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Lao-Chinese Joint Venture Plans 330-MW Coal-Fired Power Plant in Xieng Khouang


Xieng khouang: A Lao-Chinese joint venture is preparing to develop a 330-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Xieng Khouang Province, with an estimated investment of US$202.95 million and construction targeted for completion in 2029.



According to Lao News Agency, the project is being developed by Lao and Chinese companies, including B Rich Namphan Power Sole Co., Ltd., China Western Power Industrial Co., Ltd., and Dongdok Construction and Installation Engineering Sole Co., Ltd. The initiative was initially proposed in 2015, coinciding with a feasibility study. Following years of planning, the joint venture has now identified a suitable site for construction, with domestic coal resources expected to fuel the plant for at least 25 years.



The facility is intended to generate electricity for the domestic market, with plans to sell the power to Electricit© du Laos (EDL). This electricity will be distributed to small- and medium-sized industrial users in northern Laos. The project is expected to bolster electricity supply for industrial activities in the northern provinces, promoting investment and collaboration between Lao and Chinese companies in the energy sector.



Upon completion, the plant will contribute 330 MW to Laos’ domestic power-generation capacity, supporting the country’s efforts to meet the growing electricity demand for industrial development.

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Lao, Vietnamese Senior Officials Conclude Mekong-Australia Partnership Masterclass in Luang Prabang


Luang prabang: Senior public sector officials from Laos and Vietnam gathered in Luang Prabang last week for the post-course colloquium of the Mekong Australia Partnership (MAP) Trilateral Masterclass: Leadership for Responsible Public Administration – Navigating Transformations. Held from 9 to 11 September 2026, the workshop marked the culmination of a practical, immersive programme designed to blend academic insight with real-world public sector experience.



According to Lao News Agency, the colloquium gave young Mekong leaders a platform to present their work-based projects, share lessons learned, and highlight key outcomes across critical areas. These included smart village development, digital transition, anti-money laundering frameworks, innovation, and one-stop shops for investment facilitation.



Speaking at the event, Kate Goodfruit, Second Secretary of the Australian Embassy to the Lao PDR, underscored Australia’s enduring commitment to the region. “Our relationships with Laos and Vietnam are longstanding and grounded in mutual respect, close people-to-people connections, and a shared interest in a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Mekong subregion,” Kate Goodfruit said. She encouraged participants to embrace openness regarding both their achievements and obstacles, noting that managing institutional transformation successfully relies on trust, communication, empathy, and accountability.



Launched in 2020, the Mekong-Australia Partnership aims to address shared transboundary challenges, build regional leadership skills, and strengthen economic resilience. Participants praised the cross-border learning environment for fostering both regional cooperation and practical insights.



Mr Lamphoune Luangxay, Director General of the Department of Teacher and Educational Administration Development within the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports, noted the value of the network established during the initiative. “We learned what responsive public administration means to us as public officials from the experts and among the participants,” said Mr Lamphoune. “Apart from that, we have a network of people we can cooperate with in this area for further regional development.”



Echoing this sentiment, Vietnamese participant Mr Xuyen Hoang Le highlighted the practical focus of the training. “The course offered great opportunities for Lao and Vietnamese participants to study and work together on leadership theories and models,” he said. “Participants will apply this knowledge effectively in their fields when they return to their offices, driving their organisations forward.”



Organisers noted that the success of this programme will be measured not only by what you have learned during the Masterclass, but also by how you apply that learning, share it with your colleagues, and translate it into stronger institutions and a better public service.

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Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone Inaugurates New School Building in Phongsaly


Accra: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone officially handed over a newly constructed school building in Mok Kok Noy Village, Samphan District, Phongsaly Province, on September 10, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance educational facilities for local communities.

According to Lao News Agency, the Prime Minister, who is also a Politburo Member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, was accompanied by a delegation of central-level officials. He was welcomed by Mr. Santi Keoyasan, Chairman of the Phongsaly Provincial Administration Committee, along with provincial and district authorities and local residents from multiple ethnic groups.

During the handover ceremony, Mr. Thongtue Kiasabong, Party Secretary of Samphan District, provided an update to the Prime Minister on the district’s accomplishments from 2020 to 2024, along with future development plans for 2025 to 2029 and key objectives for 2026.

Mr. Niksan Phommavichit, Chairman of Niksan Mining Development Co., Ltd., discussed th
e school construction project, which was approved under Decision No. 496/PPA on June 5, 2025. Construction commenced on December 4, 2025, and was completed on May 28, 2026.

The new school building, a single-storey structure measuring 8 metres by 49 metres, includes five classrooms, a teachers’ office, and a restroom, designed to accommodate up to 200 students. The project was designed by the Samphan District Office of Public Works and Transport and executed by Mani Chansap Import-Export Sole Co., Ltd., with a total investment of 3.3 billion kip.

