1. December 2 Celebration 
2. Escaping From “Least Developed Country” Status 
3. Lao PDR’s Accession To Two International Human Rights Covenants
4. Lao-Sino Ties: Towards The New Century 
5. ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting  
6. Myanmar-Laos Ties  
7. Six-Country Meeting In Laos
8. Laos Continues Border Demarcation On Stretches 15-16 
9. Foreign Investment Boost
10. Success Of The Trade And Tourism
11. Bolavens Project To Continue 
12. US Donation To Help Flood Victims
13. First MIA Joint Operations For 2000-2001
14. Sweden And UK Assist Disabled Students
15. Princess Diana Helps Lao Disabled 
16. Laos-Vietnam-Thailand To Increase Trade & Tourism Along Highway 8A
17. Workshop On The Elimination Of Child Labor
18. Bomb Blast Problem
19. That Luang Trade Fair
20. Happy New Year 2001 

On December 2, the Lao people throughout the country celebrate the 25th founding anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Thousands of Vientiane residents and tourists gathered on the That Luang Esplanade to see the colorful parades. There were many performances from many state and private sector organizations than ever before. Most of the performances showed the success of their participation in the socio-economic development of the country during the last 25 years. Lao people significantly recognize December 2, as a historical remembrance of a great success of the Lao nation. 

To commemorate this important occasion, on December 1, the Embassy of the Lao PDR in Washington, DC organized a party reception, in which many high-ranking US officials from different departments and agencies, and many heads of the foreign missions based in Washington, DC area, joint the function. They conveyed wishes of happiness, success and prosperity to Lao leadership, the government and the whole Lao people. They also praised the achievements scored by the Lao people in national development and defense over the past 25 year. 

At night on December 2, there were more than hundred people gathered at the Lao Embassy to celebrate the Lao National Day. Most of them were friends from the Lao community living in and around Washington greater area. The celebration was enjoyable and interesting with the Lao traditional dance (Lumvong). 
 

ESCAPING FROM “LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRY” STATUS

“Fighting Poverty through Human Resource Development, Rural Development and People's Participation” was the theme of the Seventh Round Table Meeting (RTM), which opened on November 20 at Vientiane. 

The two-day meeting was to seek funds for the Lao PDR from international organizations to fight poverty.

Many development partners at the meeting announced firm commitments for loans and grant aid for up to 2002, and made specific pledges totaling US$ 440 million for 2001. This is higher than the commitments made at the last RTM in Geneva in 1997.

"Japan has made a very large commitment amounting to US$ 90 million," said UNDP Deputy Assistant Administrator and Meeting co-chairman David Lockwood.

Over 200 participants heard a statement on national development priorities and coherence from Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Round Table Process 2000-2002 Steering Committee Chairman Boun-gnang Vorachit.

He said that although the Asian Financial Crisis continues to have its effect on the economy, the government has maintained its commitment to economic reform. The administration recognizes that the country's private sector is still weak and vulnerable in a fragile financial sector. However, it is implementing a Private sector reform process to create the environment to foster private sector development.

The main objectives of the RTM, he said, are:

• to keep strengthening the existing development partnership between the Lao government and aid agencies for the real benefit of the people;
• to provide an opportunity to show progress achieved on challenges that Laos still faces;
• to provide information and discuss government socioeconomic development policies in the first years of the 21st century;
• to mobilize continuing support and assistance of development Partners, especially in development of socioeconomic infrastructure, human resources, and rural areas, still urgently needed for poverty alleviation for the Lao multi-ethnic population.

“This RTM is a symbol for cooperation in the 21st century between the Lao government, donor countries and international organizations," said Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh.

Laos as part of the world community has both the right and responsibility to develop in close cooperation with the international community, he explained. "I hope that donor countries and international organizations will keep supporting and assisting us in development, and to eradicate poverty," said the Prime Minister.

The Lao government strategy and policy are designed to ensure escape from “least developed country” status by 2020, to eradicate basic poverty by 2010, and to reduce poverty by half by 2005. To achieve this goal the Lao government will continue to implement the new economic mechanism in both economics and politics, continuing the in-depth transformation towards a market economy through state adjustment, encouragement of the economic sector, and efficient and sustainable exploitation and use of the Lao resource potential.

He added that the government will continue its decentralization by transforming ministries and central agencies into macro-management units; systematically streamlining regulations and the legal framework; and promoting friendly relations and cooperation with all donor countries and international organizations.

Mr Lockwood said that in recent decades the Lao PDR had made progressive achievements in poverty reduction. "The 1990s have seen a declining poverty rate of about three percent per annum in Laos. Human Development Indicator analysis also confirms this decline based on a different set of indicators. Progress was somewhat more in urban areas than in rural areas," he said. He added that he and his colleagues were very impressed by the commitment shown by the government to facilitate an open dialogue, and by the hard and dedicated work resulting in the extensive material presented to participants.

