2012年12月26日星期三
2012年12月24日星期一
2012年12月17日星期一
泰寮第4座友谊大桥昨合龙
泰寮第4座友谊大桥昨合龙
泰、寮、中3国官员昨天在寮国汇赛-泰国清孔的跨湄公河友谊大桥上举行合龙庆典仪式。图为泰国副总理兼外长素拉蓬（左）与寮国副总理兼外长通伦（右）在为大桥浇完最后一桶混凝土后握手庆贺。 （新华社）
泰国副总理兼外交部长素拉蓬、寮国副总理兼外交部长通伦以及泰国交通部长参察，于昨天（12日）午时12时12分共同主持泰寮第4座友谊大桥（清莱清孔-寮国汇赛）浇最后一桶混凝土仪式，并宣告正式合龙，为明年建成通车打下坚实基础。
泰、寮、中3国当日联合在大桥上举行了隆重的合龙庆祝仪式，寮国副总理兼外长通伦、泰国副总理兼外长素拉蓬、中国驻寮国大使馆临时代办吴志武等来自3国的400余位嘉宾出席了合龙仪式，并在12时12分共同为大桥浇上了最后一桶混凝土。
这座桥梁是寮国和泰国之间的第4座跨湄公河大桥，连接寮国汇赛和泰国清孔，包括引桥和连接公路全长11.6公里，为2车道型大桥，总造价16亿铢，由泰中双方政府各负责一半的费用。由中国铁路第五工程局与泰国KRUNG THON工程公司共同建设，于2010年6月开工，预计明年6月全部建成通车。
泰国交通部长参察表示，该友谊大桥一旦建成通车后，将成为泰国南北经济网络、昆曼公路R3a路段的重要衔接点，打通昆曼公路最后一段瓶颈，大大提升公路通行能力。同时将有利于泰国、寮国以及中国3国间的交通联系和贸易投资的发展。目前在昆曼公路上往来寮国和泰国的车辆都需通过不定班期摆渡轮过河，等待摆渡船的时间约需1-3个小时不等。
昆曼公路从云南省省会昆明市经寮国到达泰国首都曼谷，全长约1750公里，是中国云南连接东南亚、南亚国家的4条陆路通道之一，是中国-东盟基础设施互联互通合作重点项目之一。从昆明到中寮边境的磨憨仅需要10个小时左右，从昆明到曼谷的行程也从40多个小时缩短到20个小时左右。汇赛-清孔跨湄公河大桥建成后，行车时间将进一步缩短。
此外，泰国交通部还正式启用了清莱府第2座清盛码头，该码头的投入运营将使得湄公河水上运输获得进一步的成长，其中包括水上运输系统规模和清莱机场的扩大。清莱机场的乘客接待能力将从原来的每年100万人次大幅上升至170万人次，同时还成为乘客从程逸府点猜县到达清莱府的另一个出行选择，并大大降低了物流成本，此外，还为清迈-清莱高铁建设项目的研究带来益处。
～以上新闻转载自世界日报～
2012年12月6日星期四
Viet, Laos, Camb focus on development triangle
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia focus on development triangle
A conference on trade, investment and tourism for the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam development triangle took place in the central highland province of Kon Tum yesterday, December 5.
More than 400 domestic and foreign businesses participated in the conference.
Two-way trade between Vietnam and Laos, and Vietnam and Cambodia is estimated to reach a combined total of more than US$4 billion this year.
Vietnam is investing in 50 projects worth close to $1.7 billion in Laos, and 25 projects valued at $1.5 billion in Cambodia.
At the conference, Pham Thi Hong Thanh, deputy head of the Department of Asia-Pacific Market under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, pointed out the obstacles faced by business circles of the three countries such as transport, lending requirements and low consumer demand.
Youn Heng, director of the Department of Evaluation and Incentives under the Cambodian Council for Development, said his country will boost investment in hydropower, thermal power and the power transmission network in the future.
Besides, firms are facing a workforce shortage in Laos and are challenged by the distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Champassak Province. Multinational trade traffic through the south of Laos via northeast Cambodia to the southern provinces of Vietnam is slow.
