Latest news with #LaotianTimes
The Star
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos inflation eases to 8.3% in May, but key prices remain high
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): The inflation rate in May stood at 8.3 per cent, showing a significant drop from 11.1 per cent in April, according to a report from the Lao National Statistic Bureau. While this suggests some relief for consumers, prices of many essential goods and services continue to rise. The highest year-on-year price increases were seen in housing, water, electricity, and fuel, which jumped 21.6 per cent, followed by healthcare and pharmaceuticals at 19.8 percent, and household goods at 16.3 per cent. Other notable increases included education, restaurants and hotels, and tobacco and alcohol. Even on a month-to-month basis, prices edged up by 0.5 per cent compared to April. Food costs increased slightly, with pork prices rising 3.5 percent, poultry by 1.1 percent, and fish and seafood by 0.6 per cent. Healthcare services saw a noticeable increase of 1.7 per cent, driven by a 5.7 per cent rise in hospital and clinic fees. The other goods and services category saw a 2.8 percent increase, especially in items like precious metals, which went up 4.7 per cent, and furniture, which jumped 5.5 per cent. Despite the general increase, a few categories saw small price drops. Clothing and footwear dipped slightly by 0.1 per cent, and telecommunication equipment also declined by 0.1 per cent. Looking more closely at inflation types, the core inflation or base rate (which excludes highly volatile items) was 11.7 per cent in May. Domestic goods saw an inflation rate of 8.7 per cent, mainly due to rising prices of fresh foods like rice and vegetables. Meanwhile, imported goods experienced a 7.5 per cent increase, driven by higher costs for clothing, electronics, and household items. Although the overall inflation rate is lower than the previous month, many Lao households continue to feel the pinch as essential goods and services remain costly. - Laotian Times
The Star
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
'Game, Set, Smash!': New pickleball craze hits Vientiane
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): A rhythmic 'pop-pop-pop' sound is beginning to echo across sports courts in Vientiane. Pickleballs, a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is slowly making its way into the heart of the small but passionate community in Laos capital Vientiane. The sport was invented in 1965 in the United States but has only recently gained significant popularity. In countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and several parts of Asia, pickleball is now a staple in local parks and community centers. Global Trend Reaches Laos This global sensation arrived in Laos in January 2024 through the vision of brothers Alan and Chiton Vuong, who formally introduced pickleball to local communities. Their mission was straightforward yet impactful: diversify Laos' sporting landscape while creating new opportunities for active, healthy lifestyles. 'This sport is still new to the Lao community, and that's a great thing,' explained Alan Vuong. 'It means everyone starts at the same point. We welcome everyone to come play. Just give it ten minutes, get used to the environment, and you'll be playing.' Alan, an Australian national directing Melbourne International Training Systems (MITS) in Laos, brings extensive sports development experience to the country and currently serves as the Lao National Tennis Coach. 'I am passionate about developing athletes in Asia, where I believe there is untapped talent that needs guidance and mentorship to reach the international stage. I also have a strong vision to strengthen grassroots sports by providing equal opportunities for everyone to realize their potential and lead healthy, active lives.' 'When you make yourself proud, you make your country proud. You inspire the people around you,' he added. He made headlines by coaching a Lao men's tennis player to a bronze medal at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2021 in Vietnam's Hanoi and the 2023 in Cambodia's Phnom Penh. From Trial to Trend: Growing a Pickleball Community Pickleball is gaining ground in Vientiane, with a court now open at Le Society Sports Lounge & Cafe in the Sisattanak district. The Vientiane Vipers Pickleball Club was recently formed to help local players compete at the regional level and support the sport's growth in Laos. A key driver of this momentum is the MITS Laos Social Pickleball Program. What started as a once-a-week session has grown into four weekly play days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Daily play is expected soon. Alan, one of the organizers, says the sense of community has been just as important as the sport itself. 'The support from the community has been amazing. We started with just the sport, but now it's become a group of friends, of people connecting and building relationships. The feedback from everyone, locals and visitors, has been so positive.' Pickleball may still be new to Laos, but it's quickly building a strong and connected following. A Sport for Everyone Pickleball is a fun, easy-to-learn sport that's suitable for all ages and skill levels. With just a few minutes of practice, anyone can start playing, according to Alan. 'Our main reason for introducing pickleball to Laos is to give something fresh and fun to the community,' he said. 'We always remember that this sport is about having fun. It's about bringing people together, playing with friends and family, building connections, and just enjoying the moment.' Alan also emphasized that pickleball isn't only for dedicated athletes. 'It's not a serious sport unless you want it to be. You can just relax, have fun, and enjoy yourself. If you do want to take it to the next level, that's totally up to you,' he said. In countries like Thailand, Japan, and Singapore, Pickleball has also found firm footing, especially among youth and retirees. Official Recognition and Support Daovone Phachanthavong, President of the Lao Tennis Federation (LTF), also recognized pickleball's potential to boost youth participation in sports. 'At the Lao Tennis Federation, we are still in the early stages of exploring how Pickleball can complement our existing programs,' he said. 'We see Pickleball as a sport that is easy to learn, fun, and a good way to encourage young people to stay active.' Although Pickleball is still in its early phase in Laos, Daovone shared that its introduction by MITS Laos has shown promise: 'In Vientiane, MITS Laos has introduced a social Pickleball program that brings together a variety of players of all ages, skill levels, and sports backgrounds. The feedback has been very positive. It may not be a large-scale success yet, but it's a step forward.' Pickleball and Tennis: Competition or Collaboration? Rather than viewing Pickleball as a rival to tennis, the LTF sees it as a complementary sport. Daovone notes that promoting alternative sports can help diversify Laos' athletic development and create more accessible entry points for people who may not feel confident taking up traditional sports. He also highlights that while major tournaments are still far off, Laos is gradually building a foundation for international collaboration: 'We don't yet have major international Pickleball tournaments in Laos, but some clubs are organizing small competitions. These first steps are important as we learn and grow together.' He added that exposure to regional opportunities is critical for Lao athletes: 'Any chance to compete or train outside of Laos is very valuable. It helps athletes gain experience, build confidence, and understand what it takes to improve. With support from partners like MITS Laos and Lunar Pickleball, we hope to slowly expand the pathways for Lao athletes to gain more exposure and develop their potential.' Looking Ahead Alan and his team have already introduced pickleball to schools, universities, and public courts throughout Vientiane. Their vision extends further: 'We're now reaching out to high schools, both private and public schools, the National University of Laos, and planning to expand to other provinces like Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champasak.' Even though Alan is originally from Australia, he feels deeply connected to Laos through his work. 