Author: lwadmin

Vientiane: Laos and China are conducting a joint military exercise, codenamed ‘Peace Train 2026,’ focusing on humanitarian assistance and medical services over a 16-day period.

(KPL): According to Lao News Agency, the exercise marks the sixth edition of the ‘Peace Train’ humanitarian assistance and medical service joint exercise. Preparations for the exercise have been completed, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for September 7, 2026, at the clubhouse, followed by live drills at the Dongphosy simulation ground in Hatxayfong District, Vientiane.

The exercise is designed to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Lao and Chinese armed forces in humanitarian assistance and military medical services, while providing an opportunity for personnel from both sides to exchange experience and enhance their professional capabilities.

Following the completion of the exercise, the ‘Peace Train 2026’ medical unit will provide medical services at Army Central Hospital 103, Army Region Hospital 106, Army Region Hospital 109, and in Attapeu Province.

The joint exercise reflects the continued cooperation between Laos and China in humanitarian assistance, medical services, and other areas of military cooperation.

Vientiane: Talented Lao singers aged 15-40 are being invited to compete in the ‘New Rising Star 2026’ nationwide singing contest, which offers more than 760 million Kip in prizes, training opportunities and artist contracts.

According to Lao News Agency, the Lao National Television (LNTV), in collaboration with MSG Media Co., Ltd., officially launched the programme at a press conference in Vientiane Capital on September 4, 2026. The event was co-chaired by Mr. Vanlaty Khamvanvongsa, Director General of LNTV, and Mr. Zhang Peipei, Chairman of MSG Media Co., Ltd.

The programme aims to discover and develop promising singers while promoting Lao arts and culture and providing young people with opportunities to gain experience, improve their musical abilities and pursue careers in the entertainment industry.

‘New Rising Star 2026’ will be broadcast on LNTV Channel 3 in late 2026 and will bring together talented contestants from across the country. The programme is designed not only as an entertainment competitio
n but also as a platform for developing a new generation of Lao artists and promoting Lao cultural identity through music.

Registration opened on September 4 and is open nationwide to people of all genders and occupations aged 15-40 who have a passion for singing and aspire to become professional artists.

The prize packages include:

Winner: 200 million Kip in cash, trophy, certificate, three-month training scholarship in China and an artist contract, with a total package valued at 300 million Kip.

First Runner-Up: 100 million Kip in cash, trophy, certificate, three-month training scholarship in China and an artist contract, with a total package valued at 200 million Kip.

Second Runner-Up: 50 million Kip in cash, trophy, certificate, three-month training scholarship in China and an artist contract, with a total package valued at 150 million Kip.

4th-10th places: 10 million Kip each, certificate and artist contract. The 4th- and 5th-place winners will also receive three-month training scholarships in Chin
a.

11th-30th places: 2 million Kip each and a certificate.

The competition will be conducted in four stages: Provincial and Vientiane Capital Level; Audition/Selection Round; Semifinal Round; and Grand Final Round.

Accommodation will be provided for qualified contestants travelling from the provinces during the competition, helping talented individuals from across the country participate regardless of where they live.

Interested applicants can register through www.laosinger.com.

The programme is expected to provide a new platform for Lao singers to showcase their talents, gain professional experience and build careers, while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Lao music and culture.

Vientiane: The Food and Drug Department of the Ministry of Health has warned business operators and the public against importing, storing, distributing, advertising, purchasing, or using six unregistered cosmetic brands.

According to Lao News Agency, the warning was issued under Notice No. 4007/FDD, dated September 4, 2026, following inspections that found cosmetics being advertised and distributed with packaging, labels, colors, and names resembling or imitating registered products. Some of the products were also promoted through unusually large discounts, trade-in offers, giveaways, and other promotional campaigns at unusually low prices.

The department emphasized that the products were not registered, making it impossible to verify their origins or ensure their quality, safety, and potential health impacts. The six brands identified in the notice are Vaseilina, Care Man, Lvx, Clsorup, Leimiyaa, and Shampoo.

The Food and Drug Department has prohibited the storage, import, distribution, and advertising of the specified products and urged consumers to refrain from purchasing or using them. Consumers are advised to check cosmetic products carefully before purchasing, particularly for Lao-language labels, information on the manufacturer or importer, details of the responsible business operator, and clear notification or registration numbers.

