Latest news with #SonexaySiphandone
The Star
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Laos eyes more Malaysian investments
VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for deeper business cooperation and more Malaysian investments in Laos, saying the country offers strategic advantages and strong potential in key economic sectors. 'Many sectors of the Lao economy have potential for foreign investment, including Malaysian financiers,' the Prime Minister said while addressing the High-Level Laos-Malaysia Business Forum held recently in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is Laos' fourth-largest foreign investor, with total investment valued at US$946 million across 88 projects. The business forum brought together more than 180 participants from both countries, including government officials, ambassadors, and business leaders in energy, trade, agriculture, banking, tourism and logistics. Prime Minister Sonexay participated in the business forum during his official visit to Malaysia to attend the 46th Asean Summit. The event was jointly organised by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Malaysian Business Council in Laos and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, with support from the Ministries of Industry and Commerce and Planning and Investment, and Mega First Corporation. In his keynote address, Prime Minister Sonexay said Malaysia remains one of Laos' most significant foreign investors, with companies successfully operating in energy, infrastructure and financial services. Prime Minister Sonexay urged Malaysian companies to explore investment opportunities in agriculture, green energy, food processing, mining, logistics, digital tourism, and carbon credit markets. He pointed to Laos' 21 special economic zones, including the Amata and Sino-Agri Potash SEZs, as attractive areas for industrial and manufacturing investments. Malaysian investments into Laos span sectors such as renewable energy, transport, telecommunications, construction, banking and hospitality. The Prime Minister also outlined recent government reforms to improve the business climate, including the revision of the Investment Promotion Law in 2024, streamlined procedures, and new digital platforms for business registration and tax services. He said the Lao government is committed to supporting foreign investors and has created mechanisms such as the Lao Business Forum to ensure regular dialogue between the public and private sectors. Prime Minister Sonexay said the Laos-China Railway, upgraded road networks, new expressways, dry ports, and the recent launch of berth 3 of Vung Ang Port in Vietnam have significantly enhanced Laos' connectivity and cut transport costs. 'We have expanded connectivity with neighbouring countries by establishing ourselves as a regional transportation hub,' he said. Another notable recent development is the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Thanaleng Dry Port in Laos and Malaysia's Penang Port. This agreement aims to strengthen logistics and transport links by creating a strategic trade corridor connecting southern China to Malaysia's west coast via Laos and Thailand. 'This forum marks an important step forward in building lasting partnerships. I invite Malaysian businesses to visit Laos, explore our investment opportunities and grow with us,' he said. In 2024, the total trade between Laos and Malaysia exceeded US$43 million, up from US$30 million in 2023, according to the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Laos reaffirms to prioritise children's rights
VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Laos has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising children's rights and continuing to create safe and supportive environments for children to thrive, recognizing children and youth as key to the nation's future. In his speech marking the International Children's Day, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed the government's strong commitment to advancing and protecting children's rights. He also extended his best wishes to all children, recognizing them as invaluable assets to their families and the nation's future. In an interview with Xinhua, Chansamone, a mother of two, emphasized that children and youth are the future and hope of Laos. She highlighted the importance of investing in their education, health, and overall well-being, stressing that such efforts are essential for the country's long-term development. "I believe that providing children with equal opportunities will enable them to grow into capable individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. I urge all parents and relevant sectors to empower every child, so that we can ensure a brighter future for the nation," she added. Viphavanh, a 28-year-old resident of the Lao capital of Vientiane, shared his view that children are not only future leaders but also active contributors to the country's development. He emphasized that beyond formal education, it is essential to give children the freedom to enjoy their childhood through play and participation in various activities. These experiences, he said, help children develop real-world skills that will prepare them to contribute meaningfully to Laos' growth. Tingnoy, a 23-year-old office worker, highlighted the importance of the International Children's Day as a special time for families to come together. He emphasized that beyond gifts, the celebration is about spending quality time, sharing activities, and showing love and attention to children. These precious moments strengthen family bonds and make children feel truly valued and happy. Enditem
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
'They must be protected': Lao PM pledges to safeguard children's rights
VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Ahead of the International Children's Day on June 1, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone extended warm wishes to all Lao children and youth, reaffirming the government's commitment to advancing and protecting children's rights. Local Pasaxon newspaper reported on Friday that in his message, Sonexay extended heartfelt wishes, love, and warm greetings to all children and youth of Laos, from every ethnic group, both at home and abroad. He expressed hope that they grow up happy, physically, mentally, and intellectually strong. He also added the govt will do all to ensure their children become responsible, disciplined, honest, creative, and confident individuals who seek to develop new skills and adapt to a changing world. - Xinhua
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Lao, Filipino leaders agree to strengthen ties as trade sours
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (right) meeting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Kuala Lumpur. - VT VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Filipino President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. have agreed to work together to deepen cooperation between the two countries in vital areas such as trade, education, defence, and digital innovation. The pledge comes as the two nations celebrate 70 years of formal diplomatic relations, marking a milestone in their longstanding partnership. Their commitment to this relationship was reiterated and enhanced when the two leaders met in Kuala Lumpur on May 26 on the sidelines of the 46th Asean Summit. 'In commemoration of the 70th year of Philippines–Laos relations, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and I agreed to further strengthen cooperation in trade, education, and security—and to unite for peace and development in the region,' President Marcos was quoted as saying by the Philippine News Agency. The two countries identified strategic sectors for deeper collaboration—including agriculture, skills development, tourism, and emerging areas like artificial intelligence and digital technology. President Marcos also highlighted the potential for expanded trade ties, noting Laos' rapid economic growth. Trade between Laos and the Philippines has nearly doubled over five years, increasing from US$7 million in 2019 to around US$13.72 million in 2024. 'We would like to strengthen all our relations - trade, defence, and security, and even people-to-people exchanges,' President Marcos said. Prime Minister Sonexay expressed his deep appreciation for the longstanding friendly relations and good cooperation between Laos and the Philippines, including mutual support in regional and international forums, according to the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Lao PM also expressed his gratitude to the government and people of the Philippines for their continued support to Laos, especially in the development of Laos' human resources through short-term training scholarships and long-term scholarships. He confirmed Laos' support for the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship next year, aiming to build a stronger ASEAN community and benefit the ASEAN family. The two leaders also agreed to promote cooperation in fields where both countries have potential, such as agriculture, tourism, and clean energy, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - Vientiane Times/ANN
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN KEKAL KOMITMEN USAHAKAN PEMULIHAN, KESTABILAN MYANMAR
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (sixth, left) links arms with ASEAN leaders for a group photo prior to the plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, today. From left are Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Permanent Secretary of the Myanmar Foreign Ministry Aung Kyaw Moe, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. From right are Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED
