Day: September 1, 2022

Ministry of Energy and Mines and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Laos Office have joined hands on Integrated Energy Towards Sustainable Carbon Neutral Society Master Plan in Laos.

A signing ceremony for a Record of Discussions between the Ministry of Energy and Mines and JICA Laos Office was held in Vientiane last week.

Lao PDR’s long-term energy transition master plan towards creating a carbon-neutral society by 2050 is a fundamental element of a new 3-years technical cooperation project supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The “Integrated Energy Master Plan towards Sustainable Carbon Neutral Society” project will be implemented from 2023 to 2025.

The Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines was represented by the Department of Energy Policy Planning and the Department of Energy Efficiency and Promotion. These governmental institutions are pursuing development goals and measures for taking concerted actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015, respective national efforts to achieve a low-carbon, decarbonized society have been committed to and formalized.

All parties to the Paris Agreement are required to make utmost efforts to limit the increase in global average temperature to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius.

An increasing number of developing countries including Lao PDR are declaring their intention to pursue carbon neutrality targets by 2050.

At the same time, addressing the changing climate can also be the driving force of dynamic growth and progress in the socio-economy toward the second half of this century and beyond.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) continues to support energy sector cooperation including multiple technical cooperation projects in Laos and with other partners.

JICA imparts technical knowledge and skills through capacity building for the Ministry and Électricité du Laos (EDL) to maintain a stable power supply to empower this transition, JICA Laos Office Chief Representative Mr. NAGASE Toshio told the ceremony.

“The looming challenge of global heating and climate change calls for the collective effort of all humanity to resolve,” Mr Nagase said.

Source: Lao News Agency

With a kick-off on International Primate Day, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) will spend the whole month celebrating the 19 non-human primates that call Laos home!

Building on enthusiasm for primates on social media, the “Love Ling Lao” (“Love Lao Primates” in English) campaign is highlighting the primates that live in Laos and increasing the public’s knowledge about these wonderful species, where they can be seen safely, and how to help protect them for future generations.

Laos has 19 primate species that live in various habitats, with one species — the Lao Langur — and one subspecies — the Lao black-crested gibbon — existing nowhere else in the world. Sadly, many of these primates are threatened with extinction. 15 of the 19 species are categorized as Endangered or Critically Endangered in the latest IUCN Red List update, and only one is considered to be of Least Concern.

“Laos has an amazing diversity of primates, with some species living in only one landscape or protected area,” says Anita Bousa, Endangered Species Manager for WWF-Laos. “While this can mean their survival is precarious, it creates an opportunity for us and our partners, in collaboration with the government, to make concerted and targeted conservation efforts so that Lao people, and the world, can enjoy these species, and the vital ecosystem services they provide, for many years to come.”

Earlier this year, two baby primates, Baiboon and Baibua, an Assamese macaque and an Indochinese grey langur, garnered a huge amount of attention online after they were confiscated by the Lao government from their captor who had been flaunting them on social media.

The two monkeys were confiscated because it is illegal to own primates and other wild animals in Laos without a proper permit. Although the initial response from the public was one of outrage, the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, where the primates had been placed by the government, has been working tirelessly to rehabilitate these two juveniles and socialize them with members of their own species.

They have also used the incident to educate the public about why keeping primates as pets is neither good for the primates, nor for people. Many infant primates are sold as pets after their parents are killed for meat or medicine, and they rarely receive the correct diets or socialization to have fulfilling lives. Inevitably, this leads to unhealthy primates that are no longer viable pets but are unfit to release into the wild. Primates are also potential reservoirs of disease, including rabies, monkeypox, and even Covid-19, making their trade and captivity a public health hazard.

The two monkeys were confiscated because it is illegal to own primates and other wild animals in Laos without a proper permit. Although the initial response from the public was one of outrage, the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, where the primates had been placed by the government, has been working tirelessly to rehabilitate these two juveniles and socialize them with members of their own species.

They have also used the incident to educate the public about why keeping primates as pets is neither good for the primates, nor for people. Many infant primates are sold as pets after their parents are killed for meat or medicine, and they rarely receive the correct diets or socialization to have fulfilling lives. Inevitably, this leads to unhealthy primates that are no longer viable pets but are unfit to release into the wild. Primates are also potential reservoirs of disease, including rabies, monkeypox, and even Covid-19, making their trade and captivity a public health hazard.

Source: Lao News Agency

The handover ceremony of state car was held at the Party Central Office on August 30.

The fleet of state vehicle that have been withdrawn from high-ranking officials and retired officials of Party Central Office were returned to the Prime Minister’s Office in accordance with Government Decree 599 on State Vehicles.

Government Decree 599 on State Vehicles, signed off on by Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh, was aimed at ensuring the redistribution of state vehicles fairly among government offices and employees.

