Vientiane Times

monDAY june 6, 2016

Inside

The First National English Language Newspaper

ISSUE 128

4500 kip

Asean socio-cultural ministers prepare

documents for submission to 28th Asean Summit

Times Reporters

UNICEF pledges to
improve child welfare
in Laos
[Page 3]

Flood death toll rises

to four in France: PM
[Page 8]

The 15th meeting of the Asean

Socio-Cultural Community
Council (ASCC) convened in
Luang Prabang on Saturday
to consider several important
documents for submission to
Asean leaders for adoption
at the 28th Asean Summit in
September.
The meeting was opened
by Prime Minister Thongloun
Sisoulith and attended by
Socio-cultural ministers from
Asean member states, Asean
Secretary General Le Luong
Minh, associated officials and
Asean delegates.
Addressing the gathering,
Mr Thongloun said This
meeting is an important
milestone. The ministers will
jointly consider important
documents before submitting
them to Asean leaders for
adoption at the 28th Asean
Summit to be held in Vientiane
in September.
The main documents
are the Vientiane Declaration
on Transition from Informal
Employment to Formal
Employment towards Decent

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (centre) stands with other Socio-cultural ministers from Asean countries after he opened the 15th
meeting of the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council in Luang Prabang province on Saturday.

Work Promotion in ASEAN,

and the Vientiane Declaration
on Reinforcing Cultural
Heritage Cooperation in
Asean.
Mr Thongloun said Asean
was a region that was uniquely

characterised by diverse
cultures, customs, languages
and religions as well as political
systems. But despite these
diversities, the people of Asean
member states live together
in harmony and solidarity, in

caring and sharing societies,

and together they preserve and
promote the unique cultures
and traditions of individual
Asean member states. This,
in essence, forms the unique
Asean identity often described

US supports UXO clearance in Xieng Khuang

Times Reporters

Phongsavanh Group
receives high-level
development awards
from government
[Page 9]

Luang Prabang
theatre preserves art
of storytelling
[Page 20]

National Circus shows

thrill crowds
[Page 23]

The United States Department

of State Office of Weapons
Removal and Abatement
(WRA) has provided more than
US$2.17 million for a project
supporting rural development
through unexploded ordnance
clearance in Xieng Khuang
province.
The total funding of
US$2,178,865 will be used
for survey and clearance in the
districts of Nonghet, Phaxay
and Khoun, over a period of 12
months.
A Memorandum of
Understanding was signed
in Vientiane on Friday to
launch the project, inked by
the Director of the National
Regulatory Authority (NRA) for
UXO/Mine Action in Laos, Mr
Phoukhieo Chanthasomboun,
and Country Director of MAG
to Laos, Mr Simon Rea.
Speaking at the signing
ceremony, Mr Rea said During

that time, MAG will complete

a non-technical survey in 120
villages, survey 30 million
square metres of land, and aim
to clear UXO from 2.5 million
square metres of contaminated
land.
The grant is recognition
that UXO needs to be cleared
from Lao soil and also that the
NRA and Lao authorities are
central to ensuring the quality,
efficiency and effectiveness of
this process, he said.
MAG looks forward to
working in coordinated fashion
and productive partnerships with
all the various Lao government
bodies and representatives that
will make this process possible.
UXO contamination in Laos
continues to pose an everyday
hidden danger to people and has
disrupted lives for generations.
Despite the dangers, many
people have no choice but
to use land that they know
is contaminated and to risk
their lives on a daily basis

as Unity in Diversity.
Asean has made steady
progress and achievements
in political and security
cooperation as well as socioeconomic development
CONTINUED PAGE 2

Xaythany road
awaits muchneeded repairs
Times Reporters

NRA Director General Phoukhieo Chanthasomboun (right) and

Country Director of MAG to Laos Simon Rea shake hands after the
MoU signing ceremony on Friday.

out of economic necessity.

UXO contamination keeps
people in poverty and hinders
the countrys socio-economic
development.
U X O - i m p a c t e d
communities are predominantly
the poorest members of society,
living at subsistence level in

rural, remote locations with

restricted access to basic
services.
Coordinated and well
planned action is required
to remove the immediate
threat to communities and to
support longer-term national
CONTINUED PAGE 2

Vi e n t i a n e r e s i d e n t s a r e
requesting that the government
resurface the approximately 9
kilometre road running from
Tanmixay to Sikert in Xaythany
district.
A resident of the districts
Nongphaya village said People
living along this road are having
difficulties due to its condition.
During the dry season, people
are affected by the dust and in
the rainy season they have to
suffer terrible potholes.
Sometimes motorists risk
accidents when trying to avoid
the many large potholes on
the road. There are also a lot
of vehicles using this road,
especially larger trucks that are
carrying heavy loads. We have
already called on officials to
look into and hopefully solve
the problem, he said.
If possible, the larger
CONTINUED PAGE 3

2 Home news

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Bus explosion death toll rises to 10

Times Reporters

The number of Vietnamese

nationals who died following an
explosion on the bus they were
travelling in from Khammuan
province to Vietnam has risen
to 10.
Eight people died instantly
when the explosion occurred
as the bus was passing
through Bualapha district in
Khammuan province. The
bus was heavily loaded with
an illegal shipment of timber
and carrying 13 Vietnamese
passengers.
A security official in charge
of investigations told Vientiane
Times on Friday that two of the
injured passengers who had
been taken to Vietnam later
died in hospital.
The official said three
other passengers were slightly
injured, while the rest suffered
serious injuries.
After the explosion the
Vietnamese driver of the bus

fled the scene but has since

surrendered to provincial police.
Officials are questioning
the driver about the source of
the timber, as they believe that
a gang of timber traders was
illegally transporting the wood
to Vietnam.
They are also trying to find
out why the bus had a Lao
number plate but was driven
by a Vietnamese national. They
were unable to say how much
timber was on the bus, but said
it was mai dou and mai daeng
species.
All of the bus passengers
and the bodies of the victims
have been taken to Vietnam.
Officials are now focusing
on the cause of the explosion.
Initial investigations suggest
that firecrackers were to
blame as the remains of two
or three boxes were found
in the baggage compartment
underneath the bus.
The explosion occurred
when the bus, which had

departed from Thakhaek district

en route for Vietnam, reached
Bualapha district, just eight
kilometres from the NaphaoChaulor border checkpoint.
The timber has been taken
to the Langkhang Security
Group.
Only last month the
government issued a blanket
ban on the export of timber.
Illegal logging and trading has
been a chronic problem that
remains widespread but the
government has promised to
take tough action to address
the issue.
Following the export ban,
Prime Minister Thongloun
of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, chairs the 15th meeting
last week ordered that all types Minister
of the Asean Socio-Cultural Community.
of forest be closed to logging
by June 1, with all parties
prohibited from collecting
from page1
or removing logs from forest
fields. This will allow the
government to review the cooperation within the Asean region and the wider region, Mr Thongloun added.
He said this has contributed greatly to Aseans role in improving the livelihoods of its peoples
situation before considering
reopening forests for logging through coordination mechanisms and cooperation projects, the formulation of policies for capacity
building, and the harmonisation of organisations and institutions.
in October.
Over the past half decade, I am pleased to see that cooperation under the Asean Socio-Cultural
Community Pillar, including the sectoral bodies concerned, has gained satisfactory achievements,
especially the 100 percent successful implementation of the Asean Socio-Cultural Community
Blueprint for 2009-2015, he noted.

Asean socio-cultural ministers...

Concerns persist over use

of chemical fertiliser in
banana plantations
Times Reporters

Security officials examine the scene after an explosion gutted this bus in Bualapha district, Khammuan
province, on Thursday.

US supports UXO clearance... from page 1

development planning.
The grant is a continuation of WRAs
welcome and ongoing support to MAG and to
the wider UXO sector in Laos.
The government is seeking more funds to
clear unexploded ordnance while around 50
people a year are injured or killed in UXO-related
accidents.

Unexploded ordnance is an obstacle to

economic and social development because
contaminated land cannot be used for agriculture,
industry, tourism or the construction of
infrastructure.
More funding is needed for UXO clearance
so the government is encouraging foreign donors
to contribute to the process.

Lao Press in Foreign Languages

Vientiane Times
Established 1994

Tel: (856-21) 336042, fax: (856-21) 336041

editor@vientianetimes.la

Supervisor:
Savankhone Razmountry
Editor-in-Chief:
Thonglor Duangsavanh
Tel: 021 336042
editor@vientianetimes.la
Deputy Editor-in-Chief:
Phonekeo Vorakhoun
Tel: 021 336042
phonekeo@hotmail.com
Deputy Editor-in-Chief:
Phon Thikeo
Tel: 55624351, 021 336042
phonethikeo28@yahoo.com

Features Editor:
Manichanh Pansivongxay
Tel: 020 55607017, 021 336047
Fax: 021 336046
chanfeature@hotmail.com

Graphic Designer/IT:
Malaythong Phayanouvong
Tel: 021 336048, 020 55729209
Copy Sub-editor:
Elizabeth Winch

News Editor:
Sisay Vilaysack
Tel: 55615716, 021-336045,
Fax: 336046
sisay69@gmail.com

Finance Manager:
Somphone Vongsa
Tel: 336040, 020 55647291
Marketing Manager:
Phoutthasack Inthakoummane
Tel: 021 336042,
Fax: 336041
Mobile: 020 55599209
sale.adv@gmail.com

Business Editor:
Phonsavanh Vongsay
Tel: 021-336047, 020 5522818

If you have a problem accessing the website, please call directly to

Tel: +856-21 336048; 020 55729209,
Email: editor@vientianetimes.la

Despite reassurance from

provincial officials, members
of the public are unhappy
that banana growers in Bokeo
province are still being allowed
to use chemical fertilisers.
While people recognise that
many chemical pesticides are
banned because of the danger to
consumers and the environment,
many are questioning why
chemical fertilisers are still
being used on Bokeos crops.
Director of the provincial
Agriculture and Forestry
Department, Mr Khamxone
Keopaseuth, recently told
Vientiane Times that some
chemical fertilisers were being
used by banana farmers in
parts of the province, with the
permission of the departments
agriculture sector.
However, he stressed that
chemical pesticides were
banned.
Chemical fertilisers wont
harm people who eat bananas

because the fertiliser is only

used to improve the soil, he
said.
Mr Khamxone added
that the department had been
authorising the use of the
fertiliser for a long time and it
wasnt just a recent occurrence
as some people thought.
The provinces of Bokeo,
Luang Prabang, Oudomxay
and Phongsaly mainly grow
bananas for export to China,
with the majority of plantations
located in Bokeo and Phongsaly.
Officials also wished to
point out that no farmer had
recently been found illegally
disposing of used plastic
banana covers. Several growers
have built storage facilities to
keep the discarded items for
later removal to an official
waste site.
Previously, large quantities
of plastic covers were dumped
and scattered in fields following
the harvest of bananas for export
to China.
Not all of the bananas grown

use chemical fertiliser as some

farmers prefer to use compost
and bio-fertiliser to improve
soil nutrients.
A widespread belief today
is that many farmers around
the country are using chemical
fertilisers and pesticides to grow
rice. People are now concerned
about the potential hazards of
eating rice that has not been
farmed organically.
Another official said many
people misunderstood the
difference between pesticides
and chemical fertiliser, with
the latter being harmless to
consumers.
Most farmers in the
provinces use chemical fertiliser
on their rice. Its hard to grow
crops using animal manure such
as that produced by buffaloes
because one hectare of rice
requires about five tonnes of
livestock dung.
Most rice-producing
countries, especially in Asean,
use chemical fertilisers to
improve the quality of the soil.

Le magazine Le Rnovateur
disponible en CD-ROM
Les numros du journal Le Rnovateur du mois de janvier
2011 fvrier 2015 sont disponibles sur CD-ROM au
bureau de la Presse lao en langues trangres (service
Vientiane Times), Ban Phonpapao, unit 32, arrondissement de
Sisattanak,Vientiane. BP : 5723.
Contact Tel : (856-21) 33 60 42 ; 33 60 48
Fax : (856-21) 33 60 41.
Courriel : editor@vientianetimes.la

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

UNICEF pledges to improve

child welfare in Laos

Govt takes action to

address illegal logging

Times Reporters

Times Reporters

The United Nations Childrens

Fund (UNICEF) has committed
to strongly supporting the Lao
governments efforts to improve
the quality of education and
healthcare as well as combat
malnutrition problems in the
country.
The comments were made
during an interview with
Lao media by Ms Hongwei
Gao, UNICEF Lao PDR
Representative on the occasion
of International Childrens Day
last week.
She stressed the importance
of providing opportunities and
a supportive environment for
childrens education in Laos.
UNICEF will work
tirelessly to improve education
for all children in the country,
especially in rural and remote
areas, by setting up pre-school
classes and giving all students
in Grade One the opportunity
to learn in a safe and inspiring
environment, Ms Gao said.
Laos still has some of the
poorest education indicators
in Southeast Asia. Half of
children in rural and remote
primary schools are still without
textbooks and only around one
third of children aged three to
five are enrolled in some form
of early childhood education.
Ms Gao also said UNICEF
is committed to supporting
Laos to ensure that children
nationwide can access
efficient, safe and sustainable
immunisation services in order
to reduce the child mortality
rate, especially among children
in poor and disadvantaged
families.
She noted that, despite
progress in recent years, Laos
has one of the highest child
mortality rates in Southeast
Asia.
To address malnutrition
problems, which contribute
to at least one third of underfive deaths in the country,
UNICEF will focus on

The government has instructed ministries

and provinces to delegate responsibility in
implementing measures outlined last month
that prohibit the export of timber, unprocessed
wood, and non-timber forest products.
In the notice issued on June 1, the government
instructed the authorities to resolutely punish,
without compromise, those who violate these
measures. The measures were detailed in Prime
Ministerial Order No. 15 issued on May 13.
Ministries and provinces were told to educate
officials about the measures, so that everyone
fully understood them and the measures were
interpreted correctly and uniformly.
The government instructed the Government
Inspection Authority to entrust its officials to
work with provincial authorities to carry out
inspections and to penalise those found guilty
of illegal logging and trade.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
was told to work with central and local bodies
to gather information about wood amassed
in collecting yards known as Sanam 2 across
the country, and report their findings to the
government.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce
was told to partner with central and local bodies
to take urgent action to inspect sawmills located
in national preservation and protection forests,
as well as production forests.
Sawmills found to be operating illegally
must be shut down and their equipment seized,
to become state property, while the operators
must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
In the long term, the authorities were asked
to regulate and upgrade wood processing
plants so that their operations meet acceptable

UNICEF is committed to supporting Laos to ensure that children

nationwide can access immunisation services in order to reduce the
child mortality rate.
--Photo UNICEF

scaling up nutrition-specific
interventions such as exclusive
breastfeeding, complementary
feeding, ensuring access to
essential vitamins and minerals,
deworming, and management
of acute malnutrition.
UNICEF also supports
nutrition-sensitive interventions,
such as the public health
intervention for immunisation
and diarrhoea management with
oral rehydration salts and zinc,
and interventions related to
water, sanitation and hygiene.
On the issue of severe
childhood undernutrition, Ms
Gao emphasised the impact on a
childs chances to fully develop.
Stunting is the silent
scourge of many children across
the country, affecting around 35
percent, particularly amongst
the poorest children. Stunting
is what happens to a childs
brain and body when they do
not get the right kind of food
or nutrients in their first 1,000
days of life.

The year 2016 is the last

year of the programme cycle
and the new five year country
programme of cooperation
between UNICEF and the
Lao government will run from
2017-2021. The new UNICEF
programme of cooperation will
manage around US$70 million
in funding.
As we reach the end of our
current country programme and
embark on the next, we will
work with the Lao government
and other UN and development
partners to continue to support
the improvement of child
well-being, including health,
nutrition, child protection,
education and other areas,
said Ms Gao.
One of the important
upcoming activities is the
second Lao Social Indicator
Survey, which will be conducted
by the Lao Statistics Bureau
with support from UNICEF,
UNFPA and other development
partners.

