friday may 4,

Vientiane Times
2012 ISSUE 101
The First National English Language Newspaper
www.vientianetimes.la 4500 kip

Laos seeks to provide decent work in tourism

Times Reporters
Laos is seeking ways to satisfy
labourers aspirations in the
tourism sector by providing
job opportunities that are non-
exploitative and productive,
and deliver a decent wage and
other benefits.
Issues relating to fair
treatment, social welfare
and hospitality services
were raised for discussion
at a tripartite meeting held
in Vientiane yesterday to
discuss possibilities for future
development of the tourism
sector in Laos.
We should have
appropriate policies regarding
employees in this sector. When
we refer to clean production
were not just talking about
a process being disease free.
This term also relates to social
and environmental issues and
job skills. We must make sure
we comply with accepted
standards in this area, otherwise
international markets will
not accept our products,
said Director General of the
Trade and Product Promotion
Department, Mr Somvang
Ninthavong, in his opening
remarks at the meeting.
The Ministry of Labour
and Social Welfare is drafting
an amendment to the Labour
Law, and is referring and
comparing it to international
labour conventions including
the Night Work Convention
which came into force in
1995.
The current Lao Labour
Law gives equal rights to
workers who have been
employed for over three
months regardless of whether
they work during the day or
night, while the Convention
specifies a longer time.
The amended law will
give women who work
at night four months of
maternity leave if they require
it, said a representative from
the Ministry of Labour and
Social Welfare involved in the
amendment process.
According to the draft,
people working at night will
also receive higher wages than
day workers.
The draft amendment
has already been approved
by some authorities at the
provincial and central levels,
and will be submitted to the
government next month before
being passed to the National
Assembly for consideration at
its session in December.
Tourism is extremely
labour intensive and a
significant source of
employment. It is among the
worlds top creators of jobs,
requiring varying degrees of
skills and allows quick entry
into the workforce for young
people, women and migrant
workers.
The tripartite meeting
entitled Strengthening
Continued page 3 A tour guide gives instructions to visitors entering Ho Prakeo (Emerald Buddha Hall) in Vientiane.

Central Vientiane roadworks delayed Savannakhet chemical

Roadworks underway between Nongbuathong and Nongbeuk
villages in Vientiane.
Times Reporters
Completion of a new 5.3km
concrete road linking
Nongbuathong and Nongbeuk
villages in Sikhottabong
district, Vientiane, will be
delayed until August or
September.
Project manager Mr
Amkha Vongphachanh told
Vientiane Times yesterday
According to the project
plans, the road is scheduled
to be completed in July.
Since construction began in
January last year, however,
there have been rain delays
and a number of public
holidays.
We will ensure that the
concreting is finished by July.
But the drainage, electricity
and sidewalks wont be
completed until August or
September.
The road is now 87
percent complete, with the
road graded, the subsurface
laid and more than half of the
concrete poured so far.
The new road will
be 24 metres wide with
street lighting, pedestrian
sidewalks, and much
improved drainage. To
accommodate the wider
road, local residents were
required to give up some of
their land.
Under the project,
360 metres of asphalt will
connect Nongbuathong
Vat Pa to the Dongnaxok
crossroads, which should be
completed at the same time,
Mr Amkha said.
The finished road will play
an important role in easing
rush hour traffic, and help to
accelerate development in the
Nongping area.
It was commissioned to
help ease the flow of traffic
in the capital for the ASEM
Summit in November.
Phongsapthavy Bridge
Construction Co Ltd is
spending more than 180 billion
kip on the road upgrade, with
the government to repay
the company over a five-
year period after the roads
completion.
factory a health hazard
Times Reporters
Some 300 people in Phalanexay
district, Savannakhet province,
are at risk of health and
environmental hazards after
a factory producing sulfuric
started running trials in their
village four months ago.
The villagers are
fearful at present as they
never know when they will
face further threats to their
health or the environment,
Kengluang village Chief Mr
Veun Keothavytham said in
a telephone interview with
Vientiane Times yesterday.
The village chief spoke to
the media hoping to convince
the factory management and
the sectors concerned to ensure
the factory will not cause any
more health or environmental
hazards for local residents.
Mr Veun said 84 families
in the village had undergone
distressing and unpleasant
experiences in the four months
since the Mixay Chemical
Production Factory was built.
The village authorities have
filed letters of complaint to
National Assembly members
representing Savannakhet
province and the Natural
Resources and Environment
Department, asking them to
investigate the situation.
The letter sent to the
Savannakhet Natural Resources
and Environment Department
by the village administration
reported that on the night
of January 17 the villagers
experienced a strong and
disgusting smell that lasted for
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2 Home news Friday May 4, 2012
Home news
Development villages pave
way for better living standards
Mr Bounheuang
Duangphachanh.
Times Reporters
As Laos strives to achieve
the Millennium Development
Goals, rural communities
must continue to create
development villages, to
improve living standards and
eradicate poverty.
This was the message
delivered by the President
of the National Leading
Committee for Rural
Development and Poverty
Eradication (NLCRDPE), Mr
Bounheuang Duangphachanh,
in Vientiane yesterday.
Mr Bounheuang was
speaking at a meeting to
disseminate a Resolution
Savannakhet...
about 10 minutes. The
following morning village
administration officials
discovered that two large trees
and some small trees near the
factory had withered and died.
A similar incident occurred
on the night of February 4,
causing vegetables grown by
the villagers to wilt and die.
People got headaches when
they breathed in the air, Mr
Veun said, adding that some
even fainted because the smell
was so strong.
Savannakhet Natural
Resources and Environment
Department Director, Mr
Bounlop Khotlakham, said
the provincial authorities
had received the villages
complaints and had sent a team
of environmentalists to inspect
the area. I cant give details
of the inspection results, Mr
Bounlop said, adding that a
sample taken from the area
The sulfuric acid factory in Kengluang village, Phalanexay district,
Savannakhet province.
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adopted by the Politburo on
building provinces as strategic
units, districts as units of
strength, and villages as units
of development.
A development village
must follow certain criteria.
Some 85 percent of households
must have been declared so-
called development families,
the village must be a model of
national and peace protection,
be crime and drug free, have
year-round road access, and
villagers must display solidarity
and help one another.
A development village must
have electricity installed, be a
model of health and culture, and
practise gender equality.
A survey undertaken by
the NLCRDPE in 2010-2011
reported that of the 8,654
villages nationwide, 883 are
classified as developed and
3,175 are classified as poor.
Of 1,053,337 families
nationwide, 494,825 have
been declared developed and
198,678 are classified as poor.
Village development groups
will continue to be set up, with
an eye to developing large
villages into small towns in
rural areas.
From page 1
was still being tested.
He said one of the major
challenges faced by the
department was a lack of
knowledge and capacity on
the part of those examining the
sample. Sulfuric acid is used in
the manufacture of fertilisers
and in the mining industry.
Businesses that produce, store
or transport sulfuric acid need
to take serious steps to prevent
leaks, as it can cause serious
health and environmental
threats. Sulfuric acid can burn
skin and also cause severe lung
damage such as pulmonary
edema. Symptoms may include
coughing and shortness of
breath, but may not appear until
hours or days after exposure.
It is widely accepted
that one of the best ways to
minimise the potential health
and environmental impacts
of dangerous chemicals is to
keep production well away
from residential areas.
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Authorities plan to move fallen
sacred tree from waterfall
Times Reporters
A committee will be set up to
retrieve a sacred manikhoth
tree that was growing in the
middle of the Khonephaphaeng
Falls in Champassak province
and toppled over last month.
The Champassak
provincial Department of
Information, Culture and
Tourism has suggested to
the provincial Governor
that a committee be set up
to determine the best way to
move the fallen tree from the
middle of the falls.
Department Director Mr
Buathong Souvannasan told
Vientiane Times on Thursday
his staff had met with district
authorities and other officials
since the tree fell.
Our meeting agreed
that we should rescue the
tree and keep it somewhere
nearby instead of running
US, Laos run medical outreach course in Xieng Khuang
Times Reporters
The US Embassy to Laos and
the US Pacific Air Forces, in
cooperation with the Ministry
of Health, Ministry of National
Defence and Xieng Khuang
province, conducted a six-
day humanitarian outreach
and training event in Xieng
Khuang province from April
23-28.
The event is part of a series
of humanitarian cooperation
events, known as Pacific
Angel, conducted in the Asia-
Pacific region by US Pacific
Air Forces and the 13th Air
Force.
The US Pacific Air Forces
brought a team of 30 US
military doctors, nurses, and
civil engineers to work with Lao
civilian and military medical
and engineering specialists.
This humanitarian cooperation
event consisted of civil engineer
projects, advanced medical
exchange and training, and
humanitarian medical outreach.
The US civil engineer team
partnered with Lao engineers
and a Lao contractor to repair
and renovate five public health
facilities in Xieng Khuang
province during the week-long
event.
During the medical
training, the US medical team
conducted a training exchange
on advanced medical topics
with Lao civilian and military
doctors and nurses at the
Lao-Mongolian Friendship
Hospital in the provincial
capital Phonsavanh.
More than 100 Lao
civilian and military medical
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the risk of it being swept
away, he said.
We also agreed that we
should not allow villagers
or anyone else risk trying
to save the tree until we
have set up a committee to
determine the best way to go
about it.
Mr Buathong said his
department is waiting for
approval from the provincial
Governor before setting up
the committee and allocating
funding to retrieve the tree.
When established, the
committee will discuss
options for removing the tree
from its precarious position
in the middle of the falls. Mr
Buathong said it would not
be an easy task to remove the
tree from the rocks where it
is lodged in the middle of the
river.
We might need to use
either a helicopter or a crane
The US military gives a certificate of apprection to a representative
of Xieng Khuang province.
personnel from the Lao-
Mongolian Hospital, Hospital
101, Hospital 103, and district
hospitals in Xieng Khuang
province participated in the
various training events and
exchanges. Topics included
ICU nursing care, advanced
trauma care, and obstetrics,
along with an exchange of
professional lectures on
advanced medical topics from
both US and Lao medical
experts.
The combined US-Lao
medical team also conducted
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to haul the tree out, he
said.
In my opinion, we
should remove this sacred
tree as soon as possible and
keep it somewhere near the
falls in a place where locals
and tourists can come to pay
homage.
The tree toppled over
on March 19 and the news
has spread throughout the
country. The manikhoth
tree is an integral part of
the Khonephapaeng Falls
and many people who visit
the famed waterfall come
especially to see the tree.
The manikhoth features
as a holy tree in the ancient
Sanskrit epic Phra Lak-Phra
Lam, or Ramayana. According
to the legend, fruit eaten from
the first limb will bring eternal
youth and long life, while fruit
from the second will bring
great power and status.
five days of humanitarian
medical outreach to local
citizens in Xieng Khuang
province, providing medical
services at the Lao-Mongolian
Friendship Hospital and
Phaxay district Hospital.
The combined military and
civilian medical team provided
general medical services,
pediatrician services, dental
services, and optometrist
services. In five days of
treatment, the US-Lao team
provided medical services for
a total of 3,683 patients.
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However, fruit eaten from
the third limb, pointing to the
west, brings bad luck and the
eater will turn into a monkey.
The falls are located
about 130km south of the
provincial capital Pakxe,
near the Cambodian border.
Khonephaphaeng is one of
Asias largest waterfalls, and
draws thousands of tourists to
Champassak province every
year.
In 2011, tourist arrivals
in the province exceeded
400,000, which was about a
30 percent increase compared
to the previous year.
Provincial officials hope
they can sustain the rate at 30
percent this year due to the
Visit Laos Year campaign. The
figures look promising with the
growth in tourist arrivals still
hovering around 30 percent
in the first six months of this
fiscal year.
All medical supplies,
equipment, and medicines
were donated by the US
Pacific Air Forces.
This US-Lao medical
outreach and training event
is part of the continuing
cooperation and partnership
between the US Pacific
Command, Ministry of Health,
and Ministry of National
Defence to help strengthen the
overall civilian and military
health sector in Laos, and
was the third successful
humanitarian medical
cooperation event since April
2010, also in Xieng Khuang
province.
The US Embassy and US
Pacific Command provide
humanitarian cooperation
programmes like this to express
gratitude to the government
and people of Laos for their
support and cooperation in
the search for the remains of
Americans missing from the
Indochina War.
The closing event was held
at the Lao-Mongolian Friendship
Hospital, and was attended by
provincial Deputy Governor
Mr Khampien Sinouanthong;
US Ambassador to Laos Ms
Karen B. Stewart, US Pacific
Air Forces Major General Jon
Shasteen, Chief of Cabinet of
the Ministry of Health Dr Nao
Boutta, Director of the Military
Medical Department Colonel
Dr Bountern Bandavong,
Director of the Xekong
provincial Public Health
Department Dr Bouasone
Sinouanthong, and other
members of the combined US-
Lao Pacific Angel Team.
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Vientiane Times
Mr David Lipman (centre) addresses the press conference in Vientiane.
EU to expand cooperative
ties with Laos
Somsack Pongkhao
The European Union wants
to expand cooperation with
Laos to include issues such
as climate change and human
rights, as well as judicial and
migration issues.
Ambassador/Head of the
EU Delegation to Laos David
Lipman yesterday spoke to
media at a press conference
in Vientiane to mark Europe
Day.
We want to intensify our
cooperation in global climate
change diplomacy, and
judicial, migration and human
rights issues, he said.
We are working together
to build even closer ties both
bilaterally and regionally
through Asean and the Asia-
Europe Meeting (ASEM).
Relations between the
EU and Laos have evolved
with the years, from a mere
donor-recipient country at the
beginning, to a more mature
political partnership.
The EU is a major donor to
Laos, disbursing on average 15
million euros in development
assistance each year.
However, grant aid
provided to Laos by individual
member states tops 100
ADB injects funding into
Oudomxay dispensaries
Dr Founkham Rattanavong (right) shakes hands with Mr Xone
Thammasen after signing the agreement.
Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
The Asian Development
Bank (ADB) has approved
nearly 2 billion kip to build
four dispensaries with staff
dormitories and to renovate
three further dispensaries in
million euros per year.
Existing areas of
cooperation between
Laos and the EU include
education and health sector
policies, rural development
in the northern uplands
and food security, good
governance and public
finance management, and
trade and small business
development as well as
emergency assistance.
Mr Lipman said In all we
want to commit 25.5 million
euros in bilateral cooperation
with the Lao government
in 2012, and 12 million for
NGOs and local authorities
will come in addition to that.
This brings our overall
commitment planned for
Laos in 2012 to 37.5 million
euros. We are expecting to
make a further commitment
for rural development in 2013
which will be worth 6 million
euros.
Mr Lipman believes
that the EUs development
assistance to Laos will be
maintained under the unions
aid reforms, which come into
force in 2014, in spite of the
ongoing debt crisis in Europe.
For 2014 onwards, we
are preparing a new joint
Oudomxay province.
Deputy Director of the
Ministry of Healths Sector
Development Programme, Dr
Founkham Rattanavong, and
Khamkhong Construction
Company Chairman Mr Xone
Thammasen yesterday signed
cooperation strategy with EU
member states. We hope to be
able to keep our present level
of financial engagement or
even increase it from 2014 to
2020.
We will look into ways
to actively support the plan
of the Lao government to
graduate from the status of
Least Developed Country by
2020.
Yesterday, the EU
celebrated the 62nd
anniversary of the Schuman
Declaration marking the
symbolic date when Robert
Schuman, the then French
foreign minister, put forward
his ideas on a united Europe
to bring lasting peace and
prosperity to the continent.
There has been a lot of
progress since we marked
Schuman Day last year, Mr
Lipman said.
The financial crisis and
the economic problems we
are facing are highly reported
in the press. But the basis
of the European economy
remains strong. And the
common values that bring us
together are more important
than ever. The coming year
will be crucial for Europes
recovery.
a construction agreement.
Director of the Health
Sector Development
Programme, Dr Prasongsith
Boupha, witnessed the signing
ceremony along with other
ministry and department
officials.
Two new dispensaries
will be built in La and Houn
districts of Oudomxay
province.
The dispensaries in
Naxiengdy and Km 32 villages
in Houn district and a dispensary
in Khuang village in Xay district
will be renovated.
According to programme
staff, construction of the
dispensaries will take 10 months
and will begin after the company
receives a commencement
approval letter.
The Health Sector
Development Programme
receives financial support from
ADB for the development of
health systems in the eight
northern provinces.
Media content fails to satisfy
public needs: survey
Times Reporters
Many people have voiced the
opinion that news outlets still
do not provide a forum for
public debate, a survey has
revealed.
A survey conducted
from 2007 to 2010 which
interviewed 100 participants
in Vientiane was presented at
a meeting held yesterday at the
United Nations Development
Programme offices in
Vientiane.
The meeting was held to
mark World Press Freedom
Day.
Readers said social issues
are rarely covered or make the
headlines, noting that existing
publications focus more on
activities concerned with
matters of protocol.
Interviewees said they
wanted to read more human-
interest stories and in-depth
reports, which they said have
not been regularly published
or broadcast.
The survey suggested that
reporters often fail to give
balanced accounts of the issues
they cover. Reporters and
editors who were interviewed
said they had to limit their
accounts by imposing self-
censorship.
In the interaction session
at yesterdays meeting,
media representatives
raised questions about their
protection in the face of any
threat when covering hot
Mr Somsanouk Mixay (second right) shows a copy of the Media Law to meeting participants.
Laos seeks to provide...
Tourism in Laos through
Social Dialogue is part of
the United Nations Trade
Cluster Project, which aims to
enhance sustainable tourism,
clean production, and export
capacity in Laos.
It should generate income
and decent employment for
workers without affecting
the environment and culture
of tourist destinations and
ensure the viability and
competitiveness of destinations
and enterprises, to enable
them to continue to prosper
and deliver benefits in the long
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Friday May 4, 2012
topics or reporting on issues
of public concern.
In response, Vice President
of the Lao Journalists
Association Somsanouk
Mixay said The Media Law
can be used as a reference to
protect the rights of media
personnel.
Article 15 of the Media
Law states that people may
voice their concerns over
unsettling issues through
media outlets, but this must be
done in a constructive manner.
They may also provide
constructive feedback to both
individuals and organisations.
The UN and UNESCO
chiefs said they recognised
the value of freedom of
expression.
Freedom of expression
is one of our most precious
rights. It underpins every
other freedom and provides
a foundation for human
dignity, UN Secretary-
General Mr Ban Ki-moon and
UNESCO Director-General
Ms Irina Bokova said in their
joint message on the occasion
of World Press Freedom Day.
Free, pluralistic and
independent media is essential
for its exercise, the message
stated.
A senior Lao journalist
who asked not to be named
agreed that content as
identified in the Media Law
is definitely beneficial when
it allows people to voice their
concerns, but commented that
term, said a representative
from the International Labour
Organisation (ILO) Bangkok
office, Mr Charles Bodwell.
The two-day workshop
taking place yesterday and today
covers a range of issues related
to strengthening the tourism
sector, including tools, roles, and
capacity building. It also aims to
mobilise the support of workers,
employers and the government.
The meeting was organised
by the Trade and Product
Promotion Department under
the Ministry of Industry and
Commerce in cooperation
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Home news 3
a lot more needs to be done to
fully realise the law.
Development of the
media sector in Laos towards
accepted professional
standards appears to be hard
fought and a long way off.
Untrained reporters and
editors are most likely the
reason that publications
are unable to produce
professional products and the
staff who are recruited are raw
in terms of their knowledge
of professional journalism,
some meeting participants
observed.
Although the National
University of Laos (NUOL)
has been running a Mass
Communication course
for some years, the lack of
qualified journalism lecturers
has hindered the development
of media personnel, said
the Head of the Mass
Communication Unit, Mr
Viengkham Buakhamvongsa.
Despite the fact that the
important role of media
outlets is well recognised,
the need for human resource
development in the sector is
less recognised. Scholarships
in the field, whether provided
by the government or donor
countries, are rarely available.
UN Resident Coordinator
to Laos Mr Minh H. Pham,
Deputy Director of Unesco,
Bangkok, and representatives
from Thailands Journalists
Association were also present
at the meeting.
From page 1
with the Department of
Labour Management, and is
sponsored by the ILO.
Representatives from
the ministries of Industry
and Commerce, Labour and
Social Welfare, Education
and Sports, and Information,
Culture and Tourism, the Lao
Federation of Trade Unions,
Lao National Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, and
the Lao National Institute
of Tourism and Hospitality,
as well as ILO staff from
Bangkok and Geneva attended
the meeting.
4 Home news Friday May 4, 2012 Vientiane Times

