respectively.
Daily Turnover by Investor Types (LAKm)

Business 11

Asean Economic Community

Manee Microfinance
launches in Vientiane

Last 7 days Trading Information

Mr Sonexay Sitphaxay (fifth left), Dr Akhom Praseuth (fourth left) and Mr Xaysana Phommavixay (sixth
left) pose for a group photo with senior officials of the institute and local authorities in Vientiane.

Times Reporters

BCEL-KT Securities Company Limited Email: Broker@bcel-kt.com

Manee Microfinance institution

(a business unit of Manee
Group Limited) is now open
to taking deposits and granting
loans after its headquarters was
officially launched in Vientiane
on Monday.
The office is located close
to the Talatsao shopping mall in
Hatsady village, Chanthaboury
district.
Manee Microfinance is
offering interest rates of 4.50
percent a year for savings
deposits. Meanwhile fixed
deposits attract interest rates of
7.50 percent for three months,
8.50 percent for six months,
12.50 percent for 12 months, 15
percent for 24 months, 16 percent
for 48 months and 17 percent for
60 months.
The institute is one of the
important microfinance institutes
in Vientiane to expand its

services by offering modern

services, facilities, speed and
safety guarantees, the Manee
Group Limited President Mr
Xaysana Phommavixay said at
the ceremony.
The institution is also
contributing to competition after
the country integrated with the
Asean Economic Community at
the end of last year.
The institution plans to
establish one branch in Sihom
village in the same district for
service expansion to supply
demand in society, Mr Xaysana
said.
He promised that on behalf of
the Manee Group Limited he will
try to administrate and develop
the institute with transparency
of service, safety, confidentiality
and international standards.
The institution should take
high responsibility in two major
positions, Bank of the Lao PDR
Deputy Governor, Mr Sonexay

Sitphaxay, stressed.
One is to manage deposits
well for the confidence of
depositors while the other is
to follow the loan credit after
releasing it for peoples benefit,
he said.
The institution should not
look to get only the interest and
property security from borrowers
but should monitor how they
spend their loans, Mr Sonexay
suggested.
The grand opening
ceremony was also attended
by the the Director General
of the Financial Institution
Supervision Department at
the Bank of the Lao PDR, Dr
Akhom Praseuth, Chanthabouly
district Governor, Ms Boualone
Vongdarasaen, General Director
of Manee Group Limited, Ms
Bounhom Phommavixay along
with government officials from
the relevant sectors and business
operators.

Oil price may rise to US$40-US$60

BRUNEI (The Brunei Times,
ANN) -- GLOBAL oil price
is expected to recover to
between US$40 and US$60
per barrel this year with the
current supply glut anticipated
to shrink, according to global
bank Standard Chartered.
Fundamentally, the current
price of US$30 per barrel is
not economically sustainable,
said Quan Lim, Investment
Counsellor at Standard Chartered
Brunei.
Our own research team is
expecting oil to go up to between
US$40 and US$60 per barrel
within this year. And that is
based on their expectation that
the current oversupply in the
market will start to shrink, he
told The Brunei Times on the
sidelines of a market outlook
seminar last week.
Lim said while it remains
unknown when oil prices will
begin its rebound, he said at some
point, it has to rise.
I think what were going to
see sometime in 2016 is that oil
producers somewhere will start
to exit from the markets because
the prices are just way too low for
them to make profits, he said.

Eventually, he said, a fall in

supply will consequently raise
demand hence bringing the price
of oil back up.
He admitted that while big
oil producing nations might
afford to do this, countries that
are highly dependent on oil and
gas or commodities for their
source of income will go through
a tough period ahead.
Citing Australia as an
example, which has banked
itself on the China boom, Lim
said the mineral-rich nations
economy has been hurt by
Chinas slowdown.
So when we look at iron
ore, a key raw material in
steel production and one of its
(Australias) key exports, when
China started slowing down, you
started seeing this adjustment in
commodity prices, and that has
hurt the Australian dollar, it is
generating less revenue for the
government while workers in
the mining sector in Australia
have to leave the job, he said.
Oil and gas accounts for 90
percent of Bruneis economy.
During the market outlook
seminar held last Wednesday,
EvonGoh, Senior Investment

Advisor at Standard Chartered

Singapore in her presentation
said the current supply glut
needed to ease before oil prices
could recover.
Insufficient storage capacity
remains the biggest risk to
oil prices in the short term
but likely supply cuts are
expected to improve demand
and supply balance going
through 2016, she said.
Oil prices fell on Monday
after China and South Korea
posted weak economic data,
while fading prospects for a
coordinated output cut by leading
crude exporters also hurt the
market, global news agency
Reuters reported yesterday.
Chinese manufacturing data
indicated that the sector had
contracted at the fastest rate
since 2012 in January, putting
more concerns on demand
from the worlds top energy
consumer at a time when the
market is already weighed
down by a large oversupply,
it added.
Weak South Korean data
also piled up the pressure, with
exports down to levels last seen
during the 2009 financial crisis.

12

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Chinese New Year - Prosperous Special Takeaway February 01-08, 2016

BBQ Suckling Pig Hong Kong

Style (Kip 900,000 net)

Roasted Duck Hong Kong Style

(Kip 600,000 net)

Braised Duck with Herb

(Kip 600,000 net)

Water Chestnut Pudding

(Kip 300,000 net)

Chinese Bun 28 pcs

(Kip 300,000 net)

BBQ Platter
(Kip 350,000 net)

Turnip Cake
(Kip 300,000 net)

Ma Lai Go
(Kip 450,000 net)

Chinese New Year Brunch February 08 - 11:30-14:00 hrs

Our chef presents Chinese inspired buffet lunch including
Suckling Pig, Roasted Duck, Sharks Fin Soup, Dim Sum and
Traditional dishes...

Kip 250,000++ for adult & Kip 200,000++ for child (6-10years)

* Chinese set also available (Kip 6,800,000++)

Lion Dance will be performed on February 08
around 11:30 am at the hotels Lobby

Valentines Buffet Dinner

February 14, 2016

Featuring a selection of Seafood, Roasted Beef Tenderloin,

Baked Virginia Ham also Chinese, Japanese corner
and special dessert.

Valentines Goodies
February 7-14, 2016

Our Pastry Chef Sampan will design and create

various sweets for your gifts. You will feel happy
together with someone special

Strawberry Cake
Kip 380,000net

Strawberry Tart
Kip 380,000net

Cookies Heart Shape

Kip 250,000net

Sweet Heart Box

Kip 100,000net

Sugar Box-Chocolate
Kip 60,000net

Sweet Heart Box

Kip 60,000net

Kip 450,000++ for adult & Kip 300,000++ for child (6-10years)

This is includes:

* A glass of Sparkling wine on arrival

* Free Flow House Wine and Draught Beer

Special Offer :

For a group of 10 persons receive

a complimentary bottle of wine.

* Dinner set also available

(Kip 600,000++)

Dok Champa

Casual Dining

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

13

14

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Vientiane Times

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Colorful papercraft: Motifs themed on

plants, animals can enrich your life
Japan (The Yomiuri Shimbun,
ANN) -- The art of paper cutting is a
simple but enriching experience that
can add enjoyment to your daily life.
Plants, flowers, animals, good luck
charms and countless other beautiful
motifs are all around you, so why not
pick up a pair of scissors and depict
them in paper?
Plum blossoms in full bloom.
Narcissus flowers. A Japanese bush
warbler perching on an old plum tree.
A monkey, this years zodiac animal.
These are just a few of the traditional
Japanese motifs that serve as models
for paper cutout artist Fukino Sato.
Her pieces in various colours look
brilliant. Some are as elaborate and
fine as lace, and their beauty never
fails to enchant others.
Traditionally, various motifs
depicting the seasons are effectively
used for decorating kimono and other
items in Japan, Sato said. I depict
the feeling of each season by using
such motifs in my paper cutting.
Sato was born in Tokyo in 1982,
and started creating her work under the
tutelage of the late Kunio Ekiguchi, a
pioneering papercraft artist.
Sometimes she places a paper
pattern on a sheet, and cuts the piece
according to the pattern. Another
method is to fold a sheet once or more
times, place a paper pattern on it and
then start cutting. When the sheet
is unfolded, a beautiful geometric

pattern appears.
Sato also uses thin, translucent
paper so that when she places one
finished piece on another, a wonderful
visual effect is created. You dont
always have to place one on top of
another meticulously so there is no
gap, she said. Its intriguing if you
intentionally place them slightly
off-centre, so new patterns emerge
on the layers. They have a colorful
kaleidoscopic look.
She draws designs and makes
paper patterns by herself. The process,
however, is difficult for beginners, so
using published paper patterns is the
best way to start out.
I learned how to make a simple
piece called mukai-cho (two
butterflies with their heads facing
each other).
Sato said I needed a paper pattern;
a regular square coloured sheet of
paper, such as that used for origami;
a stapler; a paper cutter and a pair of
scissors.
I prepared a sheet measuring 15
by 15 centimetres, a regular size for
origami. A cutter for handiwork is
useful for detailed work.
To make the mukai-cho, I followed
these instructions:
1. Fold the paper into two to make
a triangle, and fold it again to make a
smaller triangle.
2. Place the paper pattern on the
sheet and staple them together at