Xaythany road awaits... from page 1

Large
potholes on
the TanmixaySikert road in
Nongphaya
village.

potholes should be fixed to make driving conditions easier in the rainy season, he added.
Director of the Vientiane Public Works and Transport, Mr Detsongkham Thammavong, said
they would have to wait for a government agreement before beginning repairs because there was
no budget available at present.
There are plans to rebuild the road but the Ministry of Public Works and Transport cant say yet
when the work would begin.
The road, which runs from the Tanmixay traffic lights to the junction in Sikert, is an important
artery in the capital. It connects Road No. 13 north and south and carries a lot of the citys traffic.
The rainy season will see work done to another 21 roads in Vientiane. The road from the
Thongkhankham traffic lights to Dondaeng bridge as well as Thongsangnang, Sibounheuang and
other roads in the capital all need work, Mr Detsongkham said.

Home news

standards.
Ministries and local departments were told
to partner with security forces to guard against
and prevent illegal logging, especially in forests
that are vulnerable to illegal logging, and those
found guilty of engaging in illegal activities
must be prosecuted, disciplined and penalised.
The government warned border checkpoint
officials not to facilitate or permit the export of
timber and non-timber forest products without
permission from the government. Those who
violate the regulations are to be disciplined
and punished.
The government has told all central and
local departments to assign technical officials
to work together to implement these measures
and report progress to the government regularly
to seek guidance.
Only one day after the notice was issued and
a few weeks after the Prime Ministerial Order, a
passenger bus loaded with timber and travelling
from Khammuan province to Vietnam, came to
the attention of the authorities after an explosion
killed at least eight Vietnamese nationals on
board.
The shipment of timber was clearly destined
for export, despite the governments ban on the
export of timber and unprocessed wood.
Witnesses said the timber was obviously an
illegal consignment and a clear infringement of
the governments latest measures.
There has been a lot of public discussion
recently on this latest move by the government.
Everyone has welcomed the measures but there
has been a common response, with people
questioning how effectively the measures will
be implemented and whether they will result in
a significant decline in illegal logging, which
has been a longstanding concern.

Better maps needed to secure

UNESCO listing of Plain of Jars
Times Reporters

Creating a more detailed map of

the Plain of Jars and improving
the various sites will be the
focus of preparations for listing
the tourist attraction as a world
heritage site.
The Plain of Jars in Xieng
Khuang province contains
thousands of scattered ancient
stone vessels, whose purpose
is not fully understood, but are
endlessly fascinating to visitors
and one of Laos most popular
attractions.
Director General of the
Department of Heritage, Dr
Bounthieng Siripraphanh, told
Vientiane Times on Thursday
about the progress made so
far in submitting a proposal to
the United Nations Education,
Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO). The
department hopes that the Plain
of Jars will become Laos third
world heritage site.
The big task for us now is
to create a detailed map of the
boundaries and to remove all
unexploded ordnance from the
area, he said.
The government first
considered submitting the
Plain of Jars to UNESCO
for consideration as a world
heritage site back in 1998,
believing it to have outstanding
universal value. Several related
documents were finalised in
2009.
A meeting of the Ministry
of Information, Culture and
Tourism with Xieng Khuang
provincial authorities in March
this year selected 12 sites on

One of the Plain of Jars sites in Xieng Khuang province.

the Plain of Jars for inscription

on UNESCOs list of world
heritage sites.
Following this, the ministry
invited international experts
to discuss the outstanding
universal value of the megalithic
sites.
That meeting was
a milestone in preparing
information to be annexed to
the master documents for future
submission to UNESCO, Dr
Bounthieng said.
He admitted that the
preparations would take some
time, but said they would be
finished by late next year. It
would be known by late 2018
whether the proposal was
successful.
Aside from the compilation
of documents, it was necessary
to put together a technical
team to build understanding
among local residents about the
heritage value of the site and
the ways in which they would

benefit, Dr Bounthieng said.

The project plan drawn up
by the committee responsible
includes identifying sources
of funding for the protection,
development and promotion
of the site, and assembling a
group of experts and capable
personnel to drive forward
the governments policy on
the protection, development
and promotion of tourism in
general.
The Plain of Jars is one
of two places the government
hopes UNESCO will list as a
world heritage site in the near
future. It has already been
successful in having the town
of Luang Prabang and the
Vat Phou temple complex in
Champassak province added
to the list.
The government will
next propose the Hin Namno
National Protected Area for
listing as a natural world
heritage site.

4 Home news

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

News in Brief
Graphic health warnings to be printed on cigarette packets

The government has issued a decision to print graphic health warnings on

cigarette packets to raise public awareness of the dangers of smoking, the
Pathetlao Daily newspaper reported on Friday. The decision was made in line
with the Convention on Tobacco Control, to which Laos is a party.
The World Health Organisation has reported that in Laos more than 4,800
people a year or 13 people a day die due to smoking-related illnesses.

Huaphan earns 101 billion kip from industry, handicraft

production

Huaphan province earned more than 101 billion kip from industry and
handicraft production in the first six months of this fiscal year, representing 53
percent of the annual plan, the Social-Economic newspaper reported on Friday.
The processing industry accounted for 25 percent amounting to 25.5 billion
kip, while handicrafts represented 75 percent, amounting to 76.2 billion kip.
There are 135 factories in Huaphan province which generate 2,190 jobs.

Seven drug dealers arrested in Champassak, Vientiane

Champassak provincial police arrested two women and seized more than
3,000 amphetamine pills found in their possession, the Khuamsangob
newspaper reported on Friday.
Ms Phoudphayvanh, 24, of Pakxe village, Pakxe district, was arrested with
1,487 amphetamine pills. Police also arrested Ms Phetdaphone, 23, of Huaxe
village, Bachiengchaleunsouk district, with 1,762 amphetamine tablets.
Ms Phetdaphone told police she had been dealing in drugs since last year
which she bought from people in a neighbouring village.
In Vientiane, police arrested four men and a woman with more than 670
amphetamine pills. The dealers were named as Mr Khamphong, Mr Heo,
Mr Changhang, and Ms Khaisone, from Naxaithong district, and Mr Taen
from Xaythany district.

Chinese company to plant 3,000 ha of sugarcane in Luang

Namtha

Authorities in Sing district, Luang Namtha province, have given the green
light to a Chinese company to plant sugarcane on 3,000 hectares for export
to China, the Laophatthana newspaper reported on Friday.
The more than 2 billion kip deal was signed between district authorities and
the company. The investor will buy the crop for 270-360 Chinese yuan per
tonne from local farmers who will grow the sugarcane.

Savannakhet women concerned

about quality of maternity care
Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth

Mothers-to-be in Vilabouly district,

Savannakhet province, are concerned
about the quality of healthcare on
offer at local dispensaries, including
the Dongnang dispensary.
They are hesitant to rely on the
clinics services as they say the
equipment it uses is out of date.
An official at the rural dispensary,
who asked not to be named, said
It is true that local women have
concerns about using our health
services because of outdated medical
equipment.
However, the United Nations
Population Fund (UNFPA) is
providing new equipment for use in
the delivery of babies and to improve
safety and the quality of care given
to mothers and newborns. They are
also providing funding to support the
training of community midwives in
this remote area of the province, the
official said.
Now a new health reproductive
scheme has been launched in the
district, which is providing free health
checks for mothers and newborns.
The initiative is operated by the
government and the UNFPA.
The objective is to ensure better
healthcare conditions for mothers and
newborns in Vilabouly district.
Health officials and village
volunteers have been distributing
information directly to expectant
mothers and other women in the area.
As a result, increasing numbers
of pregnant women are coming to
the Dongnang dispensary for care
and advice.
Ms Kath, who lives in Dongnang

The dispensary in Dongnang village, Vilabouly district, Savannakhet province.

village, said the care provided by

nurses was very good.
The care is better each time I
visit. When I gave birth to my third
and fourth children, they cared for
me before birth, helped to wash me,
and visited me at home after delivery.
They also advised what to eat, the
best way to breastfeed, and gave me
advice on birth spacing.
A s e n i o r o ff i c i a l a t t h e
Savannakhet provincial Health
Department said We know that
investing in midwives pays off in
terms of lives saved and helps to
lower the maternal mortality rate. It
also contributes to healthier families
and more productive communities.
Maternal mortality is defined
as the death of a mother through
pregnancy-related causes, before,

during or after delivery. If a trained

and skilled person assists expectant
mothers and attends any emergencies
that may arise, maternal mortality can
be cut by a third.
But pregnant women in rural
areas still risk death by going to
a hospital to give birth too late
after experiencing complications.
They avoid hospitals because of
traditional beliefs and also because
many women cannot afford to go to
a healthcare facility.
Another issue is that many roads
in remote areas are in poor condition,
making it hard for pregnant women
to give birth at dispensaries or district
hospitals.
Savannakhet province has 151
dispensaries and health offices, as
well as over 2,000 doctors and nurses.

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Photo news

Media representatives pose with Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara at the
15th Meeting of the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council in Luang Prabang province last week.
Media personnel from Vientiane pose with health officials at the Vilabouly
district health office in Savannakhet province after interviewing them about
a newly introduced reproductive health project.

Women in Luang Prabang province sell freshly picked hed puak mushrooms last week after
several days of heavy rain saw a good crop sprout in local woodlands.

Children at a school in Savannakhet province dance during an event to inform young people about
the reproductive health project supported by the United Nations Population Fund.

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Region

Suspected child abuse

deaths go unreported
Japan (The Yomiuri Shimbun)
-- Only about 40 percent of
deaths of children under 18
in Japan that were suspected
to be caused by child abuse
were reported to public child
consultation centres, according
to a study panel of the Health,
Labor and Welfare Ministry.
Over a five-year period
to fiscal 2014, 154 children
under 18 were suspected by
medical institutions to have
died from child abuse, but only
62 cases were reported to child
consultation centres.
The ministry determined
it was possible that deaths
caused by child abuse have
been overlooked, and it will
begin a model project, starting
next fiscal year at the earliest, to
examine all deaths of youths for
possible abuse.
The study panel conducted
a survey from October to
December last year with 962
medical institutions across the
nation, including those offering
emergency medical care for
children, in regards to cases
in which doctors suspected
child abuse from fiscal 2010
to 2014. Of them, 371 medical
institutions responded.
The results showed that 42
deaths were almost definitely
caused by child abuse from a
medical viewpoint, and 39 were
judged to be highly likely to be
caused by child abuse.
Seventy-three children

had suspicious factors, such

as the victims siblings also
dying, although clear medical
judgments could not be made.
The panel concluded that a
total of 154 cases were suspected
to be caused by child abuse.
Among them, only 62 deaths,
or 40 percent, were reported by
the medical institutions to child
consultation centres, with the
other cases unreported.
The Child Abuse Prevention
Law obliges medical institutions
to report to administrative
authorities if they find instances
of child abuse.
However, a ministry official
in charge said, Because the law
is for protecting children, cases
in which children have already
died are not subject to it.
The law also obliges the
central and local governments
to reexamine the responses of
administrative authorities if
they notice deaths caused by
child abuse.
The ministry analyzed
reports from local governments
and compiled data about deaths
caused by child abuse. The data
showed there were 69 to 99
deaths a year during a five-year
period until fiscal 2013.
Most of them were cases
that were investigated as crimes
or those reported by newspapers
and other media.
It is feared that the actual
number of deaths was larger than
what was found.

Cities, provinces announce

results of recent elections
HANOI (Vietnam News) -- A total of 62 provinces and cities across
the country have announced the results of voting for provincial and
city people councils 2016-2020, the National Election Council has
said.
The report published on the Government website chinhphu.vn on
Thursday revealed that southern Kien Giang was the only province
which had not announced election results.
Hanois election committee publicised 105 elected deputies for
the city Peoples Council while HCM City also finished their election
programmeme with 30 out of 50 delegates having been voted in
National Assembly term 2016-2021.
By-elections will take place in H Ni on Sunday at grass-root
levels as the city is rushing to add more 122 deputies to the communal
Peoples Councils, according to Deputy Director of Hanoi Internal
Affairs Department Phung Van Thiep.
In HCM City, voters have selected 105 delegates for the
city Peoples Council. The number of elected deputies had been
announced late last month by the HCM Citys election committee.
Southern Can Tho, central Da Nang and northern Hai Phong
cities have also announced the number of elected delegates.
By-elections in Can Tho Province took place early this week with
500 registered voters to elect more two delegates for the National
Assembly while those in Thanh Hoa Province went to vote for more
local peoples councils deputies.
The National Election Council Office claimed more than 65.5
million voters nationwide or 98.77 percent of the electorate went to
the polls by 10pm on May 22 to elect deputies to the 14th NA and
all-level Peoples Councils for 2016-2021.

Defence ministers, officials emphasise

cooperation to combat global terrorism
at Shangri-La Dialogue
SINGAPORE (Xinhua) -Defence ministers, military
officials and experts called for
cooperation between countries
to combat terrorism during
the ongoing 15th Shangri-La
Dialogue on Saturday.
During a luncheon hosted
by Singapore Minister for
Defense Ng Eng Hen for
participating ministers and their
representatives, the ministers
had an in-depth discussion on
the global threat of terrorism.
The ministers viewed
terrorism as a clear and present
threat that no country can singlehandedly manage given its
amorphous and transboundary
nature. They also talked about
the threat of home-grown
terrorists, Islamophobia,
the danger of marginalising
moderate Muslims, and the
battle of ideology against
Islamic State (IS). They stressed
that international and regional
cooperation was necessary to
effectively prevent terrorists
from gaining a foothold in this
region, especially given the
threat of returning fighters.
At a forum on the same day,
Malaysian Defense Minister
Hishammuddin Hussein said
the fight against IS has become
one of our greatest challenges

Japanese
Defence Minister
Gen Nakatani
attends the
15th Shangrila Dialogue in
Singapore.

today.
He added that combating
terrorism needs cooperation
between countries in a nontraditional way.
The scale and economic
capability of IS is stronger
than al-Qaida. They have
telecommunication and military
facilities, so the conventional
way of anti-terrorism no longer
works, he said. We need a
different strategy, a more tailored
approach that moves past
outmoded forms of conventional
warfare.
The minister also urged
countries to promote the
awareness of terrorism or
extremism among the public,
and work together to exchange
expertise and enhance
coordination.

Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda,

acting chief of staff of the
Philippines armed forces, said
terrorism is no doubt the
worst security issue in this
generation. However, he stressed
that terrorism in the Asia-Pacific
region is different from IS in the
Middle East.
The social and political
situation, which are much better
than the Middle East, does not
provide hotbeds for radical
terrorism, so extreme terrorism
will not take root in this area. But
the ideology of Jihad does exist
in the region, he added.
Therefore, he proposed
countries enhance cooperation
in areas such as transnational
maritime cooperation as well as
information sharing and social
media.

In brief from Asia

News Network

Indonesia to
strengthen its role in
UN police missions

Jakarta (The Jakarta

Post) -- Indonesia has
promised to strengthen the
role of the countrys police
mission under the flag of the
United Nations.
Speaking at the UN Chief of
Police Summit (UNCOPS)
in New York on Friday,
National Police chief Gen.
Badrodin Haiti explained
that 183 Indonesian police
officers were currently
participating in three UN
missions, namely in Darfur,
South Sudan and Haiti.
We are aware of the
importance to strengthen
the police role to support
peacekeeping missions
under the UN. Therefore,
Indonesia is ready to
strengthen its role in those
missions, Badrodin said,
according to a press release
received by thejakartapost.
com on Saturday.