The development partners reaffirmed a strong commitment to supporting the Lao PDR in its poverty alleviation programs and in helping Laos achieve its objectives of graduating from the group of least developed countries by 2020.

Among those at the RTM were representatives of development partner countries, the European Commission, multilateral financial institutions, UN and specialized agencies, and non- governmental organizations.
 

LAO PDR’S ACCESSION TO TWO INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COVENANTS

On December 7, 2000, at the Head-Quarter of the United Nations in New York, Mr. Khenthong Nouanthasing, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the United Nations, officially signed on behalf of the Government of the Lao PDR for the accession as a party to the International Conventions on Human Rights, namely: 

1. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
2. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Signing for the accession to the above-mentioned Conventions on Human Rights is very significant. It reflects the true policy of the government of the Lao PDR, which always paid much attention to the respect of liberty and basic Human Rights of the Lao people, clearly stipulated in the Constitution of the Lao PDR adopted in 1991.

In term of international law, the accession to these two human rights covenants does enhance the position of the Lao PDR in international arena. It also contributes to the commemoration of the 52nd anniversary of the International Conventions on Human Rights by the international community. The signing for the accession to these two Covenants is a new step for the Government of the Lao PDR in enhancing the cooperation with the international community to protect and improve the rights, freedom and democracy of the people throughout the world.
 

LAO-SINO TIES: TOWARDS THE NEW CENTURY 

The three-day visit of Chinese President to the Lao PDR was considered of great significance for Lao-Chinese cooperation heading towards the new century.

"This is a visit of historical significance. It is very important to consolidate friendly cooperation between our two countries in the new century," said President Khamtay Siphandone during talks with President Jiang Zemin on November 12.

The two heads of state reached complete consensus on all issues they discussed. President Khamtay said that the visit gave a good support to the efforts of Laos to develop itself. 

In reply, President Jiang said that the frequent contacts between Chinese and Lao leaders were important for the growth of bilateral ties. He believed the visit would be fruitful and provide guidance to the development of bilateral ties in the new century.

The two Presidents reviewed the development and historical experience of socialism. President Jiang said that the historical changes taken place in China after the reform and opening-up were the result of combining scientific socialism theory with China's reality and can be considered, as the successful implementation of socialism in the east.

President Jiang told President Khamtay that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government attached importance to the consolidation of ties with Laos for the full-round cooperation between the two neighboring countries, noting such relationship is in the interests of the two peoples and conducive to peace and development in the region. China and Laos have signed a joint declaration which sets out the course of development in the new century.

It says that China and Laos will make frequent contact with each other at all levels. The Chinese President invited President Khamtay and other Lao representatives to visit China frequently. The two sides agreed to keep contact and cooperation between their Parties and governments, National Assemblies, armies, mass organizations and provinces, to further develop and deepen the neighborly and traditional ties of friendship and mutual cooperation between them.

They recognized that the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter, the five principles of peaceful-coexistence, the principles specified in the South-east Asian Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and the norms of world-accepted international law are fundamental for solving problems in bilateral relations. 

The two countries will further cooperate in trade, investment and agriculture, and personnel training, as well as cooperate and coordinate in the East Asian region and world affairs.

China reaffirmed that it respected the independence and sovereignty of Laos, which in turn acknowledged that the People's Republic of China is a single state. President Jiang said China's principle of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" is correct and suitable to China's national conditions.

President Khamtay expressed satisfaction with the in-depth and fruitful development of the Lao-Chinese relationship and extended gratitude for China's support and assistance to Laos. He briefed President Jiang on Lao renovation and opening-up, and on the future social and economic development program.

At the evening of November 12, the two countries signed a number of agreements, including a joint declaration on bilateral cooperation between China and       Laos. This was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad and Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen. Other documents, on economic, technical and trade cooperation, on building a hospital in Luang Prabang province, on mining and agriculture cooperation were also signed by representatives of the relevant ministries.

The Chinese President's visit is considered a great honor for the Lao people, many of whom said they found it incredible that the President of a big country like China would visit such a small country like Laos. President Jiang Zemin's visit is the highest-level Chinese visit ever to Laos.

“We are, pleased to see that in recent years the good-neighborly and friendly relations between China and Laos have deepened in all fields and the two countries have maintained close high-level contacts," said the Chinese President when he arrived at Wattay International Airport. He added: "China and Laos are linked by common mountains and rivers. The traditional friendship between the two people has withstood the trials of historical vicissitudes, demonstrating a strong vitality and broad prospects for development. The exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in politics, economy and trade, culture, education, health and others have achieved gratifying results'"

He continued: "The facts prove that further to consolidate and develop the friendly relations and cooperation between China and Laos serves not only the fundamental interests of our two peoples but also peace and stability of the region."

The Chinese President was not just visiting Lao leaders, but also the Lao people. He spent some of his limited getting in touch with Lao people and Lao culture when he toured the That Luang Festival. He also spent some time with Chinese people living in Laos.