15

Lifestyle

several spots. Dont staple the part

that will be cut out.
3. Cut out and remove the inner
white parts of the pattern with the
cutter.
4. Cut out and remove the outer
part of the pattern with the cutter and
the scissors.
5. Gently unfold the sheet and a
pair of butterflies with wings bearing
a beautiful pattern will appear.
When you unfold it, you often
see a pattern you didnt expect. Its a
delightful surprise, Sato said.
After a work has been completed, it
can have various uses, such as pasting
it on a plain envelope. Translucent
pieces can be pasted on windows or
used as room ornaments after putting
them between transparent acrylic
sheets to create a special lighting
effect.
When Im passionately involved
in working with the cutter and scissors,
Im really satisfied. When I finish
making something, I feel extremely
fulfilled, Sato said.
Make a mobile
You can make an ornamental
mobile by hanging up your finished
work. Seeing it swing gently in a
breeze can be very relaxing. If you
make a mobile, use thicker sheets. A papercraft mobile.
Theyre strong and wont easily tear,
Sato said.
from the ends of a thin bamboo stick or something similar, and make sure its
To make a mobile, attach a thread balanced. You can use different lengths of thread, or suspend multiple pieces
to each of two works and hang them from the same thread to produce a more dazzling image.

16

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Lifestyle
Singapore (The Straits
Times, ANN) -- Call it the year
of the Digital Monkey. Virtual
red packets, e-yusheng, LED-lit
lucky plants - Chinese New Year
traditions are getting a new techie
spin.
Here are six new products for
you to stay festive and up to date.
1 Led-lit plants
These glowing, LED-lit
tangerine, cherry blossom, plum
blossom and desert rose plants
range in price from under US$100
to more than US$500, and can
be found in at least four shops in
Chinatown.
One shop, which is at
78 Pagoda Street but has no
signboard, sells a 90cm-tall,
1kg shrub for US$78. Its most
expensive plant - a 1.8m-tall, 9kg
bush - costs US$538.
The shops manager, Mr
Roland Teo, 40, started importing
these plants from China in 2012
to cater to families who want
decorative plants, but have no
time to care for them.
He says: My plants require
zero maintenance. They dont
have to be watered daily. They can
also be re-used every year. While
they run on electricity, they are
energysaving.
He sells 100 to 200 LED
plants every Chinese New Year
and has already sold 60 plants
since Christmas.
Housewife Doris Yeo, 59,
who is thinking of decorating her
home with them, says: They are
definitely eye-catching and have
an interesting concept. I like that
they can be used year after year.
But the drawback is that they
consume electricity and add to
the bills.
As to whether LED-lit plants
are as good as the real thing, she

Year of the Monkey goes digital

LED-lit plants, which are sold in Chinatown, require zero maintenance and can be re-used.
--Photo benson ang

says: Many people decorate their

homes with artificial flowers. Its
perfectly fine.
2 Automated mahjong
tables
They are fast, quiet and can
arrange mahjong tiles into stacks
neater than players ever can.
These automated tables,
which run on electricity,
reportedly hit the local market in
the mid-2000s. Priced from $988,
they typically come with two
sets of magnetic mahjong tiles,
which are shuffled and arranged
underneath the table in between
games. Thirty seconds to one
minute is all it takes to play a new
round of mahjong.

The Straits Times found at

least three companies here selling
such tables. Local company
SgAutoMahjong.sg, for example,
started selling such tables in 2013.
It sells hundreds of units, all
imported from China, every year.
Prices range from US$988 to
more than US$1,288, depending
on the features.
Some tables, for example, can
be operated by remote control.
Others are built into larger,
exquisitely crafted tables.
Mr Cheo Kae Jer, 42, bought
an automated mahjong table in
2014 for US$1,288. The interior
designer, whose family plays
five to six hours a day during the

Chinese New Year period, was

attracted by the amount of time it
saves between mahjong games.
It lets him play 25 percent
more games in the same amount
of time, he says. I can just press
a button and the table will mix and
arrange the tiles for us within one
minute. This gives us more time
to enjoy the game.
But Dr Lim Lee Ching,
a senior lecturer at SIM
University who has done
research on the relationship
between technology and
modern culture, warns that such
tables omit the physical motion
of shuffling tiles. For some
players, this is an important

part of the mahjong experience,

he says. For them, shuffling the
tiles themselves lets them feel
like they are in charge of their
own destiny. Like they have an
element of control. This is crucial
to the whole experience.
3 Digital louhei
This Web application, which
is called Digital Louhei (go to
http:// cny.2359media.com), lets
people prepare and toss a plate of
yusheng at any time, even if they
are alone.
It guides users through
the whole process of adding
ingredients such as fish, lime,
sauce, pepper and powdered
cinnamon. It will also prompt
them to recite auspicious sayings.
Created by local digital
consultancy firm 2359 Media
in February last year, it has been
viewed 1.7 million times to date.
Sixty per cent of its users are
women and most of its users are
aged 35 to 44.
Assistant Professor Qiu
Lin, 42, from Nanyang
Technological University,
whose research interests include
social psychology and cultural
psychology, says: If this app is
used when families and friends
get together to toss yusheng, it
can coordinate the activity and
make it more engaging. The app
also plays lively music, which can
make the occasion more festive.
One of the apps users,
businessman Arthur Loh, 47,
received a link to the app from a
friend last year.

He says: The app is a cute

and novel idea to brighten the
season. But Im not sure how
helpful the sayings will be
when actually tossing a plate of
yusheng. In restaurants, the wait
staff will prepare the dish for you.
And if you lohei at home, you can
easily find the sayings online.
4 Hongbao with qr code
This year, asset management
firm Schroders Singapores red
packets come with a twist: They
have QR codes printed on them.
Scan the code with a smartphone
and users are directed to its free
Chinese New Year mobile app.
There, they encounter a live
animated monkey somersaulting
or juggling peaches and can take
photos with it.
People can also use the app to
send personalised e-greeting cards
to family and friends. So far, a few
thousand sets of hongbao have
been distributed to the companys
clients and business partners.
Sales analyst Audrey Tay, 38,
who has two daughters aged four
and six, says: My children had
a great time taking pictures with
the virtual monkey and it was fun
seeing it come alive.
DBS and POSB have also
been putting QR codes on
hongbao since 2014. The codes
allow users to send festive e-cards
to friends.
During last years Chinese
New Year, about 12,000 e-cards
were sent, mostly through the
codes.
Dr Lim Lee Ching, a senior
lecturer at SIM University, says
he does not believe QR codes on
hongbao will catch on. You can
also access such features through
e-mail and WhatsApp messages,
so I do not see QR codes taking
off in a big way.

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

17

Opinion

What are your thoughts about LFTUs

achievements over 60 years?

Streetwise

Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) Day is marked on February 1. This

year is its 60th anniversary and a special trade fair is being held at Lao-ITECC
to mark the occasion. Vientiane Times went along to the trade fair and asked
some organisation representatives and members of the public for their thoughts.
LFTU sector booths at the Lao-ITECC trade fair.

on February 1, 1956 and

has become an important
organisation for protecting
workers and labour for 60
years. Its an organisation to
protect the rights and benefits
of all workers in our country. It
also works on training political
knowledge and direction
to its all members, officials
and workers. For example, if
employers dont pay fair wages
or unfairly treat workers, they
can submit their problems to
the LFTU committee, and
the committee will help solve
them. The LFTU will continue
to protect the legitimate rights
and interests of its members
and develop more skilled
workers to be a strategic force
in the future.