Pakistan suffered
loss of US$188bn
during war on terror,
says Dar

ISLAMABAD (Dawn)
-- Finance Minister Ishaq
Dar on Saturday said that
Pakistan has lost at least
US$118 billion during the
ongoing war on terror.
Addressing a post-budget
press conference, the
minister maintained that
despite constraints the
defence allocations have
been increased.
Zarb-i-Azb is entering
its final round and its
successful conclusion would
help attract direct foreign
investment.
Shedding light upon the
salient features of the
budget, the minister said
that significant reduction
in the prices of fertilisers,
decreasing Rs400 per bag,
and the Rs300 reduction
on DAP bags was aimed at
benefiting the farmer and
agricultural sector at large.

Crackdown launched
on illegally imported
vehicles
Myanmar (Eleven)
-- Thant Sin Maung, the
minister for transport and
communications, told the
Lower House on June 3 that
a crackdown on illegally
imported vehicles was being
planned.
MP Dr Khin Soe Soe Kyi
for Bago Regions Pyay
constituency asked how
imported motorbikes were
licensed and how the illicit
vehicle trade would be
stopped. The minister replied
that licences were being
issued for motorbikes that
were officially imported or
domestically manufactured
and almost 4,668,000 bikes
had been registered by April.
Licences could be obtained
for illegally imported
motorbikes under a one-stop
service, which meant that
around 3,285,000 bikes had
been registered, he said.

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Dozens of houses flooded

as Jakarta dam collapses
Jakarta (The Jakarta Post)
-- The collapse of a dam
near Pantai Mutiara, Pluit,
Penjaringan, in North Jakarta,
flooded dozens of houses in a
plush residential area.
The incident started at 8:30
a.m. on Friday.
The dam collapse occurred
in high waves because of
erosion under the bridge and
dam, said the head of Jakarta
City Water Management,
Teguh Hendarwan, as reported
by kompas.com.
About a 50-metre length of
the dam collapsed, said Teguh,
who inspected the location on
Friday night.

Because of the dam

collapse, as many as 124
houses near Pantai Mutiara
were inundated by water on
Friday. Four blocks of houses
were affected, said Pluit
subdistrict head Purnama early
Saturday, adding that there
were no reports of casualties.
Personnel from the
m i l i t a r y, p o l i c e , r e s c u e
teams, fire departments and
volunteers worked to build a
temporary dam to prevent sea
water from flowing farther into
the area.
When the incident occurred,
the water level reached up to
200 centimetres, but by 1:10am

the water level had receded to

only 50 centimeters, kompas.
com reported.
Meanwhile, the
construction of the temporary
dam was finished at about 3
a.m. on Saturday.
Four mobile water pumps
had been operated since 5am
to help pump water from
the residential area. Last
night, we could not operate
the pump because the water
level was still quite high,
said a worker from Jakarta
City Water Management. The
water level reached only 30
centimeters by about 8am.

Workers finish building a temporary dam following the collapse of a dam near Pantai Mutia, Penjaringan,
North Jakarta.

Region 7

Tigers are being

removed from
the temple.

Tiger removal operation a success

Thailand (The Nation) -The tiger relocation operation
from the controversial Tiger
Temple in Kanchanaburi has
been labelled a success after
the Department of National
Parks, Wildlife and Plant
Conservation relocated the
last 11 animals yesterday.
The DNP revealed that the
seized evidence from the temple
was worth Bt1.5 million and
said its investigation into the
temples alleged involvement
in illegal wildlife trading was
ongoing.
It said the Royal Forestry
Department, Agricultural Land
Reform Office (ALRO), and
Land Department had begun
their probe into whether the
temple illegally acquired land.
DNP deputy director-general
Adisorn Noochdumrong said
while all the tigers had been
removed, department officers
were still gathering evidence
at the venue to determine if the
temple had been involved in the
illegal wildlife trade.
We have successfully
transferred all 137 tigers from
the temple. All of them are
healthy and under the care of
the departments veterinarians,
Adisorn said.
However, we found out that
eight female tigers show signs
that they just gave birth to tiger
cubs. But among the 137 tigers,

there are no young tigers, so we

are now investigating to find out
where are these tiger cubs and
how this issue connects with
the tiger cubs remains that we
have seized.
A DNP team used a search
warrant to enter the temple
on Monday. The seized items
include a stuffed Asian black
bear, two stuffed leopards,
antlers, leopard skeletons, five
cubic metres of timber and
more than 60 fresh and pickled
tiger cubs.
Adisorn said that as part of
the investigation into alleged
illegal wildlife trading, the DNP
was inspecting CCTV footage at
the temple.
We have got clear evidence
that may confirm the accusations
against the temple and we are
now analysing and preparing
the evidence in order to file more
charges against the temple, he
said.
Even though we have still
not pressed charges against
temple abbot Luang Ta Chan,
we have enough proof from
witnesses and solid evidences
that he may be involved in these
[alleged] illegal activities, so we
would like to ask him to hand
himself over to the authorities
to assist the probe.
According to reports, Luang
Ta Chan fled the temple by car
with temple personnel one day

before the DNP team raided the

temple and has not returned to
the temple or made contact with
anyone there. His whereabouts
are unknown.
The Kanchanaburi ALRO
offices legal officer Rojanaphan
Naring-in revealed that the office
and other relevant agencies were
mapping the temple grounds
to determine if the temple had
complied with the conditions
of its land-use permit with the
ALRO.
The temple gained
permission from the ALRO to
use 391 rai [62 hectares] of the
land for religious purposes only.
But based on the news, we are
now probing to see if the temple
has complied with the [land
use] conditions, Rojanaphan
said. If it hasnt, we will send
a letter to the National Office of
Buddhism, and if the temple still
does not listen, their land right
will be revoke.
Moreover, if the ALRO
finds out that the temple
has encroached beyond the
permitted land, they will face
legal action.
Adisorn stated that if the
temple were guilty of illegal
encroachment, its zoo permit
would immediately be revoked.
He said that even if the temple
could legally run the zoo, all the
animals must be legally obtained
or the zoo may be closed down.

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

World

Flood death toll rises to four

in France: PM
PARIS (Xinhua) -- The death toll in
floods that hit Paris and central French
cities rose to four with 24 other people
affected, French Prime Minister
Manuel Valls said Saturday.
Sadly, we have four deaths and
24 injured at this stage, Valls said
during a visit to a crisis cell in the
Interior Ministry.
According to local reports, a
woman in her 60s who was reported
missing for several days, was found
dead at her home in Montagris, south
Paris, late on Friday. The body of a
three-year-old boy was discovered
lifeless in LYonne, central France.
Two other victims were also
reported in south Paris.
Torrential rainfall triggered heavy
flooding which plunged parts of
Frances central regions and the capital
citys vibrant venues into chaos.
Overnight, the Seine River
reached its peak at 6.1 meters. It
disrupted traffic in Paris and suburbs
and forced the closure of the countrys
iconic museums of Louvre and Orsay
Museum, both standing on the banks
of the Seine.
The Seine is receding slowly but
at steady pace. However, the return to
normal level will take several days,
Valls said.
The river reached a record high of
8.6 metres in 1910, when thousands
of Parisians had to flee flooded areas
of the city.
The state of natural disaster is
recognised in Ile de France ( Paris and

The rising Seine River submerges the riverbank in Paris, France.

its suburb) and central regions where 17,000 homes were still without electricity,
according to Frances national electricity distributor Enedis.
French weather agency Meteo France has put 13 regions, including the Ilede-France, under orange alert and decided to maintain the alert system in these
areas till Sunday morning based on risks of flood in these areas.

Trump eyes VP candidate

to help govern if winning
presidential race
WASHINGTON (Xinhua) -- US
Republican presidential nominee
Donald Trump is searching for
someone as his running mate, who
experts said could help him govern if
he wins the race to the White House.
With nomination in his pocket,
the controversial brash businessman
now faces the urgent task of finding
a Vice Presidential candidate, or
running mate, who can help him win
the presidential race and even help him
govern if winning the White House,
experts said.
Trump is looking for someone
who can help him govern, Darrell
West, a senior fellow at the Brookings
Institution, told Xinhua.
He is weak on congressional
relations so needs an individual who can
connect him with legislative leaders.
Getting bills through the House and
Senate will be a big challenge and he
requires advice on how to navigate that
process, West said.
While there s been talk of putting
a Hispanic candidate on Trumps
ticket in a bid to improve his relations
with an important voting bloc, West
said he doubts the real estate mogul
will do so.
West dismissed Florida Senator
Marco Rubio as possible VP pick by
Trump, citing that the former rival
doesnt have much respect for
Trump.
He (Trump) doesnt see Rubio
as a strong leader or someone who
can help with governance, West said.
During the campaign, Trump has

alienated and even angered many

Hispanic voters with his blistering
comments describing Mexican
immigrants as criminals, drug
traffickers and rapists.
But West said Trump will not pick
a Hispanic as his running mate because
it wont help him grow that part of the
electorate. Hispanics are upset with
Trump due to his policy stances and
that is not likely to change, he said.
Indeed, Trump s wild popularity
with white working class voters is
what got him to this stage in the game,
and analysts said he needs to continue
to galvanize that voting bloc, which
will be crucial for him to clinch the
White House.
Trumps success will depend on
getting a large white turnout so his VP
choice will help him with that part of
the electorate, West said.
Trumps short list of possible
VP candidate includes Senator Bob
Corker, Oklahoma Governor Mary
Fallon and New Jersey Governor
Chris Christie, he added.
Some experts predict that Trump
will be a competitive candidate in the
presidential race.
Trump has steamrolled through the
Republican Party (GOP) nomination
process to win the nomination to face
off against likely Democratic nominee
Hillary Clinton. The bombastic
businessman is riding the tide of
anti-Washington sentiment at a time
when millions of Americans continue
to struggle to make ends meet seven
years since the economic downturn.

Vientiane Times

Business

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.la

Monday June 6, 2016

Phongsavanh Group receives high-level

development awards from government
Advertorial Desk

he Lao government
has praised the
Phongsavanh Group
for effectively
contributing to national socioeconomic development,
improving the quality of life of
citizens nationwide, playing a
vital role in national economic
growth, and contributing
significantly to various aspects
of societal well-being.
The Group has contributed
to national revenue annually
and increasingly and has
developed business cooperation
with other countries, Deputy
Prime Minister Dr Sonexay
Siphandone said, speaking
at the 35th anniversary
ceremony of the foundation
of the Phongsavanh Group in
Vientiane on Thursday.
Attending
the
ceremony were officials
and representatives from
government organisations,
embassies to Laos and the
private sector, from both Laos
and overseas.
At the ceremony, Dr
Sonexay Siphandone
presented the Order of
National Development to
Group President Prof. Dr Od
Phongsavanh. The Group also
received Class 1, 2 and 3 Labour
Orders and other medals and
certificates of congratulations
from the government.
Group representative Mr
Chanthone Sitthixay said that
over the past 35 years, under the
direction of the Lao Peoples
Revolutionary Party and state
management, the group was
established and performed
continuous business, and has
been able to achieve many
multi-sectoral activities to
develop the country.
These achievements
resulted from the change in
regime and the declaration of
the Lao Peoples Democratic
Republic in 1975, in response
to the demands of the Party
and government to support
its strategy of Protecting and
Developing the Country.
In the beginning, we
faced a lot of problems and
faced a high risk with business
investment, life insurance
and assets, but we definitely
decided to make an investment.
Initially, we developed from
the retail of household utensils

Prof. Dr Od Phongsavanh presents a gift to Dr Sonexay Siphandone

(right).

Dr Sonexay Siphandone (right) presents the Order of National

Development to Prof. Dr Od Phongsavanh.

and food to serve government

staff, the military, police, and
especially people living in
northern and central Laos, Mr
Chanthone said.
After that, from 1980
onwards, based on the new
direction of the government,
the Group has developed
continuously by increasing
the capital of funding step by
step, with coordination from
its partners.
Over the past three decades,
the group has grown step-wise
under the founders vision
of conducting a profitable
business enterprise, juxtaposed
by bettering peoples quality of
life and consolidating economic
expansion. The group has

grown remarkably since it

diversified into various business
sectors of the wood industry,
telecommunications, trading,
construction, banking and
financial institutions, mineral
mining, oil and petroleum
products, airlines, franchise,
innovation, convenience stores,
logistics and insurance.
Among the sectors, the
wood industry emphasised
the export of processed wood,
which was closed in 2008 to
follow the direction of the
government policy and for
the natural preservation and
forestry preservation, Mr
Chanthone said.
The Group has participated
in the socio-economic

development of the country

progressively, paying taxes
to the government annually.
In addition, it is a donor to
ministries, organisations and
the grass-roots level and has
assisted in times of natural
disaster such as drought,
flooding, national sports
activities and important events.
To apply the national
policy to the Three Builds
initiative, the Group supported
the directive by providing loans
at low interest rates to farmers
to reduce the level of poverty.
So the people are happy with
the activity and it gives more
confidence to the government.
Regarding coordination
with foreign countries, the
Group has good coordination
with Vietnam, Cambodia,
China, Russia and Dubai, in
the exchange of merchandise
and in investment.

A c t u a l l y, w e h a v e
representative offices in
Vietnam, China, Thailand,
Singapore, Malaysia and
Myanmar which have
helped Laos to become well
known in the region and at
the international level, Mr
Chanthone said.
In 2013, the government
agreed to establish the basic
Political Party of Phongsavanh
Group officially and functioning
under our respective role. Some
comrades are key persons who
can give directions on their
respective company.
The number of staff and
technicians is now over 2,000,
which provides more work to
young people and to citizens.
So these people can participle
in the development of the
country in accordance with
government policy.
Because of the successful

achievement of our activities

in the past, the group
has received medals and
congratulations certificates
from the government,
especially the Order of National
Development, Mr Chanthone
said.
The main cause of
achievement comes from
respect for the government
direction on the promotion of
an adequate multi- sectoral
economy, particularly the
promotion and protection of
private enterprises and private
individuals. We have had good
cooperation and support from
ministries, from organisations
and from local communities,
decision making, overcoming
the difficulties facing the group,
and support from countries in
the region and worldwide.
Thanks to the cooperation
and support from the Party
and the government, Mr
Chanthone added.
In the next coming years,
we would like to increase our
awareness of the achievement
of our objectives and our
important plans. For example,
from now until 2025 we will
provide different kinds of
merchandise to the people,
emphasise the promotion of
the wide range of the purchase
and sale and encourage more
people from foreign countries
to visit Laos, to establish
the complex industrial zone,
to perform the commercial
products to provide more
commercial products to the
people and for export, to give
more jobs to the community,
and to enhance the capability
of the technicians.

Dr Sonexay Siphandone stands with Phongsavanh Group representatives after presenting Class 1, 2 and 3 Labour Orders.

Exchange rates as of June 3, 2016

Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public

Foreign Currencies

Buying

Selling

US Dollar 50-100

8,095

8,135

Thai Baht

228.71

230.42

Euro 50-500

9,012

9,057

10 Business

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Japanese retailers hail

postponement of tax hike

JDB Vice Chairman and Director General Mr Sounthorn Chanthavong (second from left) and EXIM
Bank President and CEO Ms Mohammed Norzilah sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia, last month.