Cao Viet Sinh, Vietnam’s deputy minister of Planning and Investment, said in future, ministries and agencies of the three countries need to accelerate the construction and completion of the investment and business law; policies relating to taxes, customs, labor; administrative procedures relating to licenses, investment, business--ensuring transparency, the coherence from the central to local levels in order to reduce the time, costs for investors, improve the competitiveness of enterprises.
Cao Viet Sinh, deputy minister of Planning and Investment, stressed that to exploit the regions potential one needs to improve infrastructure, offer incentives to encourage the participation of all economic sectors, and accelerate the implementation of the triangle’s development master plan approved by leaders of the three governments.
The countries also need to complete the investment and business legal framework, policies on tax, customs and labor, and administrative procedures to ensure transparency and synchronicity at all levels of governance from central to grassroots level, Sinh added.
The Cambodia–Laos–Vietnam development triangle comprises of 13 border provinces of the three countries. Initiated by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Vientiane in 1999, the area was established to enhance solidarity and cooperation for socio-economic development, poverty reduction and security in the region.
Meanwhile a trade fair was organized in the central highland province of Kon Tum where handmade crafts by artisans from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia were on exhibit.
The fair opened on December 4 and brought together 700 businesses that are displaying their high-quality products in 360 stalls.
The fair is part of a series of events to herald the 8th Conference of the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Triangle Development Coordinating Committee and the 100th anniversary of Kon Tum Province (February 9, 1913).
~News courtesy of SGGP~
2012年11月16日星期五
Work to start on Laos-China railway
Work to start on Laos-China railway in 2013: media
File picture. Laotian boys ride on a motorcycle with a sidecar attached in Luang Prabang, Laos. (AFP/Roslan Rahman)
BANGKOK: Construction of a $7 billion train link between Laos and China will go ahead next year after a Chinese bank threw a financial lifeline to the stalled project, state media reported Friday.
The two countries had initially agreed to jointly fund the line, which will run from the Chinese border to Vientiane, but Beijing pulled out over reported concerns about profitability.
Chinese state-run EXIM bank has now stepped in with a loan offer for Laos, an official from the public works and transport ministry told the Vientiane Times, adding the pair are "now ironing out the details" of the loan.
Another official at the ministry confirmed to AFP that discussions on the details of the loan were underway along with consultations over the route.
"The work has not started yet, but we plan to finish it in five years," said the official, who did not want to be named.
A Chinese firm will carry out the construction, the Vientiane Times report said, describing the project as the biggest ever infrastructure scheme undertaken by Laos.
It will be a link in a vast network set to connect the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming with Singapore.
Landlocked Laos, one of Asia's poorest countries, has no railway apart from a short stretch of track near the Thai border.
Under current plans the new Boten-Vientiane line will be 420 kilometres (260 miles) long and require 76 tunnels and around 150 bridges to be built as it carves through Laos, the report said.
Passenger trains, which will run at up to 160 kilometres an hour, will stop at 31 stations once work is complete, it added.
The scheme has stirred controversy in Laos with the proposed route likely to force thousands of people to move from their homes.
Construction on a separate $5 billion 220-kilometre line linking southern Laos and Vietnam is set to start in January, the Vientiane Times reported Thursday, after financing from a Malaysian investor was secured.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年11月15日星期四
Laos to build railway to Vietnam
Laos to build railway to Vietnam
Construction work on a US$5 billion (195 billion baht) railway linking Laos to Vietnam is scheduled to begin in January, media reported on Wednesday.
Giant Consolidated Limited, the Malaysian investor in the project, expects to begin construction in January on the 220-kilometre-long track linking Savannakhet to Laobao on the Lao-Vietnamese border and complete it within four years, the Socio-Economic newspaper reported.
The contract to build and operate the railway was signed on Nov 5. Giant Consolidated Limited was granted a 50-year concession to operate the rail link, which will form part of the East-West Corridor linking Malaysia to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam by rail.
The railway scheme, to accommodate trains with top speeds of 120 kilometres per hour, will require the construction of 11 stations and 14 bridges, the newspaper said.
Last month, the National Assembly approved the government's plan to build a $7 billion railway linking Vientiane to the Lao-China border. The project is expected to receive a loan from the Chinese Export Bank.