The school has been officially handed over to the Phongsaly Provincial Department of Education and Sports and subsequently to Samphan District authorities for operational management.

Additionally, Niksan Mining Development Co., Ltd. donated relief supplies valued at 130 million kip to five cantons and the school in Mok Kok Noy Village.

Following the handover ceremony, Prime Minister Sonexay, along with provincial and district leaders, participated in a ribbon-cu
tting and nine-gong ceremony, toured the new school facilities, and took part in a tree-planting event.

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PM Pays Guidance Visit to Phongsaly Province


Accra: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation conducted a guidance visit to Phongsaly Province on September 10, 2026. They were welcomed by Major General Somphone Mittaphone, President of the Provincial People’s Council, and other key provincial officials.



According to Lao News Agency, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with prominent figures in the province to discuss several priorities. He highlighted the importance of building an independent and self-reliant economy and called for practical transformations in this area. The Prime Minister also focused on the modernization of revenue collection and the development of stable new revenue streams.



Additionally, he urged the province to engage in proactive efforts and concrete actions concerning education, environmental protection, public health, and the crackdown on online scams.

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Laos to Host ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Forum and Awards in 2026


Accra: Lao PDR, which is chairing the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) for the 2026-2027 term, is gearing up to host the 2026 ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network Forum and Awards on October 2, 2026, in Vientiane. The announcement was made during a press conference on September 10 at the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), led by Ms. Chanthachone Vongsay, Vice President of LNCCI and President of the Lao Women Business Association (LWBA).



According to Lao News Agency, the forum and awards ceremony will be held at the Amari Vientiane Hotel, bringing together women entrepreneurs from ASEAN member states. The event aims to provide a platform for regional exchange and to recognize outstanding women entrepreneurs for their business achievements and contributions to social and economic development.



Ms. Chanthachone highlighted that candidates for the awards would be evaluated based on established criteria, including business growth, systematic expansion, and contributions to social development within their respective countries. The event has garnered support from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Lao Women’s Union, aligning with efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.



AWEN serves as a regional network that fosters cooperation and women’s economic empowerment across ASEAN, with its chairmanship rotating among member states every two years. The Lao Women Business Association acts as the official Lao representative to AWEN.

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Luang Prabang Boat Racing Festival Sees Strong Participation with 27 Boats


Accra: The traditional boat racing festival in Luang Prabang on September 11, 2026, brought together 27 racing boats from various communities across the province and neighboring areas. The event created a lively atmosphere along the Khan River as part of the Ho Khao Padap Din (Ancestor Memorial Festival).



According to Lao News Agency, the festival took place in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and was attended by General Vilay Lakhamphong, Politburo Member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, along with current and former leaders at central, provincial, city, and district levels. Invited guests and both domestic and international visitors also graced the occasion.



Mr. Saveuy Silavanh, Mayor of Luang Prabang and Vice Chairman of the Festival Organizing Committee, officially inaugurated the event. He emphasized the long-standing cultural and traditional significance of the ninth-month boat racing festival on the Khan River, noting its role in reflecting traditional ways of life and providing an occasion for people to pay respect to sacred spirits believed to protect communities.



This year’s competition featured two categories with 27 boats: 18 traditional boats and nine sport boats. Participants hailed from villages and local administrative areas in Luang Prabang, business units, as well as Chomphet, Pak Ou and Ngoi districts, and provinces like Vientiane and Xayabouly.



The organizers urged the competition committee, officials, boat captains, and rowers to adhere to the rules, uphold sportsmanship, and collaborate to preserve and promote Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage. Following the opening ceremony, the races kicked off with the traditional Nang Dam-Nang Don boat race, moving on to the scheduled competitions. Both categories employed a double-elimination format, allowing boats that lost once to continue through repechage rounds, with the tournament set to conclude on the same day.

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Vientiane Meeting Highlights Grassroots Security and Economic Stability


Vientiane: Key officials, department heads and media representatives gathered in Vientiane on September 9, 2026 for a dissemination and study meeting on major Party documents, including the Resolution of the 3rd Plenary Session of the 12th Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

According to Lao News Agency, the meeting focused on key directions for political and socio-economic development, grassroots governance, national security, economic management and information and education work. Participants studied three major documents: the Resolution of the 3rd Plenary Session of the 12th Central Committee; Resolution No. 62/CCPC, dated July 9, 2026, on strengthening Party leadership over grassroots political establishments in connection with rural development, poverty reduction and the ‘Three Builds’ directive; and Resolution No. 60/CCPC on the outcomes of the 6th Party Congress of the Party Organization of the Commission for Information and Education of the Party Central Committee (CIEC
C).

The meeting also disseminated the 5-Year CIECC (2026-2030), which comprises nine key programmes and 42 projects to be implemented through 2030. Speaking at the meeting, Khamphan Pheuyavong, Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Party Central Committee (CIECC), stressed that the implementation of Party policies and resolutions must begin at the grassroots and municipal levels.