Lao, Malaysian banks promote

regional business investment
Souknilundon
Southivongnorath

ao and Malaysian
banks recently
partnered in
developing banking
cooperation in Laos and the
region, according to Laos
Joint Development Bank
(JDB) on Friday.
The Joint Development
Bank and Malaysias ExportImport (EXIM) Bank
signed a Memorandum of
Understanding on May 26
to expand their cooperation
with a view to developing
a stronger and more stable
financial system. They also
plan to implement additional
financial mechanisms that will
expand their capacity.
J D B Vi c e C h a i r m a n

and Director General, Mr

Sounthorn Chanthavong, told
Vientiane Times on Friday
there were three main areas of
cooperation they would focus
on to support co-financing
with Malaysian investors in
Laos.
The first is to provide credit
to businesses for infrastructure
development in Laos, such as
large construction projects,
by Malaysian investors. The
second is bank management
capacity building for JDB
staff, and the third is building
a customer network in Asean
countries for the two banks.
President and CEO
of the EXIM Bank, Ms
Mohammed Norzilah, said
at the signing ceremony that
this cooperation would profit
the two banks amid a more

competitive environment due

to increasing regional and
global integration.
She said the EXIM Bank
worked to assist and support
Malaysian companies working
overseas in the areas of
investment and consultancy.
Also speaking at the
ceremony, Mr Sounthorn
said the business partnership
between the two banks was
a new step in building an
alliance that would be mutually
supportive and provide a policy
of development cooperation to
further build the economy
in the Asean region and the
world.
The two banks are
confident their partnership
will enable them to provide
better services for investors in
the region.

J A PA N ( T h e Yo m i u r i
Shimbun, ANN) -- Prime
M i n i s t e r S h i n z o A b e s
decision to postpone the
planned consumption tax
hike has been welcomed by
some industries including
retailers, which have been
suffering from sluggish
personal consumption.
However, business groups
that pushed for the planned
tax hike to be implemented
expressed concern over the
impact the postponement may
have on financial reform.
Were obliged to pursue
fiscal health, but it could end
up being pie in the sky if
we cannot achieve economic
growth, Seven & i Holdings
Co. President Ryuichi Isaka
said in a statement released on
Wednesday. We welcome the
decision.
The retail industry
has struggled to deal with
consumption tax increases in
the past.
At this point in time,
Im just hoping consumer
confidence will recover in the
next 2 years, said a manager
at a supermarket in Tokyo.
The postponement has
also been well received by the

beverage industry. [The tax

hike] would have a big impact
on consumption. The decision
this time was unavoidable,
said Kirin Holdings Co.
President Yoshinori Isozaki.
A tax hike of even 2 percent
would have had a profound
impact on the purchases of
expensive products, such as
houses and automobiles.
Daiwa House Industry
Co. President Naotake Ohno
welcomed the delay, saying,
When the consumption
tax was raised in 2014, the
number of housing starts
for owner-occupied homes
dropped for 15 consecutive
months on a year-on-year
basis.
A member of the
automobile industry said,
Were clear of an adverse
impact for now.
In contrast, Japan Chamber
of Commerce and Industry
Chairman Akio Mimura said,
[The tax hike] is not good
for consumption in the short
run, but is still necessary to
maintain the social security
system and secure revenues to
implement policies.
Japan Association of
Corporate Executives

(Keizai Doyukai) Chairman

Yoshimitsu Kobayashi said,
Its necessary to objectively
examine whether we are just
passing our debts onto our
children and grandchildren.
Japan Business Federation
(Keidanren) Chairman
Sadayuki Sakakibara said
the government should set the
right economic conditions so
the tax hike is not postponed
again.
The consumption tax
hike is now scheduled for
October 2019. With the Tokyo
Olympics and Paralympics to
be held the following year,
some observers say the hike
may put a chill on the expected
special procurement demand
from the Games.
Sales of TV sets or video
recorders could slow down
at a time when we should
be entering a busy season,
a member of the electrical
machinery industry said.
A manager at a home
appliance mass retailer in
Tokyo expressed concern,
saying, The tax hike is going
to happen at a time when we
can expect demand to go up
from people replacing their
products with newer ones.

In brief

Customers
shop at a
supermarket.

Moodys downgrades Finlands credit rating from triple A to AA1

HELSINKI (Xinhua) -- The credit rating agency Moodys downgraded Finlands longterm issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings from the best AAA to AA1, the agency
announced on Friday night.
However, the rating outlook was changed from negative to stable. Moodys said two
key drivers lowered the Finnish government bond ratings to AA1. One was the weak
growth of the Finnish economy in the near future, which reduces Finlands resistance to
economic shocks.
The other was the countrys deteriorating fiscal position. The agency expected that in the
next five years no any reversal in the upward trend of public debt burden would be seen.

Oil prices drops amid weak data, OPEC meeting

NEW YORK (Xinhua) -- Oil prices ended lower on Friday as investors were sifting
through the downbeat US jobs data and the outcome of an OPEC (Organisation of the
Petroleum Exporting Countries) meeting.
The US total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 38,000 in May, well below the
market consensus of 158,000 and notching the fewest monthly job gain in almost six
years, the Labor Department reported Friday.
The soft US jobs data spurred market concerns about the countrys economy and its oil
demand in the coming months, which weighed on the oil prices on Friday.

Signal successes made by DPRKs foodstuff industrial sector

Pyongyang (KCNA) -- The DPRK Ministry of Food and Consumer Goods Industries has
paid big efforts to making good use of locally available raw materials and manufacturing
equipment with its own efforts to carry out the tasks set forth at the Seventh Congress of
the Workers Party of Korea.
The ministry has intensified research into making spices with raw materials available in
the country, in close cooperation with scientific institutes. It made a signal progress in
the work to develop dry yeast and yeast essence needed for the production of wheat flour
products.

Russian arms export agencys portfolio reaches US$48 bl

MOSCOW (Xinhua) -- The export portfolio of Rosoboronexport, the Russian state

arms exporter, has reached US$48 billion, the CEO of State Corporation Rostec, Sergey
Chemizov, said on Friday.
Rosoboronexport is the sole state intermediary agency for Russian exports and imports
of defense-related and dual use products, technologies and services also form part of
Rostec.
It supplied arms worth US$115 billion to 116 countries within these 15 years,
Chemizov said in an interview with Kommersant, a Russian newspaper.

The Energy and Environment Partnership

Programme with the Mekong Region

6th Call for Proposals

Clean Energy Promotion in the Mekong Region
The Energy and Environment Partnership Programme with the Mekong Region (EEP
Mekong), funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, aims to improve access to
sustainable energy in the EEP Mekong countries Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand
and Vietnam.
Through this Call for Proposals (CfP), EEP Mekong is seeking high quality applications to
support solid access to sustainable energy projects. Proposed projects should be close to
commercial maturity and have prospects for scaling-up and/or replication.
The CfP applications are sought in two stages: Concept Notes (present stage), and Full
Project Proposals.
Depending on the project size and the level of verifiable project self-financing capacity, the
maximum grant allocation for a selected project can be up to 1,000,000. To be eligible, projects
have to be implemented in one or more of the EEP Mekong partner countries Cambodia, Lao
PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Projects demonstrating partnership between Mekong
countries and Finnish companies will be preferred.
Interested project developers are requested to submit their Concept Notes (CN) online through
the link provided on the EEP Mekong website, www.eepmekong.org, by the 12 August, at
16:00hrs (Vientiane time).
Project Developers whose CNs pass the evaluation criteria will be invited to submit Full Project
Proposals for subsequent assessment and possible funding.
For detailed information about the EEP Mekong programme and how to apply for project
funding, please visit www.eepmekong.org or contact
Bernhard Meyhoefer, Programme Manager by e-mail: bernhard.meyhofer@eepmekong.org.

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

UK wants to share Islamic

finance expertise with Brunei
BRUNEI (The Brunei Times,
ANN) -- Brunei can prop up its
fledgling Islamic finance sector
by providing niche services
that can support the activities
of larger markets in the region,
a senior British trade official
said on Thursday.
In an interview with
media, Mark Garnier, the
newly appointed British trade
envoy to Brunei, Myanmar
and Thailand, said that the
sultanate may not necessarily
have to compete directly with
bigger markets to grow its own
Islamic finance industry.
Garnier, a former banker
before joining the British
parliament, said that Brunei
needs to explore its strengths in
the industry and then build on
those opportunities in a manner
that supports mature Islamic
finance markets like Malaysia.
During the interview at the
British High Commission, he
said that the UK is keen on
lending its extensive financial
experience particularly from
London which is a global
centre for conventional finance
and a strong player in the
Islamic finance industry.
The UK can also lend
legislative support for laws
to make sure that it works
properly.
Garnier used the examples
of Dublin and Luxembourg,
both of which are renowned
for their expertise in offering
support services and funds
management.

Business 11

Asean Economic Community

Amnatcharoen OTOP goods

seeking Lao market niche
Times Reporters

Mark Garnier (right), the UK trade envoy to Brunei, Myanmar and

Thailand, and British High Commissioner to Brunei David Campbell
during an interview with the media.

London is a dominant
player with about 6 trillion
(US$11.9 trillion) of assets
under management but it
doesnt necessarily mean that
everything has been covered
for.
Dublin recognised that
they could support part of the
funds management industry so
they provided tax-free status for
funds with all the legal support
systems, he said.
On the other hand,
Luxembourg created a stock
exchange which has hundreds
of thousands of listed funds,
creating a legitimate platform for
funds investment.
Garnier said that both Dublin
and Luxembourg knew that they
could generate a lot of income
by offering support services for
a larger player.

If Brunei can secure what

Dublin and Luxembourg has
secured, it can be very lucrative
for the country and generate a
great deal of income for both the
UK and Brunei.
Apart from that, he added,
Brunei needs to focus on building
a strong private sector that offers
high value chain services.
I dont think the countrys
strength is in manufacturing
and in cheap labour. Theres the
advantage of the high level of
education to build a more skilled
human resource for the services
sector.
Prior to being member
for parliament, Garnier was
an investment banker and
manager for 27 years. He has
served 15 years specialising
in the emerging markets of
Southeast Asia.

Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF)

Request for Expression of Interest for
National Microfinance Officer (2 persons)
Country:
Lao Peoples Democratic Republic
Project:
Poverty Reduction Fund
Description: Recruitment of the position National Microfinance Officer (2 persons)
Duration:
7 Months (renewable based on the performance and availability of funds)
Grant No.:
H685-LA
Project No.:
P 123480
Review by the donors: Post review
Issue Date:
May 27, 2016
Closing Date: June 10, 2016
The Government of Laos, with support from the World Bank, Swiss Agency for Development
and Cooperation and AusAID has set up the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF) to deliver small
scale development project including support to livelihood improvement and nutrition security
activity at the Kumban and Village levels. The project is now seeking for two qualified
candidates to fulfil the position of National Microfinance Officer:
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or Statistics;
Microfinance Officer should have rural microfinance training and technical assistance
experience;
Comprehensive knowledge of SHGs best practices, especially with regard to the provision
of financial services in rural areas for agricultural and non-agricultural activities;
Proven technical expertise in all facets of microfinance development;
Good understanding of microfinance sector development principles and approaches, the
different types of financial institutions and their services;
Knowledge of participatory approaches for capacity building;
Understanding of gender mainstreaming is preferred.
Track record of at least 5 years work experience in microfinance or service provider to
microfinance or other financial institutions;
Excellent report writing and communication skills in Lao and English.
Ability to work in a multicultural setting;
Women and people from small ethnic groups are encouraged to apply;
Please see the detailed job description on PRF website http://www.prflaos.org or they
can be obtained at PRF Office).
All interested applicants should submit (1) a cover letter outlining clearly how the candidate
meets the required qualifications and experience of the position mentioned above, (2) a
detailed CV with one (3x4) photo and (3) supporting documents (certificate of the most recent
employment, certificates of qualification/graduation, a list of at least three referees from most
recent work places, etc) to the HR Officer, Poverty Reduction Fund, Governments Office
501 building, Sisavathtai Village, Chanthabouly District, P.O Box 4625 Vientiane, Tel: 021
261479 - 80, Email: piengngeune@prflaos.org & khemphone@prflaos.org.
Please note that all submitted documents will not be returned.
Deadline for applications: June 10, 2016
Only the first ranked candidate will be contacted for negotiation

mnatcharoen
province is seeking
to exchange
information and
market research to expand trade
with Laos via its One Tambon,
One Product (OTOP) scheme.
The north-eastern Thai
province is currently holding
its OTOP Fair 2016 running
from June 1-6 at the Vientiane
Center shopping mall.
Amnatcharoen province
G o v e r n o r, M r Yi n g y o t
Thanachan, said on Thursday
that the event aimed to showcase
various Amnatcharoen
products and especially create
opportunities for Lao and Thai
firms to exchange trade and
find potential business partners.
Mr Yingyot said the fair
had set up 50 booths as a way
of conducting market research
and promoting OTOP products
in Laos.
He commended the
cooperation of the business
communities from the two
countries who were building
networks as well as taking
advantage of potential
opportunities.
According to a report by
the Lao Ministry of Planning
and Investment, Laos exports
this year were expected to
reach about US$2.1 billion

Various OTOP products on sale at the Vientiane Center on Thursday.

with a large amount of those

goods destined for Thailand
or Thai ports for consumers
overseas.
Thailand and Laos
previously agreed to double
their bilateral trade to US$8
billion by last year, up from
US$4 billion in 2011. In
2012 trade between the two
countries was worth US$4.82
billion, up 23.82 percent from
the previous year.
Thailand is Laos top
trading partner and a lifeline for
vital imports such as finished
oil, vehicles, machinery and
steel. Likewise Laos exports
a large amount of scrap metal,
processed wood, fruit and

vegetables to Thailand.
Mr Yingyot said with Laos
and Thailand coming together
in the Asean Economic
Community and the two
countries sharing a border,
there was potential to expand
and enhance bilateral trade.
An exhibitor at the OTOP
event said her spa products
were generating plenty of
interest among Lao customers
and she was now dealing with
a local distributor.
She believed the event was
a great opportunity to share
business information, further
enhance trade development,
and allow Amnatcharoen firms
to connect with Lao customers.

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (RE-ADVERTISED)

Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Background
The Government of Lao PDR has received a loan from the Special Funds resources of the
Asian Development Bank toward the cost of the Health Sector Governance Program. The
Program intends to apply part of the loan to recruit three planning and monitoring officers
in order to support the project implementation. The executive agency for the Program is the
Ministry of Health through the Department of Planning and International Cooperation. The
Program is implemented in 18 provinces of Lao PDR.
Location
Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, with travel to provinces.
Duration of contract
Thirty six months
Scope of Work:
Assist the Program manager of the Health Sector Governance Program to develop, implement,
monitor, and report on Programs plans and budgets;
Tasks:
The planning and monitoring officer will work under the direction of the Program director.
The planning and monitoring officers are responsible for the following tasks:
Assist MOH departments and provincial health offices in the preparation of 2016 to 2018
annual operational plans and budgets;
Review provincial plans and budgets submitted by MOH departments and provincial
health offices and support improvement of these plans with recommendations and guidance
from the Program management;
Monitor and report on implementation of annual operational plans and budgets;
Participate in the design, collect, and processing of information and data required for the
monitoring and evaluation of the Program;
Assist the Program manager with regard to administrative and financial tasks, reporting,
communication, organization of meetings, participation in meeting, field trips etc.;
Qualifications:
The Planning and Monitoring Officer has a Bachelor or Masters degree in Medicine,
Public Health or a Master degree in business and administration, or equivalent with at least
three years experience in project planning, budgeting, administration and management.
Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Competency in both spoken and written English language, and the ability to work at
national, provincial and district levels.
Applicants should submit not later than 16 June 2016, a letter of interest and curriculum
vitae addressed to:
Dr. Prasongsidh BOUPHA
Director General Department of Planning and International Cooperation, MoH
Program Director, National Program Coordination Office (NPCO)
Ministry of Health, Fa Ngum Road, Sisattanack, district, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
(in front of Don Chan Palace)
Tel: 223146, 252753 Fax: 223146
Email: pcu.hsdp@gmail.com
Only short listed candidates will be notified.
Detailed TOR can be obtained upon request at the above e-mail address.