Handover ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Central Party Office, State Property Management Department of the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Source: Lao News Agency

Prices in Italy were 8.4 percent higher in August than they were a year earlier, a level that had not been recorded since December 1985, the country’s National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) reported Wednesday.

Preliminary data from ISTAT showed prices in August were 0.8 percent higher than in July, according to Xinhua report.

Energy-related goods were the main factor behind the jump, ISTAT said, with a year-on-year increase of 44.9 percent, higher than the 42.9-percent rise in July compared to a year earlier.

Over the three months starting in June, Italy’s annualized inflation rate has been 8 percent, 7.9 percent, and 8.4 percent, respectively — the three highest monthly totals on record since the formal creation of the euro currency in 1999.

Despite the increase in energy prices, the rate of increase for transportation services slowed slightly in August, rising by 8.4 percent compared to a year earlier, down from the 8.9-percent annualized increase registered in July.

Prices for consumer goods rose to 11.8 percent, while costs for services climbed 3.7 percent, ISTAT said.

Meanwhile, the core inflation rate, which excludes prices for energy and volatile consumer goods like food, was 4.4 percent, the highest rate since May 1996.

Over the first eight months of the year, the cumulative inflation rate is 7 percent compared to the same period in 2021.

Source: Lao News Agency

Sabaidee, At the outset, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Lao National Television, National Radio and media outlets for the opportunity to deliver this remark on the occasion of the 77th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Sep 2, 1945 – 2022).

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to the Leaders of the Party and the State of the Lao P.D.R., and to its people.

Comrades and Friends,

77 years ago, the Vietnamese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, claimed victory in the August Revolution, overthrowing the feudal system, breaking the colonial chains, and taking power for the people. On 2 September, 1945, at the rally on the historic Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the people and the whole world. This is an illustrious milestone in the history of the Vietnamese nation, bringing Vietnam into a new era “of independence, freedom, and mastery of its own destiny”.

Since then, under the brilliant leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people has overcome countless adversities and challenges, and won a great many victories of historic proportion. We were triumphant in our resistance wars against foreign invaders, and successfully conducted the Doi Moi process, achieving many historic gains.

Today Vietnam has fully graduated from underdeveloped status. It is advancing industrialisation and modernisation, improving the people’s living standards, safeguarding its national defence and security, and upholding its socio-political stability. The cultural, educational and healthcare sectors have also made significant headway. Vietnam’s external relations are flourishing, its international integration is well under way, and its standing and prestige has been in the international and regional arena are growing from strength to strength. Most notably, since the 13th National Party Congress, Vietnam has taken new steps ahead. Party rectification and leadership capacity building are well under way, bringing about many important deliverables. This year, the Communist Party of Vietnam issued critical resolutions for economic development, and will continue to initiate major economic and political policies to chart the course for Vietnam’s socio-economic development going forward. State administration continued to be enhanced and performed in a cohesive way, hand-in-hand with the building of an enabling Government of integrity and action, in service of the people and businesses.

Throughout the last two years’ fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has successfully achieved the dual goals of both curbing the pandemic and sustaining economic development. It is one of the few countries in Asia to enjoy positive growth. As the year began, Vietnam has harnessed the spirit of initiative, activeness, flexibility and innovation, focusing on post-COVID-19 economic recovery and growth to create a driving force to fulfil the socio-economic development targets under the Five-Year Plan 2021-2025. As a result, productive and business operation has returned to normal. Socio-economic stability has been well-maintained over the first seven months, macroeconomic balances are kept, and inflation is under control. Highlights include: the CPI only increased by 2.54% year-on-year. Foreign trade turnover was in excess of US$431.94 billion, up by 14.8%. The number of international visitors is 954.6 thousand, ten times the figure last year. Inbound FDI to date is US$11.57 billion, up 10.2%.

Vietnam wishes to be friends with all countries in the global community, striving for peace, independence and development. Bearing this spirit in mind, Vietnam has built a network of effective partnerships, even with former war enemies. It enjoys relations with more than 500 international organisations, diplomatic ties with 189 out of 193 UN member states, and Strategic and Comprehensive Partnerships with 30 countries (being the only Southeast Asia country to maintain such partnerships with all five permanent members of the UN Security Council); Vietnam also maintains economic relations with 224 partners. It is a participant in 90 bilateral trade agreements and nearly 60 agreements on investment promotion and protection. It is a signatory to 17 free trade agreements (FTA) in effect, and has become one of the leading countries in the region in the making of multilateral economic cooperation frameworks. It engages in extensive economic integration through an active and in-depth participation in global economic institutions, and is a vigorous and effective player in global and regional FTAs, including next-generation agreements (CPTPP, RCEP, EVFTA, and EVIPA). It takes an active part in UN peacekeeping operations and in the building and shaping of multilateral institutions, laws and standards; and plays a more active role in global governance mechanisms. Notably, this year, for the first time, Vietnam successfully hosted the Association of Asia-Pacific Peace Operations Training Centres Annual General Meeting and Workshop 2022.