Visually impaired people in Savannakhet News in Brief

given brighter future
Times Reporters
The Lao Rehabilitation for the Blind
and Partially-sighted Programme
(LRBP), supported by Norway, is
continuing to provide treatment for
blind and partially-sighted people in
Savannakhet province.
The programme is part of efforts
to realise the governments goals to
alleviate poverty by 2020.
The LRBP is run by the
Savannakhet provincial Health
Department and supported by the
Norwegian Association of the Blind
and Partially-sighted (NABP).
Since 2004, it has helped people
with sight disabilities in 12 districts
of the province. People with vision
problems in Nong, Vilabouly and
Xepon districts are the last target
population being helped by the
programme.
During work in these districts,
218 patients had their eyes checked
and received eye drops, while 63
people underwent cataract surgery.
Project Officer Phouxay
Duangphilavanh said there are still
more blind and partially-sighted
people in the area who need help,
adding that the programme will
return to assist people with sight
disabilities in 12 districts if need be.
Our programme will reach out
to people in the community to make
sure they have access to all services,
he said. This includes orientation and
mobility, operations for restoring
vision, and vocational and integrated
education.
The programme also provided
training in music, cooking and
personal hygiene and sought to
improve participants general
education level to enable them to
Patients following cataract surgery and other treatment in Savannakhet
province.
have a better life.
Mr Phouxay said there were still
more blind people in the province
who needed correct treatment. He
added that blindness was a major
barrier to the socio-economic welfare
of individuals and their families.
Savannakhets Public Health
Department and the Norwegian
association are working to enable
blind people to help themselves
and other people in their family,
community and society.
Mr Phouxay said it was not easy to
rehabilitate blind people, especially
those who had been isolated from
the outside world for a long time
through staying at home and having
little social contact.
But with attention and support
from the department and local
authorities at all levels, the programme
was able to run successfully.
The activities of the NABP and
LRBP support the policy of the Party
and government to remove Laos from
the list of least developed countries
by 2020, he said.
Mr Phouxay said the most
important aspect of the programmes
work is to restore vision to people
with cataracts who have lived in
darkness for a long time and never
dreamed it would be possible to have
their sight restored free of charge.
Head of Huaynheung village
in Xepon district, Mr Pan, said the
programme was doing valuable
work. Restoring vision to people
with curable blindness or cataracts
is more important than giving them
money or provisions, he said.
Centre to offer job skills training for unemployed
women
The Lao-Korean Training Centre in Vientiane will soon offer a series of
training courses to aid unemployed women and students in their quest
for work and life improvement after seeing much progress last year.
The soon to be open courses include IT, mechanics, garment making,
carpentry, engineering, cookery and beauty.
Centre staff said that nowadays women are employed more than ever
before, with many holding highly-paid positions and playing important
roles in society.
However, many others are still unemployed women due to the closure
of several garment factories as a result of the global economic crisis.
The training centre will offer courses to feed demand, with carpentry to
be offered free of charge.
Providing more vocational education for unemployed women is high on
the list of priorities for the government as these skills will raise living
standards for the women and their families.
Savannakhet to tackle social problems
Officials from several districts of Savannakhet province recently
gathered to discuss methods to combat social problems, aiming to
restore order in the province, particularly in districts that share borders
with neighbouring countries.
Officials say that although security in the province has seen progress,
theft, fighting, illegal trading and other issues still remain.
The provincial authority has encouraged the sectors involved to share
ideas, and called for an increase in the number of security guards in
target areas.
In particular, any villages and districts that share borders with
neighbouring countries must pay attention to combating the burgeoning
drug trade, amongst other concerns.
Saravan to run youth health training course
Saravan provincial authority plans to conduct a training course on
health issues for young people. The course aims to help provide
information on basic health issues, including road safety, sexually
transmitted diseases, drugs and other matters.
The course will strengthen participants knowledge of the issues, which
they can use to develop their communities.
They will also be able to educate their friends and family members
about current problems in society. Participants will take part in
many activities during the training course and will go on to provide
information about health issues to the public. They will encourage other
young people to stay away from drugs and other activities that may lead
to health problems.
The authorities also plan to cooperate with the provincial Education and
Sports Department to offer vocational training for young people.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Vacancy Announcement PROFESSIONAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO: 2011/04 (RE-ADVERTISE)

Issued on: 17 April 2012

Vientiane Times
Deadline For Application: 31 May 2012
POSITION TITLE: Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) GRADE LEVEL: NOB
DUTY STATION: Vientiane, Laos
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: FAO Representation in Laos DURATION*: 12 months renewable
Positions available (Fixed term contract)
Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member
countries are encouraged
1. Secretary (2 positions) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Liaise and cooperate with government authorities and local, national and international institutions in the areas of
FAOs activities in the country and in liaise with other UN agencies. He/she may represent FAO at inter-agency
- Lao nationality, female (aged below 25, single). meetings as required;
Promote the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organizations mandate, programmes, national priorities
- Advanced university degree in English (Secretary Diploma required) and activities including development and maintenance of communication tools (e.g. website, press releases and
publications) and support the implementation of FAOs regulatory frameworks (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct
for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country;
- Good communication in spoken English and writing. Coordinate the collection, consolidation and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and
fisheries including information on external aid in FAOs corporate systems and monitor changes in national policies
- Computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel. affecting the agricultural sector;
Participate in producing technical, economic and policy studies as required and developing country level development
- Good character and friendly disposition. frameworks such as the National Medium Term Priority Framework (NMTPF) and the United Nations Development
Assistance Frameworks (UNDAF);
Participate in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals and monitor and
- Able to work overtime if necessary. review the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line
with the work plan and the project document; identify inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, propose
corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
Act as Officer-in-Charge for the day-to-day running of the FAO Representation during the absence of the FAOR, if
2. Finance and accounting (1 position) required;
Perform any other duties as required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Lao nationality, aged below 30. Candidates should meet the following:
Education:
- Advanced university degree in finance and accounting with 1 year University degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or in any other field related to the work of the
Organization.
Work Experience:
experience. Minimum of five years of professional experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of
FAOs activities in the country.
- Experience in statistics and planning will be advantage. Languages:
Working knowledge (level C) of English and working knowledge of the most widely used local language.
- Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Accounting SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:
Level and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management.
programmes. Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines
and project / programme management procedures, possibly of those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.
- Able to work overtime if necessary. Proven capacity to approach work assignments in systematic and efficient manner with judgement and analytical
skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel,
Power Point, and Internet) and project management software and other information systems /databases.
All interested candidates are invited to submit an application letter Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with
people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
* The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies
and CV to Vientiane Times office during official working hours until pertaining to the extension of appointments.
REMUNERATION
May 25, 2012. A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits,
click on the following link: http://icsc.un.org/
TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants
Interested applicants should submit their applications in writing (clearly indicating on the sealed envelope the Vacancy
Announcement number 2011/04 (Re-Advertise) to the FAO Representation, 128 Phonexay Road, P.O. Box 1640, Vientiane
* Vientiane Times corner of Pangkham and Setthathirath Roads, Capital, Tel: 021 413205, 414503 or email their applications to: FAO-LA-Vacancies@fao.org
Applications sent to any other address will be rejected.
Vientiane, Lao PDR. The latest date for receiving the applications is 31 May 2012. Please note that application received after the closing date
will not be given consideration. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
In line with FAO policy on gender equity, the vacancy is open for both male and female candidates. FAO is also

Tel: 021 216364 committed to increasing the number of ethnic group staff in its programmes and offices. Therefore, Candidates
from ethnic groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Please note that FAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director-General and
may be assigned to any activities or office of the organization.
Vientiane Times
Farmers reap dry
season rice harvest
Farmers across the country
have harvested just over
32,000 hectares of rice or
about 30 percent of the
total crop, according to the
Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry.
Irrigated crops, including
rice and other crops, totaled
just under 148,500 hectares
including 120,500 hectares
of dry season rice and almost
28,883 hectares of dry
season fruit and vegetable
crops.
Alongside this, the
agriculture and forestry
department teamed up
with the relevant sectors
and local authorities to
promote rice production in
six focal development areas
of Vientiane and Xieng
Khuang provinces.
Nevertheless, to supply
enough food for the 9th
Asia-Europe Meeting
Summit in November, the
department will continue
to improve food production
and lead agriculture and
forestry production by
working with local authorities
and other bodies to encourage
farmers to plant their crops
according to plan.
--Pathetlao Daily, May 2
Naxaithong police
arrest two offenders
Naxaithong district police
in Vientiane have arrested a
man from Nongkhiew village
in Ngoi district, Luang
Highlights from the Lao papers
Prabang province, for stealing
jewellery.
Mr Chittakone moved
to Vientiane to work as
a labourer and lived in
Xaythany district.
He confessed to police that
on March 24 he borrowed
his friends motorbike
in Dankham village,
Sikkhottabong district, to
go to a festival at Namkieng
village in Naxaithong district.
When he reached Dansy
village, he saw a Hyundai
pickup parked on the
roadside with two men
sleeping inside. He crept up
quietly and snatched a 30g
gold necklace from the neck
of one of the sleeping men.
They woke up and he made
a vain attempt to escape but
was captured and arrested.
Police in Naxaithong district
also arrested Mr Phonsavanh
of Xayaphoum village, in
Kaysone Phomvihane district
of Savannakhet province
for attempting to steal
motorbikes.
Mr Phonsavanh told police he
had moved to Dongnathong
village in Sikhottabong
district, Vientiane. On March
27 his friend dropped him
off at Pakhaed village where
he saw a motorbike parked
outside a house. He used a
key to unlock the motorbike
but failed to steal it and was
arrested.
The two cases are under
investigation, while police
have returned the stolen items
to their rightful owners.
--Khuamsangob Weekly,
April 27
Khammuan, Quang
Binh provinces boost
cooperation
Khammuan province in Laos
and Quang Binh province
in Vietnam are further
cooperating on publicising
Party materials.
A cooperation agreement
was signed in Khammuan
province on April 26 during
a visit by a delegation from
the Quang Binh Party
Propaganda Committee.
The signatories to
the document were
Khammuan provincial
Propaganda Committee
Head Mr Saksavath
Suanthepphimmasone and
Quang Binh Provincial
Party Propaganda
Committee Head Mr Dang
Van Huane.
Deputy Governor of
Khammuan province Mr
Oday Soudaphone and other
officials from both sides
witnessed the ceremony.
According to the document,
the two sides will continue
to enhance cooperation
on publicising the special
solidarity between Laos and
Vietnam, and the traditions
of the two Parties and
governments.
They will focus particularly
on Khammuan and Quang
Binh provinces, exchanging
information and visits
between the two provinces.
--Lao News Agency, May 2
Sikhottabong police
arrest suspected
murderer
Sikhottabong district police
in Vientiane recently arrested
Mr Davone, 26, of Nahai
village in Hadxaifong
district for allegedly
murdering a labourer, Mr
Ning.
When police were called
to the scene they found
the body of Mr Ning, 27,
from Meuangyeut village
in Huaphan province. Their
investigations led them to
believe that Mr Davone
had killed the victim with a
blunt instrument.
During questioning, Mr
Davone admitted to killing
Mr Ning with 1.2 metre
long metal object on April
22.
He said that at around 9am
Mr Ning became frustrated
with the slow pace of work
and told him to speed up
work at the construction site
where they both were. Mr
Davone told him to wait for
instructions from their boss,
after which they began to
argue.
Mr Davone became very
angry and seized a nearby
metal bar and bludgeoned his
victim to death, hitting him
three times on the head and
once on the neck. He then
went to tell his friends what
had happened and turned
himself in to the village
authorities.
--Khuamsangob Weekly,
April 27
Friday May 4, 2012
Attapeu police arrest
two robbers
Attapeu provincial police
have arrested two men on
charges of robbery. The two
men were identified as Mr
Sisamout, 21, of Dongkaleum
village in Pakngum district,
Vientiane, and Mr Siya,
21, of Nongsim village in
Bachiangchaleunsouk district,
Champassak province.
The pair had been working
on a rubber plantation in
Phouvong district, Attapeu
province.
During police questioning
they confessed that on
February 18 they rode
motorbikes along Road 18B
in the direction of Vietnam,
and went hunting for wild
animals near the Km 100
marker.
When they arrived at the
Dinsay Mountain area they
stopped to rest by the side
of the road. Mr Sisamouth
persuaded Mr Siya to help
him rob a passing vehicle.
At around 7pm they saw a
Toyota pickup and tried to
stop it but the driver carried
on. They continued walking
along the road to look for a
suitable spot to stop a vehicle.
The pair laid rocks on the
road to stop any passing
vehicles and at around 9pm a
van came along and stopped
at the road block. They ran
over to the van with Mr
Sisamouth pointing a gun
at the driver, relieving him
of his money and mobile
phones.
Home news 5
After that they allowed the
van to go. They then rode off
but were arrested at Hoyphok
bridge, where police were
waiting for them.
Mr Sisamout and Mr Siya are
now awaiting sentencing.
--Khuamsangob Weekly,
April 27
Xayaboury sets up
reading room for
children
The Education and Sports
Office in Xienghone district
of Xayaboury province
will open a Green Reading
Room at the end of this year
to promote literacy among
children. In preparation,
officials attended a two
day training course on the
management of reading
related activities, storytelling,
writing skills, listening,
speaking and playing games.
The Reading Room project
for primary schools in
Xienghone district has been
underway since 2010 with
the support of Room to
Read Laos and Action with
Lao Children, according
to Deputy Head of the
Education and Sports Office
Mr Sonephet Sivilay.
The project is being run in
20 schools in the district, of
which 17 are supported by
Room to Read Laos.
The project has proved
to be an effective tool for
promoting reading among
target groups.
--Socio-economic Daily,
May 2
6 Photo news Friday May 4, 2012 Vientiane Times

Children in
Phondou village,
Mounlapamok
district,
Champassak
province, play at a
well that supplies
drinking water to
the community.
Concrete lined
wells provide
clean fresh water
while unencased
ones can become
contaminated with
bacteria when water
tables are high.
Deputy Director General of the Financial Institution Supervision Department of the Bank of --Photo Sisouphan
the Lao PDR, Ms Kesone Manivong (second right), presents a certificate of External Auditing
Training in the Microfinance Institution Sector to a representative of one of 15 companies at the
close of a training course in Vientiane. --Photo Sisouphan

Vientiane Times staff bid farewell to their media support volunteer from Australia Mr Robert Pollard
(centre) at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane yesterday after he completed his yearlong Savannakhet villagers stop to eat sugar palm fruit while transporting a tractor load to the market.
placement with the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development programme. Mr Pollard helped The fruit is especially popular in the sweltering summer heat and provides many villagers with
Vientiane Times with video editing and the development of the papers website. --Photo Phounsab an additional source of income. --Photo Sisouphan
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
(Announcement No. 12/30)
Re-advertised

OPEN TO: All interested candidates

POSITION: Shipping Clerk (OBO), FSN-6
OPENING DATE: April 20, 2012
CLOSING DATE: May 4, 2012
WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/week Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is an International NGO working to support development
CONTRACT: Two Years projects in Laos since 1989. According to NCAs Strategic Plan 2011-15, our program priority
SALARY: Actual salary will be based on the qualifications of the applicant. areas in Laos are: Gender-based Violence, Livelihood and trade, Climate change adaptation,
NOTE: THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION. THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL COME UNDER LOCAL LABOR LAW, Social mitigation of HIV and AIDS and Access to quality Health Care.
AND BE PAID ACCORDING TO THE EMBASSYS LOCAL COMPENSATION PLAN. ALL ORDINARY RESIDENT
APPLICANTS MUST BE RESIDING IN LAOS AND HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT LAO NATIONALS
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.

