May 22nd, 2013
Vientiane Times, 21 May, 2013
Rubber processing factories in Oudomxay province are facing unexpected problems because China is not allowing the import of rubber from Laos at the moment, causing large amounts of the material to remain in stock. Sino-Lao Rubber Company Director Mr Oun told the media recently that, after the company had invested in the building of a rubber processing factory, they encountered an export problem when China refused to allow imports of their rubber, forcing the factory to hold 270 tonnes of processed rubber, worth over one billion kip, in stock.
May 15th, 2013
Vientiane Times, 15 May, 2013
Laos is seeking help from the Chinese government to conduct detailed surveys of its mineral wealth, aiming to use the information to help regulate the mining industry, according to a senior government official. Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Mr Somboun Rasasombath said as quoted in the South China Morning Post this week that he would discuss the matter with Chinese Deputy Minister of Land and Resources, Mr Wang Min, at the China-Asean Mining Co-operation Forum in China.
May 9th, 2013
Vientiane Times, 9 May, 2013
Rubber farmers in Phongsaly province are looking for buyers for their raw rubber after hundreds of kilogrammes they attempted to trade across the Chinese border were seized by Chinese customs officials. Rubber trees planted by farmers in several districts are now ready for harvesting but no company has come forward with a purchase order.
The farmers’ raw rubber were seized by Chinese customs officials at the border because the country has no set quota for rubber imports, provincial forestry section Head Mr Nayphet Boupha told Vientiane Times yesterday.
May 9th, 2013
Vientiane Times, 09 May, 2013
Laos could raise almost US$100 million a year for education if 30 percent of its share of copper and gold mining resources were converted into public revenue and 20 percent of this sum invested in education. This could double Laos’ education budget and achieve primary education for all. The amount raised would be equivalent to almost two-thirds of the money Laos receives annually in aid to education.
May 6th, 2013
Vientiane Times, 6 May, 2013
To manage natural resources and protect the environment, the government is encouraging the natural resource and environmental sectors to work closely with relevant groups and development partners. Representatives from civil, social, government organisations and development partners gathered in Vientiane on Friday to discuss the achievements and work plan of the natural resource and environment sectors as well as challenges and recommendations to be implemented within the sector.
May 6th, 2013
Vientiane Times, 6 May, 2013
The government is committed to ensuring that the compensation provided to villagers affected by land development projects is done in such a way that villagers are satisfied with the outcomes. The move is aimed to address land disputes in Laos, which have been an ongoing issue as villagers sometimes feel that they don’t receive appropriate compensation for land lost to development projects.
Director General of the Land Administration Department within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr Siphandone Sihavong, told Vientiane Times last week that if land compensation is paid in accordance with market prices, all the problems can be resolved. In fact, Prime Ministerial Decree No.192 stipulates that land compensation for any affected villagers needs to ensure that those people enjoy improved livelihoods after relocating to other areas.
May 1st, 2013
Vientiane Times, 1 May, 2013
Investors from neighbouring China plan to pour more capital into developing a new tea processing plant in Laos’ northernmost province of Phongsaly, aiming to process good quality tea for export to China. The Phongsaly Provincial Governor Mr Khamjane Vongphosy delivered a report about the plan during the government’s four-day open meeting that closed in Vientiane recently.
May 1st, 2013
 Growing bananas under a contract farming arrangement with a Chinese company. Photo from Phongsaly Province (2012). Vientiane Times, 1 May, 2013
Oudomxay provincial authorities will not issue new investment licenses for the plantation of bananas for export. The decision to impose the ban has been made after banana growing has caused negative impacts to the environment and a reduction in rice production in the province.
Deputy Head of the Provincial Agriculture and Foresty Department Mr Souvik Chanthayod told the Vientiane Timesthis week that the provincial authority has already banned new banana investment projects for two years.
April 29th, 2013
Vientiane Times, 29 April, 2013
Authorities are encouraging vegetable growers in Vientiane to grow more organic produce for sale at the twice-weekly market on the That Luang esplanade, to ensure consumers eat healthily. These days many people in Vientiane are recognising the benefits of organic food. Eating vegetables that have been organically grown is better for your health because they are free from potentially harmful chemicals.
April 24th, 2013
Vientiane Times, 23 April, 2013
The government is preparing to reclassify the land in the Phou Khao Khuay National Protected Area where the Nam Mang 1 hydropower plant is located in hopes of benefitting further from the project by generating funding for forest protection. The matter was raised for discussion by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee which met last week in preparation for the Assembly’s upcoming fifth ordinary session.
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