A ceremonial welcome was organised at Hor Kham when President Khamtay Siphandone and President Jiang mounted the dais to receive a salute, and the Chinese and Lao national anthems were played. The two Presidents then inspected a Guard of Honour of the Lao People's Army. The Chinese President was welcomed by high ranking government officials, National Assembly members, and senior Lao civil officials and military officers. 
 
 

ASEAN-EU MINISTERIAL MEETING 

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting was ceremonially opened on December 11 at the National Culture Hall. 

The Lao Prime Minister, addressing the opening, said that the Meeting was of great significance in the history of ASEAN-EU relations, it signifies a mutual understanding and political will to continue ASEAN-EU relations. “This process enables us to determine together a long-range vision to cope with challenges of the new millennium,” said Mr Sisavath.

He told participants that he felt the meeting represented a golden opportunity for ASEAN and EU to inject “new spirit, new dynamism and new vision into the relations between our two regions. This is aimed at simulating the process of regional integration and concentrating common efforts to solve urgent problems of the world, namely poverty alleviation, narcotic control, environmental protection as well as technology transfer, primarily, information technology.”

Represented at the meeting are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the European Commission and the ASEAN and EU Secretariats.

Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh said that the Lao government and people highly appreciated and sincerely thanked ASEAN and EU members countries for giving Laos the honor to host the meeting. He said that in the almost 30 years of their relationship, ASEAN and the EU have grown and exerted increasing influence on their respective regions and the world. 

“It is apparent that ASEAN and EU are endowed with tremendous untapped potentials, primarily in the fields of economics, trade and investment. Provided that our two blocs maintain a normal relationship and develop together a relationship based on equality and mutual interest in conjunction with a sustained mechanism, we will be able to utilize the talent potentials for mutual back-up, complementarity, and steady growth.”

French Minister with responsibility for Cooperation and Francophonie Charles Josselin replied on behalf of the EU, of which his country is currently President, saying that he was delighted that the EU and ASEAN were thus expressing a determined desire to resume political dialogue. 

“Our relations need to be seen in a long-term perspective, since we are currently celebrating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the March 1980 Cooperation Agreement. These relations reflect what we have become, representing almost a billion inhabitants and two regional groupings whose political and economic relations are powerfully contributing to the emergence of the multipolar world we wish for,” he said.

The meeting was closed the following day in an atmosphere of satisfaction, confounding the somewhat negative predictions of critics. 

“The meeting was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual understanding, cordiality and confidence,” said Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad at a press conference soon after the meeting closed.

Some observers had predicted that the meeting would involve a lot of pressure, since problems had been piled up for the last three years. Many journalists predicted that the hottest issue would be human rights in Myanmar.

However, said Mr Somsavat, the two-day meeting confined discussion to three main issues: security, the economy, and future ASEAN-EU cooperation. 

“Participants held an intensive, wide-ranging and frank discussion on strengthening of ASEAN and EU relations, and on international and regional political and security issues,” he said. 
With a deep consciousness of the important role played by both groups in political stability and the world economy, the two sides agreed to continue dialogue and cooperation in the political, economic, social, cultural and development spheres to their mutual benefit. 

There are continuing disputes and conflicts in many parts of the world, causing concern to both bodies, continued the Deputy Prime Minister. He revealed that there had been a candid exchange of views on the situations in Myanmar, Indonesia, East Timor, Korea Peninsula, Balkans and the Middle East. 

The ASEAN and EU participants at the Meeting conducted an intense and extensive discussion on international and regional economic issues. They welcomed last year’s successful launch of the Euro and the ASEAN economic recovery. They underlined that continued economic financial reforms at the national and global levels were necessary for sustainable economic recovery and to prevent any crisis recurrence. 

On the WTO, Mr Somsavat said, the Meeting supported the launch of a new round of WTO trade negotiations and agreed on the need for a broad and balanced agenda reflecting the interests of all WTO members, particularly developing countries. They also agreed to accelerate WTO accession for Cambodia, the Lao PDR and Vietnam.

Both sides noted that the risks to the world posed by oil price volatility, especially affecting economies heavily dependent on the oil market. While welcoming the steps taken by oil-producing countries to increase production, they called for appropriate measures to promote long-term oil price stability to help sustainable growth.

On the regional economy, the EU representatives commended ASEAN efforts to accelerate regional integration through free trade in goods and services, investment, industrial cooperation and information and technology. 

The swift and smooth implementation of the ASEAN-EU Work Programme, adopted at the 13th ASEAN-EU Joint Cooperation Committee last May in Bangkok, was seen as a key to addressing the need for a stronger economic dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that ASEAN and the EU were fully aware of the important economic challenges they faced. For the EU, the enlargement and improvement of the decision-making process, the development of CSFP, and the EMU were significant issues to be tackled. ASEAN representatives say they will have to address sustainable economic recovery and integration of new member countries. 