The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane is seeking an individual for the position of Shipping Clerk in OBO. The position is temporary, for Position : Provincial Manager
two years. Duties Station : Long district, Luang Namtha Province
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: Starting Date : June 2012
The incumbent is responsible for tracking, clearing, and receiving at the Vientiane New Embassy Construction (NEC) Project Site As part of our Integrated Livelihoods Program for the Empowerment of Ethnic Minorities in
all diplomatic and commercial shipments intended for use on the project. He/she also assists with resolving any customs clearance
issues and overseeing the progress of local utility installation. Long District, Luang Namtha province NCA is looking for a highly qualified national staff to
fill the position as Provincial Manager with the overall responsibility for the implementation of
Full position description is available in HR Office. NCAs programs in Luang Namtha province.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Key responsibilities:
1. Education: Completion of Secondary School is required. Overall responsibility for the implementation of program activities in the province
2. Prior Work Experience: Two years experience in managing logistics, freight forwarding, and customs clearance for a including agriculture, animal husbandry, forest management, gender empowerment,
major corporation or government entity is required.
3. Language Proficiency: Level III (good working knowledge) of English and level IV (fluent) Lao. health and education .
4. Knowledge: Must develop knowledge of the Department of State regulations and procedures governing the shipment Ensuring effective implementation of the various program activities applying a rights
of household and personal effects, POV, and other private property, US Embassy Construction Materials, and U.S. based approach through timely provision of inputs, effective backstopping, timely and
Government property. Must have detailed knowledge of the Lao governments custom clearance, immigration and border
regulations and procedures. Must have knowledge of the abilities, general procedures, and quality of work of local shipping efficient delivery of outputs, and monitoring and evaluation of activities in accordance
carriers and transfer companies. Should have knowledge in design and construction practices, preparation of engineering with NCA policies and program strategies as well as administrative and financial
drawings and specification. Must have general knowledge of vehicle operation and safety. procedures.
5. Skills and Abilities: Must have a valid Lao drivers license. Must have good organizational and interpersonal skills. Must
be tactful, yet effective, in dealing with host country customs, immigration, border and other officials, and with officials Lead effort for continued development of program interventions to ensure the most
of shipping, packing, and transfer companies, and with US Embassy and other project personnel. Ability to negotiate best efficient delivery of support to the programs rights holders and duty bearers.
prices and services. Must be a MS Office package and engineering management software user. Ability to review utility Direct supervision of more than 20 local staff and government and Government
construction drawings for code compliance.
counterparts.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants for this position must submit the following for the application to be considered: Qualifications/Selection criteria:
1. Universal Application for Employment (Form DS-174). Download the form at:
http://laos.usembassy.gov/job_opportunities.html University degree or diploma in Agriculture, or related field.
2. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application. A minimum of 7 years proven senior program management experience.
3. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that Proven experience in support and supervising staff
addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
Excellent communication skills and relevant experience working with Ethnic groups is
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO an advantage.
Human Resources Office Extensive experience in working with Government counterparts and other development
American Embassy partners.
Rue Bartholonie, That Dam
PO Box 114, Vientiane, Laos Good communication skills in English and Lao both oral and written
(Hardcopy or e-mail attachments are accepted)

POINT OF CONTACT
All tasks are carried out in close cooperation with local authorities, District and Communities
Telephone: 856-21-267176 targeted.
Fax: 856-21-267140 NCA offers accommodation in office compound, competitive salaries and excellent benefits
E-mail: VientianeHR@state.gov package including health insurance and pension scheme.
Interested persons should contact Embassy Human Resources Office for more information. Blank application forms may be picked All interested candidates are invited to submit an application letter and CV to NCA Office:
up from the cabinet inside the Embassy entrance. 338 Donpamai Road, Thaphalanxay Village, Sisattanak District, PO Box: 4804, Vientiane,
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Lao PDR, Tel: (856-21) 315812, 354017,
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION: May 4, 2012 or e-mail Address: nlov@nca.no
An Equal Opportunity Employer The closing date for applications in Friday 11th May, 2012 at 17.00 hours.
Vientiane Times
In brief from Asia
News Network
Pakistan fourth in
premature births,
says report
KARACHI (Dawn) --
Registering about 750,000
preterm births in 2010,
Pakistan has ranked fourth
in the latest global listing
in terms of the number of
preterm births, with India
on the top, followed by
China and Nigeria as third
and fourth, respectively.
However, the percentage
wise ranking put Pakistan
on the eighth position in
the world with the annual
average of 15.8 percent
preterm births. The world
rate of preterm births is
over 10 percent.
The latest findings of the
Born too soon: the global
action report on preterm
birth, which was authored
by a group of international
multidisciplinary experts,
were made public globally
on Wednesday evening.
Political
shutdowns across
Nepal affect life
KATHMANDU (The
Kathmandu Post) --
Daily life in various
parts of Nepal was
affected yesterday due
to shutdowns called by
different political and
ethnic groups.
In the Far-Western
Region, the banda, a form
of protest to close the
markets of a city called by
various political parties
-- excepting the Unified
Communist Party of Nepal
-- student unions, civil
society and professionals
entered its sixth day. They
have been demanding an
undivided Far-Western 10 percent to the Total Industry
Region. The shutdown
has mainly hit the hill
districts of the region.
With transport services
coming to a grinding halt
for six days in a row, the
hill districts are reeling
under a shortage of daily
commodities.
Asean+3 to
increase currency
swap
SEOUL (The Korea
Herald) -- Korea, China
and Japan and 10
Southeast Asian countries
are poised to become
more aggressive in their
joint action in response
to possible currency
volatility.
The Asean Plus Three
group plans to endorse an
increase in their access
to a regional fund during
the meeting of finance
ministers and central bank
governors, slated for May
3 in Manila, according to
Bank of Korea officials.
Participants are expected
to approve a proposal
approved by their deputies
who earlier agreed to
double the size of the
Chiang Mai Initiative
Multilateralisation fund to
US$240 billion.
Korea, Mekong countries to propose
plans in consultative meeting
Khon Kaen (Mekong
Institute) -- The Mekong
Institute (MI) in cooperation
with the Republic of Korea
(ROK), has held a multi-
stakeholder meeting on The
Mekong-ROK Comprehensive
Partnership for Mutual
Prosperity, to come up with
recommendations and action
plans to optimise future
cooperation between the
Republic of Korea and the
Mekong countries on Thursday
in Khon Kaen, Thailand.
In opening the meeting, the
Ambassador of the Republic
of Korea to Thailand, Mr
Lim Jae-Hong, said Korea
has a great deal to share
with the Mekong countries.
Learning from the lessons of
its development experience,
Korea wishes to work closely
with the Mekong region as a
partner for development and
prosperity.
Korea, however, does
not want to duplicate projects
initiated by other countries.
It would like to initiate
niche projects with which
it can offer its best, without
repeating the mistakes made
by previous projects in the
Mekong region.
MIs Steering Committee
Chairman and a noted
development economist, Dr
Narongchai Akrasanee, said
in his keynote address We
believe better connectivity
Malaysia to spur growth of green vehicles
Kuala Lumpur (Xinhua)
-- The Malaysian government
is confident that the production
of hybrid and electric vehicles
in the country will contribute
growth and improvement, in
Volume in 2020, a government
official said here Thursday.
Malaysias International
Trade and Industry Minister
Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed
told reporters that this segment
in Malaysia was growing
yearly, though still relatively
slow, when compared with
other developing nations in
Myanmar, Korea focus on more bilateral cooperation
YANGON (Xinhua) --
Myanmar and the Republic
of Korea are focusing on
more bilateral cooperation in
technology, engineering and
other advanced sectors and
sports sector, official media
reported Thursday.
At a meeting between
Myanmar President U
Thein Sein and visiting
South Korean Foreign and
Trade Minister Kim Sung-
hwan in Nay Pyi Taw
Wednesday, promotion
of economic cooperation
through investment in
energy, mineral and food
Vientiane Times on CD-ROM
Issues of Vientiane Times from 2001 to April 2012 have been recorded on CD-ROM. Now
available at Vientiane Times office. Corner Setthathirath/Pangkham Roads, Nam Phu,
Tel: (856-21) 216364, 217593. Fax: (856-21) 216365
Email: info@vientianetimes.org.la
Participants gather outsite the meeting room for a group photo.
particularly across the Mekong
River, along with the concept
of economic corridors, will
enhance trade and investment
in the region, and hence better
economic development for
all.
I very much welcome the
interest of ROK in helping
us improve the situations
further. The development
of the corridors and beyond
require better logistics, good
investment, and efficient
business operation, and ROK
is well known to be very
the world.
With only about 8,000
hybrid and 21 electric cars
on-the-road currently, he said
there was huge space for
respect of Malaysias market
share in the specific auto
segment.
Globally, there are about
80,000 electric vehicles and
3 billion hybrid vehicles. In
Malaysia, the number is very
small, he said.
But we are confident that
by 2020, this segment will be
stuff sectors, deep seaports
and special economic zones
were also discussed, said the
New Light of Myanmar.
Bilateral talks were
also held between foreign
ministers of the two countries,
U Wunna Maung Lwin and
Kim, covering the matters
relating strengthening
of bilateral relations and
cooperation, views on regional
and international issues were
exchanged.
Kim arrived in Nay Pyi
Taw on Tuesday, representing
the first visit to Myanmar by
a top diplomat of South Korea
Vientiane. P.O. Box: 5723,
capable and competitive in
those areas.
Through the Han River
Declaration, Korea has long
been providing Overseas
Development Assistance
(ODA) in the Mekong region.
With its plan to double its
ODA in the region by 2015,
Korea wants to contribute to
the Mekong countries in areas
where it can have the greatest
impact, preventing duplication
and ineffectiveness in its
regional efforts, underlining
the importance of local
big. Malaysia does not want
to lose out in the encouraging
development of electric and
hybrid vehicles globally, he
said.
The government is also
giving more emphasis to the
electric and hybrid vehicle
initiative in the revised
National Automotive Policy
which is set to be tabled
before the cabinet soon. There
are many more tax and fiscal
incentives to spur the growth of
the green vehicles in Malaysia,
the minister added.
since 1985.
According to Myanmar
official statistics, Koreas
investment in Myanmar hit
US$2.9 billion as of January,
2012 in 48 projects since
Myanmar opened to foreign
investment in late 1988.
Statistics also show
that bilateral trade between
Myanmar and Korea reached
US$970 million in 2011. Of
the total, Koreas export
to Myanmar amounted to
US$660 million, while
imports from Southeast
Asian nations stood at
US$300 million.
ownership in these efforts.
In October 2011, ROK
hosted the first Foreign
Ministers Meeting between
ROK and the five Mekong
Countries in Seoul when all
six governments endorsed
the Han River Declaration
establishing the Mekong-
Republic of Korea
Comprehensive Partnership
for Mutual Prosperity.
With this, they agreed
to launch the cooperation
especially in the six priority
areas of infrastructure,
A sandal lays near the wreckage of a ferry that capsized, as
rescuers search for victims in the Brahmaputra River west of the
Assam capital Gauhati in India on Wednesday.
Search slows for missing in India
boat accident
BURABURI, India (AP)
-- Grieving relatives and
survivors gathered on the
banks of a turbulent river in
northeast India for a second
day Wednesday waiting for
news of their loved ones
missing since a heavily packed
ferry capsized, killing more
than a 100 people and leaving
another 150 missing.
Search efforts appeared to
have hit a plateau with divers
only finding three more bodies
Wednesday taking the death
toll to 106.
Ajibar Rahman wept as
he waited Wednesday for
Friday May 4, 2012 7
Region
information and
communication technology,
green growth, water resource
development, agriculture and
rural development, and human
resource development.
With the Consultative
Meeting providing an
interfacing platform, MI
gathered relevant stakeholders
to discuss collaborative
strategies and actions,
addressing their country-
specific needs. The main aim
of the meeting is to identify
how ROK can best contribute
to the development of Mekong
countries.
The inputs and
recommendations from the
meeting will then be submitted
to the Senior Officials Meeting
in June and the Korean-
Mekong Ministerial Meeting
in July 2012. In addition,
the meeting will help identify
organisations in ROK and
Mekong countries which are
interested in and have potential
to lead each of the six priority
areas, providing an extensive
network of key institutions to
the implementers.
The one-day seminar
included paper presentations
by regional and Korean experts
in the morning, and was
followed by group discussions
to brainstorm contents and
intervention modalities for
each of the priority areas in
the afternoon.
--Photo AP
news of a missing son and
daughter. The family was on
the boat, and Rahman and
one son made it to shore but
the other two children were
still missing.
Murzina Begum, 30, has
been waiting for news of her
aunt who was on the ferry on
the Brahmaputra river when it
overturned and broke into two
pieces in stormy weather late
Monday.
Mohan Lal, a senior
paramilitary officer
supervising the search efforts,
told the Associated Press that
search efforts would continue.
8 Friday May 4, 2012 Vientiane Times

World
UN mission chief expects 100
more observers in Syria
DAMASCUS (Xinhua) -- Head
of the UN observer mission
in Syria said Wednesday he
is expecting more than 100
international observers to
arrive in Syria in the next
days to monitor the crumbling
ceasefire.
Major General Robert Mood
said that currently there are 52
members in his team, adding
that the number will mount to 59
by the end of the day, according
to the Sky News TV.
The Norwegian leader said
the number will double within
the next few days.
He charged that there are
violations of the UN-backed
ceasefire by the government
and the opposition alike, but
added that the observers have
a calming effect in the areas
they have been dispatched to.
Meanwhile, UN observer
teams spokesperson, Niraj
Singh, told Xinhua late
Wednesday that the number
of unarmed military observers
in Syria reached 31. He noted
the number of the entire team,
including military and non-
military personnel, is 52.
The observers have been
dispatched to the hotspots
across Syria in central Hama,
Homs, northern Idlib, and
southern Daraa provinces.
They arrived two weeks
ago to monitor the UN-backed
ceasefire that went into effect
on April 12. However, despite
their presence, the violence
has not abated effectively
with daily reports of killings,
kidnappings and bombings.
On Wednesday, activists said
that Syrian troops clashed with
armed rebels in the northern
region near the Turkish border
and that 15 agents of the Syrian
security forces, including two
officers, were killed.
Meanwhile, the official
SANA news agency said that
three army personnel were
killed in separate clashes in
eastern Deir al-Zour, and
southern Daraa province.
The agency also reported the
assassination of an opposition
leaders son by gunmen late
on Wednesday.
The ceasefire is part of the
six-point plan put forward by
UN-Arab League joint envoy
Kofi Annan, which calls
mainly for halting violence
from all sides to pave the way
for political settlement to the
13-month-old unrest in Syria.
Meanwhile, Minister of
Information Adnan Mahmoud
said Wednesday that the
Syrian government has been
committed to Annans plan in
order to make the monitors
mission a success, according to
SANA. At the same time, we
are waiting for Mr Annan to
take tangible steps towards the
armed terrorist groups and take
commitments from the states
which support and sponsor
them to halt violence in Syria,
Mahmoud said.
Sarkozy, Hollande face off in TV debate
PARIS (Xinhua) -- Incumbent
President Nicolas Sarkozy
repeatedly called Socialist
challenger Francois Hollande
a liar as the on-going prime-
time televised TV debate
of French presidential race
heated up late on Wednesday
night.
The frontrunner Hollande
accused Sarkozy of dividing
the French, while the
incumbent Sarkozy alleged
that Hollandes economic
programme could be
catastrophic and cause market
chaos.
Tensions came frequently
in the debate. When Hollande
threw out the question why
Germany was doing better
than France, Sarkozy struck TV footage shows the debate between President Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande in Paris,
back by saying that Germany France, on May 2. --Photo Xinhua
had been doing the opposite
of the policies proposed by politics, kicked off at 9 pm to the maximum level until when far-right leader Marine
Hollande. local time at a studio north of almost mid night. Le Pen refused to endorse him
While Hollande vowed Paris and was agreed by both Sarkozy had previously and announced she would cast
to be a president of justice sides to last no more than two billed this debate as the a blank vote.
that would restore production and a half years. moment of truth in the But on Tuesday he
and jobs and bring the French An estimated 20 million election race and even also staged a huge rally
people together, Sarkozy French voters were tuning in pushed for two more debates, that attracted hundreds of
immediately refuted that it to watch the so-called last only to be turned down by thousands of supporters at the
would be too late if voters duel that was broadcast live Hollande. Trocadero square.
elected someone from on major national TV channels As Hollande has been Wednesday nights debate
scratch. and seen as the climax of predicted by all polls to was moderated by leading
The incumbent added presidential campaigns win him comfortably, the French TV presenters David
that he was unfairly blamed four days before the runoff incumbent was under huge Pujadas and Laurence Ferrari.
for the countrys economic election. pressure, pinning almost all Local media said both
problems after years of crisis, The two rivals, almost his hope on the debate to gain campaigning teams even
while Hollande could not identically wearing dark enough momentum and swing agreed on logistical details
help complaining that he was suit and tie and sitting apart Sundays runoff vote into his in advance, from the studios
blaming everything on crisis. across a table, were expected favour. constant temperature to chairs
The presidential debate, a to continue attacking each The latest setback for that could be adjusted for
classic arrangement in French others policies and proposals Sarkozy came on Tuesday height.

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity
Ministry of Health - PR Office supported by Global Fund to Fight AIDS/Tuberculosis
and Malaria
Request for Quotation of Procurement of
Office equipment for Centre of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology
Procurement N027 .CMPE.GF.Procurement Unit
The Lao Peoples Democratic Republic has received a grant from Global Fund to Fight
AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Procurement Unit ofCentre of Malariology,
Parasitology and Entomology
intend to pay this grant to procure Office equipment by using budget for Round R7/
P2/Y4. Act P 44052.
This Procurement will follow Public procurement procedures for Request of Quotation
according Procurement Guideline of The Principal Recipient of the Global Fund to
Fight AIDS/Tuberculosis/Malaria in Lao PDR issue on November 2009.
Job Announcement
Location: Phontong Street, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital City
Great Peace in Lao PDR (GPL) is an International-Non-Government-Organizationthat was established by Taiwha
Social Welfare Foundation in Republic of Korea. It is a model of social welfare center that performs a social welfare
service and socio-economic aids to enhance the capacity of needy peoplein community
Great Peace is planning to start work in Lao PDR in 2012, we are seeking Lao National staff for :
Program Manager / Coordinator
Responsibilities
1. Produce detailed work plan and activity budgets in cooperation with partner Government (MoU)
2. Manage all aspects of program cycle : assessment, design, monitor, implement, evaluation and regular report
3. Coordinate program activities with partners at district, Village level and implement all activities in target area
4. Build and maintain good relationships with government partner and negotiate at provincial, district, Village level
Qualifications
1. Bacheloror Master degree majoring in social science, community development or related expected graduates
2. At least 5years work experience, preferably in an INGO, NGO, GO
3. Experience in representing and communicating with Government
4. Experience in planning and managing the project or program with children, women and/or disability sector
5. Proven skill at building relationships with community members and strong communication skills
6. Fluency in spoken and written English and the ability to write narrative report in English in mandatory

TheProcurement Unit of Centre of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomologyinvitesall Administration Officer

suppliers about office equipment to participate in this competition of requested Responsibilities
1. Administer and monitor the financial system in order to ensure that the municipal finances are maintained in
quotation. an accurate and timely manner
Interested Contractors may obtain further information and receivea complete set of 2. Oversee the accounts payable and accounts receivable systems in order to ensure complete and accurate
records of all moneys
RFQ Documents at the address given below : 3. Administeremployee files and records in order to ensure accurate payment of benefits and allowances
Centre of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology(Procurement unit) 4. Supervise administrative services within the office
5. Perform other related duties as required
Ban Kualuang, Chanthabuly district, Vientiane
Tel: 856-21 214040, fax: 856-21 216 917, 218 131. Qualifications
1. Bachelordegree majoring in Administration or related expected graduates
Responsibles: MrPhongsavanh MEUANGCHANH (020 56 40 33 68) 2. At least 3years work experience in administration or/and accounting, preferably in an INGO, NGO, GO
Miss Chandaly LATHSABOUT (020 23 34 52 52) 3. Fluency in spoken and written English and the ability to write report in English
4. Good knowledge of computer application (Microsoft)
5. Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, business communication, multi-task and time management skills
6. Be honest and trustworthy, respectful, ability and willingness to work with all kinds of people
Quotations must be delivered to :Procurement Unit.first floor in Malaria building.
In working time8h30 12 h00 and 13h30 16h30 every day since advertising date. Closing Date will be on 6th May 2012.
Close requested quotations on07/05/2012 at 14 h00 . Please forward your cover letter and CV withapplied positionand salary history to greatpeacelaos@gmail.com
(Do not send certifications or letter of reference at this time)
Quotation will be opened in the presence of the companies representatives who We will contact by e-mail only eligible candidates to further discuss their availability. Please no phone calls.
choose to attend this meeting. To learn more about Great Peace (Taiwha social welfare foundation)Please visit our website,
http://www.taiwhafound.org/eng
Vientiane Times Friday May 4, 2012 9

Lao PDR
UNDP is the UNs global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to
knowledge, experience and resources to help build a better life.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

NAME & ADDRESS OF FIRM: Interested Date of issue: 27 April, 2012
consultancy Company
REFERENCE: RFQ_018_2012 (Extended)
Production of investment promotion video

Dear Sir / Madam:

The United Nations Development Programme in Lao PDR (hereinafter referred as UNDP) hereby
solicits your proposals for provision of services for production of investment promotion video.