He highlighted ongoing coordination among relevant sectors, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, to strengthen community security, protect agricultural production, combat drug trafficking and maintain stable trade and economic activities. He said transnational and domestic security challenges remained a concern, particularly cybercrime, scam operations, call centres and unauthorised businesses. Authorities have reportedly apprehended around 770 people suspected of involvement in cross-border scam networks for investigation.

Khamphan noted that illegal networks have increasingly moved into less visible loca
tions, including urban areas, restaurants and residential communities, requiring stronger monitoring at the local level. District and municipal authorities have also been instructed to strengthen household registration, monitor the movement of transient workers and strictly manage foreign labour.

Regarding economic performance, he said the national economy had faced pressure from global trade tensions, fluctuations in raw material prices and high production costs during the first half of 2026. Nevertheless, GDP growth was estimated at 5-6%, while inflation fell to around 7.7%. Average income increased by approximately 5.4%.

To support economic stability, the government is prioritising domestic production and import substitution, while improving revenue collection through digital monitoring systems covering restaurants, hotels and other businesses. Public expenditure will also be subject to tighter controls.

Khamphan stressed the need for continued investment in rural infrastructure, road maintenance and so
cial welfare, particularly to support low-income and vulnerable households and strengthen sustainable livelihoods. He called for closer coordination among local authorities, security forces and administrative bodies to strengthen grassroots security, support socio-economic development and maintain national stability.

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Laos and Vietnam Share Insights on Governance and Coordination


Vientiane: The Organization Board of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, in collaboration with experts from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, convened a seminar in Vientiane on September 8, 2026, to discuss working methods, leadership styles, and coordination between Party and administrative authorities at various levels.



According to Lao News Agency, the seminar, themed ‘Working Methods, Style, and Coordination Relations between Party Committee Secretaries and Chairpersons of Administration Committees at the Capital, Provincial, District, and Municipal Levels,’ was presided over by General Vilay Lakhamphong. He is a Political Bureau Member of the LPRP Central Committee and a Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the LPRP Central Committee.



The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Sisay Leudetmounsone, a Political Bureau Member of the LPRP Central Committee and Head of the Party Central Committee’s Organization Board, along with other Political Bureau members, members of the Party Central Committee Secretariat, provincial and capital Party secretaries, and a delegation of Vietnamese experts.



During the seminar, Nguyen Ba Chien, Director of the Academy of Public Administration and Civil Service from Vietnam, shared insights on Vietnam’s practice of having officials hold dual positions, such as Party secretaries also serving as People’s Council chairpersons. This presentation explored the model’s origins, benefits, and challenges, providing a learning opportunity for the Lao side to consider adapting it to their context.



General Vilay Lakhamphong emphasized the seminar’s role in reinforcing the strong traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries’ Parties, States, and peoples. He noted that this exchange is part of fulfilling the memorandum of understanding between the two Political Bureaus and the cooperation agreement for 2026-2030.



In the latter part of the seminar, Sisay Leudetmounsone presented draft reports on regulatory frameworks concerning the working methods and relations between Party Committee secretaries and administration committee chairpersons at various administrative levels. These regulations aim to enhance coordination and establish clear mandates and responsibilities for officials.



Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and President of the Lao PDR, concluded the seminar by urging participants to study and adapt the Vietnamese governance model to Laos’ circumstances. He underscored the importance of people-centred development and the principle of democratic centralism in governance.



Furthermore, he addressed the re-establishment of the Ta Saeng level, underscoring its potential to bolster Party leadership and grassroots management. He encouraged officials to define roles and responsibilities clearly to strengthen local socio-economic development and reduce poverty in Laos.

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Education Minister Highlights 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day


Vientiane: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongsalith Mangnomek, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, has issued a statement marking the 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day, observed on September 8, 2026.

According to Lao News Agency, the statement highlights that UNESCO declared September 8 as International Literacy Day in 1966, and the 60th anniversary signifies a vital milestone in the ongoing global efforts to promote the fundamental right to education and advance social equality.

This year’s observance operates under the theme ‘Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.’ The theme underscores literacy as a crucial foundation not only for personal development but also for environmental protection, peacebuilding, and sustainable shared prosperity.

Over the past six decades, significant progress has been made in global literacy. However, the statement notes that more than 739 million adults and young people worldwide still lack basic literacy skills, with 63% of them being women.
Additionally, rapid advances in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping societies and economies.

In this evolving context, literacy now extends beyond traditional reading, writing, and basic numeracy. It encompasses digital and AI literacy, enabling individuals to use technology safely and creatively, alongside information literacy, financial literacy, vocational skills, and green competencies.

The statement also stresses the significance of lifelong learning, which empowers citizens to adapt to global changes, develop new skills, create added value, and contribute to sustainable development.