12

Monday June 6, 2016

Vientiane Times

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

13

14

Monday June 6, 2016

Vientiane Times

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

15

16

Monday June 6, 2016

Vientiane Times

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

17

18

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

THAVONSOUK Resort (Vangvieng, LAOS)

We are looking to employ an individual who is very well presented and well
spoken. You must be in possession of a matric certificate and further tertiary
qualifications preferable. A background in hospitality/restaurant trade and a
passion for serving people, is essential. You must be enthusiastic, energetic,
flexible, hard-working and trustworthy. You will be required to work flexible/
hospitality hours. You will be required to fulfill a variety of tasks. It is also
essential to be able to have a good rapport with hotel guests. This position
is ideal for a full time position, who is mature and able to work flexible hours.
Please submit your brief 2-3 page CV via email of our THAVONSOUK Resort
as below:
thavonsouk.resort@gmail.com
If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks, please accept that your
application has not been successful.

Invitation for Bids

Lao PDR
Technical Assistance for Capacity Building in the Hydropower and Mining Sectors
Grant No: H 539 LA
Procurement of Technical Equipment
IFB Number: Package G1
1. The Government of Lao PDR has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost
of the Technical Assistance for Capacity Building in the Hydropower and Mining Sectors
Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for
Supply of Technical Equipment Package G1.
1.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for
the following goods below:
Lot 1: Technical Equipments for Luang Phabang Vocational Technical School, Luang Phabang
Province.
Lot 2: Technical Equipments for Polytechnic College, Vientiane Capital.
Lot 3: Laboratory Equipments for Lao-German Technical School, Vientiane Capital.
Lot 4: Power Generation Station and Pneumatic System for NUOL Hydro, Vientiane Capital.
Lot 5: Laboratory Equipments for NUOL Mining, Vientiane Capital.
The delivery period is 60 days for Lot 1, Lot 2, Lot 3, Lot 5 and 90 days for Lot 4. A margin
of domestic preference shall not apply.
Bidders may bid for one or more Lots. Bid Evaluation and Contract award will be lot-wise.
3. Bidding will be conducted through the International Competitive Bidding procedures as
specified in the World Banks Guidelines: Procurement of Goods, Works and Non-Consulting
Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers, January
2011. (Procurement Guidelines), and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the
Procurement Guidelines. In addition, please refer to paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7 setting forth the
World Banks policy on conflict of interest.
4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from HMTA Project Secretariat
and inspect the bidding documents during office hours 0900 to 1700 hours at the address
given below.
5. A complete set of bidding documents in English may be purchased by interested eligible
bidders upon the submission of a written application to the address below and upon payment
of a nonrefundable fee of LAK400,000 or US$50. The Bidding Documents will be issued
through hand delivery or through courier, if so requested. The method of payment will be by
cash for hand delivery and in case the Bidding documents are requested to be couriered, then
an additional amount of US$50 is required to cover courier charges (i.e. US$50 + US$50 =
US$100). For Bidding Documents to be couriered, the payment should be sent through bank
transfer to the following account details:
Account Name: Project Preparation Advance (PPAPRO)
Account Number: 010110100400590001
Name of Bank: Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL)
6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 10:00 am on 21 July 2016.
Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be publicly
opened in the presence of the bidders designated representatives and anyone who choose to
attend at the address below on 10:00 am on 21 July 2016.
7. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid-Securing Declaration.
8. The address referred to above is:
HMTA Project Secretariat,
1st Floor of 3 storey Building,
Ministry of Energy and Mines,
Nongbone Road, Fai Village,
Tel: +856 21 263615
Fax: +856 21 263451
E-mail: chareune_60@yahoo.com and souphanthachak@gmail.com.

Signed by Chareune Inthavy

Title: DDG Cabinet Office and

Head of HMTA Project Secretariat

IOM is inviting interested Lao nationals to join our team in the post of:

NATIONAL PROJECT OFFICER

Reference Code: LASVN2016-01

The successful candidate will be based in a southern province of Lao PDR (exact
locations to be determined) and will have three main functions including,
but not limited to, the following: a) Assist in the effective implementation for
prevention, testing and treatment in all project sites, b) Assist in developing
strong malaria capacity in project sites in order to ensure project success,
and c) Sustainable hand over of the project to the Lao PDR Ministry of Health
(MOH) upon completion of the project.
S/he will be appointed under a Special Short Term, All-Inclusive Contract
(Grade NO-A, 9 months with possibility of extension). Complete Terms of
Reference may be found at website (http://th.iom.int).
Required Qualifications and Experience
Masters degree (or equivalent or higher) from an accredited academic
institution, or Bachelors degree (or equivalent) with at least 2 years of relevant
work experience; Previous work experience in a similar role, in international
organizations and companies would be an advantage; Excellent track record,
preferably training community health workers/ village malaria workers.
Strong knowledge of public health and training issue; Good knowledge of
information technology and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications;
Ability to communicate effectively (written and spoken) in English and Lao is
required. Ability and willingness to travel to project sites as required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their curriculum vitae with a cover
letter via e-mail to LaoHR@iom.int by June 16, 2016 at the latest. Please
include the reference code LASVN2016-01 in the subject line. Since this is a
National Professional Officer position, only candidates of Lao nationality with
a good knowledge and experience of the local conditions in Lao PDR will be
considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

19

Feature
Lifestyle

Travel, party and make style

statements with your hair

NEW DELHI (The Statesman,

ANN) -- Plan a solo trip or
explore places with your
friends and look stunning in
all your travel photographs
with picture perfect hairdos.
Head hair experts from
Advanced Hair Studio shares
how:
Twisty ponytail: When

travelling on long trips,

simply tie your hair up in a
ponytail to avoid messy hair.
But to give it a twist, we
suggest an easy and trendy
version of it by twisting hair
twice or thrice and then tying
up in a ponytail. You can do it
high or low as per your face
structure.

Natural waves: This is

one of the best and easy hair
styles for vacations. Simply
keep the hair loose and apply
some hair products like hair
mousse on damp hair and let
it dry naturally. This is the
best hair style to be carried
in hot and humid weather,
without worrying about your
hair getting frizzy.
Funky braids: Be it a
night party or an afternoon
luncheon, braids work
wonders on girls. From a
non-fussy, neat braid to
loose, partial braids, one
can look alluring as per
the occasion. Among other
trending hairstyles are side
braids which are quick and
stylish. Simply do a hair
up-do from these braids by
twisting them up in different
directions and carefully putting
hair pins wherever required.

Children, see what garbage is

doing to our seas
SINGAPORE (The Straits
Times, ANN) -- More than
20,000 pieces of discarded
plastic from water bottles and
drinking straws to cling film
and plastic bags have found
their way into a gallery at the
Singapore Art Museum.
Painstakingly collected,
cleaned and artfully composed
in a room by artist-illustrator
Tan Zi Xi, the immersive
installation is meant to evoke
in the audience a sense of being
submerged in a sea of swirling
trash.
The work, titled Plastic
Ocean (see image above), is part
of Imaginarium, the museums
annual contemporary art show
for children. This is the sixth
edition and it is put together
by the museums curators
Tan Siuli, Andrea Fam and
John Tung.
This year, the exhibitions
theme draws inspiration from
the ocean and sea. Works on
display include an enclosed,
temperature-controlled
installation of coral-like

structures made by chef

Janice Wong using more than
1,300kg of isomalt sugar and
confectionery.
There is also a colourful
underwater seascape crocheted
from yarn by Indonesian artist
Mulyana.
The work by Polish-born
artist Karina Smigla-Bobinski
on the other hand, veers
towards the monochrome. A
large, illuminated, gas-filled
sphere with short charcoal rods
that protrude from the surface
floats freely throughout the
darkened room and visitors can
interact with it.
The sphere may bring
to mind a bioluminescent
aquatic creature that swims
in the depths of the ocean as
well as spark thoughts about
the consequences of mans
interaction with the sea.
The potentially destructive
relationship between man
and the ocean is explored in
Tans installation. It draws
inspiration from the Great
Pacific garbage patch in the

North Pacific Ocean where

litter such as plastic items
pools.
Her work aims to get the
audience to consider recycling
and reducing waste, but
already, the process of making
the work has changed lives.
The 31-year-old artist had
called on friends and family
earlier this year to help her
create a stockpile of resource,
as she calls the trash used for
the installation.
As they got into the
habit of keeping recyclable
plastics, some of them became
conscious of the amount of
waste they were generating and
took steps to reduce it.
For example, a couple she
knows, who used to drink
bottled water at home because
they could not get used to the
taste of tap water here, installed
a water-filter system in their
house.
The artist has also made it
a habit to take along a glass jar
when she goes to coffee shops
to buy takeaway coffee.

Dimana
Mogus? is
a colourful
underwater
seascape
crocheted
from yarn by
Indonesian
artist Mulyana.

Health

Taking good care of girls and women benefits society as a whole.

--Photo EPA

Why preventing teen pregnancy and child

marriages is good for society
THAILAND (The Nation,
ANN) -- Among the many
provocative ideas that
emerged from last weeks
Women Deliver conference in
Copenhagen perhaps the most
memorable was the concept
that todays most significant
development is not taking
the form of superhighways,
skyscrapers and other massive
structures, but rather the
health and well-being of
girls and women. And yet,
it was stressed, much more
development is needed in this
regard.
The slogan for the gathering
in Denmark the biggest
global conference on womens
health and rights in a decade
was When the world invests
in girls and women, everybody
wins!
In a video address opening
the meeting, United Nations
Secretary-General Ban Kimoon declared, It is time to
put women and girls at the
heart of development.
Thats part and parcel of the
UNs Sustainable Development
Goals approved by world
leaders last year, aimed at
ending extreme poverty and
shrinking inequality.
In the modern age, womens
rights have been mooted,
debated and battled over
for more than a century and
shared centre stage during the
democratic revolution of the
1960s and early 70s, but only
now is the movements rhetoric
so often unintentionally
exclusive to women being
replaced with a message that
embraces all of society.
As Princess Mary of
Denmark pointed out at the
conference, the womens
agenda is in fact a united and
unifying agenda of benefit to
humanity as a whole.
And this, added World
Bank Group president Jim
Yong Kim, is why governments
should not balk at investing
money in the wellbeing of girls
and women.

They are forever seeking

World Bank loans to build
infrastructure, he noted, and
yet women are their most
precious infrastructure.
There are good arguments
backing up this claim. As
an example, it is frequently
overlooked that countries with
more women in the workforce
enjoy or are closer to achieving
sustainable development. A
study by McKinsey Global
concluded that having as

Healthy girls
are better
equipped for
education and
work. Healthy
young women
have healthy
pregnancies
and are better
able to be
good mothers.
many women as men in the
workforce would add US$28
(RM116) trillion to the worlds
gross domestic product every
year.
Men nevertheless remain
dominant in the workforce, the
result of patriarchal tradition
that erects barriers to full
economic participation for
millions of women around
the planet. In underdeveloped
regions the disparity routinely
leads to tragic consequences,
such as preventable deaths.
The mortality rate among
women giving birth in Africa
is one in six, compared to
one in 9,000 in Europe. One
African woman dies every two
minutes due to preventable

complications in pregnancy
and childbirth. Every year
around the world 15 million
girls become child brides and
as such are denied education
and job opportunities. Thus
they too cannot contribute to
the economy.
The solution, said Jim and
other global leaders speaking in
Copenhagen, lies in investing
in women and girls, a strategy
that is crucial to meeting those
Sustainable Development
Goals that will benefit the
entire human race. It starts
with a healthy girl, he said,
making the message as plain
as could be.
Healthy girls are better
equipped for education and
work. Healthy young women
have healthy pregnancies and
are better able to be good
mothers.
The simplicity of the notion
doesnt disguise the scale of
the challenge beyond birth.
Access to healthcare, including
the full range of sexual- and
reproductive-health services,
must be financed and delivered.
In 2014 around the world
22,000 women died while
having unsafe abortions,
and 80 percent of those
pregnancies resulted from lack
of contraception. This too was
preventable.
If women, and particularly
teenage girls, can avoid
unwanted pregnancy, the
positive impact on their
lives and thus on society is
profound. Gone is a major
obstacle to proper education,
better economic opportunities
and healthier lives. The same
applies to child marriage.
Policymakers have to
stop overlooking such proven
arguments. Investment in the
welfare of girls and women must
continue to grow, especially in
the areas of education and
adolescent health. The return
on the investment will extend
beyond economic prosperity,
to the happiness of society in
general.

20

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Feature
Lifestyle

Luang Prabang theatre preserves

art of storytelling

Patithin Phetmeuangphuan

uang Prabang
province, in northern
Laos, offers many
things to do but
the traditional storytelling at
Garavek Theatre is one of the
more interesting options.
Luang Prabang is a famous
tourist destination in Laos,
attracting thousands of visitors
every month. Some people go
there to be immersed in the
traditions of Lao culture and
to hopefully learn a little bit
about Lao history. The theatre
was opened with these tourists
in mind.
The Garavek Theatre is a
small venue under the direction
of Mr Nicholas Gibson. It
opened in 2014 after moving
from Vientiane and is now
located in Phonheuang village
in the provincial capital. The
stories are related in English
and accompanied by the khaen,
a traditional reed instrument.
Tickets for a performance sell
for 50,000 kip.
The people who work at
the theatre have always been
fascinated by folktales and
legends, particularly stories that
recount the origins of social
groups and also the origins
of natural features and other
everyday things. Luang Prabang
has a tonne of these stories. The
stories are about the rivers and
mountains; how they came to
be there and where the names
come from.
There are currently only six
people employed at the theatre:
two storytellers, Siphai and
Thongsamay, a khaen player,
and Keo-udon and Noy, who sell
tickets and serve drinks. Then
there is Nicholas, the director of
the theatre, who also works the
lights during the show.
There are eight stories the
theatre currently performs, about
the khaen, Fa Ngum, Xieng
Mieng, the Mekong River, the
Khan River, Ai Tongkuang,
Phou Si hill, and Phou ThaoPhou Nang. They all are very
entertaining and are worth
knowing about.
The Khaen story describes
how the instrument got its
name. The story details a
hunter and a widow who went
hunting deer in the forest,
stumbling across the beautiful
sound of the Garavek bird, a
magical bird. The widow was
so enchanted with the sound
that when she returned home
she tried to make an instrument
that could mimic the bird.
She was finally successful
using small pieces of bamboo,
which made a beautiful sound.
When the king heard about
this instrument, he ordered
her to his court and asked her
to play it. Finally, he said to
the woman, Kenglai, theua
ni khaen dae, which means
Very Good, this time was
better. The word khaen
means better, which is where
the name of this instrument
comes from. This word is local

A seasoned khaen player teaches a boy the basics of the instrument.

A poster advertises the Garavek

Traditional Storytelling Theatre.

dialect in Luang Prabang.