~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~
2012年11月9日星期五
New Bangkok bus lines to Laos
New Bangkok bus lines to Laos
The state-run Transport Co Ltd will offer direct coach services between Bangkok and Vientiane and Bangkok to Pakse in Laos under a policy to boost transport networks with neighbouring countries.
Each destination will have one service a day using standard airconditioned buses and the one-way fare for both routes is 900 baht. The route from Bangkok to Vientiane will take 11 hours, leaving Bangkok at 8pm while the bus for Pakse leaves at 9pm and will take 13 hours.
There are currently around 20,000 passengers travelling on the existing routes a year but the company expects 200,000 a year using intra-country service if there are more connections with other neighbouring countries. It plans two more routes to Cambodia this year 2012 and one to Myanmar in early 2013.
~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~
Train project right on track
Train project right on track
A high-speed train project linking southern China, Laos and Thailand could start in 2015 in time for the launch of the Asean Economic Community.
Chamaiporn Chuecharoen, the commercial counsellor for Thailand in Kunming, China, said the project envisions a train capable of speeds of 200 kilometres per hour running from Yunnan province to Laos and Nong Khai in northeastern Thailand.
Passengers and cargo from Nong Khai could then travel to Bangkok and Rayong as well as south to Malaysia and Singapore.
Other high-speed rail links are planned from China to Myanmar and Cambodia.
Work on the US$7-billion China-Laos route is expected to begin shortly.
The project will be financed by the Export-Import Bank of China under a 30-year loan, with China responsible for construction.
The plan estimates revenue in the first year of operations starting at $95 million, eventually reaching as much as $16.3 billion a year in 50 years.
Plans to build a train link from Kunming to Singapore were initiated by Chinese and Asean leaders at the seventh Asean summit in 2001. Construction on the project, ultimately covering 3,900 km, began last year with the China-Vientiane link, with the entire line expected to be fully complete in 2020.
Work on the Kunming-Yangon line and a larger project connecting Kunming with Vientiane, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is expected to start later this year.
Chinese authorities also are considering a separate high-speed route that would join Kunming and Bangkok with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
Ms Chamaiporn said the link between China, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar would have tremendous economic benefits for Southeast Asia and the Greater Mekong region.
Planning for high-speed rail lines in Thailand is already under way, with funding to come from a proposed 2-trillion-baht investment programme dedicated to new infrastructure projects over the next seven years.
Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said the government is planning four high-speed rail lines to support trade and tourism within the country.
The investment programme, now being drafted for parliamentary review, would focus on transport infrastructure including new railways, roads, airports and port improvements, he said.
The four high-speed rail lines are Bangkok-Nong Khai-Vientiane; Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Chiang Mai; Bangkok to Hua Hin; and an expansion of the Airport Rail Link in Bangkok to Chon Buri, Pattaya and Rayong.
Mr Kittiratt said the Bangkok-Chiang Mai link should begin with the Bangkok-Ayutthaya leg due to Ayutthaya's importance as a tourism destination and a government proposal to push the former capital as a host of the World Expo.
The line from Bangkok to the Eastern Seaboard would include a standard-gauge rail link from Suvarnabhumi airport to Don Mueang airport, he said.
Existing rail networks in the South will be expanded to link Hat Yai and Yala with Malaysia.
Mr Kittiratt said the infrastructure bill would see investment averaging 300 billion baht a year over the next seven years, while each project must be justifiable in terms of its economic benefits to the country.
"Even after parliament approves the 2-trillion-baht bill, it doesn't mean there will be a blank cheque. Each project must pass scrutiny by the National Economic and Social Development Board," he said.
~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~
泰民抗议寮国建猜亚武里水坝
泰民抗议寮国建猜亚武里水坝
第9届亚欧峰会议昨天（5日）起在寮国永珍市举行，在该市湄公河对岸的泰国廊开府诗清迈县，有200多名民众使用船双在河中央举行水上集会示威，诉求停建寮国境内的湄公河猜亚武里水坝。
据悉，参与昨天集会抗议活动的民间组织有来自湄公河流域7府，以及东北部其他8个府的代表，人数达200多人。示威者在永珍市上游的湄公河段举行了为湄公河「招魂」的仪式，并迎请象征保护河流的印度教恒河女神，表达保护湄公河之意愿。随后，示威者还在湄公河里漂流50艘小船，让其顺流而下，船身上张贴着反对建设猜亚武里水坝的标语。小船漂流到离永珍市附近的河岸，来自寮国的边防军队出动两艘快艇实施拦截，以防止这些小船漂流到位于河岸的各国首脑下榻酒店附近。
东北部湄公河流域7府组织秘书长易提蓬表示，在亚欧首脑会议召开之际，东北部民间组织呼吁各国首脑关注湄公河生态危机。他说，在湄公河下部建设的猜亚武里水坝，目前进展已经很快，这一工程，泰国电力局还和寮国方签署了电力采购合同，同时这一项目也遭到柬埔寨政府以及越南方面的强烈反对。
～以上新闻转载自世界日报～
第9届亚欧峰会议昨天（5日）起在寮国永珍市举行，在该市湄公河对岸的泰国廊开府诗清迈县，有200多名民众使用船双在河中央举行水上集会示威，诉求停建寮国境内的湄公河猜亚武里水坝。
据悉，参与昨天集会抗议活动的民间组织有来自湄公河流域7府，以及东北部其他8个府的代表，人数达200多人。示威者在永珍市上游的湄公河段举行了为湄公河「招魂」的仪式，并迎请象征保护河流的印度教恒河女神，表达保护湄公河之意愿。随后，示威者还在湄公河里漂流50艘小船，让其顺流而下，船身上张贴着反对建设猜亚武里水坝的标语。小船漂流到离永珍市附近的河岸，来自寮国的边防军队出动两艘快艇实施拦截，以防止这些小船漂流到位于河岸的各国首脑下榻酒店附近。
东北部湄公河流域7府组织秘书长易提蓬表示，在亚欧首脑会议召开之际，东北部民间组织呼吁各国首脑关注湄公河生态危机。他说，在湄公河下部建设的猜亚武里水坝，目前进展已经很快，这一工程，泰国电力局还和寮国方签署了电力采购合同，同时这一项目也遭到柬埔寨政府以及越南方面的强烈反对。
～以上新闻转载自世界日报～
2012年11月7日星期三
寮国亚欧峰会结束
亚欧峰会结束‧紧张缓解无期‧中日没进行“走廊外交”
日本外相玄叶光一郎在週二的新闻发佈会上承认，两国立场存在差异，对立局面將长期持续。
温家宝週二出席早上的会议后，已乘坐飞机回国。野田佳彦早前表示，不排除跟温家宝进行“走廊外交”，但两日的会议，始终无实现野田预期的“走廊外交”。
晚宴期间两人没交谈
寮国国家主席朱马利週一晚设宴款待与会各国领导人。温家宝与野田佳彦都出席晚宴，期间两人没有交谈。野田向记者表示，没有安排跟温家宝正式会谈，不清楚二人是否有机会“偶然”交谈。日本媒体认为，野田的言论是表达期待与温家宝进行“走廊外交”。
今年9月，海参威举行亚太峰会期间，中国国家主席胡锦涛与野田佳彦举行15分钟“走廊外交”，但野田没有理会胡锦涛就钓鱼岛问题提出警告，翌日隨即宣佈钓鱼台“国有化”计划。
在今届亚欧峰会首日会议上，温家宝没有谈及钓鱼岛问题，只讲及经济问题。
温家宝在主旨发言中表示，中国完全有信心实现更长时期、更高水平、更好质量的发展，並认为国际金融危机並未结束。 今次是日本政府声称把钓鱼岛“国有化”后，两国领导人首次出席同一场合。
日財长与周小川站著交流数分钟
另一方面，在墨西哥出席20国集团（G20）会议的日本財长城岛光力表示，曾经与人民银行行长周小川短暂交谈。 城岛光力与周小川在会场內站著进行数分钟交谈。城岛光力表示，两人没有深入交换意见，只表示希望在可能的领域下加强两国合作。但他认为，即使只是打招呼，也具一定意义。
这是日本將钓鱼岛“国有化”后，日本財长与中国金融机构领导人的首次接触。
（星洲日报／国际）
日本外相玄叶光一郎在週二的新闻发佈会上承认，两国立场存在差异，对立局面將长期持续。
温家宝週二出席早上的会议后，已乘坐飞机回国。野田佳彦早前表示，不排除跟温家宝进行“走廊外交”，但两日的会议，始终无实现野田预期的“走廊外交”。
晚宴期间两人没交谈
寮国国家主席朱马利週一晚设宴款待与会各国领导人。温家宝与野田佳彦都出席晚宴，期间两人没有交谈。野田向记者表示，没有安排跟温家宝正式会谈，不清楚二人是否有机会“偶然”交谈。日本媒体认为，野田的言论是表达期待与温家宝进行“走廊外交”。
今年9月，海参威举行亚太峰会期间，中国国家主席胡锦涛与野田佳彦举行15分钟“走廊外交”，但野田没有理会胡锦涛就钓鱼岛问题提出警告，翌日隨即宣佈钓鱼台“国有化”计划。
在今届亚欧峰会首日会议上，温家宝没有谈及钓鱼岛问题，只讲及经济问题。
温家宝在主旨发言中表示，中国完全有信心实现更长时期、更高水平、更好质量的发展，並认为国际金融危机並未结束。 今次是日本政府声称把钓鱼岛“国有化”后，两国领导人首次出席同一场合。
日財长与周小川站著交流数分钟
另一方面，在墨西哥出席20国集团（G20）会议的日本財长城岛光力表示，曾经与人民银行行长周小川短暂交谈。 城岛光力与周小川在会场內站著进行数分钟交谈。城岛光力表示，两人没有深入交换意见，只表示希望在可能的领域下加强两国合作。但他认为，即使只是打招呼，也具一定意义。
这是日本將钓鱼岛“国有化”后，日本財长与中国金融机构领导人的首次接触。
（星洲日报／国际）
Laos to start construction of mega dam
Laos to start construction of mega dam
Laos on Monday said it would start construction of a controversial multi-billion dollar dam this week, after adapting the design to calm environmental concerns from neighbouring nations.
"After two years of preparation the Laos government will have a ground breaking ceremony on November 7 and will then start working on the dam itself in the Mekong river this week," deputy energy minister Viraphonh Viravong told AFP.
The $3.8 billion hydroelectric project at Xayaburi, led by Thai group CH Karnchang, has sharply divided the four Mekong nations - Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand - who rely on the river system for fish and irrigation.
Building work on the main project has been stalled for about 18 months over concerns over its environmental impact.
Viraphonh said some aspects of the dam's design had been changed to "reassure neighbouring countries", but he insisted that objections would not derail plans to finish the project by the end of 2019.
The mooted 1,260 megawatt dam, the first of 11 on the key waterway, has become a symbol of the potential risks of hydropower projects in the region.
Communist Laos, one the world's most under-developed nations, believes the dam will help it become "the battery of Southeast Asia" by selling electricity to its richer neighbours.
Thailand has agreed to buy most of the electricity generated by the project, but Cambodia and Vietnam fear the dam could decimate their farming and fishing industries.
Environmentalists say the dam would be disastrous for the 60 million people who depend on the river for transportation, food and economy.
They fear Mekong fish species will become endangered as vital nutrients are trapped and dozens of species are prevented from swimming upstream to mating grounds.
In July, Viraphonh told state-run Vientiane Times that it would be "one of the most transparent and modern dams in the world", but promised that construction would not go ahead until fears from neighbouring countries had been assuaged.
He said changes to the project would address the two major issues - fish migration and sediment flow - by including a passage to allow 85 percent of fish to travel along the river and a "flushing system" to prevent sediment build up.
Fifty Thai villagers representing communities along the Mekong river submitted a lawsuit to a court in Bangkok in August seeking to prevent their country buying power from the hydropower project.
Thailand's Administrative Court has yet rule on the suit, which is against the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the energy ministry and the Thai cabinet.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Laos on Monday said it would start construction of a controversial multi-billion dollar dam this week, after adapting the design to calm environmental concerns from neighbouring nations.
"After two years of preparation the Laos government will have a ground breaking ceremony on November 7 and will then start working on the dam itself in the Mekong river this week," deputy energy minister Viraphonh Viravong told AFP.
The $3.8 billion hydroelectric project at Xayaburi, led by Thai group CH Karnchang, has sharply divided the four Mekong nations - Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand - who rely on the river system for fish and irrigation.
Building work on the main project has been stalled for about 18 months over concerns over its environmental impact.
Viraphonh said some aspects of the dam's design had been changed to "reassure neighbouring countries", but he insisted that objections would not derail plans to finish the project by the end of 2019.
The mooted 1,260 megawatt dam, the first of 11 on the key waterway, has become a symbol of the potential risks of hydropower projects in the region.
Communist Laos, one the world's most under-developed nations, believes the dam will help it become "the battery of Southeast Asia" by selling electricity to its richer neighbours.
Thailand has agreed to buy most of the electricity generated by the project, but Cambodia and Vietnam fear the dam could decimate their farming and fishing industries.
Environmentalists say the dam would be disastrous for the 60 million people who depend on the river for transportation, food and economy.
They fear Mekong fish species will become endangered as vital nutrients are trapped and dozens of species are prevented from swimming upstream to mating grounds.
In July, Viraphonh told state-run Vientiane Times that it would be "one of the most transparent and modern dams in the world", but promised that construction would not go ahead until fears from neighbouring countries had been assuaged.
He said changes to the project would address the two major issues - fish migration and sediment flow - by including a passage to allow 85 percent of fish to travel along the river and a "flushing system" to prevent sediment build up.
Fifty Thai villagers representing communities along the Mekong river submitted a lawsuit to a court in Bangkok in August seeking to prevent their country buying power from the hydropower project.
Thailand's Administrative Court has yet rule on the suit, which is against the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the energy ministry and the Thai cabinet.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
US urges Laos on mega dam concerns
US urges Laos to address mega dam concerns
The United States urged caution Monday on plans by Laos to build a multibillion-dollar dam that has raised environmental concerns from neighbouring nations, saying its impact was still "unknown."
The $3.8 billion hydroelectric project at Xayaburi, led by Thai group CH Karnchang, has sharply divided the four Mekong nations -- Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand -- who rely on the river system for fish and irrigation.
"Our own experience has made us acutely aware of the economic, social and environmental impacts that large infrastructure can have over the long-term," the State Department said in a statement that nonetheless recognized the "important role" dams can play in helping advance economic growth.
"The extent and severity of impacts from the Xayaburi dam on an ecosystem that provides food security and livelihoods for millions are still unknown."
Laotian deputy energy minister Viraphonh Viravong earlier told AFP that the government would hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday and begin work on the dam later this week.
Building work on the main project has been stalled for about 18 months over concerns relating to its environmental impact.
Viraphonh said some aspects of the dam's design had been changed to "reassure neighbouring countries", but he insisted that objections would not derail plans to finish the project by the end of 2019.
"We are concerned that construction is proceeding before impact studies have been completed," the State Department said.
It urged stakeholders to voice their concerns through the Mekong River Commission, whose Mekong nation members have not reached consensus on whether the project should proceed.
The mooted 1,260 megawatt dam, the first of 11 on the key waterway, has become a symbol of the potential risks of hydropower projects in the region.
Communist Laos, one of the world's most under-developed nations, believes the dam will help it become "the battery of Southeast Asia" by selling electricity to its richer neighbours.
"We have a strong interest in the sustainable management of the Mekong River, and we view our robust engagement as a sign of our strong commitment toward a lasting and positive relationship with the region," the US statement said.
"We hope that the government of Laos will uphold its pledge to work with its neighbours in addressing remaining questions regarding Xayaburi. We encourage the MRC countries to continue to work together to realize their shared vision of an economically prosperous, socially just and environmentally sound Mekong River basin."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The United States urged caution Monday on plans by Laos to build a multibillion-dollar dam that has raised environmental concerns from neighbouring nations, saying its impact was still "unknown."