They all agreed to cooperate in developing a compatible e-commerce framework and narrowing the digital divide. They also agreed to look into the possibility of cooperation in fighting transnational crime, especially trafficking in women, drug trafficking, sea piracy and money laundering.

ASEAN-EU cooperation has its basis in the 1980 EC-ASEAN Cooperation Agreement. Usually, the Ministerial Meeting is held every two years. The EU postponed the 1999 Meeting as many European countries opposed the admission of Myanmar into ASEAN. 

The next ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting is scheduled for European home territory in 18-24 months. 
 

MYANMAR-LAOS TIES 

Myanmar State Peace and Development Council Vice-Chairman General Maung Aye, his wife Daw Mya Mya San, and a high-level delegation arrived in Vientiane on December 4 for a goodwill visit at the invitation of Lao National Assembly President Samane Viyaket.

The delegation included State Peace and Development Council Secretary-3 Lt. General Win Myint; State Peace and Development Council member and Triangle Region Command Commander Maj-General Thein Sein; Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Maj-General Nyunt Tin; Foreign Minister U Win Aung; Home Affairs Minister Colonel Tin Hlaing; Transport Minister Maj-General Hla Myint Swe; Trade Minister Brig-General Pyi Sone; Forestry Minister U Aung Phone; and Religious Affairs Minister U Aung Khin. 

General Maung Aye and NA President Samane Vignaket agreed to further enhance the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, pledged to increase cooperation in the regional and international context, and reaffirmed their adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.

They announced the establishment of the Lao-Mynmar Friendship Association and the Mynmar-Lao Friendship Association in each country, and signed a protocol on border trade Commerce Ministers of the two countries.

General Maung Aye also met with President Khamtay Siphandone, Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh, and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Lt-General Choummaly Sayasone. 

Lt-General Win Myint held discussions with LPRP Central Committee Politburo member and Organizational Board Head Thongsing Thammavong, while the other Ministers held meetings with their counterparts. 

The delegation also visited sites of historic, cultural and economic interest in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

The delegation left Laos on December 6 after General Maung Aye extended an invitation to President Khamtay Siphandone and to NA President Saamane Vignaket to pay an official visit to Mynmar.
 
 

SIX-COUNTRY MEETING IN LAOS

Over 20 representatives of six countries took part in a November 9 preparatory Senior Official Meeting (SOM) prior to the opening of the Ministerial Meeting on the Ganga- Mekong Linkage (GML), set for November 10.

The SOM in the Lane Xang Hotel was to discuss and seek agreement on matters to be presented to the Foreign Ministers and ministers concerned with tourism at the GML Meeting. 

Al the GML -Meeting, on November 10 in the Lao Plaza Hotel, ministers are discussing how to strengthen linkages between India and the five Mekong Basin countries of Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in tourism, education and culture. 

On November 8, during the SOM leaders meeting, the discussion aim at how to develop tourism and cultural cooperation among the six countries, but it is perhaps more important to build up communication between the six countries.

The meeting adopted an agreed agenda and program of action for management and arrangements, and discussed the title of Ganga-Mekong cultural cooperation. 

The concept of a tourism cooperation project was initiated at the end of 1999 by Thailand, wanting to promote tourism in the area of the golden peninsula. At first the project partners were Laos; Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. The concept was not immediately implemented but many countries showed an interest in the development and promotion of a tourism linkage in these areas.

Last May, Vietnam expressed interest in joining the cooperation scheme. In July India proposed to the Thai Foreign Minister, during a visit to India, the establishment of cooperation between the Ganga and Mekong River Basin areas.

The project was jointly announced in Bangkok during the ASEAN-post Ministerial conference in July this year. India and the five Mekong River Basin countries agreed unanimously to set up the current inaugural Ministerial Meeting on Ganga-
Mekong Linkage in Vientiane.
 

LAOS CONTINUES BORDER DEMARCATION ON STRETCHES 15-16 

A Lao team of 300 members of the Lao-Thai boundary survey and demarcation, led by Mr. Ouan Phommachack, Director of the Treaties and Laws Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Champassak province on November 30. Upon arrival at Pakse airport, Mr Ouan stated that the team aimed at continuing the demarcation on stretches 15 and 16, totaling 250 km of the Lao-Thai boundary. The boundary is between Laos’ southernmost province of Champassak and Thailand’s northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani. Last year, the two countries fulfilled the demarcation by building 18 boundary markers.

The Director continued that following the work on the two stretches, the team would carry on with the survey and demarcation of the land boundary on stretch 5, in Laos’ Sayaboury province which borders Thailand’s provinces of Uttaradit, Pitsanulok, and Loei. The work is expected to be over in 2002 as agreed by the governments of Laos and Thailand. The land boundary the two countries share totals 750 km.