Submission of proposals:
Proposals must include Technical and Financial proposal in separate sealed envelopes to the
address below no later than close of business on 12 May 2012

UNDP Country Office in Lao PDR

Lane Xang Avenue
PO BOX 345
Vientiane
Lao PDR

Full set of bidding documents which includes Terms of Reference (TOR), proposal submission
requirements and price schedule, UNDP General Terms and Conditions can be downloaded
on our web-site www.undplao.org using the following link: http://www.undplao.org/vacancies/
procurementnotice.php

Proposals must be valid for 60 days. All documents must be submitted to UNDP in English or in Lao
language supported by adequate English translation.

ATTENTION: Please indicate on the envelop or on e-mail subject the RFP reference i.e.
RFQ/018/2012 Production of investment promotion video.

UNDP will not be responsible for postal delays, if any, in the delivery of the bid documents
or non-receipt of the bid.

Request for additional information:

Firms/companies with questions regarding this request should send them in writing to the
following e-mail: lao.procurement@undp.org. Please indicate on e-mail subject the RFP reference
i.e. RFQ/018/2012 Production of investment promotion video.
Late or partial quotations will be rejected.
10 Friday May 4, 2012 Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times Friday May 4, 2012 11
12 Friday May 4, 2012 Vientiane Times

JOB OPPORTUNITY
Conservation Program Manager (Re-advertisement)
WWF has a long established presence in the Mekong region, starting in Vietnam in 1990.
Since then, WWF operations have grown to four Country offices based in Cambodia
(Phnom Penh), Laos (Vientiane), Thailand (Bangkok) & Vietnam (Hanoi), including
a Regional team in the Hanoi, Vientiane and Bangkok offices. The Greater Mekong
Programme Office (GMPO) was officially formed in November 2005 merging WWF
Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam) and WWF Thailand. In order to be relevant with
partners at provincial levels and deliver conservation results in landscapes, GMPO has
also developed 20 field offices across the 4 countries and 6 landscapes.
Following a strong track record of conservation delivery over the last 20 years, WWF
has established both the credibility and presence to deliver conservation impact at
all levels from provincial, to national to regional.
WWF GMPO has embarked on new strategic plan FY11-FY15. The new strategic
plan outlines changes in the way WWF GMPO operates, both in conservation and
operation aspects.
WWF-Laos is seeking to recruit a well-qualified and experienced Lao candidate to
work in the following position:
Conservation Program Manager (full time)
Base location: Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR with frequent travel to the provinces

The Conservation Programme Manager is responsible for the implementation

of the Country Conservation Plan that is aligned with deliverables defined in
the Greater Mekong Programme Strategic Plan. He/she provides measurable
inputs to ensure the delivery of the activities of conservation strategy at
country office level. He/she manages the landscape projects through the
Landscape Managers and partners with Strategy Managers to ensure the
alignment. He/she will also ensure resource prioritisation and allocation and
work plan coherence across the landscapes. He/she is also responsible for
country projects that fall outside the landscapes.

The start gross salary range from: US$14,800 to US$22,332 (Equal approx.
Lak119,040,000 to Lak 178,656,000 per year depended on qualification.
Full details are in the Job Description/TORs of the position posted on
www.panda.org/greatermekong
Interested Lao candidates should email a cover letter, CV with latest photos, available
degrees and qualifications to: phonesavanh.philavanh@wwfgreatermekong.org with
attention to Phonesavanh PHILAVANH, Human Resource Manager.
Closing date: 19 May 2012
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Vientiane Times Friday May 4, 2012 13

Improving the Resilience of the Agricultural Sector in Lao PDR to

Climate Change Impacts IRAS - NAPA Follow-Up Project

Job Announcement
Climate change is a subject that impacts the way we live and work. It is
having a significant impact on many economic sectors including agriculture.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been active in
fighting against climate change since 1990. With funding from the Global
Environment Facility (GEF) and technical support from UNDP, the Lao PDR
completed the National Adaptation Programme of Action to Climate Change
(NAPA).

UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), executed

through the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI)
have completed the formulation of the project Improving the Resilience of
the Agriculture Sector in Lao PDR to Climate Change Impacts as part of the
NAPA follow-up.
The following long-term positions are immediately available in the project:
1 Media and Publication Assistant, Vientiane
2 Monitoring and Evaluation/Reporting Assistants, Xayaboury and
Savannakhet
1 Driver, Savannakhet
1 Driver, Vientiane

The project aims to have 50% of the positions occupied by female staff.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
For detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) please contact: Ms Dalavanh Sisoutham
Tel: 021 771594 or 020 28225315, email address: dalavanh_s@yahoo.com
or download Terms of Reference or for electronic applications on NAFRI
website at: www.nafri.org.la
Please send your written application for a specified position, consisting of
cover letter and comprehensive CV, to Ms Dalavanh Sisoutham; NAFRI/MAF.
Tel: 021 771594 or 28225315; email address: dalavanh_s@yahoo.com
Deadline for applications: 16 May 2012
14 Friday May 4, 2012
Opinion
How can we create a more orderly society?
Vientiane authorities are stepping up the management of social order. For example, theyre
dealing with unauthorised advertisements and street stalls. In November, Vientiane will host the
Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit. Members of the public are asked to assist
in maintaining order and security over the event
Bounfaeng Phaymanivong parking improperly on roadsides,
and especially on footpaths. It is
Ms Sithong Bouachanthala, a obviously inappropriate and against
school teacher: Several important the regulations. Second, I would
like to urge everyone to think about
rubbish disposal, because littering
is prohibited by law. As a teacher, I
would like to encourage everyone
to obey the traffic rules as well as
other regulations so that we are fully
prepared to receive overseas guests.
Mr Somphiene Vannarath, a
company worker: Selling food
and other goods along the roadside
is not difficult, but the owners of
these stalls must follow the rules.
I think everyone knows what the
limits are, but some vendors are
greedy. They want to use more
things need to be improved ahead space for selling and advertising,
of the Summit. First, I think every but dont want to spend any
single person must consider road more on taxes. I think it is quite
safety. Traffic signs should be inappropriate to pin advertisements
installed at the right places, as on trees and electricity poles
their absence can easily lead to because it just doesnt look good.
accidents. Also, a lot of people are I dont know what our overseas
Streetwise
guests would think, but I disagree
with this behaviour. I also think
businesspeople should be more
aware of public interests its not
only about personal profit. Everyone
should understand that they should
do what they need to so theyve
got enough money but, at the same
time, they should keep the image of
the country in mind.
Mr Phengthalid Vongsavanh, a
government employee: Parking
Vientiane Times
vehicles and selling goods along
roadsides are a constant cause
of traffic delays. The authorities
should do more to regulate this
chronic problem, especially near
the Morning Market and other
markets in Vientiane. Cleanliness
in public places is still a problem.
Parks and markets need to be
cleaned up and more rubbish bins
need to be provided. Most people
are responsible about garbage, but
there are some who are always
careless with their litter. A sense of
civic pride and more focus on public
cleanliness would make us more should set up their stalls away from
responsible as a nation, and prove dusty roads. As far as I know, the
that we care about our country. authorities designate certain spots
for vendors selling cooked food
Ms Phetdavone Lingkham, a where people can conveniently
student at the National University stop, to avoid road accidents. Also,
of Laos: Setting up food stalls along shrubs and trees planted along our
roadsides is inappropriate because roads are public property and help
of all the dust. Whats more, these to beautify the city. But if someone
stalls cause traffic congestion. But comes along and places an advert on
I think overseas visitors want to a tree, it defaces it and devalues that
sample our street food so vendors image.
Vientiane Times Friday May 4, 2012 Opinion 15

For a free, independent press Not an ordinary May 1st

Jakarta, The Jakarta Post,
ANN -- As we celebrate World
Press Freedom Day today, it is
worthwhile asking the question
whether journalists and the
media they work for have
exercised independence in the
course of their job serving the
nation.
In the 2012 Press Freedom
Index released by Freedom
House this week, Indonesia
ranked 97th of 197 countries
worldwide, and 22nd of 36
Asia-Pacific countries. Hardly
apt for a country that likes to
brag itself as the worlds third
largest democracy.
Indonesia may be
fortunate in having a legal
framework that is one of the
most progressive in Asia in
guaranteeing press freedom,
but the media suffer from a
huge credibility gap that comes
from their perceived lack of
independence. This perception
develops because many major
media outlets shamelessly
reflect the political or business
interests of their proprietors.
They are failing in their job
of serving the interests of the
people.
The freedom that
journalists and the media in
Indonesia enjoy today has
given them the luxury of space
to perform their tasks as a
pillar of democracy far more
effectively than during the
three-decade regime of press
censorship under president
Soeharto until 1998.
The media keep the public
informed, including about the
choices available to them at
election times.
The media also act as
an effective watchdog on
the powers-that-be, keeping
government and big business
accountable. In democracy,
the media do many others
things to meet the peoples
needs for accurate and credible
information.
Journalists or the media
cannot perform these essential
functions in a democracy
without freedom. If journalism
is a profession in the service of
the public, freedom then is the
sine qua non for the services
rendered. Through a series
of legislation since 1998, the
people have placed their trust
in a free press to work for their
interests. Trust is the chief
currency in this trade. It is both
a public trust and a mandate.
The people are no fools.
Any journalist or media
outlet that abuses their
freedom will be caught
out and very quickly
lose their credibility.
One disturbing trend in the
media industry globally, and
not just in Indonesia, is the
increasing conglomeration of
media outlets.
This growing concentration
of ownership may be the
nature of the media business,
but it should never come at the
expense of undermining the
medias credibility.
Fortunately, the Internet
has leveled the playing field.
Today, mainstream media
sources have to compete with
a host of new players, from
bloggers to citizen journalists
who actively disseminate
information through the
social media. In spite of the
conglomerations, no media
group in the country has
undue influence to control the
flow of news and information.
Every single one of them,
whether big or small, part of a Juan Somavia
major chain or independent, is
Tens of thousands of people
subject to the same credibility
around the world are taking
test by the public. to the streets to mark May
The people are no fools. 1st. What else is new? Well,
Any journalist or media outlet plenty.
that abuses their freedom will The continuing economic
be caught out and very quickly crisis is hitting workers
lose their credibility. They hardest. It also highlights how
will be punished severely, not the macroeconomic policies
by some powerful institutions, of the past decades have
but by the forces of the free downgraded the meaning of
market. The public is so decent work.
much smarter and today they The current growth
have so many choices at their model considers work as a
disposal from which to source production cost that must be
as low as possible in order
to raise competitiveness and
profits. Workers are seen as
being consumers of all sorts of
loans rather than as having a
legitimate share through wages
in the wealth they contribute to
create. Certainly a vision where
capital has the upper-hand.
Lost in translation is the
fact that quality work is a
source of personal dignity,
family stability, peace in the
community and, certainly,
a source of credibility for
their news and information. democratic governance.
You betray their trust at your However, in too many
peril. places we have lost the basic
On World Press Freedom notion that labour is not a
Day, journalists and their commodity.
media have to answer truthfully So, this is no ordinary
whether they have worked for May 1st. It comes at a time
the interests of the people and when deep-rooted interests
functioned independent of the are pushing to go back to
political and business interests business-as-usual, arguing
of their proprietors. that this is just another crisis
This is also the question that that can be solved applying
the people ask when deciding the same old recipes. It is not.
which news sources they want This trend is especially
visible in advanced economies
to trust and rely on from a wide
and particularly in the
range of choices available. Eurozone, where policies that
In all likelihood, they already are trying to cope with very
know the answer. high levels of public debt are
In the end, this is the generating even higher social
question that journalists need to deficits that will also have to
ask and to answer themselves in be addressed.
order to save their profession, When youth unemployment
the media they work for and, rates hover around 50 percent in
ultimately, to save democracy Spain and Greece, it is obvious
and the nation. that we have reached the
limits of this austerity-induced
recession. This ignores the EUs
foundational values of justice
and solidarity that have been
enshrined in all major European
treaties, from Rome to Lisbon. It
also ignores the fact that paying
back debt needs growth and
jobs. Policies are also departing
from ratified ILO conventions
and disregarding the crucial role
that social dialogue can play in
times of crisis.
We need a socially-
responsible approach to fiscal
consolidation. In a democracy,
it is more important to retain
the long-term trust of people
especially the most vulnerable
groups than to gain the short-
term confidence of financial
markets.
Globally speaking, most
large companies and the
financial system in general
have bounced back from the
crisis, although some pundits
claim that there are still some
fragile banks. Governments
spent billions of dollars to
ensure their recovery. Workers
have not received the same
treatment. It is understandable
that people marking this first
of May feel that while some
banks are too big to fail, they
are too small to matter.
So what do we do? I believe
we need to change the current
global growth model. True,
this is a model that has created
huge amounts of wealth, but it
is wealth concentrated in very
few hands. This model has
failed to generate the type of
inclusive growth we were led
to believe it would. We need
a different type of growth that
is environmentally conscious
and focused on people.
This means a model whose
main aim is to increase the
general well-being of people
and reduce inequalities, that
measures success by the
number of good-quality jobs
generated, not the percentage
of GDP growth.
The financial system has
to be at the service of the real
economy, not playing around
with other peoples money.
Banks have to go back to
their original and valuable
role of lending to sustainable
enterprises so they can invest
and create jobs. Employment,
social and environmental
policies need to be as relevant
as macroeconomic policies.
This is not the case today.
Back in the days of the so-
called Washington Consensus,
conventional wisdom said
that inclusive labour markets,
which provide quality jobs,
social protection and workers
rights, would perform poorly.
The fact is that countries that
invested in long-term social
policies and capacity-building
have experienced more stable
growth. Many have even
become more competitive and
are recovering quicker from
the crisis than countries that
chose the fiscal austerity path.
We must move to a fairer,
greener and more sustainable
globalisation capable of
meeting peoples aspirations
for a decent life. That means
progressive access to a good-
paying job with labour rights.
Thats how middle classes
emerged at different stages
in different countries. Thats
also why middle classes are
now under threat, because it is
increasingly difficult for people
to find a decent job and to work
their way out of poverty.
This concern applies
to all countries. And no
country or region can lead
on its own. Moving towards
a new era of social justice
requires cooperation, dialogue
and, above all, leadership.
Leadership fired by human
values key among them, the
respect for the dignity of work
and workers.
Juan Somavia is Director-
General of the International
Labour Organisation

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(SAM) of Korea with a purpose of exploding potential mineral operations here in Lao PDR.

Now our company is looking for new employees many positions in the following:

1. / Accounting staff (01 position) 7. / Translator staff (02 Korean and 02 English)
2. / General Affairs (01 position) 8. / Marketing, Logistics staff (01 position) male.
3. / Mine staffs (03 Surveys, 01 Drilling, 9. / Quality control staff (05 position)
01Mining) male. 10. / Mining processing staff (03 positions) male.
6. / Law staff (01 position) male or female.
Education and Experience :
- Good verbal and written communication skills in both Lao and English.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Power Point, Internet, Email.
- Ability to maintain direction and achieve work objectives with minimal supervision.

All interesting applicants please kindly bring in the following:

Cover Letter and CV in English, Certificate of graduation with score in English.
- Copy ID card, Family book and concerned documents in all applications.

A generous salary will be provided based upon experience.

Only short-listed candidates will be contracted for interview. In order to keep contact,
Please note down your mobile phone number in the application. All applications will be
confidential.

Start and Closing date for applications : As soon as possible!