The $3.8 billion hydroelectric project at Xayaburi, led by Thai group CH Karnchang, has sharply divided the four Mekong nations -- Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand -- who rely on the river system for fish and irrigation.
"Our own experience has made us acutely aware of the economic, social and environmental impacts that large infrastructure can have over the long-term," the State Department said in a statement that nonetheless recognized the "important role" dams can play in helping advance economic growth.
"The extent and severity of impacts from the Xayaburi dam on an ecosystem that provides food security and livelihoods for millions are still unknown."
Laotian deputy energy minister Viraphonh Viravong earlier told AFP that the government would hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday and begin work on the dam later this week.
Building work on the main project has been stalled for about 18 months over concerns relating to its environmental impact.
Viraphonh said some aspects of the dam's design had been changed to "reassure neighbouring countries", but he insisted that objections would not derail plans to finish the project by the end of 2019.
"We are concerned that construction is proceeding before impact studies have been completed," the State Department said.
It urged stakeholders to voice their concerns through the Mekong River Commission, whose Mekong nation members have not reached consensus on whether the project should proceed.
The mooted 1,260 megawatt dam, the first of 11 on the key waterway, has become a symbol of the potential risks of hydropower projects in the region.
Communist Laos, one of the world's most under-developed nations, believes the dam will help it become "the battery of Southeast Asia" by selling electricity to its richer neighbours.
"We have a strong interest in the sustainable management of the Mekong River, and we view our robust engagement as a sign of our strong commitment toward a lasting and positive relationship with the region," the US statement said.
"We hope that the government of Laos will uphold its pledge to work with its neighbours in addressing remaining questions regarding Xayaburi. We encourage the MRC countries to continue to work together to realize their shared vision of an economically prosperous, socially just and environmentally sound Mekong River basin."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年10月26日星期五
2012年10月20日星期六
2012年10月17日星期三
2012年10月7日星期日
2012年9月25日星期二
Sabaidy 2 Guesthouse - Pakse
Turn north off the main street at the crossing near the Green Discovery office. It's the only guesthouse in town with dorms (very basic). The shared showers have hot water. They also have basic rooms. 30k kip (4$) for the dorm - 45k kip / 60k kip for single or double rooms. Apparently being mentioned in the lonely planet completely got to these guys heads, as the rooms are overpriced, and they charge for everything extra, like keeping your bags while you check out the Bolevan plateau. They even charge extra for the WiFi (10,000 Kip/day). Laundry 15,0000 kip/kg. If you want you can rent a motorbike from here, among several other businesses around town. Have a day tour to boloven at 180-250,000 kip depending on the number of persons.
~Info courtesy of Wikitravel~
2012年9月7日星期五
2012年8月28日星期二
2012年8月26日星期日
2012年8月18日星期六
2012年7月1日星期日
2012年5月20日星期日
2012年5月2日星期三
Respect
Respect
Dress respectfully (long trousers, sleeved shirts) when visiting
temples and take your shoes off before entering temple buildings and
private houses.
As with other Buddhist countries, showing the soles of your feet
is very poor manners. Never touch any person on the head. Despite
prevelant cheap alcohol, being drunk is considered disrespectful and a
loss of face.
Things in Laos happen slowly and rarely as scheduled. Keep your
cool, as the natives will find humor in any tourist showing anger. They
will remain calm, and venting your anger will make everybody involved
lose face and is certainly not going to expedite things, particularly if
dealing with government bureaucracy.
Respect for monks is part of Laotian life, and the monks take
their duties seriously. Remember that monks are forbidden to touch
women. Some undertake a vow of silence, and will not answer you even if
they can understand and speak English. It is best not to compel them to
stand next to you for a photograph, or start a conversation, if they
seem reluctant.
~Info courtesy of Wikitravel~
2012年3月19日星期一
2012年3月18日星期日
2012年3月6日星期二
Lao Central Airlines Ready For Takeoff
Lao Central Airlines Ready For Takeoff
Fledgling airline Lao Central Airlines Public Company (LCA) wasted no time in getting off the ground after taking delivery of its second jet on December 27 and ran a special flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang last Friday.