Visith Teppalath

Ms Fongkham Keungbikham,
a representative of the Lao
Federation of Trade Unions
Central Committee: This is
my first time here and Im

very happy to represent my

organisation and display our
achievements over 60 years
and give information out to the
public. LFTU was established

Ms Phoukham Phinsamsay,
a representative of Electricite
Du Laos: Im very happy to

be here. I think, over 60 years,

the LFTU has improved and
developed in all aspects. We
can see that Lao workers under
the guidance of the LFTU
have developed and enhanced
their political attributes,

discipline in the workplace

and have better education.
Lao workers have constantly
developed their labour skills
along with the development of
the country and have always
taken responsibility for their
duties. Some trade union

members were elected and

assigned to work on important
positions from the central to
the local level and some have
become outstanding managers
at factories and companies.
This outcome has caused the
federation to take an important
role in the political, economic,
social and cultural aspects
of society which has been
recognised by many countries
and international organisations.
Ms Phetsamone Xayyasith, a
representative of Electricite
Du Laos: Its good to help out
at the trade fair marking this
celebration because it might
remind the public about the
meaning, tasks, and role of
the LFTU. The trade fair is
from January 23-February 3.
There has also been a fashion
show with models wearing
the uniforms of ministries,
organisations, companies,
and factories. Many booths
from various organisations
and sectors have set up to

display their achievements

but I wish more people were
attending this important event.
Each organisation and sector

should promote and advertise

it more to highlight the role of
the LFTU, and its tradition of
contributing to the countrys
development and protection.
Mr Khamkeng Keopaseuth, a
resident of Dongpalan village,
Xaysettha district: I think
the LFTU is a very important
organisation for our country
because it works to protect and

train workers. Without them,

the rights of Lao workers might
not be protected and developed.
I would like to congratulate
LFTU members on their great
achievements over 60 years.
The LFTU should continue to
protect the legitimate rights and
interests of its members and

develop more skilled labour so

the nation can integrate with the
region. It should also pay more
attention to propagating their
role to workers and encourage
employers and employees to
negotiate fair contracts between
the two parties.

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Vacancy Announcement
For Locally Recruited Staff
The World Bank is one of the worlds largest sources of funding for the developing world. Its primary focus
is on helping the poorest people and the poorest countries. It uses its financial resources, its staff, and
extensive experience to help developing countries to reduce poverty, increase economic growth, enhance
environmental and social sustainability, and improve their quality of life. The World Bank continues to
strengthen its Vientiane Office as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the development vision of
Lao PDR. The World Bank invites applications from qualified individuals for the following locally Recruited
Staff positions to join the Lao PDR Country Team in Vientiane.
PROGRAM ASSISTANT (JOB NUMBER: 160159)
Key Responsibilities
The Program Assistant will:
i. Provide quality administrative support to task teams in preparing World Bank documents; formatting
and editing reports, aide-memoires, letters and memos prepared by the Task Team Leaders according
to the Bank guidelines; log incoming mail, file in the Banks electronic filing system and distribute to
the task teams; and dispatch outgoing letters in a timely manner;
ii. Provide logistical support for missions, seminars and workshops; follow up on requests from
Washington team members and correspond with them appropriately;
iii. Maintain project and other records in accordance with system in the work unit; ensure smooth flow
of information among other program assistants in the office;
iv. Provide back-up support to other program assistants as required by the work program, especially
during peak periods; and
v. Other ad hoc duties as assigned from time to time arising from business needs of the office.
Selection Criteria:
i. Bachelor degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience or High School Certificate/Diploma
with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience;
ii. Dedicated team player with excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize assignments.
Willingness to learn about the teams work, to be able to take on additional responsibility and respond
to queries from external agencies. Able to handle multiple tasks with critical deadlines under minimum
supervision;
iii. Ability to draft routine correspondence and edit materials using proper grammar, punctuation and
style;
iv. Advanced skills and experience in Microsoft software packages (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
and Internet;
v. Effective organizational, communication, inter-personal, problem-solving skills, and ability to produce
high quality work under tight deadlines;
vi. Ability to foresee needs of the team and respond in a pro-active manner;
vii. Ability to pass relevant Bank Group tests in place at time of recruitment (e.g. English language,
computer applications, etc.) as required; and
viii. Prior work experience in an international environment is an advantage
ix. Fluent in written and spoken English and Lao language.
Details (vacancy #160159) are available in the World Bank Jobs website: www.worldbank.org/jobs. All
applications must be submitted through this website. The World Bank Group is committed to achieving
diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities
are equally encouraged to apply. Closing date is February 11, 2016
(Only shortlisted candidates will be notified)

18 Opinion

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Greener lighting a
solution to climate change
Eric Rondolat

(China Daily) -- We are

at a crucial juncture in the
history of our planet. The
global agreement at the UN
climate change conference
in Paris in December is an
unprecedented commitment
to pre-empt a catastrophic
rise in global temperatures.
Now is the time to change
fundamentally the way we use
the worlds resources or face
the consequences.
The crucial next step is a
review mechanism, agreed at
the Paris climate conference,
to revise national targets over
time.
Clever use of energy will
unlock a host of economic
and social not to mention
environmental benefits. Best
of all, solutions to this great
energy challenge already exist.
Lighting is one of the
easiest places to start.
Lighting accounts for a
staggering 19 percent of global
electricity consumption, yet
we still cling to outdated and
inefficient alternatives. LED
lighting consumes at least
40 percent less energy than
conventional lighting and
thats just the beginning.
Intelligent LEDs,
embedded with sensors and

What
Whatthe
theLao
Laopapers
paperssay
say
UXO an obstacle to
national development

Translated by Times Reporters

A new electric car is on show in Beijing.

connected wirelessly, can be

managed remotely via the
Internet. Their potential in
tackling climate change is
immense: connected lighting
can deliver savings of up to
80 percent as households,
businesses and entire cities
reduce their environmental
impact.
Our most recent estimate is
that a universal switch to LED
could slash lightings share
of electricity consumption
to just 7 percent, a saving
of 272 billion euro and a

reduction in global carbon

dioxide emissions of about
1,400 megatons by 2030.
Two years ago, Los Angeles
began installing 140,000 LED
street lights. Last year, the
city reported energy savings
of 63 percent and cost savings
of nearly US$9 million. Now
consider this: of about 300
million streetlights across the
world, only about 10 percent
are LEDs. And just 1 percent
are connected. Failure to bring
this technology to scale would
be a missed opportunity.

--Photo China Daily

Energy efficiency does

not entail sacrifice quite the
opposite. It can help mitigate
climate change, while bringing
huge economic and social
benefits. Simply doubling our
progress in energy efficiency
from the current rate of 1.3
percent to, say, 3 percent per
year would create 6 million
new jobs within five years.
At the same time, by 2030,
that would cut the worlds
energy bill by more than US$2
trillion.
Cleaner, energy-efficient
l i g h t i s a l s o a n u rg e n t
humanitarian need. About one
in seven people are trapped
in light poverty. That is 1.1
billion people they are cut off
from the grid with no access to
electric light in their houses.
Many resort to kerosene
lamps and candles, pollutants
which claim 1.5 million lives
every year through respiratory
illnesses and fires.
Off-grid solar LED can
end this injustice, at a fraction
of the cost of kerosene or
grid lighting. Bringing these
communities out of darkness
would trigger a huge stimulus
for development, with positive
effects for global growth.
These countries have an
opportunity to start from
scratch with greener, moneysaving lighting while the rest
of the world still has to play
catch-up.
The need is to team up to
safeguard the future of our
planet.
Making a real
difference requires a potent
combination of political will,
entrepreneurial drive and new
financial models. To limit
global warming will take
a revolution, one that will
safeguard the future of our
planet by unlocking massive
benefits for the economy, for
businesses, and for society.
Acting together, we can
achieve both the detailed
targets and the greater vision
agreed at the UN climate
conference in Paris.
The author is chief
executive officer of Philips
Lighting.