Fa Ngum is the history of
the famous Lao king who was
born with 33 teeth. Thought to
bring bad luck to the kingdom
he deport the Khmer kingdom
in Cambodia where he was
cared for as a son of the Khmer
king. At the age of 37, he
triumphantly returned home
to Luang Prabang to create the
Kingdom of Lane Xang and
bring Buddhism with him in
the process.
Xieng Mieng involves
two humorous stories: Ma
Konkai or Came before the
Rooster and Tua Phaya Long
Nong or Tricking the King
into the Pond.
The Mekong story involves
two Nagas or snake deities that
were fighting with each other
over some porcupine meat. The
fight was eventually stopped by
the gods who told them to stop
fighting and made them dig
two rivers as punishment. One
of these rivers was the Nan in
Lane Na kingdom which runs
through Bangkok and the other
was the Mekong im Lane Xang
kingdom.
Nam Khan talks about the

Khan River. This story has two

brothers fighting over a pair
of elephants tusks that their
father left for them. After one
brother brutally cuts the other
in half he could only crawl,
crawling into the river giving
it its name. Nam means river
and khan means to crawl.
Ai Tongkuang is the story
of a giant snake that lived
where the Nam Khan meets the
Mekong. As he was considered
a very dangerous snake and
stopped boats from passing,
he was killed. According to
tradition, the big rock in the
water where the two rivers meet
is his body.
Phou Si relates the story
of Queen Sida asking the
monkey king, Hanouman, to
bring her some mushrooms.
As the mushrooms were called
monkey ear mushrooms the
Queen was afraid to ask for them
by name. After bringing back
many mushrooms from the hills
of Sri Lanka that were rejected
by the queen, Hanouman finally
brings back an actual hilltop in
the hope that the queen could
find her mushrooms there. The
hill has stood in front of the
palace ever since. If you didnt
know, phou is the Lao word
for hill or mountain, while Si
comes from Queen Sida.
Phou Thao-Phou Nang, or
12 sisters, tells the story of a
poor family - a father and 12
daughters. The 12 sisters were
abandoned by their father and
found by a lady giant who
raised them. After finding the
giants heart inside a jar, they
decided to leave, moving to
King Phoutthasens palace
where they were married to
the king.
When the giant heard about
this, she transformed herself
into a beautiful lady, married
the king, and banished the
sisters to a cave, ordering their
eyes to be removed. Fortunately
one sister escaped and gave
birth to a boy, also known as
Phoutthasen. This boy grew up
and married the giants adopted
daughter, Kuanghi.

One morning, Phoutthasen

discovered the giants heart and
his aunts eyes. He collected
them up and set off to return
them to his family. His wife
Kuanghi, feeling abandoned,
killed herself by the Nam
Khan river. When Phoutthasen
returned he found Kuanghi
and he too died from a broken
heart. Thevada, a god sprite,
saw this and decided to keep
the couple there forever.
So when looking across
the Mekong, the legend says
you will see two mountains
that look like people lying on
their backs. The mountain
in front of you is called Phou
Nang or girl mountain and
the smaller one on the left
is called Phou Thao or boy
mountain.
People seem to enjoy the
Xieng Mieng stories because
theyre funny, while the story
of Mount Si is also funny and
informative.
Unfortunately, there are
not many Lao people coming
to the theatre but sometimes
weve had students come as
part of school trips, and tour
guides as part of their job.
The plays are in English and
geared to tourists, so it isnt

Two seats await the performers on stage.

A storyteller and a khaen player on the stage at the Garavek Theatre.

surprising, Nicholas said.

Ive researched a number
of the stories in books, and
complemented this by speaking
to people around town.
I also worked closely with
the Department of Tourism,
Information and Culture, he
added.
Nicholas also said he would

The entrance to the Garavek Traditional Theatre.

like to offer shows that explore

stories about different ethnic
groups, such as the Hmong or
Khmu.
For now the stories vary
from day to day and month to
month in the 30-seat theatre.
They can be seen in a one hour
performance running from
6:30pm-7:30pm.

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

21

Opinion

Streetwise

What should be done to

protect our environment?

World Environment Day was observed on June 5. With climate change, improper waste
management, and the continued growth of industrial pollution around the world, its an
important day for people to reflect on the environment. Vientiane Times asked the public what
they thought they could do to reduce pollution in Laos.
Times Reporters

Mr Anousone Nongsakhone,
a teacher at Candlelight
School: Pollution in Laos
comes from many sources
and now its worse because
people are not focusing
their attention on it. Most

people just think about the

short-term and think only
about themselves. Our world

is getting worse because

people are selfish. Its very
important that we make
everyone understand how
important the environment
is and that everyone should
take responsibility. In Laos,
garbage is a small problem
but it could get serious if
we dont keep things clean.
Air pollution must also be
considered. Some factories
are still producing a lot of
pollution even though we
have laws that regulate this.
Mr Bounmard Phimmasaen,
a company employee in
Vientiane: The environment
in our country is getting
worse because some people
are uneducated while others
just dont care. It started as a
small problem that got bigger,
including throwing plastic
rubbish everywhere and now

theres more waste from

factories. But because Laos is
poor compared to other more

control over factories that

generate pollution as this will
become a problem sooner or
later.

getting worse now as people

are not paying attention to
this problem. In Laos most
people are poorly educated
about environmental issues.
They cut down a lot of trees
to plant crops, especially
rubber trees. As I understand
it, rubber trees are not really
good because they dont
last long and the owners cut
them down shortly after. Last
month I also heard about
problems with banana trees.
I think the authorities should
do proper research before
allowing some projects to
go ahead so that they do not
harm the environment.

Ms Soysouny, government
employee in Borikhamxay
province: Many buildings are
being built around the world

modern countries, we dont

create as much pollution. It
would be great if we taught
young people to love and
respect the environment. In
more developed countries
there must also be more

CARE is an international humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty,

with a vision to which focuses on empowering women and girls to fight
poverty and bring lasting change to their communities. We work in over
80 countries around the world. We work with partners to achieve lasting
results for marginalized communities.
Re-advertise
Project Manager: Maternal and Child Health Project
(1 Position, Based in Khua District, Phongsaly Province)
The Project Manager (PM) will lead CAREs maternal and child health project in
Phongsaly Province. This position will work in partnership with other projects
under the remote ethnic women (REW) program, and in close coordination with
other CARE development projects in Lao PDR. The position covers management
of all aspects of the project including ensuring a high technical quality of project
delivery, managing partnerships with government, human resources, monitoring
and evaluation, project cycle management and financial management. The PM will
also provide technical support to ensuring the quality of M&E systems.
The Project started in March 2015 and focuses on Maternal and Child Health and
works 1) with District Health Offices in Khua, Mai and Samphan Districts to improve
capacity of District Health Services and 2) directly with communities to improve
access to health services, preventative health practice, and specifically, improved
nutrition status of women and young children. For this project, the PM will lead
on both components, with a focus on managerial, technical and government
coordination and is supported by the Local Advisor on Maternal and Child Health
and Gender.
Tasks and responsibilities
Operational lead on the planning, monitoring, and reporting of all activities
Lead on liaison with district and provincial authorities
Liaison with other organizations and actors in the project area
Oversight and management of all project staff
Financial management of the project
Selection Criteria
Educational background in a public health related field
At least two years experience in project management, ideally in a development
or humanitarian response environment.
Experience working at community level on health and nutrition.
Experience in District Health Planning advantageous
Strong commitment to work in remote areas working with poor communities,
engaging directly in activities with target communities.
Proven problem solving and organizational skills, flexibility and calm under pressure
Strong communication skills, with solid written and spoken English; Khmu or
Akha language skills would be highly valued.
Application Submission
Qualified candidates should submit a CV and a letter of application that address
the Qualifications and Experience required to lao.jobs@careint.org before the
deadline: 17th June, 2016
CARE is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. Women,
ethnic minorities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
CARE is committed to protecting the rights of children. CARE reserves the right
to conduct screening procedures to ensure a child safe environment.
The detailed Job Description can be provided upon request.
(Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. CVs and other
documents submitted to CARE will not be return)

A lot of the things that we

are building and using now
are bad for the environment.
Everyone would like to
live in a place where the
environment is protected but
its quite difficult. I think
everyone knows that were
having some problems now
so we should try to do what
we can to reduce pollution.

Mr Satsavanh Xayxana,
a student at Phonpapao
Commerce College: Of
course we must care about
the environment because its
very important for our future.

while a lot of forests are

being cut down. Our world is

Vientiane Times Subscription 2016

1. DOMESTIC SUBSCRIPTION (6 issues/week) and online fee

Regular price

78 issues (3 months)

305,000k

+100,000k

405,000k

156 issues (6 months)

609,000k

+100,000k

709,000k
1,317,000k

312 issues (1 year)

Home Delivery (City Centre)

Area: Thadeua Rd. Dongdok,
Ban Tanmixay and Sikhay
villages.

1,217,000k

+100,000k

78 issues (3 months)

390,000k

+100,000k

490,000k

156 issues (6 months)

780,000k

+100,000k

880,000k

1,560,000k

+100,000k

1,660,000k

312 issues (1 year)

2. DOMESTIC SUBSCRIPTION FOR PROVINCES (6 issues/week), inclusive of postage cost

Deliver to Provinces
Deliver to Provinces
+ online fee

156 issues (6 months)

1,451,000k

312 issues (1 year)

2,902,000k

156 issues (6 months)

1,451,000k

+100,000k

1,551,000k

312 issues (1 year)

2,902,000k

+100,000k

3,002,000k

3. OVERSEAS SUBSCRIPTION (6 issues/week) and online fee

Thailand, Vietnam,
Cambodia
Asia, Australia & New
Zealand
Europe (Including Russia)

America and Canada

Total + Online fee

156 issues (6 months)

3,328,000k

+100,000k

3,428,000k

312 issues (1 year)

7,488,000k

+100,000k

7,588,000k

156 issues (6 months)

4,368,000k

+100,000k

4,468,000k

312 issues (1 year)

8,736,000k

+100,000k

8,836,000k

156 issues (6 months)

4,992,000k

+100,000k

5,092,000k

312 issues (1 year)

9,984,000k

+100,000k

10,084,000k

156 issues (6 months)

6,240,000k

+100,000k

6,340,000k

12,480,000k

+100,000k

12,580,000k

312 issues (1 year)

4. ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION FEE

Website is update four (4) times a day and every issue is published on our website in HTML and PDF
3 months ( 78 issues) 150,000

6 months (156 issues) 270,000

1 year (312 issues) 500,000

Please return this form with the following information to Vientiane Times
FULL NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________
TEL: _________________________FAX:____________________EMAIL:_________________________________
FOR ONLINE: Name:________________________________PREFERRED PASSWORD_____________________
(Password not more then 8 characters)

Mail this completed form with your cheque to:

Vientiane Times, Kamphaengmeuang Rd, Phonpapao Village,
Unit 32 Sisattanak District, Vientiane Lao PDR
PO Box 5723. Tel: 021 336042, Fax: 021 336041
Website: www.vientianetimes.org.la
Email: editor@vientianetimes.la

Payment in advance

Please request rates for other destinations at

editor@vientianetimes.la. Make your payment to
Vientiane Times bank account at the BCEL (US$) A/c
010110100989471001 or (kip) A/c 010110000989471001

22 Opinion

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Export ban sees timber traders

turn to other means
Editorial Desk

roups of timber
and wood traders
seeking to ship
timber overseas
are hurrying to find channels
to move wood out of
Laos after Prime Minister
Thongloun Sisoulith issued
an order on May 13 banning
the export of timber, logs
and all forms of unprocessed
wood products.
The order has made the
operations of wood traders
more difficult and many
traders with stockpiles are
now known to be looking for
ways to move timber out of
the country clandestinely and
bypass the ban.
The traders know well
that the trade in timber and
unprocessed wood is now
banned but they are still
seeking ways to get around
the ban.
The recent incident that
occurred last Thursday in
Khammuan province
highlighted the lengths that
some traders are willing to go
to in order to get their wood
out of the country.
Lao officials found

an illegal wood shipment

concealed inside what was
supposedly a passenger bus
after it exploded into flames
on the way to the Vietnamese
border last week.
The bus, registered with
Lao plates, but driven by a
Vietnamese national, was

It is expected that this

group of illegal wood traders
might have been able to ship
their products through the
checkpoint if the explosion
hadnt happened.
Checkpoints are a very
important gateway for wood
traders to send commodities

checkpoints to facilitate
wood exports anymore.
Of course, if we launched
special investigations and
properly close our doors,
the exit of logs, roots, and
semi-processed woods out of
the country could be stopped.
Cooperation among

Cooperation among officials in

various sectors is key to effectively
and successfully enforcing the order.
Every sector must have a consensus
and go in the same direction to tackle
this problem.
found to be carrying the large
shipment of clandestine timber
as well as 14 Vietnamese
passengers. The explosion
killed 10 people.
The vehicle was heading
to the Naphao-Chaulor border
checkpoint between Laos and
Vietnam. This incident is now
under investigation.

to destinations overseas.
Illegal exports along
border areas cannot be done
comfortably because of the
huge timbers involved plus the
difficulties of geography so
therefore it must involve the
complicity of officials.
According to the order,
it does not allow any

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.
Oxfam is currently looking for a: Humanitarian and Resilient Promgramme Advisor
(Lao National)
Overall Responsibilities
- Work for in managing all aspects of the Humanitarian and Resilience Program in
Laos, with a special attention to capacity building, update and manage Oxfams
Country Contingency Plan and emergency preparedness and Response.
- Work with the DRR and Resilience Programme Officers, partners for integrating
DRR into development plan and building community and partners capacity
- Is responsible for establishing and maintaining good relations with local partners,
and for implementing capacity building strategies
- Contributes to MEL for the programme and Oxfam Country Strategy (OCS)
and programme development in Laos in line with the Resilience Community
Goal (Domain 3) in the Oxfam Country Strategy (OCS) under guidance of the
Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) and the Country Director (CD) Laos.
- Represents Oxfam in partner meetings and other meetings, as required by the
HC in Laos
Required qualifications
- University graduate and 5 years experience in humanitarian ( emergency
preparedness and response) and Disaster Risk Management work
- Project proposal and report writing skills
- Experience with result-based project management, including budget management
- Strong communication and facilitation skills, using participatory approaches
- Familiarity with gender issues
- Lao speaker with good spoken and written English
Desirable
- Previous experience with Emergency Response, and sectoral expertise in
Emergency Food Security and Vulnerable Livelihoods ( EFSVL), Water Sanitation
and Hygiene (WASH), SPHERE minimum standards, HAP standards etc.
- Experience in coordination and clusters under UN system
- Working experiences with MoNRE and other MoLSW
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 03 July 2016.
We promote diversity and practice equity
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for a personal interview

officials in various sectors

is key to effectively and
successfully enforcing the
order.
Every sector must have
a consensus and go in the
same direction to tackle this
problem.
Of course, it is very
necessary to have serious

punishment measures for

violators, including officials
who give facilitation to
offenders.
Another thing which
needs to happen is for Laos
to divorce itself from the idea
of trading natural resource
extraction rights in exchange
for development projects.
This means that investors
develop projects according
to the demands of the
government and are allowed
to fell trees in project sites
for export in return.
Despite the export ban,
timber from the project sites
continues to roll out through
the borders, which makes
it difficult to know what is
actually legal and what is
illegal.
Previous bans have been
issued but to little effect
because of this same issue.
If we continue to carry
out such exchange projects, it
might increase complexities
in society and the control of
resource exports will not go in
line with the proposals of the
government. And of course,
people taking opportunities
might occur accordingly.
Logs cut from projects

must be supplied for domestic

usage because domestic
markets still have stronger
demands for materials and the
countrys furniture factories
have highly competitive
capacities.
Although the government
already has the mechanisms
to monitor and inspect the
implementation of the order,
it should open a chance for
people in the country to help
serve as watchdogs on this
issue.
The government must use
social media as a campaign tool
by setting up a Facebook page
where people can write about
suspected illegal activities,
which officials could then
make use of in carrying out
their investigations.
If concrete measures are
taken to actually implement
the latest timber ban, I am
confident the government
can stop the flow of timber
out of Laos and keep the
countrys natural resources
for use here at home.
--If you have any
comments or wish to
contribute an opinion piece,
please email: chanfeature@
hotmail.com

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.
Oxfam is currently looking for a: Business Support Manager
Overall Responsibilities
Ensures all functions within the Business support unit (HR, Admin, IT, etc.)
activities are performed in a timely and efficient manner and effectively support
the delivery of programme implementations for Oxfam in Laos.
Actively practices and support mentoring, succession planning and management
development within the field of business support.
Ensures strategic partnership on the business support area with high level analysis
and advice to Senior Management Team.
Produce and ensure implementation of support function procedures for the
Country.
Required qualifications
Highly developed analytical and problem solving skills.
Proven senior management experience.
In-depth knowledge of specific areas of work with post graduate qualification in
the related field of study or at least 5 years of experience in the similar position
Experience of strategic design, planning and implementation.
Proven high level of Human Resources management skills
Ability to influence senior managers and peers over a wide range of issues.
Ability to develop close working relationships with internal and external
stakeholders.
Strong communication skills including the ability to deliver complex and technical
messages in simple terms.
Must demonstrate commitment and sensitivity to gender issues.
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 26 June 2016.
We promote diversity and practice equity
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for a personal interview