Vientiane Office 501,503 Alounmai Building. P.O. Box: 8156, Ban Nongbone,
Saysettha District, Vientiane Cap, Lao PDR Phone +856-21 455 073, 020-
95573559 Fax +856-21 455 074 Email: visean.sjklaos@gmail.com
A Member of Seoul Alloy Metal Group
16 Friday May 4, 2012
Feature
Philippine bonsai art world-class, too
Serapion S. Metilla
Philippine Daily Inquirer, ANN -- The
first civilisation that practised the art
of dwarfing plants was the Chinese.
They call it ponsai.
In the beginning, according to
Chinese history, there was this plant
artist called a magician for having
created miniature rocky mountains
with plants that became stunted or
miniaturised due to the lack of soil.
That started the idea of culturing
plants in containers.
Plants were simply grown in
rounded, basin-shaped clay pots, and
eventually became miniature trees
through the grow-and-clip method.
They were usually displayed in
the courtyards of rich merchants or
leaders of the community, but taken
care of by ordinary artisans.
It was said that one expert who
was disgusted with the government
ran away and applied as gardener with
the Imperial household of Japan.
There he practised his expertise
in the art of dwarfing trees, which
eventually influenced the Japanese
plant connoisseurs, who quickly
developed it into an art.
They called it bon saibon
means pot or tray, and sai, to
plant.
Actually, it means plants in pots
or simply potted plants. Although the
art originated in China, the Japanese
word is more popular throughout the
world. This was probably because the
Japanese developed the art further
with some innovations, and sharing
it with anybody interested.
Yes, it was in Japan that bonsai
art was fully developed. For
The Intramuros ruins.
example, they introduced different
shapes and forms of containers, then
classified the plants into styles such
as upright, slanting and cascading,
among others, and displayed their
artworks in public for others to in Hong Kong, claimed that bonsai
appreciate, most especially when
Japan was opened to other countries
of the world.
Bonsai in the US
It was just after the World War
II when some of the American
soldiers were assigned in Japan.
When the soldiers were honourably
discharged, they brought home some
bonsai plants and the knowledge for
culturing, them so that those soldiers
were credited with developing bonsai
art in the US. This was sometime in
1946, just after World War II.
As for the Chinese, Wu Yee Sun,
owner of Hong Kong Bank Ltd., who
has quite a large collection of bonsai
in her website Tiny Kingdoms,
art originated in China. However, he
credited the Japanese for perfecting
the art.
In the Philippines, the Chinese
who settled in Manila long before the
Spanish colonisation were already
growing bonsai. This was mentioned
by Spanish priest Fr. Pedro Cherino
in his writings, Relation delas Islas
Pilipinas, in 1590.
In Chapter 10, he described that
the Chinese in Manila were fond of
planting balete trees with the roots
inserted in the crevices of coral stones
placed in a basin with little water.
When the plant was established with
new leaves, they displayed it in an
altar at the foot of their gods.
The word bonsai, of course, was
not mentioned because the Chinese
have another name for it. But the art
is exactly the same as what we are
practicing now, which we call rock-
grown or rock-clasping bonsai.
We can therefore say that bonsai
art was already introduced in the
Philippines long before the Spanish
times and probably before other
Asian countries. But how come the
art developed only sometime in the
1960s? This was probably because
the Chinese kept it to themselves.
Besides, our ancestors were
not schooled, and unaware of such
cultural arts.
Just recently I got an e-mail from
a friend titled Tiny Kingdoms. I
call it innovative in the sense that
in most bonsai books published
throughout the world, all you can see
are just trees, either solo or in groups
styled without any landmark.
Mariella Moon Tecca, who wrote
not worthy just because it was an
described Takanori Aibas pieces innovation of a Filipino, or probably
as bonsai that look like mini trees
in somebodys Zen garden. She
further stated that this Japanese
artist combines bonsai art form
with Lilliputian architecture design
to create some of the most stunning
pieces you will ever see.
Aiba, a plain bonsai maker and a
maze illustrator, wrote in his website
that his designs were derived from
structures that are products of his
Vientiane Times
imagination.
Tecca further said that it took Aiba
three months to a year and a half to
make each detailed piece.
One year to finish
The piece called Hawaiian
Pineapple Resort, according to Tecca,
took him one full year to finish, while
another was completed in about six
months.
Should anyone want to see Aibas
creations, you have to go to Japan.
He says that one of his pieces titled
Hotel de Michelin is on display in his
restaurant in Tokyo.
In comparison, I would like to
show my bonsai called Intramuros
Ruins. Im proud to say that this was
the cover of Agriculture Magazine
edited by Zac Sarian, in the issue
dated March 2-8, 1990. At that time
the art was 15 years old, so as of this
writing, it is now about 37 years old.
Takanori Aibas pieces were
probably created about 10 years ago.
This shows that I originated the
landmark idea earlier.
As founder of the Philippine
Bonsai Society, I was asked to exhibit
my piece sometime in 2004. This was
held in Shangri-La Mall in Manila.
However, the organisers seemed
reluctant to give the plant a better
location, displaying it in an unlikely
position.
Probably they considered it
because such an idea could not be
found in bonsai books. Now that the
Japanese artworks are considered
stunning pieces, Filipinos seem to
look up to them, too.
To my fellow bonsai growers, lets
not limit ourselves to the traditional
ways. Art should evolve, so lets
introduce innovations. In other words,
let us not just copy what foreigners are
doing.
Vientiane Times Friday May 4, 2012 Feature 17

Urban farming takes root in Brazils favelas

Faiana Frayssinet
NOVA IGUAU, Brazil (IPS)
-- Women in one of the poorest
neighbourhoods of this city 40 km
north of Rio de Janeiro no longer
have to spend money on vegetables,
because they have learned to grow
their own, as organic urban gardening
takes off in Brazil.
The land here is not fertile, like
it is in the hilly region of the state of
Rio de Janeiro that supplies the citys
markets. And the climate is sometimes
too hot for vegetables to grow without
stress or pests.
But in the poor neighbourhood of
Parque Genesiano da Luz in the city
of Nova Iguau, local women can
now proudly say they eat what they
themselves have grown.
The women sell the rest of what
they produce 70 percent through
the Univerde cooperative they set up,
which comprises 22 families who put
five percent of what they earn back in,
to run the cooperative.
Production is carried out on an
individual basis, but everything else,
including the sales of produce, is done
collectively.
Its wonderful to see what you
grow in the garden, bring everything
home fresh, and give your children
such healthy food, Joyce da Silva,
one of the members of the cooperative,
told IPS. So much so that when the
low-production season arrives, we
dont even buy outside, because now
we know that conventional products
have a lot of poison. And I dont want
to eat that anymore.
The gardens, which are each
about 1,000 square metres in size,
are located on what once were empty
lots. Below them lie pipelines of the
state oil company, Petrobras, which
financed the project when it got under
way in 2007.
When the financing dried up,
many of the more than 50 families
taking part at the time dropped out,
due to a lack of resources.
But a group of women decided to
continue, against all odds: they didnt
have funds, tools, or transportation to
haul seeds and seedlings or take their
products to the street markets to sell
them.
But they were determined not to
give up the independence they had
achieved.
Before getting involved in the
cooperative, I only looked after my
home, da Silva said. But afterwards,
I gained economic independence.
Another kind of independence is the
health I achieved for my family. And
also the improved living conditions.
Things at home improved in
general.
The Urban Agriculture
Programme, which now provides the
women with technical assistance, was
created in 1999, and was expanded into
peri-urban areas in 2011 by AS-PTA,
a non-governmental organisation that
promotes urban family gardening and
agroecology.
This programme is aimed at
boosting the incomes of families
in peri-urban areas poor
neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the
cities of Rio de Janeiro, Queimados
and Mag, where it benefits a total of
650 people.
The urban farmers do not use
chemicals. Both the fertilisers and
pesticides they use are homemade
and non-toxic.
The majority of the food
consumed in the city comes from far
away, which means prices are driven
up by transport costs, Marcio Mattos
de Mendona, the coordinator of the
Urban Agriculture Programme, told
IPS.
The people who live in these
communities need food from nearby
areas, he said. Fresh vegetables are
often left off the menu, and unhealthy
kinds of food are given priority.
In line with the global demographic
trend, Brazils population of more than
192 million people is increasingly
urban.
In 2000, 81 percent of Brazilians
lived in urban areas, and 10 years
later the proportion has risen to over
84 percent, according to the 2010
census.
But the growing urbanisation
has not snuffed out the vocation for
farming passed down through the
generations, Mendona said. In many
poor urban areas like the favelas or
shantytowns lining the hills of Rio
de Janeiro, people have kept alive the
custom of growing vegetables and
medicinal herbs, and raising small
animals like pigs, goats or barnyard
fowl.
Aldeni Fausto, who always grew
vegetables in her yard, inherited that
practice which has been kept alive by
migrants from rural areas and which
she is now successfully reproducing
within the city limits.
Living in nature is what I like
the most, she said. The pleasure
of planting, harvesting and feeding
ourselves, reviving our familys roots
and traditions and teaching them to
our children; that is so important, so
we dont forget our history.
Fausto, the president of the
Univerde cooperative, said the
distancing of rural migrants from their
land led to an increase in diseases,
an imbalance in nature, and financial
problems, because these people have
nothing to eat and no interest in
producing food.
But if people planted a little bit
in every corner, they wouldnt suffer
from a lack of food, she said.
Da Silva looks at it from another
angle. I never imagined producing
food in the middle of the city. This
area didnt even have a market. And
sometimes we couldnt even afford
to go somewhere else to buy things,
she said.
The visit to the cooperative was one
of the field trips organised by World
Nutrition Rio 2012, an international
nutrition congress organised in Rio
de Janeiro Apr. 27-30 by the World Cooperative member Rosinia Soares displays the aubergines growing in her
Public Health Nutrition Association garden in Parque Genesiano da Luz. --Credit:Fabiana Frayssinet/IPS
and the Brazilian Association of
Collective Health. Although I dont look like it, I used There is still a prejudice that
Among other issues, the congress to be fat. I have seen changes in my the countryside is poor, Siqueira
discussed healthy eating habits, the body, in my health, in my childrens told IPS. Her team is attempting to
planets resources, and the need to diet. My mind now is more at ease, apply urban and peri-urban farming
recognise and support traditional food and I have found an equilibrium, she techniques in poor neighbourhoods in
systems three core concepts that said, pointing out that she is now free her state, in southern Brazil, through
underlie the activities of the Univerde of obesity-related health problems the Technological Incubator of
cooperative. like back pain and hypertension. Popular Cooperatives.
Da Silva said her family had But the route these women The hope of the cooperative
various health-related problems chose is not an easy one. Without members is that now they have
linked to eating habits that she now strong support, like the funding they official certification, they will be
understands were harmful. received at first, the sustainability of able to sell their produce to the
Her daughter, for example, had the cooperative is always an issue of federal governments school meals
anaemia. Even though she is dark- concern. programme, which stimulates
skinned like I am, she looked sort of Of the more than 50 plots of land purchases by public schools of food
yellowish and was very weak. But available for urban farming in Nova produced by family farmers.
with this food, she is now in good Iguau, only 22 are currently in use, Before, we didnt even know
health, her skin shines, and her lips said one of the visitors from the how to run a company, and now we
and gums are nice and red; this was congress, Anglica Siqueira, a student administer our own cooperative,
the best thing about it, for me, da in her final year of coursework for a said Fausto, a true convert to urban
Silva said. degree in nutrition at the alternative gardening. Its therapy. One little
Fausto also noticed improvements economy centre of the Federal plant gives you back gratitude and
in her familys quality of life. University of Rio Grande do Sul. love.

Vacancy Announcement
District Focus Survey Manager
Vacancy Annoucement
Handicap International is looking for 1 District Focus Survey Manager for the UXO Program Service Fraternel DEntraide (SFE) is an NGO developing long-term projects in Laos
based in Sepon, Savannakhet in the area of medical cooperation and rural development. The SFE Tuberculosis
project is supporting the implemenation of the national tuberculosis program in
HI started to work in the UXO sector in Lao PDR in 1996. Since October 2011, HI has been implementing a
new survey approach, the District Focus Approach (DFA). The aim of this pilot project is to define the level Sekong Povince.
of contamination in Lao PDR with its socio-economic impact and design a 10 years clearance plan.
Position Vacant : PROJECT ASSISTANT - TRANSLATOR
Main tasks of the Manager is to:
1. Supervise, coordinate, monitor and manage a team of 12 surveyors (possibility of extension to 24
Situation : SFE office in Sekong
surveyors);
2. Produce annual and monthly work plans; General responsibilities:
3. Produce monthly and quarterly report;
4. Work closely with the partners National Regulatory Authority, UXO district committee, other NGO
involved in the District Focus Approach; - Providing assistance for project implementation
5. Work closely with the different other projects in the UXO program, with the Technical Adviser and the - Providing translation and interpretation service ( Lao-English or French;
Head of Mission; French or English-Lao )
6. Conduct regular Quality Assurance visits to the field to oversee the activities of the survey teams.
Ensure all activities are being carried out in accordance with the DFA methodology and the organization
- Providing assistance for office management
SOPs;
7. Ensure all activities are being carried out in accordance with the DFA methodology and the organization Skill requirements :
SOPs;
8. Quality Control on all data collection forms;
9. Manage the survey documentation; - Good level of english or french (spoken and written)
- Experience in management for at least two years
Required Qualifications: - Excellent interpersonal communication skill and team work
- High School certificate; - Computer skills
- Excellent skills in management and organization; - Flexibility to work in remote area
- Committed to community development; - Medical knowledge will be an asset
- Good interpersonal and communication skills; - Driven licence for motobike will be an asset
- Be flexible, reliable and trustworthy;
- Knowledge of English (speaking, reading, writing).

Applicants interested have to send application documents to Mr. Vithit Chantasari We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit an application letter describing
Tel : 856 + 20 55671109, email: deputyhom@handicap-international-laos.org HI Vientiane office, Ban
Vongvilay. Office phone: 021 412110. their motivation for the position, a CV containing personal, educational, occupational
fields, skills, if possible a copy of diploma and contact information.
Application documents should include; Application should be submitted as soon as possible or by the closing date of
Personal profile / CV 25 May 2012.
Copy of Education Certificate
Copy of motorbike driving license Send application by email to : laos@sfe-laos.org. Or for more information please
Copy of ID card and family book contact SFE office in Vientiane at : 021 31 53 98 .
Copy of Working experience records (if available) Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interview. All applications will be

Deadline: May 15th 2012 kept confidential and will not be returned.
18 Friday May 4, 2012
Art & Entertainment
Pepsi song contest down to the last twelve
Ounkham Pimmata
Thirty contestants recently
showcased their ability and
talent for dance and song in
the latest round of the Young
Music Contest at the National
Culture Hall in Vientiane.
The contest, sponsored
by Pepsilao, saw the
30 contestants give two
performances, one with an
upbeat tempo and another to a
slower rhythm.
The 12 remaining
contestants will face off against
each other on May 11 after
receiving mentoring support
from professional singers to
hone their final performances,
training and support regarding
their vocal technique as well
as advice about the latest
fashion trends.
The Physical Education
Department of the Ministry
of Education and Sports along
with Pepsilao are hosting the
event, aiming to give budding
stars experience to help them
become professional singers
in the future.
Department Director
Mr Bounsouk Vilasak said
this would not only provide
A contestant sings his heart
out at the National Culture Hall. secondary school students
across the country with a stage
which will incorporate both to showcase their singing
Lao and international songs. abilities, but would also keep
The finalists will receive them away from less desirable
activities like taking drugs.
The most talented young
performers will also get the
chance to represent Laos
on the international stage,
performing homegrown Lao
music for overseas audiences.
The winner will receive 10
million kip in prize money as
well as free Pepsi for a whole
year. The runner up will
receive six million kip, while
third place getter will get four
million kip and a years supply
of Pepsi.
The winners of the Pepsi
popular vote and Pepsi best
performance awards will
receive two million kip each
and congratulatory certificates.
Vientiane Times
Whats On
Vientiane
1. The first European Food Festival will be held in Vientiane on May 9 at the
National Culture Hall to mark the 62nd anniversary of the European Union.
2. Luang Prabang Lao Open from May 3-6, 2012 at Luang Prabang Golf Club.
3. Mext scholarship seminar for studying in Japan 2013 will be held on May
12 from 9 am to 12 am at the Nation University of Laos.
4. New Zealand ASEAN Scholar Awards 2012 Information Session will be held at
Vientiane College on Tuesday May 15 at 15:00 pm
- The 6th Lao Women Artists Exhibition at the National Institute of Fine Arts in
Ban Chao Anou until May 10, open until 5.30 pm.
- Action with Lao Children Library: Open Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm and Sat 9am
to 3pm. Come in and read and borrow Lao, Japanese, Thai and English books.
Located in Ban Saphangmor, Xaysettha district.
- Permanent UXO exhibition and the provision of artificial limbs for victims.
COPE Visitor Centre, Khouvieng Road, opposite Green Park Hotel. Every day:
9am-6pm.
- Chess Club meets at 1pm every Sunday at City Inn on Pangkham Road,
Vientiane.
Contact: Gabriel_smit@hotmail.com
- Womens International Group. For activities and times email
wiglaosmembership@gmail.com
- Toastmasters Club meets every Sun. from 4-6pm at Khopchaideu
restaurant (3F). Everyone is welcome.
- Meditation at Vat Sokpaluang every Saturday, 4-5.30pm.
- English Language Church Service every Sunday 10am at the ARDA
Language Centre (near the Mercure, formerly Novotel). Call (021) 261441, or
visit http://www.the-chs.org
- European Food Festival on May 9 at the National Culture Hall.
- A seminar on scholarships to study in Japan 2013 will be held on May 12
from 9-12am at the National University of Laos.
Luang Prabang Rules Football Club -Meet
at 6.30 pm on Thursdays for