Many provinces still have problems with unexploded

ordinance (UXO), which presents a considerable obstacle
to the development of the nation.
For many years the government has given importance
to clearing the remaining UXO leftover from the war but
this is a massive task and an ongoing problem for socioeconomic expansion.
UXO represents a serious challenge to agricultural
production as well as national construction and
development and has affected the living standards of
local people ever since it was dropped.
Besides this, it also deters foreign investment as
investors do not have confidence they can operate in
safety so this will affect economic expansion and national
development.
Each year, many people still risk suffering from UXO,
especially when they clear land to grow crops and earn
a living because they dont know where UXO may lay
hidden under the ground.
Furthermore, those who are injured rather than
killed end up becoming disabled and cannot take care of
themselves.
The government has cooperated with all sectors
convened in the country and from abroad to find more
funds and expand the areas being cleared of UXO and
also provide local people with the knowledge to protect
themselves.
--Pathetlao Daily, January 29

Rescue teams need

more first aid equipment
Rescue teams in the capital are in need of more first aid
equipment to help victims of road accidents so more
assistance from people in society is important to saving
the lives of many people.
Recently, some rescue teams received first aid
equipment and more than 5 million kip from Mr Sitthilats
family and friends. This sets an example for helping people
in society, especially those impacted by road accidents.
A member of the rescue teams administrative
committee Mr Bounmy said that now the team is on
standby at four points, especially at That Luang, Akat
and Nonghai villages as well as another point at KM29.
Now the rescue team needs more first aid tools so
more assistance from people in society is essential to help
people who are involved in an accident.
If anyone finds themselves in an accident they can
call the rescue team at any time, while drivers who see a
rescue vehicle should give way because they are on their
way to the scene of an accident.
First aid equipment is critical to saving peoples lives
and we do not know who might be involved in an accident;
it could be a relative of ours.
--Vientiane Mai Daily, February 2

Project owners should help

protect the environment
Many projects are currently under construction in
Vientiane so it is necessary for the project owners to pay
attention to protecting the environment and preventing
waste spoils from spreading on the citys roads.
Our country is developing rapidly so there are many
projects under construction, including roads, buildings,
trade centres, hotels, restaurants, guesthouses and
residential houses.
Many projects give importance to environmental
protection while others still do not give the required
importance and many waste spoils end up littering the
roads, especially sand and stone. This causes the roads
in the capital to be covered in dust.
Besides this, waste cement also spills from cement
mixers, which is another source of pollution in the city.
The sector concerned should encourage project owners
to contribute by cleaning their project sites and protecting
the environment to ensure the city remains clean and tidy.
--Pasaxon Van-Athit Weekly, January 31

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

19

Arts & Leisure

Performing arts festival

celebrates Asean
cultural exchange
Visith Teppalath

ientiane Performing
Arts Festival 2016
featuring a great
variety of local and
international acts from January
29-31in front of the National
Culture Hall received a warm
reception from the public.
Staged over three evenings
the event helped mark Laos
taking the Asean Chair, and
culture exchange and cooperation
between Laos-Japan and AseanJapan.
Performing during the festival
were 18 Lao; 19 Asean from
Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam,
and Cambodia; and 5 Japanese
artists. The show included street

performances, traditional song

and dance, contemporary dance,
B-Boy dance, circus acts, music,
shadow puppetry, plus dramatic
and comedy stage plays.
The colourful official
opening ceremony took
place on January 29 attended
by Vice Mayor of Vientiane
Mr Saythong Keoduangdy;
President of the Laos-Japan
Friendship Association, Dr
Ponmek Dalaloy; President of
the Lao-Japan Parliamentary
Friendship Association,
Dr Somphou Duangsavanh;
Ambassador-designate of Japan
to Laos, Mr Takeshi Hikihara;
foreign ambassadors to Laos,
and the President of Khao Niew
Theatre group, Mr Lattanakone

Officials, invited guests, and artists join a group photo at the event.

Insisiengmay.
The opening day included
15 acts such as Lao traditional
dances Kongtoum performed by
Savannakhet province artists and
Phalak Phalam performed by the
Lao National School of Music
Arts. The exhilarating circus act
Acrobats of Cambodia was a
particular crowd favourite while
a dramatic stage play by the
National Theatre Troupe also
kept people enthralled.
At the opening ceremony,
Mr Saythong Keoduangdy

Chinese cultural performances

mark year of the monkey

Officials and invited guests at the opening ceremony.

congratulated the events organising committee and sponsors and thanked all the participating artists.
The festival was organised by the Khao Niew Theatre group, with the support of the Japan Foundation
Asia Centre and the Embassy of Japan in Laos. This was the second time the annual event has been held.
This week a festival is also being held in Luang Prabang province from February 1-4
featuring variety acts.

Lao and Chinese officials pose for a group photo after completing the cultural performances.

Oxfam is currently looking for a: Trans-boundary agribusiness and responsible land

governance Programme Coordinator
Overall Responsibilities
The Programme Officer provides leadership, strategic steer and ensures program development,
as well as operational management to a part of the Oxfam programme focusing on
Sustainable Development and Responsible Investment in the region. The P Officer supports
the operationalization of the Trans boundary Responsible Business in the region within its
specific area of responsibility and coordinate with other programme managers to ensure
Oxfam delivers its strategy.

Sisouphan Amphonephong

Chinese cultural performances were on show for

officials and members of the public last week at
Vientiane Centre to celebrate the upcoming Monkey
New Year, with Chinese and Vietnamese New Year
set to fall on February 8 this year.
The celebration was attended by both Lao and
Chinese officials, especially Chinese Ambassador
to Laos Quan Huabing, Deputy Minister of
Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Savankhone
Razmountry and Vientiane Mayor Dr Sinlavong
Khoutphaythoun.
The cultural performances started after officials
arrived to create a colourful and entertaining
atmosphere for the celebration.
The Chinese Cultural Centre, in collaboration
with Chinese Association in Vientiane and
Confucius Institute at the National University of
Laos, organised the celebration which consisted
of ethnic traditional music performances, circus
acts, singing performances, lion dances and magic
shows among other acts.
Cuttings of Chinese alphabet characters
were on show and available for guests to try.
Also available was a demonstration of Chinese
tea making, with the drink later served for
participants.
Beautifully fashioned Chinese masks were
on display to celebrate the special occasion. The
various performances were well received by all
members of the audience.
A photo exhibition by Chinese artists relating
to Chinese lifestyle, culture, the beautiful
landscape of that countrys nature and its tourism
sites was also a highlight at the opening of the
festival.
Some 36 photos shall be on display on the first

Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organizations networked together in 94 countries,

as part of a global movement for change, to build a future free from the injustice of poverty.
Since 2009, the Oxfam confederation has accelerated its harmonisation process working
towards one voice and one programme in a single management structure.
Oxfam has a presence in Laos since the late 1980s, and works to deliver the country strategy
that focuses on sustainable livelihoods, humanitarian assistance, governance and civil society,
and gender and diversity.

Chinese circus shows provided excitement for

the audiences.

floor of Vientiane Centre for the duration of the

two day celebration.
Visitors were able to learn more about Chinese
lifestyle and culture and other things that appealed
through these photos promoting cultural exchange.
China Radio International (CRI) also brought
the bilingual Lao-Chinese magazine named
Phaphern for display at the festival, as a part of
the celebrations of the upcoming Monkey Year in
the Chinese calendar.
Organisers confirmed that the celebration
ended with success with many Lao and
foreign visitors coming to witness the various
performances on display.

Required qualifications
Master degree in development economics, Agriculture, business related or development
studies and/or at least 5 years experience in senior strategic level roles in development
sector, preferably working on sustainable livelihoods, food security, land rights and economic
and social rights of rural poor.
Competence in Programme Cycle Management, Result Based Management and MEL
systems, both for structural development programmes and humanitarian assistance.
Excellent understanding and proven experience of financial management, budgeting, and
budgetary control systems.
Good and broad analytical skills and ability to translate analysis into concrete and effective
programme strategies.
Competence in distance team coordination : demonstrable evidence of managing sizeable
resources people, budgets, material; including evidence of demanding high standards of
performance and accountability while being fair in dealing with people and demonstrating
through role modeling.
Competence in programme development, including for back donors.
Competence in capacity-building and organizational or institutional development of local
organizations.
We offer
A competitive, fair and comprehensive pay and benefits package that is justifiable to our donors
More information and application procedure:
For further information, please refer to the website: www.directoryofngos.org and go to Directory
News/Job Openings.
Are you interested in this position? Send your application in writing, including a motivation
letter and curriculum vitae to sth@oxfamsol.be no later than 14 February 2016.
We promote diversity and practice equity
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for a personal interview

20

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Classified

Vientiane Times

MONNEE. CAR RENTAL SERVICE

- We have many types of cars for rent new

model and old,seden and 4 wheel
Such as: KIA. HYUDAI. TOYOTA
SMALLAND MIDDLE SEDAN FOR CITY
- AGL assurances
- We are service short term and long term
- Short term1-7days and long term 1-12 months
- self drive or with driver
Can rent in Vientiane, another province in Laos.
Contract can be signed in any place based on
customers conveniences
Telephone : 020:55553736, 0305194506.
020 55202717

HOTEL LAO

SERVICED APARTMENTS

APARTMENT FOR RENT

*Value *Comfort *Service

In the heart of Vientiane
Ideal for business or tourist
43/7 Hengboun Road,Vientiane
Tel: (856 21) 219280-1, Fax: (856 21) 219282
Email: hotellao.vientiane@gmail.com