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

23

Arts & Leisure

Stella keeps it green

Falabella tote bag even more amazing.
New in shops is the vibrant Rainbow Pop
Falabella Collection, built around a mini-tote
in shaggy deer fabric (faux deer hide) on a
hand-braided ruthenium chain with diamondcut facets.
The bag feels like real leather, but the fabric
is even softer - and not a single deer was injured
or lost its life in the making of this charming
accessory.
Its sold in seven colours, each representing
a personality trait - Mist (calmness), Bluebird
(confidence), Bright Purple (fun), Hot
Pink (friendship), Cherry (love), Orange
(playfulness) and Golden Syrup (joy).
The other items in the collection are an
iPhone 6 case, a half-flap wallet, a credit-card
holder and a key chain.
Russian model Natalia Vodianova,
photographed by Harley Weir, stars in a
promotional campaign colourful enough to
match the rainbow collection.
The cloth lining of the Falabella bag is made Performing dogs delight the circus audience.
of recycled polyester that derives in turn from
recycled plastic water bottles.
In the spirit of summer, the bag is easily
matched with McCartneys ready-to-wear
clothing, a chic melding of masculine and
feminine style and this season carrying cool
THAILAND (The Nation, ANN) -- A lifelong looks from the 1970s and 90s.
The inspiration comes from the countryside,
vegetarian, British fashion designer Stella
McCartney never uses leather or fur in her with floral and animal prints, especially the Visith Teppalath
clothes and accessories. That makes her designers beloved horses.
Large crowds enjoyed the
Lao National Circus special
performances in Vientiane on
May 31 and June 1 to celebrate
International Childrens Day
Issues of Vientiane Times from 1994 to June 2016 have been recorded
and National Arbor Day.
on CD-ROM. Now available at Vientiane Times office. Phonpapao
The colourful shows over
Village, Unit 32, Sisattanak district,Vientiane.
two days featured an 8pm
session on May 31 with 1pm
P.O. Box: 5723, Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048, 216364.
and 8pm sessions on June
Fax: (856-21) 336041. Email: editor@vientianetimes.la
1. The packed programmes
featured 10 exciting and funny
acts with those including
LAO PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE
animals receiving an especially
warm reception from the
REQUEST FOR EXPRESS OF INTEREST
many families with children
Small and Medium Enterprises Access to Finance Project
in attendance.
Credit No. 5471-LA, Grant No. H958-LA
According to the circus
organising committee, the
Administrative Officer
event aimed to entertain the
public particularly children on
The Government of Lao PDR is receiving financing from the World Bank (WB)s International Development
their special day
Association (IDA) for the Governments Small and Medium Enterprise Access to Finance Project, in the
amount of 20 million USD. This Projects development objective is to provide long-term funding sources
Many of the audience were
for banks to provide long-term credit to small and medium enterprises. The project will support the growth
awestruck with the acrobats
of privately-owned SMEs by increasing the supply of long-term finance provided by commercial banks
swinging perilously while
and by strengthening the capability of DOSMEP to formulate and implement public policies that promote
enjoying the jugglers, dog Acrobats balance a heavy ceramic jar.
access to finance for SMEs.
and snake acts, and clowns
The Department of SME Promotion (DOSMEP) at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC)
lightening the mood with their of the month and the public allowing children and their
is the Executing Agency for the project; other agencies involved in project implementation include
will be invited to take part in parents to enjoy the show and
antics.
the IFC, selected commercial banks (PFIs) and the Department of Planning and Cooperation-National
this event. The Lao National have fun.
Judging
by
the
full
house
Implementation Unit (NIU). DOSMEP was established in 2005 under the Prime Minister Decree No.
For our upcoming 50th
the ticket prices were quite Circus is located in Savang
42/2004, dated 20 April 2004 with the mandate to develop national strategy and policy to promote SME
reasonable and children were village, Chanthabouly district. anniversary programme we
development and to coordinate and supervise their implementation. The project has three components: 1).
One of the circus organisers, have some acrobats who have
A Line of Credit Facility; 2). A Risk Sharing Facility; 3). Technical Assistance. As part of the Component
seen having fun.
3 above, the Project is now seeking dynamic and experienced full-time national consultants to fill the
The Lao National Circus Ms Vongpheth Amphavanh, just finished training in China.
following 04 positions to assist the DOSMEP in implementing the Project through efficient organization and
is now preparing a special told Vientiane Times the circus Well give out more details
administration of the Project related activities. Specifically, the following staff positions are currently opened:
programme to celebrate its own was happy to contribute to the about this exciting event
50th anniversary in the middle two important celebrations, shortly, she said.

National Circus shows

thrill crowds

Vientiane Times on CD-ROM

The Administrative Officers shall ensure overall efficient support to the Projects Director, Project
Coordinator, as well as other Project and DOSMEP staff members. In order to qualify for this position,
the candidates shall meet the following experience and competence requirements:
University degree (Bachelor or equivalent);
At least 3 years of relevant work experience in an administrative capacity;
Knowledge or experience of working with development programs or projects in collaboration with
the Government and international communities;
Proven knowledge of office administration, file keeping procedures and office equipment maintenance;
Excellent communication skills, including speaking and writing in both English and Lao languages;
Good skills in computer typewriting and data analysis;
High degree of computer literacy, and intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Package
(Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and internet.

The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants (IC) selection method set
out in the Consultant Guidelines, in line with the World Banks Guidelines Selection and Employment
of Consultants, January 2011 edition.
The NIU now invites interested eligible consultants to provide information indicating that you are qualified
to perform the services (curriculum vitae with expressions of interest and references). Interested consultants
may obtain further information at the address below. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a
written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by June 17, 2016,
16:00 oclock.
Attn: Mr. Sengphanomchone Inthasane, NIU Manager, CC: Mr. Keophouthone Inthivong, Procurement Officer
Ministry of Industry and Commerce, National Implementation Unit (NIU), Ban Phonxay, Xaysettha District,
Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. Tel: +856 (21) 41 39 16 45 39 82; Fax: +856(21) 41 39 16,
E-mail: keophouthone.in@laosaft.org; cc amphaphone.t@laosaft.org
Note: Only Short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Game of Thrones: HBO wants porn

site to remove clips
LOS ANGELES (The
Statesman, ANN) -- HBO is
taking action against porn
website PornHub for a breach
of copyright after scenes from
popular show Game of Thrones
appeared on the website.
According to HBO, several
scenes from the fantasy drama
series -- which is known for
pushing the boundaries with its
nudity, sex and violence -- were
uploaded to the pornographic
website, in addition to
parodies of porn stars imitating
characters such as Lord Varys A still from Game of Thrones.
(Conleth Hill), Cersei Lannister
HBO is aware of the issue and is in the process of getting
(Lena Headey) and Daenerys
Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), material taken down from PornHub, HBO said in a statement
to The Sun newspaper.
reports usmagazine.com.

24

Monday June 6, 2016

Classified

Vientiane Times

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

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

Call: 020 55505840, 020 77495533

Email: lao.heritage@gmail.com

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Classified 25

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

International NGO seeks Lao national with

graduate education and English fluency
to serve as liaison with Lao government
agencies at the national and provincial
level and commercial firms on sustainable
hydropower development alternatives. Some
experience in that role and sector preferred.
Attractive salary. Residence in Vientiane. Part
time role. Must be able to travel occasionally.
Start immediately. Send expression of interest
and CV to gat@n-h-i.org

Laoland Company is a long established and leading real estate

service agency based in Vientiane. With our experience in
serving customers of all nationalities, and our knowledge of the
local property market, we are confident that we will be able to
understand and meet your requirements. Property inspection
visits provided.
We speak English, French, Japanese and Chinese.
For further details, please feel free to contact us
At 020 5551 0155, 2366 6333, 2826 4781, 021 453 919
For Advertisement, Please call Ms Tou 021 453 919, 020 5654
5155
Email: Laoland.realestate@gmail.com
oad.laoland@gmail.com,
khone.laoland@gmail.com
Website: www.laoland.com

VPS

Car rental service

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

Sale & Rental houses.

We find you a suitable accommodation in Vientiane.

Price range from Kip 4 000 000 and up.
Apartments & houses reasonable price available now.
Over 15 years experience guarantee.
Call for free advice and pick up at your convenience.
Tel: 020 55 51 25 02 and 020 588 94 567.
Email: oudalee_rangsy@yahoo.com
mewvp@yahoo.com

Online advertisement

Advertising your products at www.vientianetimes.org.la will bring benefits to your company.

Customers around the world will appreciate
the quality of your products via the Vientiane
Times website. For more information please
contact: Tel: 336042, 336048 Fax: 336041,
Email: editor@vientianetimes.la

26

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Whats On
Fanglao Black
Box dance
Your chance to see an exciting
performance of contemporary
dance.
Where: ASEAN Mall
When: June 15-16, starting at
7 pm.
For more information call: 020
52236211

Celebration of 100,000
improved cookstoves
Join us for fun and
festivities as we celebrate
this milestone in making
Lao cooking cleaner and
greener.
When: Friday June 10,
5-8pm
Where: Vientiane Center
For more information,
please call: 91889000.
www.icslao.info

Music festival
Pole Activities Francophone
invites all young people to a
music festival, featuring a quiz
team of TV stars and musical
performances.
When: June 17, starting 6pm
Where: Second floor of Meeting
Hall at the National University of
Laos (Dongdok campus)

Lacquer artwork exhibition

Modern lacquer
artwork Back to
Toronto by French
artist Ms Marie-Do
Hyman-Boneu, who
has been based in
Laos since 2010.
When: June 8-19
Where: French Institute, Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane
More information: info@if-laos.org

Donations for disabled students

The Education for Development Foundation is inviting the public to
help support the needs of disabled students through education. It
costs 500,000 kip to educate one student per year.
When: For the academic year 2016-17
Where: Donors are asked to contact the Education for
Development Foundation in Sisavath village, Chanthabouly
district.
P.O. Box 7337, Tel/Fax: (856-21) 222720, Email: info@edflao.org.
URL: http//www.edflao.org

Free concert
Come along to a concert
starring Lao singer Sam Ay
Nong Nouhuang and Thai
celeb Miss Jintara Poonlarb,
along with a host of other
performers.
When: June 11, 4pm
Where: National Culture
Hall, Vientiane

Summer scout
camp
Enroll your children in
Australian International
School (AIS) summer
workshops. Let them grow
their talents and learn new
skills.
When: June 27- August 19
Where: AIS, Nongduang
village, Vientiane
For more information: 021
264 800, 020 2222 0526

OTOP Thailand Fair 2016

See many kinds of Lao and Thai products made by communities
from the two countries at the One Tambon, One Product (OTOP)
Thailand Fair 2016.
Lao goods made under the One District, One Product scheme and
OTOP from Thailands Amnat Charoen province will be on sale.
Where: Vientiane Centre on Khouvieng Road, Sisattanak district,
Vientiane.
When: June 1-6.

Vientiane Book Festival

The National University
of Laos is hosting the first
Vientiane Book Festival,
themed Tomorrows
Generation Today.
When: June 17 and 18
Where: Meeting hall,
National University of Laos
Dongdok campus

Come along for aerobics!

When: Every evening, 5-6pm
Where: Chao Anouvong Park, Mekong River, Vientiane

Carabao in concert
Enjoy a concert
featuring popular Thai
singer Carabao.
Where: Lao-ITECC,
Vientiane.
When: June 27, 8pm

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: lattanyphone@yahoo.com

Student Film
Festival
Dont miss the Student Film
Festival featuring short films and
documentaries.
Where: National Culture Hall
When: June 17, at 1:30 pm
More information contact:
020 22865991.

Lao Home & Living Fair

The Lao Furniture Association in cooperation with the Trade
and Product Promotion Department of the Ministry of Industry
and Commerce is holding the 1st Lao Home and Living Fair.
When: July 18-24
Where: Lao-ITECC

Pool Moon Party

Enjoy cool sounds by
DJ Faahsai and DJ
Window.
When: June 25
starting 6 pm
Where: Rashmis The
Plaza on Thadeua
Road, Vientiane
For more information
call: 020 5988 4455,
021 315 088

Charity walk
This charity walk is organised by the Japan Alumni and
Embassy of Japan to raise money in support of Kumamoto
residents who suffered losses in the earthquakes in April.
When: June 18, 6pm
Where: Mekong River, 5km walk from the night market
flagpoles to the Landmark Hotel and back. Registration 80,000
kip. For more information call: 030 5746 744

Photo exhibition
An exhibition of photographs of Poi Sang Long Shinbyu
ordination ceremonies in rural Thailand and Myanmar by Tessa
Bunney and Mick Shippen.
When: Opens Sunday May 29, 5:30-8:30pm. The exhibition
will continue until June 17.
Where: Maison de la Culture Ban Naxay, Nongbone Road,
Xaysettha district, Vientiane
Call: 020 2983 3468

Visit the Lao Peoples Army Museum

Community members and tourists are invited to
visit the Lao Peoples Army Museum to learn about
past battles, the brave acts of Lao soldiers, national
defence and the development of the army.
The museum features display weapons during the
war time and information about the birthplace of the
Lao Peoples Army and its history, as well as detailed
accounts of battles against foreign invaders. Visitors
will learn about the victories of the Lao military and
people in each period of the revolution, and can view
pictures of the enemies who destroyed parts of the
country and oppressed ethnic groups.
The museum also details the growth and expansion of
the army after the liberation of the country since 1975.
When: Open daily from 8.30am-11.30am and 1.30pm4pm.
Where: Kaysone Phomvihane Road near That Luang
esplanade in Nongsangthor village, Xaysettha district,
Vientiane.
For more information contact: 021 900 662

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Sports 27

Olympic refugee team to be

symbol of hope in Rio
The Vietnam
national
football team
jumped 12
places in the
international
football
rankings,
according to
FIFAs latest
list. (File
photo VNS)

Vietnam jump 12 places

in FIFA world rankings
HANOI (Vietnam News)
--Vietnams national football
team jumped 12 places in the
international football rankings,
according to FIFAs latest list.
The governing body of
world football moved Vietnam
up from 145th to 137th position
in its June table.
Vietnam took a leap in the

rankings following their 2-0

win against Syria in a recent
friendly match at the Hanoibased My Dinh National
Stadium.
In the regional rankings,
Vietnam ranked third in
Southeast Asia, behind
Thailand, world No 117, and
the Philippines, which dropped

five places to No 120 in the

world.
In Asia, Iran maintained
their spot as the leading team,
followed by South Korea and
Japan.
The world top 10 did not
change much. Argentina are
still on top, followed closely by
Belgium and Colombia.

Portugal try to tame dark

horses in Euro

BEIJING (Xinhua) -- Euro

2016 Group F looks hard
for betting fans, as Austria,
newcomer Iceland, and playoff
qualifier Hungary are all
inexperienced teams which
have the potential of mixing it
up, and Portugal always seem
good on paper but fail to live up
to expectations in crucial duels.
Nevertheless, Portugal,
which are arguably the weakest
of the top seeds in six groups,
will be reasonably pleased to
stay in Group F, boasting much
more strength than the three
dark horses from the qualifying
campaign.
In the FIFA world rankings
released on June 2, Portugal
stood at 8th, Austria at 10th,
Hungary 20th and Iceland 34th.
Built around superstar
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
topped the 5-team qualifying
group composed of Albania,
Denmark, Serbia and
Armenia with seven wins
and one loss.
The only defeat in the
opener to Albania led to the
replacement of coach Paulo
Bento by Fernando Santos,
who had achieved minor
miracles over four years with
Greece, not only qualifying
for Euro 2012 and the 2014
World Cup but also reaching
the knockouts both times.
Santos, 61, a wellversed tactician keen on
solid defense, steadied
the Portuguese team and
collected seven straight wins
to finish top. The pragmatic
coach also guided his team
to victories over Argentina
and Italy, the two opponents
Portugal had never beaten in
40 years.
Although Portugal is tough
to break down, it comes at a
cost with few goals at the other
end. They only managed to win
by one goal margins, finishing
the qualifying tournament with
11 goals scored (five by C.