I Am a Singer kicks off to mixed reaction from viewers
(Korea Herald) -- MBCs
I Am a Singer, last years hit
singing competition that pitted
top performers against one
another, kicked off its second
season on Sunday amid high
expectations from viewers.
The show has a new format
-- new competition rules,
contestants, a live broadcast
-- all orchestrated by producer
Kim Young-hee, who has been
reinstated for the new season
after being replaced following
last seasons public uproar over
a participant who, after failing
a round, was offered another
chance.
Now lets begin the festival
of the gods, Kim said proudly,
referring to the 12 singers
participating as contestants.
However, viewers seemed
to think otherwise. The viewer
rating came a little short of
the broadcasters expectations
at 8.2 percent, lower than the
8.9 percent recorded when the
show started to lose steam in
January.
The first episode of the new
season coincided with the last
battle round of SBS K-pop
Star, an unfortunate beginning
for the survival program.
Observers point out that the
program is not fresh enough
to draw viewers attention,
despite its new format.
Online
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to: info@vientianetimes.org.la.
Or editor@vientianetimes.org.la
Tel: (856-21) 216364
Fax: (856-21) 216365, 252631
The focus of the show has
been on who will take part and
the stories that followed, but
casting former contestants for
season 2 is like repeating an
old story line, said Seo Jeong
Min-gaph, a pop music critic.
number of contestants
increased to 12 from the
previous seasons seven,
showing a variety of
performances and also to bring
more stories to the show.
Former participants Kim
Yeon-woo, Jung Yeop, Kim
Gun-mo, Park Wan-gyu,
Lee Young-hyun and JK
Kim Dong-wook -- singers
eliminated early on in the
first season -- will join seven
new veteran singers including
Lee Eun-mi, Park Sang-min,
Jung In, Lee Su-young, Park
Mi-kyoung and the rock band
Baekdusan.
Seo Jeong said the singers
have been frequently seen on
other entertainment shows,
making the program less
appealing to viewers.
He added that the show
needs someone like singer Lim
Jae-beom, who rarely makes
public appearances but made a
huge sensation after competing
in the show.
Viewers reviews on the
shows website showed that
some found Sundays program
Lee Eun-mi, singer and emcee of
I Am a Singer (season 2 MBC).
distracting, rather than
allowing them to focus on the
new singers.
I found it distracting with
12 singers. And the rules are
so complex that the fun is
lost, wrote Kim Jin-ho on the
viewers bulletin board.
The old competition rule
eliminated those who received
the lowest score from citizen
judges.
But under the new rule,
those who rank first and last
will leave at the end of the
month.
I prefer the season 1
competition format. I focused
on rankings with season 1, but
now the winner has to go,
questioned Kim Hyun-ah.
The program has
mixed a tournament format
incorporating elements from
KBS Immortal Song and
battle rounds of Superstar
K in order to add fun to its
simple competition format
(eliminating the one with
the lowest score), said Lee
Dong-yeun, professor at Korea
National University of Arts.
But it will lose the high
tension between contestants
that keeps viewers watching
the show, said Lee.
Seo Jeong said the show
should have chosen either a
completely new format or
a completely new line-up
of contestants to appeal to
viewers.
It will be hard to do better
than amateur singing audition
programs such as Superstar K
or K-pop Star, he said.
But he added that it remains
to be seen how the show will
fare once the real competition
begins.
Big Brother Mouse helps
young people practise their
English at free drop-in sessions,
9-11am and 5-7pm, open every
day. Just come to our office at
9am or 5pm in Ban Vat Nong,
around the corner from 3 Nagas
Hotel. www.bigbrothermouse.
com.
Traditional Arts and
Ethnology Centre. Open 9am-
6pm, Tues-Sun.
www.taeclaos.org
Ock Pop Tok
Living Crafts Centre open daily
for free guided tour. Natural
dyes, weaving and batik
drawing classes daily. 9am-
5pm. Free transfer from Ock
Pop Tok shops in town to the
weaving centre on the Mekong.
Call 071 212597
Royal Palace National
Museum. Open 8.30-11.30am
and 1.30-4.30pm from
Wednesday to Monday.
UXO Visitor Centre. Open
Mon-Fri 8.30am-12 and
2-5pm. Right turn just before
Presidents Monument on the
Northern Rd.
Museums
Lao National Museum
on Samsenthai Road opposite
National Culture Hall. Open
Mon-Fri during office hours
and on weekends from 9am to
4pm.
Horphakeo Museum
on Setthathirat Road
opposite Vat Sisaket. Open
Mon-Sun during office hours.
Sports
Luang Prabang Laos Open from
May 3-6, at Luang Prabang Golf
Club.
ANZ Vientiane Lions
Womens Rugby Club
Wednesday night fitness
sessions from 7:30 at VIS. Pitch
trainings Thursday nights from
19:30 and Sunday from 16:00
at Polytechnic Pitch in Ban
Phonphapao. Contact Vieng
on 020 54234111 or Maggie
on 020 78110019 for more
information.
Champa Ban Youth Rugby
Rugby activities with a focus
on fun, games and healthy
living message. Free and open
to all. Visit www.laorugby.com
or contact Noui 020 54905090
or Maggie on 020 78110019 for
more information.
Lao Elephants Australian
training, please contact the
LE President at president_
laoelephants@laopdr.com
for details and other meeting
areas.
Buffalos Rugby - mens
rugby training Tuesday
evenings 6 - 7:30pm. All
welcome. Sunday morning
social touch rugby - male,
female all ages welcome.
Free. For either, contact
John (020 77140176), Bob
(020 55510443) and Tom (020
2281111) for more information.
Wild Hogs Rugby training
at the Polytechnic pitch
in Phonpapao village,
Sisattanak, at 8pm on Tues.
and Thurs. Optional Saturday
touch session at That Luang
at 5:30pm, Sunday fitness at
That Luang at 5:30pm. Call
020 77615677
or Chris 020 77834385.
Lao Mahout Netball team
trains every Tues. at 6pm at
Vientiane International School.
For more information contact
Saeng on 020 77442689.
Lions Womens Rugby from
7.30pm on Tues and Thurs at
the Polytechnic pitch. Contact
Noui on 020 4905090 or
Maggie on 020 54656153.
Youth Community Rugby
Sessions
Training for U15 Boys and
U17 Girls at the Polytechnic
pitch in Phonpapao village,
Sisattanak, at 7:30pm on
Wed. Training for children of
all ages at 9am on Sunday.
Aqua-fitness Fri 10-11am;
Sat 11-12. Please contact
Sarah at 020 54147069 or
nsteam @live.fr
Body Language at Vientiane
Accueil, Khouvieng Rd.
Class includes stretching and
respiratory exercises with
an oriental touch. Tues. and
Thurs. from 5.30-6.30pm.
Contact 020 5612107.
Aerobics at Sokpalouang
swimming pool, Sisattanak
district. Open every day from
6am-8pm.
Vientiane Hash House Harriers
Meet at Nam Phu Fountain
every Saturday for travel to
out-of-town runs. Mixed Hash,
register at 3.45pm and depart
4pm. Monday,VH3, family
Hash. 3 runs - short, medium
and long. Meet at 5pm at
advertised venue. Phones:
223867, 217493,
mobile 020 5511293, 5514669.
Vientiane Times
Mayweather rant means no Pacquiao fight
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Sorry,
boxing fans. This is news you
dont want to hear.
Enjoy Floyd Mayweather
Jr. on Saturday night against
Miguel Cotto, if you wish. But
understand this: Despite the
fervent hope of almost everyone
in boxing, Mayweather will not
be fighting Manny Pacquiao.
Not later this year. Not ever.
If I wasnt sure of it before,
Im sure of it now. Hard not to
be after watching Mayweather
as he went into a bizarre rant
for the benefit of myself, a
few other writers, and his ever
present band of sycophants.
This wasnt for HBOs
24/7 cameras, though it was
better than anything on the most
recent episodes. It had nothing
to do with getting people to pony
up US$69.95 to watch the Cotto
fight in their living rooms.
This was pure Mayweather,
unvarnished, unplugged, and
totally uninhibited.
He wont fight Pacquiao
unless hes convinced he doesnt
use steroids something, by the
way, that only Mayweather has
accused the Filipino of doing.
And there will be no convincing
Mayweather that hes wrong.
You all think Im scared,
Im a coward? Well guess what?
Im a rich, scared coward. Im a
rich coward, Mayweather said.
And if thats the case, why the
hell would you want to watch
me? I dont want to watch no
coward. I dont want to watch
nobody whos scared and you all
know for a fact Im not scared.
You all know that.
Ill take part of the blame for
Gasquet, Wawrinka move into Estoril tennis quarterfinals
OEIRAS, Portugal (AP) --
Richard Gasquet powered past
Paolo Lorenzi of Italy 6-1, 6-1 at
the Estoril Open on Wednesday
to reach his fifth quarterfinal of
the season.
The second-seeded
Frenchman broke twice in the
opening set and three times
in the second to close out a
commanding performance on
clay in 66 minutes.
Gasquet, who lost to Novak
Djokovic in the 2007 Estoril
final, hit 24 winners.
Third-seeded Stanislas
Wawrinka recovered from a
shaky start to beat Spanish
qualifier Ivan Navarro 7-6 (5),
6-1. The big-serving Swiss
saved break points in his first
two service games before being
broken in the sixth game on a
double fault. He broke back
immediately and had five
set points at one stage in the
tiebreaker.
Wawrinka overpowered
his opponent in the 20-minute
second set, serving out the
match in damp and windy
conditions at the rain-disrupted
event.
Sixth-seeded Robin Haase
of the Netherlands topped
setting Mayweather off. Sitting
next to him Tuesday in a VIP
check-in room just off the lobby
of the MGM Grand hotel, it
seemed like a good time to get
his thoughts on his main rival.
But instead of an answer,
I got a soliloquy. Instead of a
yes or no on Pacquiao, I got a
disjointed diatribe on all things
Mayweather.
He railed about common
sense and hat sizes, doing the
right thing and protecting his
health. He called Bob Arum a
professional liar, and suggested
I was in the rival promoters
pocket. He even questioned my
patriotism for some odd reason
that only his pals seemed to get.
So, youre an American,
right? Im an American, he told
me. I was in the Olympics. I
represent the red, white and blue.
You know what the American
writers should say? Well,
whys this guy from another
country who comes over here
and makes money taking it back
to his country?
Once again, Im feeding
American citizens every day. All
I ask is give a little blood, give a
little urine. Thats a crime?
Actually, the drug testing
shouldnt even be an issue.
Arum has already said Pacquiao
is willing to take blood and
urine tests in the weeks and
months leading up to a fight with
Mayweather. But Mayweather
seems obsessed with the idea
Pacquiao is juicing. He seems
to truly believe that Pacquiao
has some sort of super human
powers other fighters dont.
Hes not going to change
Miguel Cotto arrives at the
MGM Grand on Tuesday in
Las Vegas.
--Photo AP
Spains Inigo Cervantes 5-7,
6-4, 6-2, and Daniel Munoz de
la Nava of Spain knocked out
eighth-seeded Flavio Cipolla of
Italy 6-4, 6-4.
In the womens event, top-
seeded Roberta Vinci of Italy
advanced to the quarterfinals
with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over
Portugals Maria Joao Koheler.
Italys Karin Knapp rallied
to defeat second-seeded Maria
Kirilenko 1-6, 6-1, 7-5, and
Silvia Soler-Espinosa beat
Richard Gasquet during the Estoril Open on Wednesday near
Lisbon, Portugal. --Photo AP
his mind. And, ultimately, that
means no Pacquiao fight.
It is true that Pacquiao has
grown noticeably since he first
began boxing professionally in
1995 at 106 pounds. Hes much
more muscular and his body has
filled out in the 17 years since
then.
However, I reminded
Mayweather that he boxed
in the 1996 Olympics at 125
pounds, and will be fighting at
154 pounds against Cotto.
Guess what? It took me
years to get to here. Years,
he said. Go back and look at
the pictures. First, his head is
small. Then, all of a sudden,
his head just grew? Come on,
man. Stop! Stop this man!
Come on, man! This (stuffs)
so easy. Ray Charles can see
this (stuff). Come on. Come on,
now! Come on, man. I told you,
its basic common sense. Look
at the pictures and tell me this
mans head didnt get bigger?
This man probably went from a
seven and one-fourth to an eight.
In a hat, a fitted hat. And youre
going to tell me this (stuff) is all
natural? Come on, man. Stop
this. Im going up in weight, but
I aint just walking through no
damn fighters.
If that wasnt clear enough,
Mayweather shifted into third
person mode to press his point.
Writers are saying, Floyd
is scared, he said. No, Floyd
cares about his family. Floyd
is smart. At the end of the day,
Floyd is smart. My health is
important. My health is more
important than money. They
can take all the money and my
health is more important. If
they say, Floyd, you can live a
healthy life like you is right now,
or you got to walk with a limp,
and walk all bent over, but you
can have a lot of money for the
rest of your life, Id say, Take it
all back.
Guess we should give the
guy a break. Hes got a fight
that might be tougher than most
Saturday night, and hell barely
have time to relax afterward
when hes due at the Las Vegas
jail to begin serving whats
expected to be a two-month
sentence for domestic abuse.
third-seeded Anabel Medina
Garrigues 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in an
all-Spanish match.
Fourth-seeded Petra
Cetkovcka of the Czech
Republic downed Britains
Heather Watson 6-3, 6-1, and
sixth-seeded Kaia Kanepi of
Estonia ousted Vania King of
the United States 6-4, 6-4.
Galina Voskoboeva of
Kazakhstan knocked out 2006
champion Zheng Jie of China
6-4, 6-1.
Real Madrids Mesut Ozil (10) celebrates after scoring against Athletic Bilbao in Bilbao, Spain, on
Wednesday. --Photo AP
Madrid wins league title;
Messi breaks goal record
MADRID (AP) -- It took a
record-setting Real Madrid
to finally dislodge Barcelona
from its perch atop the Spanish Ronaldo said. To have beaten
league with a competition-
high 32nd title and its first in
four long seasons dominated
by its biggest rival.
Madrid won 3-0 at Athletic
Bilbao on Wednesday for its
first league championship
since 2008, forcing Barcelona
to relinquish the title after
three straight years despite
winning 4-1 against Malaga in
a game in which Lionel Messi
broke a 39-year-old European
club scoring record by hitting
a hat trick to take his season
total to 68 goals.
Madrid, which can set a
record total of 100 points with
victories in its last two games,
has already broken a 22-year
mark for most goals scored in
a season, while Jose Mourinho
became the first coach to
win titles in four different
European leagues.
It was difficult to beat
a team like Barcelona, but
we managed it, captain Iker
Casillas said. We had to
overcome our rivals greatest
period, and those who have
been here longer have seen it
all. In the end, you have to be
the best of the best to win the
league.
Madrids players celebrated
wildly after the final whistle
at San Mames stadium, with
Mourinho displaying seven
fingers to symbolize the
number of league titles he has
won in his career, including at
FC Porto, Chelsea and Inter
Milan.
This was the most
difficult one, said Mourinho,
who team has a seven-point
lead over Barcelona with two
rounds left.
Madrids squad will
officially celebrate in the
Spanish capital on Thursday
after finally getting the better
of a Barcelona team that
has dominated Spanish and
European football since coach
Pep Guardiolas arrival in
2008.
The players are all
very happy after 10 months
of fighting, of training, of
Friday May 4, 2012
games, the objective was to
be champion so we are happy
to have achieved it, Cristiano
Pele for Brazilian club Santos
a team like Barca makes this
league win more difficult. Its
much better to win against one
of the best teams it makes
it better.
Gonzalo Higuains 16th-
minute goal proved the
winner, with the Argentina
striker clinching Madrids
latest title four years after his
goal secured its last.
Mesut Oezil doubled the
lead four minutes later before
Ronaldo added his 58th goal of
the season in the 50th and
the clubs record 115th this
campaign to make up for
a penalty in the 12th that was
saved by goalkeeper Gorka
Iraizoz. Ronaldo also missed
a penalty in the Champions
League semifinal shootout
loss to Bayern Munich last
week.
I have two Golden Boots
at home. So if I win the third,
great. If not, not a problem,
said Ronaldo of the race to
finish as Europes leading
scorer.
Messi broke the record of
67 goals Gerd Mueller set for
Bayern Munich in 1972-73.
He converted penalties in the
35th and 59th minutes and
chipped goalkeeper Carlos
Kameni in the 64th for his
seventh league hat trick, tying
the mark set by Ronaldo this
season.
The 24-year-old Messi
has played 57 games for
Barcelona this season, and
broke records by scoring 46
goals in the league and 14 in
the Champions League.
But while Barcelona
celebrated Messis scoring
feats, Madrids famous Plaza
de Cibeles began filling with
fans in anticipation of Madrid
celebrating the end of its great
rivals league dominance
and yet another title for
Mourinho.
At the Camp Nou, Carles
Puyols 13th-minute opener
for Barcelona was canceled
out by Jose Rondon for
Malaga.
Iniesta was fouled inside
Sports 19
the area to set up Messis
34th-minute spot kick that
matched the 66-goal tallies by
in 1958 and Ferenc Deak for
Hungarian team Ferencvaros
in 1948-49.
Malaga midfielder Duda
barged into Messi to set up
his second successful penalty
and match Mueller. Messi
surpassed the former West
Germany striker when Iniesta
slipped a perfect long ball
between defenders.
Barcelona tried, said
Guardiola, who is stepping
down to be replaced by
assistant Tito Vilanova at the
end of the season. There
wasnt much difference. The
league is very long and he
who deserves to win, wins.
And Madrid was a deserved
winner.
Guardiola won the Club
World Cup and European
Super Cup this season, but
even a Copa del Rey final win
later this month would do little
to ease the disappointment
of losing the domestic title
after being eliminated from
the Champions League by
Chelsea.
Earlier, Zaragoza beat
Levante 1-0 to keep its hopes
alive of avoiding relegation
following Rayo Vallecanos
1-0 loss at Mallorca, which
scored through Chori Castro
in the 62nd minute. Rayo has
40 points, Zaragoza 37 and
Sporting Gijon 34.
Also, substitute Carlos
Velas stoppage-time goal
gave Real Sociedad a 1-1 draw
at 10-man Atletico Madrid to
all but end Atleticos hopes of
qualifying for next seasons
Champions League.
Valencia thrashed 10-man
Osasuna 4-0 to move three
points ahead of Malaga and
keep a firm grip on third place
and an automatic Champions
League qualifying place.
Levante is three points
behind Malaga, which
is fourth and in the final
Champions League qualifying
spot. Atletico trails Malaga by
five points.
Real Betis came from behind
to beat city rival Sevilla 2-1.
20 May 4, 2012
Friday Vientiane Times
Sport

Lao golfers swing through 1st round of Luang Prabang Laos Open
golfers. The Lao team trained
for a long time before their
debut in the Asean PGA Tour
on home soil.
The federation selected
Lao amateurs from
Vientianes Lao Country
Club and the Luang Prabang
Golf Club to compete in
the Asean PGA Tour. But
the federation has struggled
to find young golfers of a
sufficient level to play in the
tournament.
Four of the professionals
competed at the 25th SEA
Games in 2009. The amateur
golfers are getting in some
practice to improve their
tactics and are hopeful of
turning professional in the
future.
Many Thai golfers put on
a good showing in the first
round and will go through to
the second round. Some 57
young golfers from Thailand
are playing on the tour.
In total there are 84
golfers from the 12 countries
of Vietnam, Singapore,
Indonesia, the Philippines,
Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand,
Australia, the Netherlands,
Republic of Korea, UK and
USA, as well as the 16 Lao
golfers.
The 100 professional
golfers have the opportunity
to win US$80,000 in cash
prizes.
The Asean PGA Tour
comprises 10 events in 2012,
with a total of US$640,000 in
cash prizes up for grabs.

Lao golfer Phetsamone Sisomvang tees off at the first hole at the Luang Prabang Golf Club on
Thursday.