Since 1997, the demarcation has been completed on 460 km with the building of 110 boundary markers, which accounts for 65% of the land boundary between the two countries.
The survey and demarcation of the water boundary, which totals 1,065 km, will commence in 2001 and is expected to be over in 2003.
 
 

FOREIGN INVESTMENT BOOST

The 7th Mini Roundtable Meeting of the Foreign Investment Management Committee was held in Vientiane to discuss the implementation of the policy dialogue of the previous meeting.

Participants heard a presentation on aid management and coordination, the project cycle and the monitoring framework. The meeting was to improve the investment climate and to solve delays and difficulties.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Mrs Khempheng Pholsena told the meeting: "The dialogue meetings are result of a collective national effort and focus on the longer-term strategic vision and coherence needed to inspire priorities in  vital sectors, instrumental not only for guiding overall coherence, but also to improve coordination and decision-making."

The policy dialogues are to present strategic views on fundamental issues and priorities, and to cross-fertilize strategic visions, to learn from partner suggestions, and to understand better the partners' views and concerns. 

The policy dialogues are also to prepare sectoral action plans as a basis for a public investment program, and as a reference for ODA mobilization.

The meeting briefed development partners on follow-up for the various sectoral strategic vision meetings and inform participants on proposals to improve administrative issues.

The President of the State Planning Committee said that administrative issues have been a cause of discontent and much frustration for the partners. He claimed that those problems would be solved by implementing policy dialogues.
 
 

SUCCESS OF THE TRADE AND TOURISM 

Deputy Trade and Tourism Minister reported to a seminar in Vientiane that the last five years in the sector had shown remarkable results.

He said the salient successes were simplifying and reforming state organizations, and guarantees of security of macro-system management for market mechanism activities under the guidance of the government. He also pointed to the decentralization of management. He said the ministry had laid great stress on reforming management, setting policy, and planning and laying down rules.

The Inspection Department and Economy Trade and Tourism Research Institute were created. Work of the export implementation and enterprises registration departments were transferred to the external and foreign trade departments. The trade and tourism sections of the provinces, municipality and special zone also were transformed. Able and well-skilled staff has been put in place, and foreign language skills have been improved.

The Ministry had stressed better management and reform of business activities, systematic organization and management, and control of prices. It had put in place a plan to balance imports and exports while considering the supply, abilities to produce for export, and the necessity to reduce the trade deficit. The Ministry had set plans to help reduce the trade deficit and support domestic production for export, then asked businesses to follow strictly the rules. Furthermore, the Ministry had strengthened state companies so they could compete in the markets and became the driving force of the economic sector.

The Ministry had helped in management of trade and adjustment of prices, built up state food companies, and upgraded the warehouse system, fixing market prices and so stabilizing the price of rice and other foods. The Ministry had also laid stress on control of some essential commodities such as fuel and construction materials.

Over the last five years, the state budget has allocated 14 billion kip for the provinces to control the price of rice. Especially in the last three years, the rice price has been quite stable, while the state has been able to guarantee a market for farmers.

In 1998-99, the government bought 46,570 tones of husked rice, and in 1999-2000 (up to March) bought 46, 600 tones. The control of timber sales was more possible with a contract between the government and businesses for the cutting and export of wood to reduce the gap while collections for state coffers increased. In 1999- 2000 the industry earned the state US$ 24.5 million.

Previously, managing vehicle imports had been difficult, and today the mechanism has been adjusted, especially since collaboration with the Finance Ministry for submission to the government to issue rules on import taxation.

The trade section has a role in the support of domestic production and import replacement. The state met and worked with foreign investors and trade representatives. Lao trade ambassadors also negotiated and sought out markets. 

The Lao garments sector was not growing fast. In 1996 the industry exported US$ 70 million. In 2000 exports only rose to US$100 million. The border trade was better; in 1998-99 the border trade was worth US$ 183 million, and rose to US$ 220 million in 1999-2000. The Deputy Minister continued: "At present, we are conducting research into rules for upgrading the warehouse system and free trade areas in the north, center and south. Foreign trade relations are showing much potential and we have signed contracts with 14 countries. We are negotiating for support from the European Union community, Canada and others and are preparing an application for full membership of the World Trade Organization."

The highlights of the past three years, he said, were economic trade cooperation with Vietnam and China, with that trade increasing rapidly. Multi-lateral trade policy was developing, instead just with Thailand  Lao state enterprises had joined with foreign firms to build a Lao-Vietnam supermarket and Lao- China trade centers in Vientiane municipality and provinces.

The opening to tourism was fruitful with the Visit Laos Year campaign proving successful. Tourists were increasing at an average annual rate of 22.8 percent. In 1999 there were 614,000 tourists, up from 403,000 in 1996. Last year tourist income reached US$ 97 million and there were twice as many hotel rooms as in 1996. “The improvement in tourism stems from opening the information system, easier travel, provincial tourism sites being improved, with a focus on natural, historical and cultural tourism, concluded the Minister. 
 

