Latest news with #VIENTIANE
The Star
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos, Switzerland team up to improve vocational education curriculum
Switzerland supports young people in Laos in receiving a good education and participating in the labor market. - Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation VIENTIANE: Vocational education experts from Laos and Switzerland have joined forces to strengthen curriculum development for Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions and enterprises in Laos. The Technical and Vocational Education Department of the Ministry of Education and Sports on Monday (May 19) hosted a capacity building workshop for Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions and enterprises on curriculum development under the Asean-Swiss TVET Initiative. The workshop on curriculum development for work-based learning brought together participants from the government and private sectors and featured lecturers from the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training. Presentations centred on enhancing skills in curriculum design in four priority sectors: Inventory Management, Customer Service, Machine Tools, and Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Repair. The Asean-Swiss TVET Initiative aims to strengthen vocational education through industry-aligned training programmes. Under the Initiative, Asean and Switzerland will support Laos and Cambodia to strengthen their technical and vocational training systems with a focus on workplace-based learning in companies. Participants gained practical insights into the development of work-based learning curricula, ensuring workforce readiness and industry relevance. The event was seen as a milestone in advancing technical and vocational education training excellence in Laos. The workshop was co-chaired by Deputy Director General of the ministry's Technical and Vocational Education Department, Tingkham Soulintha, and member of the Board of Directors of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Viboon Sithimolada. In 2024, the Asean-Swiss TVET Initiative signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a project to improve job opportunities for unemployed young people and low-skilled workers in Laos, funded by the Swiss government. Under the MOU, at least 1,000 Lao people are expected to be given access to vocational training and work at businesses across the country. Priority training fields include transportation and goods warehousing services, the retail trade, mechanics, and air-conditioning installation and repair. The goal of the project is to provide knowledge and skills for young people who are unemployed, especially those with little education after leaving school at a young age, as well as low-skilled workers, so they learn skills that are relevant to today's job market. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos looks into blockchain, digital assets to boost digital economy
VIENTIANE: Laos is conducting a feasibility study on developing Lao national blockchain and digital assets to support the national digital economy vision, generate new government revenue, and cultivate expertise in connected data technology and digital assets. According to a report of the Ministry of Technology and Communications on Tuesday (May 13), the ministry and its partner will jointly assess the feasibility of developing national blockchain infrastructure to support digital transformation across sectors, including a digital identity system, digital asset verification, and the establishment of a blockchain research and development center. The study will also focus on creating blockchain technology legislation, strategies, and policies, while strengthening human resources in the blockchain field. The Lao government continues its efforts to integrate technology into public administration and services, backed by a national digital transformation strategy focused on digital government, economy, and society, as the private sector increasingly shifts online. - Xinhua
The Star
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos and China bilateral trade increases to US$8.23bil in 2024, marking significant growth
Image: From Laotian Times VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): In 2024, Laos and China achieved a significant milestone in trade, with a total value of US$8.23 billion, marking a 15.91 per cent increase compared to 2023. This growth was driven by international transactions across several sectors, including the Lao-China railway, investment, and development projects. Last year, the two countries reaffirmed their cooperation through the Lao-China Partnership for a Shared Future (2024-2028) Master Plan, which aims to expand cross-border collaboration and promote development across multiple sectors on both sides. China has consistently played a key role in Laos' market and investment landscape, standing out as the largest foreign investor among 53 countries, with total investments valued at US$18 billion. This included US$4.56 billion worth of Lao exports to China, marking a 21.4 per cent increase from 2023, while imports from China reached US$3.68 billion, up by 9.8 per cent. In 2024, China remained Laos' second largest trading partner, with a total bilateral trade value of US$8.23 billion. The economic exchange between Laos and China has significantly increased since the launch of the Lao-China Railway in 2021. To date, the railway has transported over 54 million tons of goods and carried more than 48.6 million passengers. In addition, China ranks as the third-largest source of tourists to Laos, with over 1,048,034 Chinese visitors recorded in 2024. In the development sector, Laos and China have collaborated on numerous projects funded by China, totaling approximately US$70 million. Eight major projects have been completed, including the establishment of an Institute of Communication and Information Technology, an E-Commerce project to promote Lao agricultural products, and the Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital Improvement Project. These initiatives reflect the deepening cooperation aimed at advancing infrastructure and public services in Laos. Currently, 17 development projects worth CNY 2.5 billion (approximately USD 350 million) are underway, with completion expected by mid-2025. These projects focus on four northern provinces—Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, and Houaphanh—and aim to improve living standards and strengthen infrastructure for local communities. - Laotian Times