Sangkhomsay
Bubphanouvong
Many Lao golfers were
nervous and lacking in
confidence during the first
round of the Asean PGA
Tours Luang Prabang Laos
Open on Thursday.
Thirteen amateur golfers
and three professionals
are representing Laos at
the tournament. In the first
round, the Lao team started
off strongly on the first
hole but faded as the round
progressed.
The Lao team will be in
action again on Friday, the
second of the two days when it
will be decided who will make
the cut and proceed further in
the tournament.
Event organisers will
select 60 professionals from
the 13 competing countries to
play in the second round on
Saturday and the final round
on Sunday.
Lao Golf Federation Vice
Chairman and Secretary
General Mr Songkham
Silaphet said he was satisfied
and pleased that Lao
professional golfers would be
able to play in the next round.
The 13 amateurs are
playing in the hope of learning
from more experienced Asean
 Business
Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times 21

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.la Friday May 4, 2012

China housing prices decline by 0.7 Sepon mine boosts gold output
percent in big cities in April
of Minmetals Resources
Times Reporters to 22,246 tonnes from a year quarter because of a decline
earlier, a company report stated in processing volumes and
The Sepon gold and copper as quoted by Bloomberg. the quality of copper ore, the
mine in the central province Gold prices averaged company said.
of Savannakhet is helping US$1,691 an ounce in the There are two major
boost the output of flourishing quarter on the London Metal successful gold and copper
Minmetals Resources. Exchange, compared with mines in Laos; one is in
The Hong Kong-based US$1,387 an ounce a year Vientiane province and the other
precious metal trading earlier, Minmetals said on is in Savannakhet province.
company, which owns the Wednesday. The Lao government is
Sepon gold and copper mine, The forecast of 60,000 eyeing US$1 billion in mining
announced this week that its to 65,000 ounces of gold exports this year, with most to
gold production climbed 62 production from Sepon this be contributed by the Phu Bia
percent in the first quarter year will be maintained as and Sepon mines.
thanks to high-grade ore from ore supply from the mine is Laos exported US$600
its Sepon mine. expected to decline in the million worth of minerals and
Production of the precious second half, the company said. metals over the first half of
metal mined by the Chinese While the production of this fiscal year, according to a
Visitors look at models of a housing project at the Nanjing (Spring) Real Estate Trade Fair on April 12.
company increased to 34,082 copper concentrate gained recent government report on the
CHINA(China Daily) --Average (US$2,443) a square metre in billion yuan in property loans ounces from 21,039 ounces 47 percent to 6,010 metric implementation of the National
home prices in 100 Chinese April, the fourth consecutive in the first quarter, down 54 a year earlier, while copper tons, copper output fell 18 Socio-economic Development
cities fell 0.71 percent year- fall on a yearly basis. percent, central bank data show. cathode output rose 21 percent percent from the previous Plan.
on-year in April, the first year- According to Standard Property lending fell 38 percent
on-year drop since June 2011, Chartered Bank, developers are in 2011.
the countrys largest real estate a little more confident about
website said on Wednesday.
Standard Chartered Bank
apartment sales, and price cuts of said financing conditions for
Vietnams Dien Bien province urged
The prices fell 0.34 percent 10 to 20 percent are apparently developers remain tough but
month-on-month, the eighth helping demand.
consecutive fall, according to
have not deteriorated since the
Inventories are still rising. fourth quarter.
to boost cross-border trade
the China Real Estate Index Developers expect more cuts of Bank loans to developers HANOI, Vietnam (VNS) --
System, which is affiliated with up to 20 percent, said Stephen appear to have increased in The Minister of Industry and
SouFun Holdings Ltd. Green, an economist at Standard recent months. Developers
That indicates a further Chartered Bank. The bank think financing pressure will Trade urged authorities in the
cooling down in the countrys presented the results of a survey rise as many trust-company north-western province of Dien
real estate market amid of 30 residential developers in loans fall due in the second and Bien to work on strengthening
persisting tightening measures, eight second- and third-tier cities third quarters. exports to nearby markets of
said He Tian, director of research taken in February and March. Most developers are buying China and Laos.
at China Index Academy, As of last Thursday, 103 fewer sites, even though land Minister Vu Huy Hoang
a Beijing-based real estate domestically listed developers prices have fallen. made the suggestions during
research institute. had released first-quarter According to the China
As property developers reports. Their net profit fell 1.33 Index Academy, sites purchased a visit to Dien Bien, where
cash flow further tightens, percent to 7 billion yuan. The by the top 10 developers fell 77 he urged local government
we believe property prices in biggest four developers had net percent year-on-year in the first and business leaders to focus
key cities such as Beijing and profit of 2.52 billion yuan, down quarter and 25 percent quarter- on the coffee, rubber, tea and
Shanghai will slide 5 to 10 4.26 percent. on-quarter. China Vanke, for minerals sectors, areas in
percent this year, while second- With property curbs set example, only bought one site. which the province already
and third-tier cities may see a to continue, developers face Auction failures are up, as had a competitive advantage. A view of the northwestern province of Dien Bien.
drop of more than 10 percent, increasingly tight cash flow are sales of land by developers
He added. in the second half of the year, to other developers, according Hoang said Dien Bien
CREIS said the average and more small developers will to Standard Chartered Bank. enjoys a favourable trading Although the province Le Duc Vinh, deputy
home price in the 10 biggest go bankrupt, industry analysts According to Huang Yu, position as it borders Chinas faced many challenges, director of the ministrys
cities was down 2.6 percent said. vice-president of the China Yun Nan province and the Lao industrial production still Planning Department, said
year-on-year at 15,391 yuan Chinese banks made 242.7 Index Academy, there will be province of Phongsaly. achieved a growth rate of 18 Dien Bien enjoyed a growth
more merger-and-acquisition The province has an percent, with a total revenue rate in industry and trade that
Exchange rates as of May 3, 2012 deals in the second half of the
important location, and as it at VND671 billion (US$31.95 was higher than the national
Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao year.
In the first half, potential is still grappling with many million) last year. average last year. The results
buyers will be more cautious difficulties related to its The provinces mining had been positively reflected
Foreign Currencies Buying Selling about the market and their economic development, the sector saw especially strong in the provinces GDP (gross
liquidity, while sellers continue ministry will support Dien development, notching up domestic products) growth
US Dollar 50-100 7,981 8,020 betting on a rebound of property Bien to enhance local industry a year-on-year growth rate rate of 10.19 percent, while
sales, so deals arent easily and trade, he said during a of 56.8 percent growth, the national GDP growth was
Thai Baht 260.30
concluded, said Huang. If
259.00
the market cools further in the recent visit, which was aimed at while processing industries at 5.9 percent, said Vinh.
second half, prospects for M&A checking on provincial economic registered a 16.6 percent Do Thang Hai, director of
Euro 50-500 10,477 10,529 deals will improve. development strategies. growth rate for 2011. the Vietnam Trade Promotion
Industrial output in the Agency (Vietrade), said the
first quarter of this year saw ministry would support the
a 12.4 percent increase on the provinces enterprises to
same period last year. participate in local and overseas
The provinces retail goods exhibitions and fairs, while also
and services turnover reached offering support in expansion of
VND4.2 trillion (US$200 e-commerce and development
million) last year, an increase of better strategies to bolster
of 34.3 percent against the exports to China.
previous year. Bui Huy Son, director
Total export value hit of ministrys Asia-Pacific
US$16.5 million in 2011, Market Department, asked
up 24 percent from 2010. provincial authorities to list
Dien Bien also saw a trade local companies and export
surplus, with US$10.3 million staples so that the ministry
in exports against US$6.2 could better support local
million in imports, bucking businesses in the search for
the national trade balance of foreign partners, specially in
a deficit. China and Laos.
222
B Friday May 4, 2012 Vientiane Times

Pizza Company takes second

slice of Vientiane market
US job data a storm in a teacup Times Reporters

The Pizza Company, one of

GLOBAL MARKETS:
the most popular fast food
US Indexes: Again the indexes rise and fall. This time the fall was blamed on poor US franchise restaurants in
employment data. Thats a weak and very poor excuse. Think about it - since when Thailand, has expanded its
did the unemployed trade (buy/sell) stocks? So ignoring that news, tomorrow maybe the operations in Laos, two years
markets will reverse on some other excuse. after entering the market of
Investing is for the long term, not for day trading and not on mischievous headlines. 6.5 million consumers.
Markets traditionally fall between May and the beginning of October, presenting a great Express Food Group Laos
time to buy in. on Wednesday held a ceremony
European indexes: The EU exchanges lost their way as a 50 points fall occurred in to open the companys second
Germany and the UK. France gained 13 points Wednesday. The ECB is under pressure to restaurant in Phonesinuan
buy Spanish bonds. village in Sisattanak district,
Asia indexes: All indexes rose against the US trend and are having a stronger than normal Vientiane, amid growing
May. demand for international food
Oils: Oil has signs its about to fall. Nymex dipped to US$103.55 but at one stage hit in Laos.
The decision to open
US$109. Brent was at US$118.65 / brl.
the second restaurant was
Metals: Gold down to US$1651 /oz. Copper lower at LME US$8310 /tn. based on customer demand,
Currencies: The greenback made very small predictable gains overnight. Temsek sold off a shareholder in the Express
US$2.4B in Chinas banking stocks. The uro, GBP and AUD all lost (1) cent overnight. Food Group Laos, Ms
Chanthachone Vongsay, said
ASEAN exchanges gain ignoring US data at the opening ceremony.
She did not provide details
of business operations over the
past two years but expressed
confidence that the opening
of the new restaurant would
boost the companys profits.
Express Food Group Laos
is also eyeing the possibility
of opening more outlets in
the capital and the provinces,
targeting medium income
earners and foreigners.
At present, Pizza Company
Vientiane: Consistency in EDL-Gen volumes yesterday recorded another days good and Swensens Ice Cream are
turnover. EDL-Gen at an incredible low price went W shape with the index, as it launching a promotion to boost
reclaimed its price to 5,000 kip with a 50 kip gain yesterday. sales from May to June. Every
customer who buys a pizza
will get another one free.
Dancers perform at the opening ceremony of the second Lao
branch of the Pizza Company.
Express Food Group
Laos, a member of RM,
invested about US$500,000 to
purchase a franchise licence
from the Minor Food Group
Company and opened the first
Pizza Company restaurant and
Swensens, the American ice
cream parlour, in Vientiane in
early 2010.
The restaurant has been
well received among domestic
and foreign consumers in
Laos, as more people develop
a taste for international food.
In the past, large numbers of
people crossed the border to
Thailand to eat at restaurants
serving Western style food.
Lao people have been
influenced by Western eating
habits through overseas TV
programming, mainly from
Thailand. The government
does not restrict access
to foreign media outlets.
Foreign TV stations regularly
advertise the Pizza Companys
products.
The growing demand for
international food not only
reflects changing eating habits
in Laos but is also an indicator
of the growing economy. More
and more Lao people like to
eat out as their incomes rise.
Economic data from the
Ministry of Planning and
Investment shows that average
national per capita income is
now above US$1,350 a year,
while in Vientiane it is above
US$2,000.
There are many other
restaurants in Laos that offer
the cuisines of other countries,
such as Japan, Korea, China
and Vietnam.

ASEAN: Cambodias PPWSA stock fell again this time 4.61 percent for the 6th straight
session down 350 to 7,250 Riel - a little more than 10 percent above its IPO. Malaysia
gained 0.04 percent, Hanoi fell 0.1 percent and neighbouring HCMC VND lost 1.36
percent. The SET is unstoppable and continues to soar at 1241.36 points. The Philippines
was up 1.24 percent and the Lao LSX gained 8.48 points yesterday. Singapore +0.11
percent and Indonesia -0.06 percent remained relatively stable.
Kip LAK exchange rates: The kip rose to 7980 /US$1, the THB Baht strengthened
to 260.30, the uro down to 10,576, GBP firm at 12,712, AUD hovered at 8,085, CAD
Looney at 7,958 and the en eased to 97.99 kip.
VTTimes selected stocks: NWT intraday by 3pm the share gained (1) cent to AUD$0.805.
No ones complaining as the stock on paper was up 16.67 percent for the past 4 days, but
the volumes faded from +1M to mid 300K shares indicating and supporting opinion that
it will go higher possibly today. By the close on very small numbers the satellite company
stock started to die away to AU$0.795c, but in a late surge of 200 shares finished up c
at AUD0.80. It still remains hard to buy and match trades on this stock, only higher bids
attract sellers, sometimes it takes several days to buy in. Most banks dont offer margin
loans on NWT but that will change after December 2012.
PanAust (Phu Bia) fell 5 cents to just AU$3.20 allowing a reconsideration to accumulate
and buy more stock - the timing wont get much better.
Vientiane Times
In brief
Oil hovers above
US$105 ahead of
key US jobs figures
SINGAPORE (AP) -- Oil
prices hovered above
US$105 a barrel on Thursday
in Asia as investors awaited
key US employment data
for clues about the strength
of the economy and crude
demand. Benchmark oil for
June delivery was down 8
cents to US$105.14 a barrel
at midday Singapore time in
electronic trading on the New
York Mercantile Exchange.
The contract fell 94 cents to
settle at US$105.22 in New
York on Wednesday.
Scandinavian
airline SAS widens
losses in Q1
STOCKHOLM (AP) --
Scandinavian airline group
SAS says it steeply widened
its losses in the first quarter
of the year, to 729 million
kronor (US$108 million) from
373 million kronor, blaming
most of the downturn on
continued high jet fuel prices,
the economic crisis as well
as cut-throat competition,
especially within the budget
airline sector. The Stockholm-
headquartered group also
announced it will not deliver
a profitability forecast for this
year.
German airline
Lufthansa reports
Q1 loss
Associated Press, Berlin
(The Jakarta Post) --
German airline Deutsche
Lufthansa AG says it made
a loss of (euro) 397 million
(US$521.3 million) during
the first quarter. Lufthansa
says it was unable to offset
costs, particularly for fuel,
with additional revenue
during the quarter. The
airline reported a net loss
attributable to shareholders
of (euro) 507 million in the
same period last year.
Australias Optus to
slash 750 jobs
SYDNEY (Xinhua) --
Australias second largest
telecommunications company
Optus on Wednesday
announced a major
operational restructuring
plan that will see 750 job
cuts from the company.
The redundancies, mostly
from senior and middle
management, operations and
back office, will take place in
the coming months and will
cost the company about 37
million AU dollars (US$38.25
million), Optus said in a
statement on Wednesday.
Asia stocks fall
on lethargic US,
Europe jobs data
BANGKOK (AP) -- Asian
stock markets fell on
Thursday after disappointing
jobs figures from the US and
Europe dimmed confidence
in an economic recovery.
Investor nerves was tested
by a report that showed US
businesses adding far fewer
jobs in April than they did in
March. The private survey by
payroll processor ADP said
US businesses added 119,000
jobs in April, down from
201,000 in March.
Vientiane tapioca
factory to double staff
Phonsavanh Vongsay
The Lao Indochina Group
Public Company is set
to double the number of
employees at its tapioca
factory in Pakngum district,
Vientiane, by the end of this
year.
We will increase our staff
from the current 300 to over
500, company Chairman
Mr Sengmaly Sengvatthana
said in an interview at a
press conference held at
the factory on International
Labour Day.
We will be sharply
increasing staff because we
are expanding tapioca powder
production capacity from the
current two production lines to
four, Mr Sengmaly said. We
are preparing to announce job
opportunities.
The plant currently has
eight Chinese and six Lao
technicians responsible for
operating the machinery. We
will continue to train Lao
technicians because we hope
to be self-sufficient in the
future, he said.
The company started
its expansion project last
week, including finding more
land for cassava storage
and building a new factory,
dormitory, canteen and other
facilities to accommodate the
extra staff. The expansion
will be complete by the end
of November, in time for the
EU fails to reach deal on new bank rules
European Commissioner for the Internal Market Michel Barnier,
(left), speaks with EU Commissioner for the Economy Olli Rehn,
(right), and President of the European Investment Bank Werner
Hoyer, (centre), during a meeting of EU finance ministers in
Brussels on Wednesday.
BRUSSELS (AP) -- European
finance ministers early
Thursday failed to reach a deal
that would force banks to build
up higher capital cushions
against financial shocks amid
disagreements over the powers
of national regulators.
The 27-country European
Union is in the process of
writing an international
agreement on capital defenses
for banks into European
law. The so-called Basel III
deal was negotiated by the
worlds largest economies in
the hope of avoiding a repeat
of the financial meltdown
brought on by the collapse of
US investment bank Lehman
Brothers. The 2008 crisis
demonstrated that many banks
did not have enough of a capital
cushion to absorb sudden losses
on subprime mortgage loans
and other risky activities.
Danish Finance Minister
Margrethe Vestager, whose
Mr Sengmaly Sengvatthana talks to staff at the tapioca factory.
next production season.
The project requires an
investment of more than 56
billion kip (US$7 million) on
an area of about five hectares,
Mr Sengmaly said during a
traditional ceremony to start
the project.
The factory now has two
production lines and can
produce 320 tonnes of tapioca
from 1,200 tonnes of cassava
each day. Once the expansion
is completed, the factory will
produce at least 600 tonnes of
tapioca from 2,400 tonnes of
cassava per day.
The company is increasing
its production capacity
in response to the sharp
increase in cassava farms in
Vientiane and the provinces of
Borikhamxay and Vientiane.
Last year the company
country currently holds the EU
presidency, called the new rules
one of the most important
files taking the lessons from
the financial crisis.
Once enacted, Basel III
would require lenders to
increase their highest-quality
capital - such as equity and
cash reserves - gradually from 2
percent of the risky assets they
hold to 7 percent by 2019. An
additional 2.5 percent would
have to be built up during good
times.
The new rules will apply
to more than 8,300 banks
in Europe, forcing them to
compile billions of euros in
extra capital by selling shares
or assets or reining in bonuses
and dividends.
What is at issue in Europe
now is that some states, led by
the UK, want to set even higher
capital requirements for their
own banks than the ones set
out in Basel III. They argued
reported it had a total of
7,689 hectares and originally
planned to expand cultivation
to 10,500 hectares this year,
but this has increased by 76
percent, Mr Sengmaly said.
Some 90 percent of the
factorys output is exported to
China while the rest is sold on
the domestic market.
Other factories producing
cassava powder in Laos are
located in Lau-ngam district
of Saravan province and Meun
district in Vientiane province,
with both selling to local and
foreign customers.
Cassava powder is an
ingredient in noodles, snack
foods and seasonings. It is
also used in the production
of clothes, glue, paint, paper,
medicine, false teeth and
prosthetic limbs.
that since there is no pan-
European bank resolution fund
- and its therefore national
taxpayers that have to foot the
bill if something goes wrong
its national governments
that should get to decide what
makes their banks save.
In more than 15 hours of
talks, Vestager hashed out a
complex system of checks
that would allow national
regulators to set higher capital
requirements for their own
banks as long as they dont
hurt growth in other EU states.
Several smaller European
states do not have a big
domestic banking system, so
they depend on subsidiaries
and branches of foreign banks
to provide loans to businesses
and households. The EUs
executive Commission is
worried that if some states
unilaterally set higher buffers
for their domestic lenders,
those banks would cut down
on their foreign activities.
After the meeting, three
EU officials said that all
states apart from the UK were
willing to agree to the latest
compromise proposal. Another
official said that Bulgaria also
objected to parts of the deal.
The officials were speaking
on condition of anonymity to
discuss confidential talks.
Their resistance puts Britain
and Bulgaria in an interesting
position, since they do not have
enough votes in the council
of ministers to block a deal on
capital rules at their next meeting
in two weeks. If all other states
stick to the compromise, they
can force the agreement onto the
holdouts - a first in EU financial
decision making.
FTA negotiations launched
CHINA (China Daily) --
China and South Korea
jointly announced the start of
bilateral free trade agreement
negotiations on Wednesday,
aiming to expand trade in goods
and services and investment
cooperation.
The first round of
negotiations will take place
later this month ... and I hope
the negotiations can be finished
within two years, Chinese
Minister of Commerce Chen
Deming told a news briefing in
Beijing.
After seven years of
preparation, the launch of
the FTA negotiations is a
turning point to take bilateral
cooperation to a higher level.
We hope the accord will
also serve as a starting point
for the economic integration of
East Asia, said South Korean
Trade Minister Bark Tae-ho.
Chen also said the two
countries complement each
other in many ways and that
offers broad prospects for
cooperation.
He said the start of the
FTA negotiations will not only
benefit people in both countries
but also advance the economic
integration of East Asia amid
rising protectionism and a slow
global economic recovery.
Chinas fast economic
development and the efforts to
expand domestic consumption,
as well as South Koreas high
dependence on trade for GDP
growth are the main reasons for
South Korea to seek a free trade
pact with China, said Wang
Ling, chair of the University
Council of the University of
International Business and
Economics in Beijing.
The two countries will
first establish the framework
for talks, which will form the
basis for negotiations covering
goods, services, investment
and other areas.
The level of liberalisation
for trade in goods will go
beyond each countrys
commitment in the World
Indonesians among the most
confident in the world on
personal finances: Nielsen
INDONESIA (The Jakarta
Post) -- Seventy-nine percent
of online consumers in
Indonesia described their
personal finances as excellent
or good for the year ahead,
which placed Indonesia
on top of the list of most
optimistic country on personal
finances, behind India and
the Philippines, a survey by
Nielsen shows.
Confidence in personal
finances was projected in the
results, which said 54 percent
of online consumers thought it
was a good time to purchase
the things they wanted or
needed, up 12 percent from
the fourth quarter of 2011,
according to Nielsen.
With some improvement
in the global and regional
economies, consumers are
feeling confident about their
money and willing to release
some of the restraint on their
spending to purchase the things
they want, Nielsen Indonesia
managing director Catherine
Eddy said Wednesday in a
written statement.
However, the survey
also showed that 70 percent
Friday May 4, 2012 B233
Trade Organisation, according
to a joint ministerial statement
on the launch of China-South
Korea FTA negotiations.
The negotiations wont
always go smoothly because
of sensitive areas for each
country, Wang said.
Bark said both countries
have sensitive areas, which
are agriculture and seafood
for South Korea and the
petrochemical, electronic
and machinery industries for
China, so negotiations will
move forward in phases and
special consideration will be
given to these areas.
We will isolate the
sensitive areas from the
negotiations, he said.
China has become the
biggest trade partner of South
Korea and South Korea is
Chinas third-largest trade
partner. Bilateral trade reached
US$245.6 billion in 2011, up
18.6 percent from the previous
year. The two nations aim
to expand bilateral trade to
US$300 billion by 2015.
South Korea has already
signed FTAs with eight
counterparties including the
European Union, the United
States and the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations.
Chinas investment in
South Korea is quite small and
the South Korea-China FTA
will increase investments from
China.
Chinese companies can
also tap the markets of the
EU and the US through South
Koreas FTAs with these two
economies, Bark said.
South Korea, which is
Chinas fourth-largest source
of foreign direct investment,
added US$4.88 billion to its
investments in China in 2011,
lifting the cumulative figure to
US$51.16 billion.
Chinas investment in South
Korea totaled US$3.74 billion
after an expansion of US$650
million in 2011, mainly in
services areas, according to
Bark.
of Indonesian respondents
preferred to put their spare
cash into savings, behind
respondents from the
Philippines (74 percent) and
Hong Kong (73 percent).
34 percent of respondents
said they spend it on holidays,
27 percent spend on investing
in shares or mutual funds and
24 percent spend it on new
technology products.
The survey also showed
that Indonesia had a consumer
confidence index of 118, up
one point from the fourth
quarter last year, in line with
a five-point increase in global
index to 94.
Indonesia remained the
most optimistic nation in
the world after India, which
garnered an index of 123 in
the survey and Saudi Arabia,
which garnered an index of
119 points.
More than 71 percent of
Internet users in Indonesia
were confident about their
local job prospects in the
upcoming year, while only
four percent of those surveyed
had no disposable income, the
survey said.
24 4
B Friday May 4, 2012 Vientiane Times