BOLAVENS PROJECT TO CONTINUE 

A signing ceremony of two contracts to extend the Rural Development Project for the Bolovens Plateau was held in Vientiane. 

The project, which began in 1997 and was due to wind up this year, was financed by the French Development Agency. It has been extended until November 30, 2001.

Agriculture and Forestry Ministry Deputy Office Director-General signed the document with BDAP (Bureau for the Development of Agricultural Production) Director-General. 

The project covered 93 villages and there are plans to involve another 120 villages next year. The project is costing 27.1 million French francs to help farmers make better and more sustainable use of the agricultural potential of the Bolavens Plateau.

The project covers such varied uses as coffee plantations with new seeds species such as Robusta and Arabica, upland and lowland rice cultivation, cabbages, soya-beans, peanuts, and bananas.

Livestock farmers are being encouraged to make full use of vaccinations for buffaloes, cows, pigs and poultry, and the project has encouraged the development of fisheries and ride banks. Better water supplies have been ensured by the installation of manual pumps in cooperation with the NGO anti-hunger campaign and Nam Saat. Around 43 kilometers of roads will have been built by the end of this year.

The BDAP has focused on developing a pilot coffee plantation in Etou village, Paksong district. The seeds sapling had been researched then distributed them to villagers. The project also care about processing, looking at the best way to upgrade the coffee quality for export, and to compete in the world market with the unique Paksong coffee brand. The project is also concerned to use the production potential for other cash crops such as vegetables and bananas, and building roads to improve communications. 
 
 

US DONATION TO HELP FLOOD VICTIMS

On November 17, US Embassy Charge d'Affaires Susan Sutton handed over a cheque for US$ 25,000 to Deputy Labor and Social Welfare Minister Khamphai Ratsamy.

Also at the ceremony were Ministry staff, a Foreign Ministry representative, and US Embassy staff. 

The donation is to assist relief efforts in the provinces affected by September's flooding. The funds are from USAID (US Agency for International Development), Foreign Disaster Assistance office.

The US has also given US$ 99,500 for emergency rice seed for flood-affected farmers in Khammouane and Savannakhet provinces, to help plant a dry season crop to replace flood losses.
CARE will distribute 200 tones of rice seed next month to around 4,000 families.
 

FIRST MIA JOINT OPERATIONS FOR 2000-2001

The first joint operations for the 2000-2001 survey and excavation of remains of Americans missing in action (MIA) in Laos during the Indochina War were launched between September 27 and October 28 by Lao-American technical teams. The work, with 43 American technicians, is being undertaken by four teams, with three of them excavating three sites in two provinces, one Houaphanh, one in Phine district (Savannakhet), and the third in Viraboury district (Savannakhet). Another team looked for information on 30 cases in Borikhamsay, Khammuan, and Savannakhet provinces.

Two Vietnamese witnesses were invited to identify two crash sites in Boualapha district (Khammuan province) and in Nong district (Savannakhet province).

The teams have found some teeth, bones, and personal effects.

The survey teams studied 17 cases, excavating two, and tripartite surveys were carried out for three other cases. The excavation located some bones. The surveys were unsuccessful due to unfavorable weather conditions. The passage of time has caused environmental changes and the Vietnamese witnesses could not properly identify the sites. The remains will be sent to Hawaii for further analysis.

This was the 72nd bilateral operation of survey and excavation for American MlAs in Laos since operations began in 1985.

The operation received cooperation from local authorities and the public. On October 28, a hand-over ceremony of the remains was held.

The operations were carried out under the humanitarian policy of the Lao government and in response to requests of the US government and MIA families.

A spokesman said that Lao people are aware that the US government has asked the Lao government and people to help account for US pilots who dropped bombs on them during the war. The Lao people have never forgotten the traumatic and bitter times. However, due to the humanitarian spirit of the Lao government and people, the Lao people are rendering cooperation. Regrettably, some US Senators have never given official acknowledgement for the sincere cooperation of the Lao people. Moreover, many of these people support Lao reactionaries in exile, including Vang Pao and his henchmen. In the past, these reactionaries cooperated with the US forces in killing Lao people, including the Hmong, their own ethnic group, without repentance.

The spokesman said that the conservative US Senators' current actions against the Lao people are apparently intensifying.

For their part, the Lao people also voiced complaints that exploratory-excavation operations at each site cut down trees, with consequent environmental destruction and violating Lao and international laws. Such forest destruction has still not received compensation from the US. The spokesman asked what the US attitude was towards this. The Lao people, masters and owners of the country, he claimed, ask themselves if they should continue to render further cooperation to those who are not grateful? If the Lao people cease cooperation they should not be blamed, since the moves are caused by ill-willed elements in the US, who must bear all responsibility.
 
 

SWEDEN AND UK ASSIST DISABLED STUDENTS

Sweden and Save the Children Fund (SCF) UK have agreed to further provide assistance to the second phase of the Lao disabled and able-bodied children's development project.