Spacious & tastefully decorated

Fully furnished 1 & 2 bedroom
Air-conditioning, Cable TV, Swimming pool,
Garden, Housekeeping, Laundry
MP: 020 55505840, 020 55023782
Email: lao.heritage@gmail.com

In the centre of Vientiane

Fully furnished 1 bedroom, Living
room, Kitchen, Housekeeping,
Laundry, Cable TV and Wi-Fi
Call: 020 55505840, 020 77495533
Email: lao.heritage@gmail.com

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Classified 21

Allianz General Lao (AGL), the leading insurance company in Laos, was established in 1990. AGL is a joint venture between the Ministry of Finance of
Lao PDR (MoF) and Allianz SE, the world leading insurance and financial services provider. With over 25 years experience in Laos, the AGL enjoys a very
good reputation among local and international customers. We provide friendly working environment, mixture of different culture and competitive salary.
Now, we are looking for dynamic employee to join with us in Headquarter office in Vientiane as below position:
Head of Legal and Compliance (1 position)
Job Description
Compliance:

Issue the internal policies aligned with Allianz Group and regulatory requirements; ;

Collaborate with relevant section to brainstorm on the policies requirement to ensure that the policies are consistent with the local practice;

Review the internal business processes regarding to the compliance and ethical standards;

Pro-actively identify compliance risks and develop and implement appropriate policies and; programs to support a reduction or management of the
risk;

Closely collaborate to internal audit and Risk officer to monitoring and policy issuance;

Monitor the compliance in the company according to the internal policies ;

Being the main contact to Group and Region Office regarding to compliance and legal and present to management for the requirements to local
implementation;

Responsible for the creating employees awareness over the compliances internal policies by organizing training yearly and quarterly accordingly
the policies requirement;;

Conduct monthly, quarterly and yearly report to management, CEOs and Group via Gin;
Legal:

Qualifications & Skills requirements:

Master or Bachelor Degree in Laws; Or have Lao Lawyer Qualification Certificate ;

At least 5 years professional experience in legal & compliance field;

At least 3 years people management experience;

Strong verbal and written communication skills in English;

Strong convincing skill, interpersonal skill and influencing skill;

Exceptional judgment- business acumen, insightful understanding the regulations and take actions.

VPS

Legal Manager (1 position)

Job Description
Legal Tasks:

Prepare legal contracts, letters of agreement, and other legal documents related to a variety of commercial, trade, operational matters to protect the
organizations legal and business interest including analyzing and interpreting case law, court reports;

Perform legal research; prepare accurate and timely reports, legal advice, cases files, and other legal documents;

Follow the established procedures and assist in a variety of assigned legal projects;

Provide legal advice and counsel within area of expertise to functional or operational areas managers to ensure that their current or proposed activities,
policies, business practices, and transactions comply with all relevant laws and regulations;

Represent the organization and/or assist customers in legal proceedings in before courts, government agencies, or other authorities. And, prepare
materials for external legal counsel and follow the case until the execution of judgment level;

Make and follow up recourse cases to protect business interest and recover the right of the company and/or the insured accordingly to the law.

Car rental service

Being the Investigation team leader in order to ensure that the allegation and suspicion are followed and settled accordingly ;
Jointly conduct the investigation to the suspicion and allegation with the investigation team leader;
Conduct the report to the management, CEOs and Group level on the legal issues;
Provide legal advice as required by employees;
Responsible to draft contract for both the standard and non-standard contract , review contract and input some legal advices in the contract ;
Collaborate to the regulation and authority to share the legal perspective and recent practice as required by the regulator;
Update the regulations to the management once there is relevant regulations to the internal practice;
Responsible to handle the litigations by preparing the suing documents, following up, collaborate to the authorities and report to the management on
the progress;
Be responsible for all internal legal issues in the Company;
Give general legal advices to the departments and Management,

We have many types of cars for rent new

model and old, sedan & 4 wheel such as:
MG.TOYOTA. NISSAN. KIA. HYUNDAI,

SMALL AND MIDDLE SEDAN FOR CITY

AGL assurances Allianz Group

Short term 1-7days & long 1-12 months
Self drive or with driver
Provide vehicle for Project & Private
Affordable price and best service
Office B. Thonkang, R. sokpalaung 15/279
For English call Mr. Chanh anytime
Tel: 020 55599900. 55593013,
office: 030 9800630
Email: vpscarrental@yahoo.com
www.vpscarrental.com

Managerial Tasks:

Provide timely, quality, effective management and leadership to legal claim officer by ensuring that all staffs have clear vision/direction and appropriate
resource supporting their roles and responsibilities;

Maintaining claims statistic & sort out the claims problems; analyze and synthesize action plans to improve the work quality and the working system
as a whole;

Distribute claims relating to legal issues to legal officers continuing on police office, tribunal, court, etc; and follow-up all cases assigned to be
effectively managed;

Supervise junior legal officers & oversee Legal & Adjuster Division and set up KPIs to ensure efficiency on their roles and responsibility;

Assist HoD to interpret Target Letters into action plans for all staffs as well as implement process and guidelines according to the Companys strategies
and follow up on tasks completion;

Assist on the technical knowledge and capacity building scheme for legal work within the department and company.
Qualifications & Skills requirements:

Master Degree in Law or equivalent

At least 3 years experience in Law Firm or Company with similar responsibilities

Fluent in speaking, writing and reading Lao and English, French is a plus.

Basic knowledge in Insurance, Traffic Law.

Strong knowledge on Civil Procedure & Judgment Enforcement

Excellent communication skills

High responsibilities and maintain confidential and private the information.

Computer skills ( Word, Excel, Email)
Network Administrator (1 position)
Duty and Responsibility

Perform a wide range of network administration duties including installations, debugging, maintenance, upgrades, and general support for hardware,
software and network;

Evaluate, test, and deploy all software and hardware upgrades to the networking infrastructure;

Assist in the configuration and deployment of network devices, which will require continuous learning of new device on needs;

Proactive monitoring of all network devices, services, and servers using a combination of tools to ensure high availability and SLA;

Manage & troubleshoot network and Internet connectivity throughout the organization;

Work closely with help desk to provide end-user support and issue resolution;

Assist in developing, implementing, testing, and maintaining disaster recovery plans;

Setting up new user accounts, permissions and passwords;

Perform daily check and report for operational critical systems;

Be responsible for IP telephone system monitoring and maintenance;

Work closely with Infrastructure responsible for the implementation of infrastructure projects related;

Provide operation support to users and agents on requests approved;

Provide emergency 24 x 7 on-call supports on a rotating basis;

Perform other duties as assigned;

Continually updating technical knowledge and skills by online research, attending physical or online courses, reading manuals and accessing new
applications;

Undertake other duties and specific projects as directed, which may include researching new technology and developing innovative approaches to
new challenges;

AB Apartment
Serviced Apartment Fully
furnished
Ban Sibounheuang,
Chanthaboury Dist.
Mob: +856-20-55512828
Phone: (+856-21) 222565 Fax:
263253
Email: abapart@gmail.com
www.abapartment.com

RentsBuy Co., Ltd is a leading professional real estate

company offering;house, land, apartment, office,
warehouse, business for rent /for sale and
property valuation throughout Lao PDR.
Dongpainar Rd., Ban Phontan, Saysetta
District,Sisattanak, Vientiane
Office mobile: 021 262319/20, 020 23333347,
77600059
www.RentsBuy.com email: rentsbuy@gmail.com

Qualifications & Skills requirements:

Degree in networking, computer science, information technology, or related work experience;

Minimum 2-3 years of experience in hardware, software and network administration;

At least 2-3 years of experience working with networking equipment specifically, including maintenance and upgrades;

Significant experience working with Linux (preferable CentOs), Windows servers, Cisco equipment and network monitoring tools;

Strong knowledge of networking, including: TCP/IP, Vlans, Ethernet, SONET, switching, routing and routing protocols, etc;

Strong technical aptitude and ability to research & solve complex issues independently;

Knowledge of Elastix is a plus;

Good human relationship, willing to work hard and ability to learn new skills and apply them as needed;

Good command of English.
Vehicle Admin Assistant (1 position)
Duty and Responsibility

Arrange transportation for employees;

Oversee day-to-day vehicle utilization;

Check and maintenance all associated records of Admin Vehicles;

Arrange the maintenance both Administrative Vehicles and Claims Vehicles;

Package and send insurance documents to Agents;

Prepare parcel for Agents in Vientiane and Province;

Perform other Admin works as advice by Head of Department.
Qualifications & Skills requirements:

Related administrative qualifications or recently graduated Bachelors degree in Business Administration or equivalent

Some experience of administration and knowledge of vehicle is an advantage

Good oral and written English

Computer proficiency, with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, and accounting packages

Strong interpersonal skills and good attention to detail
AGL offers:
Competitive salary
Great career progress opportunities
Comprehensive on job training
A friendly and supportive work environment

Only Laos Nationality is eligible to apply. Interested applicants meeting the above requirements should submit their resume including a recent photo in
passport size with cover letter describing your suitability for the role, career aspiration and salary expectation, and copied certificates to AGL Human
Resources Department.
Address: 33 Lane Xang Avenue, ANZ Bank, Vientiane Commercial Building, 2F P.O. Box 4223 Vientiane, Lao PDR,
Tel: (21) 215903, Ext: 215, Fax : (21) 215904
E-mail: recruitment@agl-allianz.com Closing date: 25/02/2016

22

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

Whats On
Photographic collections exhibition

Vat Phou Champassak Festival

Champassak province will celebrate the 15th anniversary of Vat Phou
and its associated ancient settlements being listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
When: February 20, 21, 22
Where: Vat Phou, Champassak province

Wow Fashion Week 2016.