YTL Comms open to tie-ups Aussie banks rolling in

cash, silent on rates
for 4G services in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (The Star)
-- YTL Communications Sdn Bhd, a
unit of conglomerate YTL Corp Bhd, is
willing to consider collaborating with
other players operating in the industry
to roll out Long Term Evolution (LTE)
or 4G services in the future.
When we talk about
communication, it is common sense for
us to cooperate to provide users with
better services and faster speed, YTL
Corp group managing director Tan Sri
Francis Yeoh, who is also executive
chairman of YTL Communications,
told reporters after the launch of YTL
Communications first smartphone,
the Eclipse.
He said the company was open to
discussions and was definitely looking
for like-minded people.
Of course, you cant expect us to
tell you in detail who we are talking to.
Serious players in the mobile Internet
space are talking to us, and they know
we are serious as well, he added.
YTL Communications is a
subsidiary of YTL Power International
Bhd. Recently, Malaysian
Communications and Multimedia
Commission (MCMC) named nine
companies as recipients of the 2.6GHz
spectrum, to be used for the roll-out
of LTE or 4G services. Among them
is YTL Communications, which
provides mobile Internet and voice
service under the YES brand.
Speaking on the expansion plans
for YES, Yeoh said the company would
be increasing its base stations to 5,000
by the year-end in a bid to expand
its network coverage. Currently, the
company has about 2,200 base stations
that give it a coverage of about 70
percent of the countrys population.
YTL Communications deputy
(From left) Lee, MCMC chairman Datuk Mohamed Sharil Mohamed Tarmizi,
Francis Yeoh, Rais and YTL Communications executive director Datuk Seri
Michael Yeoh at the launch of Eclipse.
chief executive officer Jacob Yeoh
was previously quoted as saying that
the company plans to spend around
RM2.5bil in capital expenditure to
increase its coverage to 80 percent of
the countrys population.
YES is also aiming to grow its
postpaid subscriber base to half a
million by end-2012.
Meanwhile, Eclipse is a purpose-
built smartphone to run on the YES
converged 4G network.
The company touted the phone
as the only phone in the world that
delivers advanced 4G telephony while
supporting GSM services at the same
time, and also able to facilitate four-
way videoconferencing.
The Eclipse was designed
to provide users with a seamless
connectivity. We are in an age where
mobile Internet is becoming more and
more pervasive. With the fast mobile
Internet performance of the Eclipse,
our customers will have a full-fidelity
mobile Internet experience in their
hands, said YTL Communications
chief executive officer Wing K Lee at
the launch.
Information, Communications
and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr
Rais Yatim, who launched the device,
described it as a game changer in the
industry.
I am very pleased to hear that
YTLs 4G coverage is now available
to more than 70 percent of Malaysians.
This means more people can now enjoy
true mobile broadband services and
this will spur innovation as we move
towards cloud-based applications and
online services, he said.
SYDNEY (Xinhua) -- The Australia
New Zealand Bank (ANZ) has
reported first-half underlying profit
of over US$3 billion, a result that
stands in stark contrast to its refusal
to keep in step with the central banks
official rate movements this year.
Stomachs continue to turn for
Australian borrowers as another
leading bank has reported massive,
record profits in the face of official
interest rate cuts.
ANZ declared an interim fully-
franked dividend of 66 Australian
cents, up from 64 cents for the same
time last year, including net profit
making a full 10 percent leap from
2011 to US$3.02 billion.
The Federal Member for
Melbourne, Adam Bandt says any
failure now to pass on the interest
rate cut by the big four banks is a
dismissal of Australian consumers
and a further loss of face for the
Reserve bank which surprisingly
cut the official rate by a full 50 basis
points this week.
Bank profits are soaring and will
rise again this week, yet it is likely
banks will continue to thumb their
nose at the Reserve Bank decisions
to cut rates, Bandt told Xinhua.
Bandt reinforced the
overwhelming public sentiment
here that the big four banks (ANZ,
Westpac, Commonwealth Bank and
National Australia Bank) have no
justification for not cutting rates
while their profits continue to soar.
The bank has been a pioneer
for Australian lenders in Asia, with
a particularly successful focus on
China. There, improving results
as well as fillips from ANZs wide
operations in Asia, South East
Asia and the Pacific have balanced
declining markets at home.
Bank bashing is an Australian
tradition, however the powerful four
lenders have broken an unspoken
two-step with the Reserve bank
on interest rates and have begun
calculating their own margins.
The ANZ wrested control of its
own interest rates in January, with
the other major banks following
suits to the fury of Treasurer Wayne
Swan and the surprise of borrowers
who are on uncertain ground as
Australia struggles with the effects
of a patchwork economy.
ANZ CEO Mike Smith released
a statement defending the ANZs
mountain of profits from what
will certainly be a domestic public
backlash by highlighting tightening
margins at home.
Our financial performance
(however) was subdued, significantly
impacted by declining margins and the
structural shift thats occurred since the
financial crisis with persistently lower
demand for credit, he said.
Economist and market watcher,
Stephen Bartholomeusz has been
one of the few to defend the banks,
insisting that there are genuine
factors in the big four protecting
their margins.
He said, there is a fundamental
justification for the banks increasing
their rates slightly. They do have
longer term pre- crisis borrowings
continually maturing that have to be
re-financed in the current market.
That may be slight comfort for
local borrowers with ANZs report
expected to be the first of a domino
effect of record earnings by local
banks this month.

The Mekong Spa at La Rsidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang has been voted the number
one Hotel Spa in Asia & The Indian Subcontinent at the annual Cond Nast Traveller
Spa Awards 2012. The Mekong Spa was also awarded in the coveted Worlds Top 30
Spas category wining third position.

Held in London on the 1st February 2012, The Cond Nast Traveller Readers Spa Awards
are one of the most eagerly anticipated awards ceremonies in the international hotel and spa
industry. Readers are asked to write in, vote and rank their favourite spas according to various
categories including; hotel spas by location, medical spas and day spas. These votes are then
amalgamated and an overall satisfaction percentage is calculated which decides the winners.

The Mekong Spa at La Rsidence Phou Vao scored an excellent 96.30 %, making it the number 1st
Hotel Spa in Asia & The Indian Subcontinent and 3rd in the world .

Contact us:
La Rsidence Phou Vao
T: +856 (71) 212 530
Phou Vao Road, Ban Naviengkham
PO Box 50, Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, Laos
Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times
Oudalee finds a suitable house for you to
live in Vientiane.
Traditional Lao house, house with swimming
pool, house on the river.
House with swimming pool available now.
Price range from Kip 3 000 000 and up.
Call Oudalee for free advice and pick up at
your convenient.
10 years experience guarantee.
Tel: 020 55 51 25 02 and 020 55 65 91 46
Email: oudalee@oudaleehomes.com
www.oudaleehomes.com
RentsBuy Co., Ltd is a leading professional
real estate company offering; house,
land, apartment, office, warehouse,
business for rent /for sale and property
valuation throughout Lao PDR.
020 77600059, 22229744, and
Office: 021 223032
www.RentsBuy.com email: rentsbuy@gmail.com
AB Apartment
Services: 2Bedrooms, 1Bedroom & Studio room
Features: Fully furnished apartment in Vientiane
with garden, A spacious parking, Air cond, Cable
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minute drive from Patuxay Monument.
Ban Sibounheuang, Chanthabouly District,
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Mobile: +856-20-5551 2828 or +856-20-28184400
Phone: +856-21-263253 Fax: +856-21-222565
E-mail: abapart@gmail.com
www.abapartment.com
Maniraath gems and jewellery
Genuine diamond & setted
jewellery with 18k precious, semi precious and
Italian chains
talat sao mall #2-10 second floor
vientiane lao PDR, Tel: 021 285 051, mobile: 020 55676545, 020 55775544
Classified Friday May 4, 2012
25
+856 20 55599 430
Lao land company is one of the leading real
estate service agency based in Vientiane.
We are specialized in property service
sector, and proud to say your needs is our
answer.
For further inquiry, please feel free to
contact us at 020 5551 0155, 23666333, or
021 453 919.
030 981 9052, 020 23220022
English*French*Japanese * Chinese
Email:oad.laoland@gmail.com
www.laoland.com
Bouakham
HOUSE RENTAL
Would you like to rent or buy property?
We can show you Land, Houses or Apartments in any
location. Call us!
P.O. Box 1940,Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: 020 5571 1396, 77959199
Available Hotel in the top of the mountion for sale in the center
of Luang Prabang Province.
House for rent with 4 room include swimming pool close to
International school and Germany embassy
New house for sale close to
Mekong river with 3 rooms, Sale now!
22401446 reasonable price.
(Not expensive)
99990803 (Sale now, not expensive)
We have great places
to rent and buy: Land,
Houses, Apartments,
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Email: bouakham_nang@hotmail.com
www.bouakham-property.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
1,700,000 kip anytime
to 42,500,000 kip/month
Tel: 020 55599900. 55593013,
office: 030 9800630
Email: vpscarrental@yahoo.com
www.vpscarrental.com
Chok Dee cafe
C.S TRANSPORT CO., LTD
All transportation solution under one roof
Service offered: Logistics, Transport,
Home Removal,Custom clearance for air
freight and sea freight.
Belgian
Contact Information: Ban Donkoy,
beers bar T4 Road, Sisattanak District
Vientiane, Lao P.D.R
Moules-frites Tel/Fax: +856- 021- 330154,
Mobile: +856- 020- 55506402
40 Belgian beers Email: chan@cstransportlao.com and www:
Tel: 020 56103434, www.chokdeecafe.com cstransportlao.com
Fagnum, Mekong riverside road infront of bus stop
262
C Classifieds Friday May 4, 2012 Vientiane Times

Email: office@kerberossecurity.com, Fax: 021 217441

Tel: 021 260419/020 55878688/020 55509957

City Centre, Short & long term stay

From 3,200,000 kip ($400) per month
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housekeeping, laundry, electricity and water
Lao Air Service Co.Ltd Call: 020 55505840, 55023782
Email: lao.heritage@gmail.com

Sale Agents for Lao Airline SERVICED APARTMENTS

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New Tel: 454034-36 MP: 020 55505840, 020 55023782 village on Dondaeng-Dongdok
Fax: (856-21) 900244 Email: lao.heritage@gmail.com Road in Xaythany district,
Mobile: 856-20 5515870, 5503979 Vientiane. The garage sits on
Email: laoairservice1@etllao.com
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Thatluang Rd (Opposite of Min. foreign 43/7 Hengboun Road,Vientiane adjoining the garage complex, and a
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For more information please call:
Vientiane Lao P.D.R Email: hotellao.vientiane@gmail.com
020-55717569

Feedback * Urgent Recruitment *

We, the Board of Directors
of Lao Press in Foreign
Languages, would like to
receive your comments
and suggestions
concerning the Vientiane
Times and Le Renovateur,
in order to improve their
quality. We are seeking
your feedback on the daily
issues and the recently
introduced Saturday issue
of the Vientiane Times in
regard to the following:
Content: What styles
1. Human Resources 2. General Marketing
3. Logistic Officer 4. Graphics design
5. Store Manager 6. Programmer
7. IT Hardware 8. IT Software
9. Electrician
All Positions Requires
20-35 years Old,
Bachelor or Master degree
At least five years of consume good company experience
Ability of using Microsoft words, excel, access, Microsoft project.
Good command of spoken and written English, if know Lao Languages will specialist consider
Interested candidates are requested to submit an application letter together with CV and relevant documentation to:
M POINT MART HEAD OFFICE
Luangprabang Road, Building No. 006-GB/01Ban Sihom P.O.Box: 9096 Vientiane Lao PDR
Phone: 856-21 250857 Fax: 856- 21 215788 E-mail: Info@mpointmart.com
Web: www.mpointmart.com
A unique French language magazine
Le Rnovateur is a weekly magazine of general information written in French and discussing current
events in Laos. Readers will find it different from other newspapers and can enjoy news about culture,

Apartment for Rent

consult their horoscope and find out about radio and TV programmes, as well as check on current
and methods should we movies at the French Language Centre.
change, add or omit and There are also cookery items as well as personal profiles. The magazine costs only 10,000 kip per
issue, and is published every Monday. You can buy it at kiosks or directly from our office on Namphu
what columns are not Square at the Lao Press in Foreign Languages on Pangkham Street in Vientiane. You can also read it
Fully furnished, ready to move in. Great location. interesting to you? on our website: Lerenovateur.org.la
Area 44 m2, one bedroom, living room, kitchen, Services: Which services
toilet.Security cameras & guard. Parking at Naxay should we improve, such
village, Saysettha district Call Mobile: 2288 8822 as advertisements, The World Bank
distribution and online Patou Xay, Nehru Road, Vientiane Lao PDR
Unitel ne road subscriptions?
Nongbo
Reporters: Are there any GARDENING SERVICE
Sisangvone road
changes our reporters
Naxay line 2

should make The World Bank Office, Vientiane seeks for gardening and landscaping services for
Lao-Viet
school

in the way they perform the following offices:

their duties?
We look forward to World Bank Vientiane Office 1, Patou Xay, Nehru Road, Vientiane, Lao PDR
World Bank Vientiane Office 2, Nongbon Road, Seysattha District Vientiane,
House for Rent receiving your comments
in order to better serve Lao PDR
At Ban Saylom in city centre, all our readers and
Interested companies may inspect and collect the detailed Terms of Reference
The building has 3 floors: 4 customers.
[TOR], from the Reception Desk of the World Bank Vientiane Office at the address
Tel: (856-21) 216364,
bedrooms with Air-condition, mentioned above from May 7, 2012 May 18, 2012 during 10:00 a.m. through 4:00
217593
3 bath rooms, 1 kitchen room p.m. from Monday through Friday, excluding holidays if any. To get an electronic
Mobile: 5599206-9
copy of the TOR, please send email request to laoinfo@worldbank.org
and some furniture. Fax: (856-21) 216365
or call 021 450010
Email: editor@
Call: 020 55608444 or vientianetimes.org.la or THE WORLD BANK OFFICE, VIENTIANE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT
Email: kapookni@yahoo.com info@vientianetimes.org.la ANY OR ALL BIDS WITHOUT ASSIGNING ANY REASON WHATSOEVER.
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C Classifieds Friday May 4, 2012 Vientiane Times