An agreement was signed at the Ministry of Education between the Ministry’s Ordinary Education Department Director and Swedish Charge d' Affairs Christer Holtsberg, and SCF of the UK Director Eduardo Klein.

This will be a continuation of assistance that commenced in 1993. The second phase will last for another five years, amounting to US$ 994,000. 

The implementation of the project is the expansion of a joint study of disabled and able-bodied students nation-wide. The project has so far been implemented in 12 provinces assisting 610 disabled students.

The Project is aimed at encouraging disabled and talented Children to participate in social activities.
 
 

PRINCESS DIANA HELPS LAO DISABLED

The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund has granted US$ 130,000 over thirty months to the Lao Disabled People's Association (LDPA). A signing ceremony was held in Vientiane at National Rehabilitation Center.

The grant has been given through the Lao Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) to help LDPA to improve management, financial and fund-raising skills.

British Trade Laos head Dr. Robert Cooper said: "The Diana Fund is delighted to be involved in strengthening the LDPA. We hope this will make a big difference to the lives of disabled people in Laos."

The grant would be of great value to the LDPA and to disabled people. It was crucial for helping disabled people have full participation in society. This project has been working in Laos since 1994, with six branches.

LDPA President said that the grant was a fitting recognition of the growing importance of his Organization in representing disabled people in Laos. The grant will help the Association expand branch activity in the provinces. Currently the LDPA has branches in Luang Prabang, Xieng Khuang and Champassak provinces. The President said that the LDPA is looking for finance so that it may open branches in Bolikhamsay, Khammuan, Savannaket, Oudomsay, and Houaphan provinces.

COPE is a consortium between the Health Ministry National Rehabilitation Center, POWER, World Vision, the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Othotics, and the Japanese Association for Aid and Relief. It is based at the National Rehabilitation Center, Khou Vieng Road, Vientiane. COPE has centers in Luang Prabang, Phonsaly, Savannakhet and Chempassak provinces.

The Diana Fund, set up in 1997, supports projects to help people affected by land mines in Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia. El Salvador, Laos, Mozambique, Palestine, Sri Lanka and Sudan.
 

LAOS-VIETNAM-THAILAND TO INCREASE TRADE AND TOURISM ALONG HIGHWAY 8A

Seven Vietnamese, Lao and Thai provinces along Highway 8A have agreed at their fourth conference to increase cooperation in trade and tourism and the use of the highway in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province.

Deputy Mayors of the concerned provinces and the Lao Consul General led the seven delegations to Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang. 

All agreed that the seven provinces had tried to ease procedures for people and goods to pass the border gates and to build bonded warehouses. 

They also agreed to hold more fairs and seminars to introduce and exchange goods and experiences, and in doing so market their products in other countries. 

The seven provinces are Ha Tinh and Nghe An, Vietnam; Bolikhamsay and Khammuan, Laos; Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai and Sakonnakhon, Thailand. 
 
 

WORKSHOP ON THE ELIMINATION OF CHILD LABOR 

A national Stakeholder Ownership Exercise Workshop on the elimination of child labor, women and children trafficking project for the Lao PDR was held in Vientiane. 

The workshop, jointly sponsored by the Labor and Social Welfare Ministry and ILO/IPEC, was to present the program of cooperation with the International Labor Organization (ILO) in the Lao PDR.

Participants heard results of the survey on domestic and cross-border labor movement of children and women in the provinces of Khammuan, Savannakhet and Champassak. Officials and representatives from various sectors discussed how to prevent the illegal labor of young people and women in foreign countries, particularly neighbor country. They tried to find models for this prevention, looking at the best practices.

The workshop looked for a better understanding of the situation in regard to child labor and illegal trafficking in women and children, so that a regional program of action could be planned for ILO/IPEC in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Yunnan province of the People's Republic of China.

Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, chairing the conference, said that the Lao PDR has joined the international project for the elimination of child labor and trafficking in children and women. Laos signed a memorandum with ILO last January 21. He stressed the seriousness of the issue, and how the government has paid special attention to children and women's welfare. He expressed a deep appreciation to ILO for their cooperation for the welfare of children and women.
 
 

BOMB BLAST PROBLEM

In Vientiane municipality there have been bomb blasts in a number of places like restaurants, hotels, markets, and the bus station. This has affected peace and security to some degree, but the problem of bomb blasts happens in many countries in the world, said Van-Athith Lao newspaper. 

Bomb blasts and other violent events involving death and destruction are common events in a number of developed countries. The number of such incidents in Laos is small compared to many other countries, said the reporter.

It has never happened before in our country, which is what has attracted a lot of attention. The basic problem is that our country was liberated only 25 years ago, and there are people who still want to destroy peace and order in the country, hoping to harm the country. They want other people to believe what is not true, that there is still fighting in Laos. The real situation is that our country has democracy and peace.