Company CEO Ms Savanhphone Phongsavanh, said the special trip, whose passengers included 99 monks and visitors, flew on the airline’s 168-seater Boeing 737-400, just a few days after its arrival at Wattay International Airport.
The trip also marked the end of 2011 and celebrated the New Year. The airline will organise a similar trip this month, from Vientiane to Pakxe district in Champassak province.
Lao Central Airlines took delivery of its first aircraft in October, which is parked at Wattay International Airport while an official flight schedule is drawn up. Airline board member Mr Thongsay Inthisane said “We will officially launch or take to the skies after the tour to Pakxe.” The airline will soon announce its official opening, “which may be by end of this month,” Mr Thongsay said.
Flights cannot be offered yet because more time is needed to prepare ticket sales and organise services management, but now that it has two planes, as required by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the airline can offer flights at any time.
The first flight will be from Vientiane-Bangkok, and will be followed up by flights to Cambodia, China, Vietnam and Singapore, if existing plans are followed. After that, all of the Asean countries are possibilities.
Ms Savanhphone said the airline now has four aircraft and will purchase more in the near future.
The four aircraft are the two Boeing 737-400s, which will be used mainly for international services, “and two 19-seater aircraft that will mainly serve the domestic market,” Mr Thongsay said.
The airline also expects to take delivery of nine Russian jets this year. LCA will be the first privately owned company in Laos to operate medium sized jets catering to the domestic market.
LCA was formerly known as Phongsavanh Airlines Public Company but management changed the name to something they felt would be more recognisable both locally and abroad. The new name will ensure that people know the airline is Lao and operates out of Laos.
The national carrier, Lao Airlines, recently purchased its first two 142-seater jet aircraft, which it is now operating on flights to Luang Prabang in Laos, Kunming in China, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Singapore, and Bangkok in Thailand.
Lao Airlines expects to add at least two more jet aircraft to its fleet in 2014, to serve longer haul routes such as Japan, Republic of Korea, and Guangzhou in China.
~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~
Fledgling airline Lao Central Airlines Public Company (LCA) wasted no time in getting off the ground after taking delivery of its second jet on December 27 and ran a special flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang last Friday.Company CEO Ms Savanhphone Phongsavanh, said the special trip, whose passengers included 99 monks and visitors, flew on the airline’s 168-seater Boeing 737-400, just a few days after its arrival at Wattay International Airport.
The trip also marked the end of 2011 and celebrated the New Year. The airline will organise a similar trip this month, from Vientiane to Pakxe district in Champassak province.
Lao Central Airlines took delivery of its first aircraft in October, which is parked at Wattay International Airport while an official flight schedule is drawn up. Airline board member Mr Thongsay Inthisane said “We will officially launch or take to the skies after the tour to Pakxe.” The airline will soon announce its official opening, “which may be by end of this month,” Mr Thongsay said.
Flights cannot be offered yet because more time is needed to prepare ticket sales and organise services management, but now that it has two planes, as required by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the airline can offer flights at any time.
The first flight will be from Vientiane-Bangkok, and will be followed up by flights to Cambodia, China, Vietnam and Singapore, if existing plans are followed. After that, all of the Asean countries are possibilities.
Ms Savanhphone said the airline now has four aircraft and will purchase more in the near future.
The four aircraft are the two Boeing 737-400s, which will be used mainly for international services, “and two 19-seater aircraft that will mainly serve the domestic market,” Mr Thongsay said.
The airline also expects to take delivery of nine Russian jets this year. LCA will be the first privately owned company in Laos to operate medium sized jets catering to the domestic market.
LCA was formerly known as Phongsavanh Airlines Public Company but management changed the name to something they felt would be more recognisable both locally and abroad. The new name will ensure that people know the airline is Lao and operates out of Laos.
The national carrier, Lao Airlines, recently purchased its first two 142-seater jet aircraft, which it is now operating on flights to Luang Prabang in Laos, Kunming in China, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Singapore, and Bangkok in Thailand.
Lao Airlines expects to add at least two more jet aircraft to its fleet in 2014, to serve longer haul routes such as Japan, Republic of Korea, and Guangzhou in China.
~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~
2012年1月13日星期五
2012年1月1日星期日
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