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The Star
7 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Laos, China strengthen ties to boost cardiovascular treatment
Laos' Mahosot Hospital and Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital in China's Yunnan Province have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance healthcare quality, patient treatment and medical services, particularly in the field of cardiovascular care. - Vientiane Times VIENTIANE: Laos' Mahosot Hospital and Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital in China's Yunnan Province have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance healthcare quality, patient treatment and medical services, particularly in the field of cardiovascular care. The signing ceremony took place in the Lao capital, Vientiane on Monday (May 26) and was attended by Lao Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, along with senior officials from both sides, Lao National Radio reported on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, Director General of Mahosot Hospital Souxath Vongphachanh emphasised that the partnership aims to enhance medical services, particularly in patient treatment, disease prevention and research, especially in pediatric cardiac surgery and heart transplants for children with congenital conditions. He noted that this collaboration deepens the bilateral relationship between Laos and China in advancing public health and medical research. The partnership will also expand into areas like human resource development, medical equipment, and healthcare supplies. Souxath expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chinese government and the Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital for their ongoing support, which is vital to the development of cardiovascular care in Laos. - Xinhua
The Star
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Agricultural Promotion Bank leads financial innovation in Laos with Visa for seamless cross-border payments
- Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE: The Agricultural Promotion Bank Co., Ltd. (APB) is reinforcing its position as a leader in financial innovation through a collaboration with Visa, a global pioneer in digital payments. By adopting Visa B2B Connect, APB is enhancing its cross-border payment capabilities with a secure, efficient, and transparent solution designed for modern business needs. The launch on April 30 of APB World-Remit enabled by Visa B2B Connect marks a significant step in improving the way Lao businesses handle international transactions. This platform enables direct bank-to-bank transfers, increases transparency, and allows clients to track payments in near real-time, delivering greater speed, accuracy, and confidence in every transaction. Managing Director of APB, Philavanh Sophabmixay, said "This collaboration with Visa aligns perfectly with APB's commitment to advancing digital financial services and contributing to sustainable economic development in Laos. "Guided by our 'Swift, Complete, Accessible' strategy, we're creating an integrated ecosystem that supports corporate clients with smart tools for payments, liquidity, and real-time international fund management." - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN He also noted that APB World-Remit with Visa B2B Connect supports a broad range of foreign currencies and is available in more than 110 countries and territories, strengthening APB's role in connecting Lao businesses to international markets. Visa Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos, Dung Dang, said "We are pleased to support APB in enhancing cross-border transactions for businesses in Laos. "The adoption of Visa B2B Connect will provide Lao businesses with a robust solution for managing international payments more effectively. "This collaboration highlights our commitment to fostering innovation and offering seamless financial solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our clients and partners in Laos." This collaboration is part of APB's wider Digital Remittance Solutions initiative, focused on expanding global service offerings through forward-looking technology and strong strategic collaborations. Corporate customers can now access cross-border payment services via the APB Business platform. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
21-05-2025
- General
- The Star
No treasures found yet in search for buried Buddha statues in Bokeo, Laos
An aerial view of the excavation site in Tonpheuang district, Bokeo province. VIENTIANE: A joint excavation effort by central, provincial, and district authorities in collaboration with Yaitonpheung village leaders and Thongthip Phatthanaram temple, has been ongoing for 10 days at Pheungkham Island alongside the Mekong riverbank in Tonpheuang district, Bokeo province. However, no Buddha statues or other artefacts of historical value have yet been found. Excavations at this third site in the area began on May 11, following a survey planned by the Aqua Company, which provided a grant for the project in March. A dam has been built to block the water and enable excavation at two locations, but all efforts have so far been in vain. An aerial view of the excavation site in Tonpheuang district, Bokeo province. Apart from the remains of old bricks and pieces of metal in areas designated using set coordinates, nothing of archaeological interest has been unearthed but the search will continue for as long as weather conditions allow, in the hope that items of value will be discovered. The operation is being carried out by a team from Yaitonpheung village. If any Buddha images or other antiquities are found, the team will inform the relevant various groups in various villages and request their assistance. The excavations are not only a search for historical treasures but also a continued effort to preserve and understand the cultural heritage of Bokeo province. Last year, several ancient Buddha statues were unearthed along the Mekong River shoreline in Tonpheung district. They are believed by some to be remnants of a 14th-16th century temple, although the true historical context of these artefacts remains shrouded in mystery, awaiting further investigation. The artefacts were taken to Thongthip Phatthanaram temple in Yaitonpheung village for safekeeping. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
19-05-2025
- The Star