'I'm not Lao, but I wear the Lao flag nearly every day. As the national tennis coach, I've had the opportunity to take Lao athletes overseas to compete. I coach nearly all of the national tennis players in Laos. I want to see pickleball grow in the same way. That's my goal.' Both Alan and Daovone share a vision for pickleball's growth that mirrors tennis development in the country. Their roadmap includes establishing a dedicated pickleball federation and securing crucial sponsorships to fuel the sport's expansion across Laos. Pickleball's Global Boom Pickleball stands as one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). The game's appeal lies in its accessibility, appealing to children, senior citizens, or seasoned athletes, offering a fun and social way to stay active. As the sport grows, international pickleball communities have formed, professional leagues have emerged, and global tournaments are now attracting thousands of spectators and players. - Laotian Times
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cassava exports from Laos surge as railway boosts trade efficiency
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Cassava exports from Laos have grown significantly in early 2025, thanks to increased shipments along the Laos-China Railway. In the first five months this year, the railway transported 5,750 containers of cassava (about 156,000 tonnes), marking a 43 percent rise compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Laos-China Railway Company Limited. During the same period, the railway also carried 172,410 tons of Lao agricultural goods, a 40.18 percent increase from last year. This success came as the railway now follows a 'prioritizing approval and prioritizing transportation' policy, ensuring that goods like cassava are moved quickly, regardless of volume, making cassava the leading agricultural export being transported via the railway. Strong Demand, But Supply Still Falls Short Driven by strong market demand, many Lao farmers have shifted to cassava cultivation. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh mentioned during a March meeting in Pakse, Champassak Province, that cassava farming is expanding across the country. However, Laos is currently facing a production gap. The country's 22 tapioca factories can only process around 1 million tonnes of cassava annually – far short of the 3.7 million tonnes needed to meet domestic demand. In 2024, Laos produced about 7.4 million tonnes of cassava and exported over 2.4 million tonnes, earning more than USD 440 million. Major growing areas include Champasack, Vientiane, Xayaboury, Sekong, Salavan, and Bolikhamxay provinces. Cassava was Laos' top export in January 2024, bringing in US$94 million of the total US$561 million in exports. This rose slightly to US$95 million in February. Despite this growth, the country still faced a trade deficit of US$40 million in early 2024, largely due to reliance on imports, especially from Thailand. Railway Strengthens Trade Links with China Despite the challenges, the Laos-China Railway still serves as a crucial route for moving agricultural products quickly and efficiently. The railway also offers several advantages for exporters, such as lower costs, faster delivery, and easier access to key markets in China, including Kunming, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. In response to rising demand, the railway has improved scheduling, increased the number of daily train services, and streamlined customs clearance with both Lao and Chinese authorities. Since its launch in 2021 to March this year, the Laos-China Railway transported over 54 million tonnes of goods and carried more than 48.6 million passengers. It has also enabled time-sensitive exports, such as bananas and coffee beans, to reach international markets more efficiently. - Laotian Times
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos sets sights on becoming Asia's gold trading powerhouse
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Laos has set a big goal: to become the main centre for buying, selling, and processing gold in Asia within the next five years. At a high-profile meeting on 02 May, the Lao Bullion Bank (LBB) presented its ambitious strategy to position the country as a regional leader in precious metals. At the gathering, Chanthone Sitthixay, Chief Executive Officer of LBB, outlined the bank's vision to establish economic and financial stability by transforming Laos into a gold trading hub and a frontrunner in precious metal refining across Asia by 2030. Laos stands as one of South-East Asia's most gold-rich nations, currently ranking third in gold production among Asean countries and sixth across Asia. Initial surveys have revealed an extraordinary potential, between 500 to 1,000 metric tons of untapped gold reserves scattered throughout the country. Once confirmed and certified by international geological and mining standards, these reserves could translate into national gold stockpiles valued at an estimated US$50 to US$76 billion. This would provide Laos with a substantial strategic reserve, boosting the country's financial security and capacity for economic growth. Since its launch in December 2024, Lao Bullion Bank has advanced its mission by supporting sustainable economic development through gold-based financial services, including gold deposit accounts, gold-backed loans, and gold deposit certificates that can be used as collateral. - Laotian Times
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos launches digital ID cards for all its citizens
Artwork from Laotian Times VIENTIANE (Xinhua): In a major step toward digital transformation, Laos is preparing to launch modern digital identity cards for citizens across the country. The initiative is part of the Lao government's broader strategy to build a digital government, economy, and society, which is in line with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party's modernization vision, Lao News Agency has reported. The Lao Ministry of Public Security is leading the project, focusing on developing digital infrastructure, strengthening IT capabilities among security personnel, and updating legal frameworks to support the new system. The project includes the construction of a centralised Citizen Data Centre, the integration of population data, and the transformation of this data into a secure, digital format. The ministry has also prioritized training and technical preparation to ensure a smooth transition. - Xinhua