Dont miss the capitals
major fashion event,
Vientiane Wow Fashion
Week 2016 in March
featuring more than
twenty talented Lao and
Thai designers.
Where: New ITECC Mall,
7th floor.
When: March 11-12.
More information contact: 021 265 853.

Free Polio Immunisation

The Expanded Programme of Immunisation under the Ministry
of Health will provide a third round of free vaccines against polio
for about 2.4 million children nationwide. The vaccines will be
administered to all those aged 15 years or less.
When: February 21-29
Where: Hospital and healthcare centres nationwide. For more
information, please contact 021 312 352

First International Half

Marathon in Vientiane
Social enterprise Events for Good (EFG) will host the first
international half marathon in Laos to mark International Womens
Day. EFG invites participants to join either the 21km, 10km, or 5km
runs. The event will start and finish at the That Luang stupa. Every
participant who crosses the finish line within the allotted time will
receive a medal and certificate. Trophies and cash prizes will be
provided to the top 5 male and top 5 female runners of the half
marathon and quarter marathon. A Health and Fitness Expo will also
be held before and during the event. Check Facebook event page for
further details.
When: Sunday, March 6, 2016; 5am 8am.
Health and Fitness Expo Time: Friday, March 4, 10am7pm and
Saturday, March 5; 10am7pm.
Media event organisers should contact Vanpheng Southichak or
Thouni Seneyakone about sponsorship opportunities. Ask about
customised sponsorship packages, including on-site display
opportunities, guidebook advertisements, and in-kind donations.
Vanpheng Southichak Managing Director +856 (0) 20 5588 8688
vanpheng@gmail.com
Thouni Seneyakone Operations Manager +856 (0) 20 - 9144 8858
seneyakone@gmail.com

Actors and actresses wanted

Kheo Heng (KH) company is inviting good-looking young people to
apply for two male and two female lead roles in the romantic comedy
film Hong Ham Tao. Female applicants should be 18-26 years old
and males should be aged 20-28
When: Applications until February 28
Where: Contact through Facebook at Inbox only, www.facebook.com/
phoumsana.sirivongsa
or Search in facebook: Jear Pacific

The Vientiane Times welcomes notices from

members of the public for announcement on
this page. Any events or functions open to
the general public are suitable for publishing.
Contact: editor@vientianetimes.la

The exhibition celebrates the new

work of Ms Ol Scovill, a Lao artist
living and working in Vientiane. This
is the second solo show from Ol.
When: Friday February 5, opening
celebration 6:30 pm, with the
exhibition running until March 3
Where: At i:Cat gallery, Simeuang
village, Setthathirath Road, Vientiane
Call 020 7783 9674

Movie night
Cinema Under the Stars is back with a tribute to
the late, great David Bowie!
Bowie leads the cast of LABYRINTH, a film by
Jim Henson & George Lucas, as the charismatic
Goblin King, supported by a young Jennifer
Connolly and a host of Muppets!
When: Friday 5, starting at 7pm to enable
young ones to attend, but there is something for
everyone in this 80s cult classic.
Where: Makphet restaurant, Ban Inpeng, Vat Chanh Tha, Vientiane
Call 021 260 587 to specify that you are making a booking for the movie.

Puppet exhibition
This exhibition showcases a range of
puppet making and visual images created
by the Director of the Object Theatre
Kabong Lao, Mr Leuthmany Insisiengmay.
When: Open daily until March 3
Where: i:Cat gallery, Simeuang village,
Setthathirath Road, Vientiane
Gallery open: 3.30pm-8pm Mon to Fri; 12
noon-6pm Sat & Sun
Call 020 7783 9674

Sikhottabong
Stupa Festival
Khammuan residents will celebrate the
annual Sikhottabong Stupa Festival in
honour of the revered religious structure,
when locally-made products will be on sale.
When: February 20-22
Where: Khammuan province

JPop Cover Dance Competition

The Laobangfai Academy is calling on young people to enter the JPop
cover dance competition.
When and where: Auditions will be held on February 6, at the Lao Music
and Dance School
The final round will take place on February 20, at the National Culture Hall
The winner will be awarded a visit to Japan, paid for by the Japanese
Embassy to Laos.
For more information call: 020 5229 5456

Vientiane Trail
2016
Come along and enjoy the
Vientiane Trial 2016, when
the capitals old quarter
will be transformed into a
pedestrian zone with night
time illuminations, and art
and handicraft events.
Where: Chao Anou Street to
Francois Ngin Street.
When: February 26-28, open
from 5-9pm each night.

Elephant Festival
This years Elephant Festival will feature 67 elephants taking part in
activities including a beauty contest, bathing and baci ceremony. There
will also be a large and vibrant street fair.
When: February 19-21
Where: Xayaboury district, Xayaboury province

Global citizenship programme

Japanese
organisation GiFT,
in collaboration
with Green
Discovery and
FM 90.0 Mhz, is
inviting university
students aged
18-24 to apply
for the Diversity
Voyage in Laos
programme,
a 6 day event
with Japanese
students. Expenses will be paid by the programme.
When: From February 20-25.
Where: Contact Bounheng (programme coordinator) on 020 55400099.
Or visit the following link:
http://www.laoyouth-radio.com/2016/01/diversity-voyage-2016.html

Trade Union Trade Fair

There will be a
special trade
fair to mark the
60th anniversary
of the Lao
Federation of
Trade Union.
When: January
23 February 3
Where: LaoITECC

Toyota Painting Contest

The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest 2016 is open to children, with the
theme Toyota in My Dream
The painting contest is divided into three age groups: Under 8; Ages
8-11; and Ages 12-15.
When: Submit your painting anytime from December 16 February
15, 2016
Where: For details, contact Toyota company offices nationwide
on: 021 453801-2, 041 260882-4, 071 214111, 031 251400 or any
Education and Sports Department.

Warm for Winter appeal

The Lao Red Cross asks everyone to help people living in northern
Laos keep warm this winter. Please donate clean blankets, warm
clothing, towels, shoes, gloves and socks to our Warm for Winter
Appeal 2015.
Where: Lao Red Cross
When: Normal working hours
For more information: 021 253 014, Facebook/LaoRedCrossSociety
Thank you so much for your generosity!