Laos tourism hotspot Luang Prabang steps up preparations for Green Destination certification
Visitors take photos at Kuang Si Waterfall, a popular tourist destination in Luang Prabang. -- File photo: Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): Luang Prabang, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1995, is stepping up efforts to secure the prestigious Tourism Destination Award from the Green Destination Organisation by finalising key documentation and ensuring compliance with evaluation criteria. On May 15, a consultation meeting was held at the provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, bringing together key stakeholders, including Deputy Director General of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration of Thailand, Dr Chuwit Mitrchob; Head of the Luang Prabang provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, Soudaphone Khomthavong; and representatives from various departments in Luang Prabang city and province. Soudaphone highlighted Luang Prabang's recent recognition as one of the 100 best tourism destinations in the world, announced at ITB Berlin 2025, the world's leading travel trade show. She noted that this accolade reflects the collaborative efforts of local authorities and tourism stakeholders to improve the quality of tourism in line with the province's development vision. 'Our aim is that by 2029, Luang Prabang will become a quality, modern, and regionally and internationally connected tourism destination,' she said. The meeting addressed areas highlighted by evaluators from the Green Destination Organisation, particularly regarding the criteria, conditions and indicators required for certification as a sustainable tourist destination. Soudaphone called on all participants to provide in-depth comments and data to enhance the submission and ensure Luang Prabang's success in achieving full certification. Dr Chuwit also spoke at the meeting, clarifying specific points in the evaluation form and encouraging participants to align their feedback with the requirements outlined by the Green Destination Organisation. He stressed the importance of providing accurate and coordinated input to meet the necessary standards. Luang Prabang continues to attract a high number of visitors. According to the provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, more than 2.3 million Lao and foreign tourists visited the province in 2024, generating over US$1.2 billion in revenue. Among the province's renowned attractions are the Kuangsi waterfall, Mount Phousi, Xieng Thong temple, the Royal Palace Museum, and the night market. Visitors also enjoy sampling traditional Lao foods such as sticky rice, laap (minced meat salad), and jaew bong (chilli paste). Favourite souvenirs include handwoven textiles, handmade crafts, and local snacks, widely available in markets such as Talad Phosy. By securing Green Destination certification, Luang Prabang hopes to further elevate its profile as a culturally rich tourist destination, in line with its long-term development goals. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean media gain insight into Huaihua's economic development
Hundreds of people including senior officials from Huiahua city attend the opening ceremony of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Economic and Trade Expo. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN HUAIHUA, (China): The 2025 Asean Mainstream Media Tour kicked off on May 8 in the economic boomtown of Huaihua in Hunan province, with representatives from mainstream media outlets in the Asean nations of the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia participating in a five-day in-depth visit to the region. Huaihua is experiencing significant economic growth, particularly in its international trade and port-related industries. The city is actively integrating into the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, attracting trade with Asean countries, Europe, and the United States. Huaihua's economy is also being boosted by the development of its International Land Port and the growth of industries like luggage manufacturing and agricultural processing. Organised to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between China and Asean countries, the media tour included a wide range of activities highlighting Huaihua's growing economic, cultural, and logistical significance. A key feature of the programme was the 2nd Hunan (Huaihua) Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Economic and Trade Expo, held under the theme 'Sharing Opportunities, Winning the Future'. The Expo convened all 14 RCEP member countries along with delegations from over 20 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Taking place both online and offline, the event aimed to foster integrated platforms for production, supply, and sales. Asean media representatives also visited the Huaihua International Land Port, a major hub facilitating inland logistics. The itinerary included tours of the planning exhibition hall, customs supervision zone, Luggage and Leather Goods Industrial Park, and nearby enterprises. These underscore Huaihua's transformation from a traditional logistics hub into a manufacturing-driven economic centre, aligned with the model: 'Asean resources, Huaihua manufacturing, RCEP markets.' Beyond economic developments, the tour also provided cultural and historical insights. Journalists explored Zhijiang, Xinhuang, and Xupu counties, home to industries such as agricultural product processing, traditional Chinese medicine, and new materials. Huaihua, known for having the highest number of traditional villages in Hunan province, also stands out for its rich ethnic diversity, particularly of the Miao and Yao communities. As part of the cultural segment, the delegation visited the Wuxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, Longxi Ancient Town, the Memorial Hall of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the Simeng Bishui Danxia Scenic Area in Xupu. These visits provided close-up experiences of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, including Miao silver jewellery, Chenhe Mulian Opera, and Nuo Opera, illustrating the dynamic integration of culture and tourism in the region. The 2025 Asean Mainstream Media Tour aimed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen Asean-China relations by offering firsthand insights into Huaihua's strategic development, cultural vitality, and regional connectivity. - Vientiane Times/ANN