The department also urged the public to report any suspected illegal importation, distribution, or advertising of the products to the Food and Drug Department or the relevant provincial or Vientiane authorities.

Vientiane: The Association of Lao Architects and Civil Engineers (ALACE) held a press conference on September 7, 2026, in Vientiane to announce the ALACE EXPO ’26, an exhibition showcasing construction materials, architectural innovation and civil engineering.

According to Lao News Agency, the press conference was chaired by Mr. Phatthana Simmalavong, President of ALACE, and attended by members of the association’s executive committee and subcommittees, business sponsors, and participating companies and shops.

Mr. Phatthana stated that the annual exhibition aims to showcase developments in Lao architecture and civil engineering while providing a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, innovation and new opportunities for business and professional cooperation between the public and private sectors.

This year’s exhibition is being held under the theme ‘SUSTAIN-ISM,’ highlighting approaches to improving efficiency and reducing costs while exploring the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in architecture, construction and digital development.

The exhibition will present the evolution of architecture and construction in the Lao PDR, from traditional knowledge and local building practices to modern approaches involving local products, cost-effective methods and AI technology. It will also highlight practical solutions aimed at improving benefits for users, service providers and businesses.

The event will feature a Sustainable Living zone showcasing construction products and services from domestic and international suppliers, as well as the Sustain-ism exhibition space and a discussion panel focusing on knowledge exchange, innovation, sustainability and cost-effective solutions.

ALACE will also organise the ALACE AWARD, an annual competition recognising outstanding students from faculties of architecture and engineering. The awards will cover two categories: three awards for Outstanding Architectural Design Students and three awards for Outstanding Engineering Thesis Defence Students.

The winners will be announced during ALACE EXPO ’26 on September 20.

ALACE EXPO ’26 will take place from September 19-25, 2026, at the Lao-ITECC Exhibition Hall (Old Building). Professionals, academics, students and members of the public are invited to attend the seven-day event and explore exhibitions, products, innovations and activities related to architecture and civil engineering.

Vientiane: Concrete trade and investment commitments for Lao PDR’s chili pepper sector were secured today at a business matching event co-chaired by the Lao Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to Lao News Agency, the event brought together Lao chili producers, processors, and exporters with verified buyers and investors from the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Korea. During the event, two Letters of Interest (LoIs) were signed, demonstrating the shared commitment of an international private-sector partner, a Lao producer group, and the Department of Planning and Cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) to develop a chili pepper production and trade partnership.

‘Chili peppers are part of our identity, deeply tied to our food culture and the livelihoods of our farmers,’ said Deputy Minister of MAE Chanthakhone Boualaphanh. ‘The Ministry will lead the design and piloting of a traceability system for registered production areas and packing houses, which is a critical step in translating our agreements with China into actual export volumes.’

Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Manothong Vongsay noted the need for support: ‘We recognize that Lao exporters and small and medium-sized enterprises need concrete support to turn interest into trade. We will co-lead the launch of a dedicated SME and green-finance mechanism for our chili sector, designed to help producer groups cover the costs of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, post-harvest infrastructure, and cold-chain facilities.’

FAO Representative in Lao PDR Kyung-Mee Kim affirmed FAO’s commitment: ‘FAO remains committed to walking this path with the Lao Government, from evidence to opportunity and market access. FAO has provided technical assistance at every stage, including supporting the rapid value chain analysis, delivering province-level extension on GAP standards and pesticide residue limits, and helping structure the smallholder finance mechanism.’

The business matching event represents the culminating external, demand-side step of a two-stage process under the FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative. It builds on a previous Stock-Taking Consultation, which established a national production baseline and identified export capacity and compliance gaps.

Targeted investment facilitation during the event highlighted priority entry points along the value chain, including pre- and post-harvest infrastructure, processing, cold-chain facilities, and market linkage services. The initiative prioritizes models that benefit smallholder producers, young farmers, and women-led producer groups.

Structured one-on-one and small-group bilateral matching sessions enabled Lao agricultural actors to engage directly with potential buyers and investors and explore concrete opportunities for trade and investment. To ensure that the outcomes of the meetings lead to lasting results, a post-event tracking mechanism has been established. A designated focal point from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will monitor progress on all signed LoIs over a 90-day period, with technical support from FAO.