Vientiane Times

Wednesday February 3, 2016

ChildFund Australia is an international development agency that works in partnership with

children and their communities to create lasting and meaningful change by supporting
long - term community development and promoting childrens rights.
ChildFund Australia directly implements child - focused development programs in Viet Nam,
Papua New Guinea (PNG), Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, and works in conjunction with
the ChildFund Alliance global partnership to deliver programs in countries throughout Asia,
Africa and the Americas.
ChildFund Australias goals are to deliver quality development programs that are respectful,
responsive and effective in eliminating or reducing poverty for children, their families and
communities.
ChildFund Australia is a member of the ChildFund Alliance a global network of 12 organisations
which assists more than 15 million children in 55 countries. ChildFund Australia is a registered
charity and is fully accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
ChildFund Laos, the representative office of ChildFund Australia, is working to bring communityled, sustainable change in the areas of education, healthcare, water and sanitation, child and
youth participation, and livelihoods. ChildFund Laos also recently began work in Vientiane, the
capital, in response to the increasing risks facing children in urban areas.
ChildFund Laos is currently recruiting for the following positions:
1. Program Manager
POSITION SUMMAR (full details of ToR is available at INGO directory website)
The Program Manager is responsible for the overall management, coordination and quality of
ChildFund Laos programs and will provide strong leadership across all program work. The
Program Manager line manages 7 staff and is part of the Country Office Senior Management
Team (SMT).
The Program Manager works closely with government partners in the Lao PDR at all levels
including line ministries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Program Manager will also
work closely with other partners including local civil society organisations.
The Program Manager liaises with the ChildFund Laos International Program Coordinator in
the ChildFund Australia Sydney office and will build and maintain links with other relevant staff
within the organisation and the broader Alliance.
2. Provincial Operation Manager
POSITION SUMMAR (full details of ToR is available at INGO directory website)
The Provincial Operation Manager (POM) will be the joint head of activity in the Xieng Khouang
Provincial Office (alongside the Provincial Technical Manager). The POM works closely with
PPM to ensure smooth operation of ChildFund Laos programs in Xiengkhouang, with the
overall objective of improving the well-being of children.
This role will involve day-to-day management of the operations in the primary office (based
in Nonghet) and future sub-office in an adjoining district. It will be responsible for ongoing
operational and logistical support for all projects and project staff and for improving existing
systems and processes. A critical component of the role will be to provide support in ensuring
that ChildFunds office and staff are managed in accordance with ChildFund Australia policies
and procedures, and that strong, transparent working relationships are developed with district
and provincial government officials. The POM reports to the program manager (based in
Vientiane). The POM will also, with the support of a Provincial Technical Manager, ensure
consistency in ChildFunds working approach.
This full-time position requires a committed and highly motivated person who is prepared to provide
support and leadership during a time of growth to project staff. The successful postholder will have
appropriate understanding and interest of development; proven experience in a senior operationsfocused role; and strong management, leadership, and capacity building skills.
3. Provincial Technical Manager
POSITION SUMMAR (full details of ToR is available at INGO directory website)
The Provincial Technical Manager (PTM) will be the joint head of activity in the Xieng Khouang
Provincial Office (alongside the Provincial Operation Manager). The PTM role is responsible
for managing and coordinating all program work in the province with the overall objective of
improving the well-being of children.
This role will involve both day-to-day support and guidance for individual projects and project
staff, as well as broader strategic work related to wider programs and programming priorities.
The PTM reports to the Program Manager (based in Vientiane).
This full-time position requires a committed and highly motivated person who is prepared
to provide support and leadership during a time of growth to project staff. The successful
postholder will have appropriate experience in multiple development sectors; proven
management and leadership skills; and successful experience with coaching, capacity building,
and mentoring project-level staff.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applications can be made by email to hr@childfund.org.la; all other applications will be rejected.
In addition, ChildFund will ONLY accept applications that include a CV and a cover letter that
address the criteria above.
ChildFund Laos will not return any applications and does not require interested candidates to
submit copies of certificates, ID cards or any other information.
ChildFund Laos is an equal opportunities employer and has a strict child protection policy and
background checks will be undertaken prior to any offer of employment. All candidates should
submit two professional referees including their current or most recent employer.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD ONLY CONTAIN A CURRENT CV AND A COVER LETTER IN
ENGLISH ADDRESSING THE CRITERIA OUTLINED FOR THE POST.
Please send all applications to hr@childfund.org.la and must be received by 5:00 pm
February 8, 2016
ChildFund is an equal opportunities employer.

Sports 23

Argentinas Messi to miss

Olympic Games 2016

BUENOS AIRES (Xinhua)

-- Argentinean soccer player
Lionel Messi will not feature in
the South American countrys
national team at the Olympic
Games 2016 in Rio de Janeiro,
announced coach Gerardo
Martino on Monday.
Messi will not be going to
the Olympic Games because
there is a lot of competition
within the team during the
year, the national teams
coach told local radio station
La Red in the capital city of
Buenos Aires.
The 28-year-old forward
for Spains Barcelona played
in the Beijing Olympics in
2008 where the team won the
gold medal.
On this occasion, Argentina
defended their title which they
also won in Athens 2004 while Lionel Messi. (File photo AP)
in London 2012, the team
would represent the future of Argentinas national soccer team.
failed to qualify.
The Olympic regulations allow countries to include three
Martino said he would make
up a team full of players that players over 23-years-old in their teams.

Rafael Nadal to defend

Argentina Open title
BUENOS AIRES (Xinhua)
-- Spanish tennis player, Rafael
Nadal, confirmed on Monday he
would try to defend his title next
week in the Asociation of Tennis
Professionals (ATP) Argentina
Open in Buenos Aires.
I want to thank the
organisers of the Argentina
Open for inviting me to play
in Buenos Aires. The times I
have played in Argentina have
been special and full of happy
memories because the public are
completely different to any other
crowd in the world, said Nadal.
The organizers confirmed
Argentinas Open will take place
from February 6 to 14 in Buenos
Aires Tennis Lawn Club on

clay. The winners will receive

US$523,470 cash prizes.
Four players currently
located in the top 12 of the ATPs
world ranking will participate in
the annual tournament.
They include; Nadal (number
5 seed), his countryman David
Ferrer (6), the Frenchman JoWilfried Tsonga (9) and the
American John Isner (12).
Nadal said the invitation
came after a bad result in the
Australian Open played in the
city of Melbourne. The Spaniard
went out in the first round to
fellow countryman Fernando
Verdasco in five sets.
I hope Buenos Aires will
once again kickstart another

season of good performances in

my career. I will give my all to
make it just so, Nadal said from
the Spanish island of Majorca.
Having Nadal defending
his title is the best news we
could receive with only five
days until the tournament starts,
said former Argentinian tennis
player and tournament organizer,
Martin Jaite.
We are happy he will be
with us once again. He completes
an incredible line-up. This will be
the best (tennis) tournament in
Argentinas history, added Jaite.
In 2015, the Spanish tennis
player won the title after defeating
Argentinas Juan Monaco in
straight sets.

Transfer deadline day: Mid-ranking

Everton, Stoke spend US$45million
LONDON (AP) -- The heaviest spending as
European footballs transfer window closed
on Monday was not by traditional powers but
mid-ranking English clubs Stoke and Everton
collectively paying around US$45 million on
two players.
Stoke made the biggest outlay of the window
with the 18.3 million pound (US$26 million)
signing of defensive midfielder Giannelli Imbula
shortly after Everton spent 13.5 million pounds
(US$19.5 million) on forward Oumar Niasse.
Their spending sprees on largely unknown
players reasserted the financial supremacy of the
Premier League - a competition Pep Guardiola
will be joining next season.
The announcement that Guardiola would
be joining Manchester City was the most eyecatching moment on transfer deadline day, which
is usually about clubs frantically making final
additions to squads for the rest of the season rather
than changes in the dugout.
Guardiolas hiring had been anticipated since
disclosing in December that he would leave
Bayern Munich at the end of the season. The
surprise was the timing.
City rushed out official word of Guardiolas
summer arrival after Pellegrini ended a news
conference by revealing he would be leaving the
Abu Dhabi-owned club a year early.
At City, Guardiola will be linking up with
Barcelona executives Ferran Soriano and Txiki
Beguiristain, hoping to replicate the dominance he
enjoyed at the Camp Nou: Winning 14 trophies in
four years as coach. Guardiola has gone on to win
back-to-back league titles at Bayern in the time
Pellegrini has only collected the Premier League

trophy once at City.

Guardiola will find the Premier League far more
competitive than the Spanish and German leagues.
City is currently only second, three points behind a
previously unfancied Leicester side which fought
relegation last season.
New television deals kicking in next season
- expected to generate around $13 billion over
three years for the Premier League - are providing
more spending power across the league. Now
even less illustrious English teams can offer more
lucrative transfer fees than Europes long-standing
powerhouses.
Bournemouth, Everton, Newcastle and Stoke all
spent more than 10 million pounds on players in the
winter transfer window - the biggest deal coming as
the 2300 GMT transfer cut-off approached.
Stoke broke its transfer record to land the
23-year-old Imbula from Porto who has played
for the France under-21s but never the senior side.
He has great power, good ability on the ball
and a great range of passing and theres no doubt he
will add to the quality that we already have at the
club, Stoke manager Mark Hughes said.
The 25-year-old Niasse was signed by 12thplace Everton from Lokomotiv Moscow after being
voted the Russian Premier Leagues top player in
2015.
The European heavyweights only conducted
limited business on Monday.
German leader Bayern signed former Germany
defender Serdar Tasci from Spartak Moscow until
the end of the season after losing several players
through injury, Barcelona sent right back Martin
Montoya to Real Betis on loan for the rest of
the season.