Ethnic people have justice and solidarity, and are building our country step by step into a developed nation, but there are people who want to misrepresent our country and use means like bombs to try to show we are not at peace.

The effect has been the opposite for our people, instead of making Lao people afraid, it has made them resentful of those who are responsible for the bombs, and they have increased their awareness and readiness to stop these people. 

The bombs have made the sectors concerned improve their protection of the nation to show the Lao people's love of their country.

The Party is finding the way to protect the nation and peace, and the sectors concerned must find how to assure peace, be aware in order to foil the criminals who are trying to destroy our country.

The government urges every state office, private office, and local authorities of every village to be involved in protecting our country.
 

THAT LUANG TRADE FAIR

The That Luang International Trade Fair 2000 officially opened on the afternoon of November 7. The Fair is held annually to promote and support domestic products and give Lao business people an opportunity to network, identify new markets and increase exposure.

This year there are more than 461 booths and shops displaying the huge range of home-grown products available in Laos, a display leavened by a number of foreign shops. The number of the booths this year has risen substantially; last year there were a total of 250 booths, which has almost doubled. Also, there has been a style change in the booths and what goes in them.

This year foreign countries have booths showing their culture and cooperation with the Lao PDR. These countries include China, Japan, the USA, and Thailand, but only Sekong, Xieng Khuang, Vientiane and Luang Namtha provinces have their own displays, alongside ministries and state, organizations.

However this is a good year for the Information and Culture Ministry, with many interesting booths. They display handicrafts from all provinces. There are also traditional concerts every night, with dancing and song. 

Those interested in Buddhism are able to hear prominent monks from the city's main temples and from the provinces discuss the meaning and importance of Buddhism. Those hungry from the exercise of looking at all the stalls can taste Lao traditional food close by.

There are many visitors from both city and countryside every night. This year the Chinese and Vietnamese products are selling well because they seem so cheap yet beautiful.

This is the first year that many Chinese traders have come to the trade fair in the That Luang area. Most of the goods we are offering for sale are clothes, shoes, and wine, all made in China.

Participating at the officially opening ceremony were Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh, ministers, provinces governors, diplomats. After cutting a ribbon, the Prime Minister and guests walked around the shops, especially fascinated by domestic agriculture and industry products.

The Trade Fair coincides every year with the That Luang Festival in November. The That Luang Trade Fair closed on November 13, having coincided with the Sixth National Games and the Ethnic Culture Festival.

On the full moon of the 12th month of the lunar calendar (this year it was on November 10 ) the Lao people gathered around That Luang to pay their annual homage to the Grand Stupa, the symbol of the Lao nation.

The festival started with a procession of phasaat pheung or wax castles, hold at Vat Simeuang on the 13th day of the waxing moon (November 9). The procession of Phasaat Pheung is held in homage to Buddha but also to honor the city pillar and Nya Mae Simeung. Phasaat Pheung are small palaces made of banana trunks and decorated with flowers made of wax . Other decorations included bank notes and various offerings. The castles are made by family,  a village, an organization or a business company. They are gathered on the temple grounds around 7pm and the procession starts at 8pm, sometimes even before. It is colorful noisy but spontaneous event. After three times around the sim, the phasaat are donated to the monks. Then the fireworks start, which are actually offerings of flowers of fire to Buddha.

The next day, the 14th day of the waxing moon (November 10), more Phasaat Pheung gathered at the patousay around 1pm and a procession starts at 2pm to bring the wax castles to That Luang. After three trips around the stupa, the castles are donated to the monks. The procession is homage to Buddha and the Grand Stupa.               

On the 15th day of the waxing moon (November 11), the solemn takbaat or offering to monks takes place at That Luang. The ceremony is usually held inside the cloister.  Now, with the growing number of monks and novices, some coming from provinces, a great number of monks and the lay community are installed around King Sethathirath's statue and even on the parade grounds.

After the ceremony, it is customary for participants to do the picnic on the That Luang grounds, outside the cloister, eating the festive dish khaopoun (noodles with a three-meat gravy and chopped vegetables) sold by merchants, or the traditional pingkai (grilled chicken) and khualaam (glutinous rice macerated in coconut milk and cooked in bamboo).

In the afternoon, a game of tikhee (hockey) is held on the parade grounds. Formerly a ritual game between the authorities and the people, the latter always being the winner, the game has become a mere sporting event between two teams from the municipality of Vientiane.

The men used clubs made of bamboo roots to try to put the wooden ball in the opponent's goal.

The procession to bring the ball from That Luang to the esplanade and back to the stupa is solemn and colorful, with the participation of traditional musicians and dancers and the city authorities.

The That Luang festival winds up with candlelit procession around the stupa which starts at 8pm.

Huge crowds usually take part in the final procession, which ends in a glittering homage of flowers of fire to the Lord Buddha and the Grand Stupa. That Luang Trade Fair runs from November 7-13.
 
 

 
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2001