Ronaldo) and five conceded.

They have to rely on moments
of magic to score. In a sense,
the team is solid rather than
spectacular.
The problem waiting to
be solved by Santos is how to
strengthen the attacking power
centered by C. Ronaldo who
might be tired after playing all
out to help Real Madrid win
the UEFA Champions League
at the end of May.
C. Ronaldo, 30, said that
one of his remaining targets in
football is to lift a trophy with
his country. He had scored six
times in the previous European
Championships. Euro 2016
might be his last chance to
win a major tournament in his
prime.
Furthermore, C. Ronaldo
has smashed the national
teams all-time goalscoring
record and in France will
overtake Luis Figo to become
the most capped player in
Portugals history.
With the tournaments best
player in their ranks, plus a
healthy mix of experienced
campaigners, such as
midfielders Nani and Ricardo
Quaresma, and new talent
including 18-year-old Renato
Sanches, hopes are high that
Portugal can continue their
impressive Euros record. In six
appearances, they reached the
semifinals on four occasions,
going on to contest the final on
home turf in 2004, and never
failed in the group phase.
Any Portugal preview
begins and ends with C.
Ronaldo whose form will
decide how far the team will
go.
Austria, a dark horse in
the qualifying campaign,
surprisingly dominated a
group including Russia and
Sweden, with nine wins and a
1-1 draw at home with Sweden.
In the near-perfect run, Austria
scored 22 goals and conceding

only five.
Star forward Marc Janko
from Basel, 32, netted seven
goals in the qualifiers. He is
the current top scorer of the
squad which also features
players like Leicester City
defender Cristian Fuchs,
Stuttgart midfielder Florian
Klein, Bremen midfielder
Zlatko Junuzovic, Dynamo
Kiev defender Aleksandar
Dragovic and Bayern Munich
left back David Alaba.
Alaba, 23, plays as a
playmaker in Austrias midfield
instead of a defender in Bayern
Munich.
The majority of the squad
now play for German clubs,
and goalkeeper Robert Almer
from Austria Vienna is their
only domestic-based player at
Euro 2016.
Austria had never qualified
for the European Championship
before, except the Euro 2008
as a co-host. In March they
reached an all-time high of
10th in the FIFA rankings.
Austria can switch quickly
from defence to offense -- one
of the two teams in qualifying
averaged fewer passes before
taking a shot. The strong
central axis, Dragovic-AlabaJanko, is supported by speedy
players on both wings.
Center-back Dragovic
is key to the Austrians
organization. He was the reason
they were able to compensate
for Alabas absence in both
qualifiers against Russia, with
Austria winning each tie 1-0.
Austria coach Marcel
Koller, 55, took rein of the
team in 2011 and his biggest
achievement was giving
Austria self-belief.
Austria will be looking
for their first win at a final
championship, only managing
a draw in Euro 2008 against
Poland. They have more
chances to follow Portugal as
the runners-up to advance.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland
(AP) -- Ten refugee athletes
from Africa and the Middle
East were selected on Friday
to compete under the Olympic
flag at the Rio de Janeiro
Games in what the IOC said
represents a symbol of hope
for migrants and refugees
around the world.
The members of the first
ever Olympic refugee team
include athletes from South
Sudan, Syria, Congo and
Ethiopia who will compete in
track and field, swimming and
judo.
The team of six men and
four women will march together
behind the Olympic flag in the
opening ceremony in Rios
Maracana stadium on August 5.
Were convinced this
refugee Olympic team can send
a symbol of hope to all refugees
in the world, IOC President
Thomas Bach said at the close
of a three-day IOC executive
board meeting in Lausanne.
It is also a signal to the
international community that
refugees are our fellow human
beings and are an enrichment
to society.
The team, selected from an
initial pool of 43 candidates,
will be overseen by Kenyas
Tegla Loroupe, the former
womens marathon world
record-holder. Five coaches
and five other team officials
were also named by the IOC.
O ff i c i a l l y c a l l e d t h e
Refugee Olympic Team (ROT),
the athletes will walk into the

opening ceremony just ahead

of the huge team from Brazil,
the host nation that marches
last in the parade of athletes
from more than 200 countries.
These refugees have no
home, no team, no flag, no
national anthem, Bach said.
We will offer them a home in
the Olympic Village together
with all the athletes of the
world. ... These refugee athletes
will show the world that despite
the unimaginable tragedies that
they have faced, anyone can
contribute to society through
their talent, skills and strength
of the human spirit.
The plan was first
announced by the IOC at the
United Nations last October
amid the influx of migrants and
refugees from armed conflicts
in Syria, Africa, South Asia and
other regions.
Having had their sporting
careers interrupted, these highlevel refugee athletes will
finally have the chance to
pursue their dreams, UN High
Commissioner for Refugees
Filippo Grandi said. Their
participation in the Olympics
is a tribute to the courage and
perseverance of all refugees
in overcoming adversity and
building a better future for
themselves and their families.
The team includes Syrian
swimmers Yusra Mardini, now
based in Germany, and Rami
Anis, living in Belgium; South
Sudanese runners Yiech Pur
Biel (800 metres), James Nyang
Chiengjiek (400), Anjelina

Nada Lohalith (1,500), Rose

Nathike Lokonyen (800) and
Paulo Amotun Lokoro (1,500);
Congolese judo athletes
Yolande Bukasa Mabika
(70-kilogram category) and
Popole Misenga (90 kgs), both
living and training in Brazil;
and Ethiopian marathon runner
Yonas Kinde, now based in
Luxembourg.
The South Sudanese
runners had been staying at
the sprawling Kakuma refugee
camp in northwestern Kenya
when they were selected as
potential Olympic athletes.
They were then taken to a
training camp near Nairobi run
by Loroupe.
Mardini, the teenage Syrian
swimmer, has generated heavy
media attention. She and her
sister, Sarah, were on a flimsy
inflatable boat with other
refugees making the perilous
trip from Turkey to Greece
when the dinghy started taking
on water. While most of the
refugees couldnt swim, the
Mardini sisters jumped into the
water and helped guide the boat
to the Greek island of Lesbos.
The sisters eventually made
it to Germany, where they
began training at a swimming
pool in Berlin near their
refugee center.
Also Friday, the IOC
nominated eight new members
- including a South Africa film
producer, Colombias former
ambassador to the US and the
female founder of an Indian
charitable foundation.

28

Vientiane Times

Monday June 6, 2016

Sports

In Paris, Muguruzas first Slam

title denies Williams her 22nd

Spains Garbine Muguruza holds the cup after defeating Serena

Williams of the US after their final match of the French Open tennis
tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris.
--Photo AP

PARIS (AP) -- The day before

the French Open final, Serena
Williams coach, Patrick
Mouratoglou, was discussing
whether his player would
need to lift her level to beat
Garbine Muguruza and collect
a record-equaling 22nd Grand
Slam title.
I dont know why
everybodys so impressed with
Garbine, Mouratoglou said.
Did she win a Slam ever?
His
comment,
accompanied by a chuckle,
was intended in a lighthearted
way. About 24 hours later,
his question required a new
answer.
Muguruza won her first
major trophy and prevented
Williams yet again from
collecting No. 22, outplaying
the defending champion in
a 7-5, 6-4 victory at Roland
Garros on Saturday.
She has a bright future,
obviously, said Williams,
who at 34 is 12 years older
than her Spanish opponent.
She knows how to play on
the big stage and ... clearly,
she knows how to win Grand
Slams.
The fourth-seeded
Muguruza used her big
groundstrokes to keep No.
1 Williams off-balance and
overcame signs of nerves in
the form of nine double-faults.
Most impressively, Muguruza
broke Williams four times,
including three in a row.
I cant explain with words
what this day means to me,
Muguruza said.
This was her second major
final; she lost to Williams
at Wimbledon last year. But
Muguruza has won her past
two matches against Williams
on the clay of Roland Garros,
including in the second round
in 2014. So dating to the start

of the 2013 French Open,

Williams is 0-2 in Paris against
Muguruza, 21-0 against
everyone else.
They key? I just have
a very aggressive game,
said Muguruza, whose three
career tournament titles are
67 fewer than Williams
total. I go for my shots with
no regrets.
F o r Wi l l i a m s , w h o s e
timing was not exactly
right much of the afternoon,
Saturdays loss postponed
her pursuit of Steffi Grafs
Open-era mark of 22 major
singles championships.
Margaret Court holds the
all-time record of 24.
Williams got No. 21 at
Wimbledon in 2015, her
fourth major in a row. Since,
she was beaten in the U.S.
Open semifinals by Roberta
Vinci, in the Australian Open
final by Angelique Kerber,
and now by Muguruza. Its
the first time in Williams
career she lost back-to-back
Slam finals.
Mouratoglou said Saturday
that chasing a 22nd major
isnt an obsession for
Williams.
She doesnt wake up
every morning thinking about
it. Thats for sure, he said,
then added: The pressure of
leaving an indelible mark on
history is incomparable.
Williams credited
Muguruza with playing
unbelievable, adding: The
only thing I can do is just keep
trying.
This years visit to Paris
hardly could have started
off more inauspiciously
for Muguruza: She lost the
first set she played, against
38th-ranked Anna Karolina
Schmiedlova.
But, oh, how Muguruza

turned things around. She won

her next 14 sets with take-theball-early fearlessness.
The final began under a
slate ceiling of clouds, but at
least there was none of the rain
that flooded Paris temporary
shut down the Louvre museum.
The showers jumbled the
tournament schedule, and
Williams was in action a fourth
straight day in the final.
She did not blame that or
a problem with a leg muscle.
Muguruza won the coin
toss and let Williams serve
first, a fascinating choice given
the Americans prowess with
that part of the game. And the
decision seemed only more
dubious as Muguruza put the
ball on play on only one of
the first six points Williams
served.
And yet, it all wound up
working out. And how.
I proved to myself that I
can play really well, that I can
manage my stress, Muguruza
said, and win against one of
the best players in the world.
Muguruza won all six
points of 10 shots or more in
the first set and, indeed, there
was no junkballing on this
day. Both women hit hard,
trading bold forehands and
backhands from the baseline
that made it seem unfair to
characterise nearly anything
as an unforced error.
Williams finished with 39
forced errors, 18 more than
Muguruza.
After a run of breaks gave
Muguruza the first set and a
lead in the second, Williams
never recovered. She did,
however, cast aside a quartet
of match points for Muguruza
at 5-3. There was nothing
Williams could do about
the fifth, which Muguruza
converted with a delightful
lob that landed right on the
baseline.
Wi l l i a m s a p p l a u d e d .
Maybe stunned by that shot,
maybe stunned that she was
now a Grand Slam champion,
Muguruza turned toward her
coach and other supporters
in the stands with a blank
expression. Soon, she was flat
on her back, caking her dress
and arms with the rust-colored
clay she will never forget.
Just goes to show you,
you really have to play the big
points well, Williams said,
and I think she played the big
points really well.
Thats the sort of thing
Williams foes usually say.

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali

dies at 74
LOS ANGELES (Xinhua) -- Three-time heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali died on
Friday at a Phoenix hospital.
After a 32-year battle with Parkinsons disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age
of 74, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said in a statement.
Ali was sent to hospital for a respiratory issue on June 2.
As one of the greatest boxers in history, Ali retired in 1981 and soon showed signs of
sluggishness and neurological damage. He received treatment for Parkinsons disease thereafter.
Ali, known as Cassius Clay before he converted to Islam, began boxing training at 12 years
old and won the world heavyweight championship at 22 years old in 1964. He won the title again
in 1974 and 1978.

Ecuador midfielder Walter Ayovi (right) kicks the ball as Brazil midfielder Willian (left) watches during
a Copa America group B soccer match at the Rose Bowl.
--Photo AP

Ecuador holds Brazil to tie in

Copa America opener
PASADENA, Calif. (AP)
-- Key absences cost Brazil
several important players and
its performance reflected it
in a 0-0 tie with Ecuador on
Saturday night in the Copa
America opener for both teams
at the Rose Bowl.
Ecuador came the closest
to scoring in front of the crowd
of 53,158, but an apparent
goal was waved off as the ball
was ruled to have gone out of
bounds before the shot.
With the result, Peru
finished the day atop Group B
after a 1-0 victory over Haiti
1-0 in Seattle earlier Saturday.
Brazil was without several
name players, in c l u d i n g
Barcelona standout Neymar,
Bayern Munichs Douglas
Costa and Orlando Citys
Kaka, a former FIFA Player
of the Year. Neymar skipped
the tournament because he
didnt have permission from
Barcelona to play in both
Copa America as well as the
Olympics in Rio in August.
Neymar, though, took in the
match from a luxury suite at
the Rose Bowl.
Ecuador appeared to
score in the 66th minute
when Miler Bolanos chased
down a ball near the goal line
and slipped a ball to the front
of the goal. Brazils Alisson
dove, but mishandled the
ball, which bounced off his
hands and into the goal.
H o w e v e r, r e f e r e e J u l i o

Bascunan ruled that the ball

crossed the goal line before
Bolanos shot and awarded
Brazil a goal kick.
Brazil nearly scored in
the 84th minute but secondhalf substitute Lucas header
sailed wide of the goal.
The draw maintained
Brazils dominance over
Ecuador in Copa America.
B r a z i l i s 12-0-2 against
Ecuador in the tournament.
Ecuador came out on the
attack and held the ball for
most of the first five minutes
and threatened the Brazilian
goal in the fifth minute, when
Enner Valencia sent a shot
wide.
Brazil won more of the
possession after that early
spell. Ecuador goalkeeper
Esteban Dreer turned away
Brazils first dangerous
opportunity, stopping Phillipe
Coutinhos shot from six yards
out.
Determined and finding
space, Brazil continued to
pressure Ecuador but could not
get the ball into any positions
of danger. Jonas header in the
15th minute and Coutinhos
shot from 25 yards out two
minutes later may have put
some fear into Ecuador, but
each went wide.
Casemiro picked up a
yellow card in the 18th minute
for elbowing Enner Valencia
while both leaped to try and
win a header.

After standing its ground,

Ecuador won more of the ball
in the final 15 minutes of the
first half and put Brazil on
its heels. Forced to defend
hastily, Brazil reacted with
a pair of cautions in a threeminute span. First, Elias took
down Jefferson Montero after
Ecuador countered following
Brazils corner kick. Valencia
was unable to capitalize on
the ensuing free kick, placing
his shot directly at goalkeeper
Alilsson.
Brazil earned another
caution when Gil tripped
Valencia after the Ecuadorian
fouled him.
Fouls dominated the early
moments of the second half.
Ecuadors Arturo Mina picked
up Ecuadors first yellow card
of the match two minutes after
the intermission after fouling
Coutinho.
Ecuador picked up two
more yellow cards in the
second half, with Valencia and
Jaime Ayovi earning cautions
for reckless fouls.
B r a z i l s D a n i A l v e s
donned the captains armband,
replacing club teammate
Neymar with the captaincy.
Even without Neymar or
Douglas Costa, Brazils lineup
was still formidable. Seven of
the starters play in Europe,
with the likes of Coutinho
(Liverpool), Willian (Chelsea)
and Casemiro (Real Madrid)
on the field.