Wednesday
February 3, 2016
24

Vientiane Times

Sports

Lao Toyota FC keen to retain Lao Premier League crown

Sangkhomsay
Bubphanouvong

eigning Lao Premier

League champions
Lao Toyota FC are
gearing up to defend
their title following several of
the players taking part in the
All-star charity match against
Thai team Buriram United on
the weekend.
Players from all clubs
are now in intensive training
ahead of the leagues start at
the end of this month.
On Sunday Lao Toyota
FC players joined forces with
others from Lao Electricity
FC, Police FC, Army FC,
SHB Vientiane FC and Eastern
Star FC to take on the Thai
champions.
This season will see 11
clubs competing in this years
league comprising: Lao Toyota
FC, Lao Electricity FC, Police
FC, Army FC, SHB Vientiane
FC, Lanexang United, Savan
FC, IDEA Champassak
United, National University of
Laos FC, Ezra FC and Eastern
Star FC.
While all the 11 clubs have
informed the Lao Football
Federation (LFF) they are

competing this year the LLF

is waiting for some FCs to
sort their paperwork out to
officially register. Then LFF
officials can draw up this
seasons match timetable.
Lao Premier League
c o m p e t i t i o n o rg a n i s i n g
committees senior official
Mr Khamsay Sengmaniphone
said LFFs officials were also
checking if stadiums were
ready in Vientiane and the
provinces before the start of
the league.
Last seasons champions
Lao Toyota FC are determined
to make it back-to-back titles
with the added incentive of
competing in the AFC Cup
2016.
Last season Lao Toyota
FC finished on 48 points from
their 20 matches with 15 wins,
3 draws, and only 2 losses.
The AFC Cup sees Lao
Toyota FC drawn in Group
H with Johor Darul TA ZIM
(Malaysia), JSW Bengaluru
FC (India) and Ayeyawady
United (Myanmar) with each
team to play each other over
home and away legs.
Lao Toyota FC has never
previously faced opponents
from Malaysia or Indonesia

The Lao All-star team takes possession of the ball against Buriram United in last weekends charity match at the National Stadium.

but did lose away to Yangon United FC (Myanmar) 2-5 in last years Toyota Mekong Club Championship.
In the first leg: Lao Toyota FC will face JSW Bengaluru FC (Indonesia) at the National Stadium in Vientiane on February 24.
On March 9 Lao Toyota FC will travel to face Ayeyawady United (Myanmar) in Yangon and Toyota FC and take on Johor
Darul TA ZIM (Malaysia) away on March 16.
In the second leg: On April 13 Lao Toyota FC will face Johor Darul TA ZIM in Vientiane, JSW Bengaluru FC in Indonesia on
April 27 and Ayeyawady United at home on May 11.

Savannakhet athletes
ready for University Games
Savannakhet
provinces
Songkhone
district medalists
pose at the
sports field in
Outhoumphone
district after
the medal
presentation
ceremony at the
eighth provincial
Student Games
on Friday.

Sangkhomsay
Bubphanouvong

avannakhet provinces
sporting teams are
currently hard in
training as they seek to
be amongst the medals at the 1st
Lao National University Games
to be hosted by the National
University of Laos (NUOL) in
Vientiane from February 5-15.
The provinces sporting
teams comprise more than 100
sports trainers and athletes,
which will be ready to compete in
the mens and womens football
events as well as volleyball,
sepak takraw, petanque, and
track and field events.
The provincial sporting
teams have been in training on an
irregular basis from November
2015 and will continue until
travelling to the 1st university
games.
Savannakhet province has
a contingent of experienced
athletes who have competed at

annual track and field events

at the national level on home
soil whilst some also competed
at the 10th National Games
in Oudomxay province in
December 2014. This years 1st
National University Games shall
comprise football, badminton,
table tennis, basketball, futsal,
petanque, taekwondo, volleyball
and beach volleyball, basketball,
and track and field.
Savannakhet University
lecturer Ms Latdavone
Keomanivong said that currently
the province lacks skilful athletes
to compete in the badminton,
table tennis, beach volley,
basketball, taekwondo and futsal
events at the 1st university games.
Last week, Savannakhet
province succeeded in hosting
and supporting the eighth
provincial student games in
Outhoumphone district of the
province.
The 8th Student Games
included competition in mens
and womens football, sepak

takraw, volleyball, petanque,

crossbow, and track and field
events. In 2018, Phalanxay
district will host the 9th Student
Games in Savannakhet.
The provincial Education
and Sports Department aims to
use the provincial games as a
way to develop young athletes
and select the most talented to
compete at the 6th National
Student Games in Borikhamxay
province next year.
Host Borikhamxay province
plans to stage more than 10
different sporting events at the
6th Student Games.
Savannakhet provinces
athletes will also compete at
the 11th National Games to
be hosted by Xieng Khuang
province at the end of 2017.
At the 10th National Games
in Oudomxay province in
December 2014, Savannakhet
provinces sporting teams
finished in eighth place with
14 gold, 33 silver and 44
bronze medals.

Guardiola to become Man City

manager, replacing Pellegrini
MANCHESTER, England
(AP) -- Pep Guardiola and
Manchester City have long
been considered a likely
match: Soccers most admired
coach and a club with massive
spending power seeking to
become the dominant force in
Europe.
Its been four years in the
making, but finally theyll be
united.
City announced on Monday
that Guardiola will take over
as manager on a three-year
contract starting next season,
furthering the English teams
goal to be a global superpower.
Guardiola will replace
Manuel Pellegrini, who
- minutes before Citys
announcement - ended a pregame news conference by
saying he would be leaving the
club at the end of the season.
The news was sudden but
not unexpected.
Guardiola announced in
December that he would be
leaving Bayern Munich at
the end of this season, after
three years in charge when he
enhanced his status as soccers
most sought-after coach. Then,
last month, he said his next
job would be in the English
Premier League.
City was always his most
likely destination. Backed by
Abu Dhabi cash since 2008,
the club has been transformed
into the most successful in
England of recent times,
winning two league titles and
two cup competitions since
2011 and assembling an allstar squad including players
like Sergio Aguero, David
Silva, Yaya Toure and Kevin
De Bruyne.
City has tried to play the
Barcelona way, with an

attractive passing style and

attacking approach favored
by Guardiola, and enticed
two former Barca executives
Ferran Soriano and Txiki
Beguiristain - to the board in
2012.
Guardiola was considered
the missing piece, and now
City has its man.
In recent weeks, (City)
has commenced and finalized
contractual negotiations with
Pep Guardiola to become
head coach for the 201617 EPL season onwards,
City said in a short statement.
These negotiations were a recommencement of discussions
that were curtailed in 2012.
That was the year Guardiola
quit Barcelona, after winning
14 trophies in four years as
coach, and took a 12-month
sabbatical. During his time off,
he agreed to join Bayern for
the start of the 2013-14 season
and has gone on to win backto-back German league titles,
the German Cup and both the
Club World Cup and UEFA
Super Cup.
City will look to Guardiola
to turn the team into a
European powerhouse, having
failed to advance beyond the
last 16 of the Champions
League in four campaigns in
Europes elite competition
under Roberto Mancini and
Pellegrini. City has reached
the last 16 again this season,
where it plays Dynamo Kiev,
and could still meet Bayern in
the competition.
Guardiola won the
Champions League twice
with Lionel Messi-inspired
Barcelona.
Pellegrini may yet go down
as Citys most successful
manager - he won the Premier

League and League Cup in

his first season in charge, in
2013, and is in contention
for four trophies this season
- but has had to contend with
speculation about Guardiola
for the past two seasons.
City extended his contract
by a year, to 2017, in a bid to
end the talk about Guardiola
but that didnt work.
Pellegrini said he knew a
month ago that he was being
replaced.
There has been a lot of
speculation about things,
Pellegrini said, but they (the
club) are not doing anything
behind me.
City has long lived
in the shadow of neighbor
Manchester United, but owner
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin
Sultan Al Nahyan - a member
of Abu Dhabis ruling family
- is changing the landscape of
English soccer with his work
at City.
Initially, the plan was
about short-term success, as
the club spent more than $1
billion to improve the squad
and change its status from
plucky underachiever to serial
trophy-winner.
The next phase came in
2014 with the opening of
the clubs lavish US$300
million training and playerdevelopment centre - the
City Football Academy. A
muddy wasteland with no
opportunities in a neglected
area has been regenerated
into a sprawling, 80-acre
state-of-the-art campus that
houses all of Citys teams and
has educational facilities and
accommodation.
Now, its the arrival of
Guardiola that will send another
statement of intent to its rivals.