Last year, Vietnam fulfilled its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term, during which it made active contributions to the work of the Security Council. This conveyed a strong message of an independent, self-reliant, innovative, peace-loving, trustworthy and sincere Vietnam: a country that respects international law, keeps its conduct well in balance, and makes active and responsible contributions to peace, cooperation, development and progress in the world.

This year, Vietnam also celebrates the 77th anniversary of its modern diplomatic service, a branch of service with the honour of being under the direct leadership of President Ho Chi Minh as the first Foreign Minister. Over the past 77 years, the diplomatic service has been an important contributor to the struggle for national independence and reunification, the process of Doi Moi, international integration and national defence, and the advancement of Vietnam’s standing in the international arena.

Comrades and Friends,

The Party, State and people of Vietnam are always deeply aware that in the building and defence of our country, in addition to our own efforts, we have always enjoyed the invaluable support from international friends. The solidarity and the great and sincere assistance of the Party, State and people of Laos stand out. On this remarkable occasion, on behalf of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the fraternal Party, State and people of Laos for the solidarity and the invaluable assistance accorded to Vietnam.

I also sincerely thank all levels of the Party, Government and people of Laos for supporting the Vietnamese community in Laos, and facilitating their stable livelihood in your country. This community is a solid contributor to the building of a prosperous Laos, and a bridge that spans the special relationship between our two countries.

Comrades and Friends,

We take great delight and pride to witness the bond of great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos flourish and deepen. This has brought about enormous, real benefits to both countries. The year 2022 stands out as our two countries are jointly organizing the Celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the Signing of the Vietnam – Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in each country’s respective capitals. We have hosted various celebratory activities through flexible and cordial formats, in each country and at our two countries’ overseas representative missions. Economic cooperation has broken new grounds. Vietnam continues to be one of Laos’ top foreign investors and trade partners of Laos, and the quality of Vietnamese investments being improved. Connectivity between the two economies, especially the connection of infrastructure and transportation, is being promoted. I am confident that Laos will soon become an important hub for connectivity and transit in Southeast Asia, given the cooperation of Vietnam and other countries in the region. Vietnam – Laos security and defence, diplomatic, cultural, social and people-to-people exchanges, among others, have also grown stronger and deeper.

Looking back on our heroic history, we are extremely proud of the making of the rare, extraordinary relationship between our two peoples. This bond grew from a traditional friendship to a truly special relationship, whose foundation was laid by the great beloved President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, and cultivated by successive generations of our two countries’ leaders and peoples. Having endured numerous adversities and challenges, this relationship has become a dynamic, exemplary, faithful, and pure bond rarely seen around the world, one of the deciding factors for the victory of each country’s revolution. This is an invaluable asset our two countries share, and a great source of strength for the each country’s respective national construction and defence.

Most notably, the friendship between Vietnam and Laos has recently been deeply manifest during our shared struggle against the adversities of COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the Lao Party and State have in many ways lent encouragement and support, both financially and materially, to Vietnam in its fight against the pandemic. We are extremely touched by the support from the leaders and people of Laos, even in a time you were facing many difficulties yourselves. On this occasion, let me express our sincere gratitude to the Party, State and people of Laos, and to worldwide friends and the international community for the timely support given to Vietnam. When the pandemic broke out in Laos, although Vietnam was also dealing with the pandemic, its ministries, authorities and people all over the country turned to the fraternal Laos, offering both material and moral support. As we face the unpredictability of climate change and epidemics, more than ever, the people of Laos and Vietnam and the international community must join hands to confront disasters and epidemics. The special relationship between Vietnam and Laos shall once again be tested and tempered in this shared struggle.

Comrades and Friends,

Currently, our two countries are presented with ample opportunities for development, along with a great many difficulties and challenges. More than ever, we need to strengthen and reinforce the special bond of solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. The history of our two countries has shown that, without that special relationship, we would not have been able to win such monumental achievements in our struggle for national liberation in the past and in our national construction and defence today. The Party, State and people of Vietnam have stood on Laos’ side, and will always remain on your side, especially during trying moments. We support wholeheartedly for Laos to overcome and continue to develop sustainably. We pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Party, State and people of Laos to preserve and nurture the great and enduring bond of friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples, and bring it from strength to strength.

On this occasion, from the bottom of my heart, I wish the fraternal people of Laos, under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, even more and greater achievements in its reforms. I wish you every success in your implementation of the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress, to build a prosperous and strong Laos, bring wellbeing and wealth to your people, develop a united, harmonious, democratic, fair and civilised society, and raise the Lao PDR’s standing and status in the region and the world.

May the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos remain evergreen and endure forever.

Thank you very much, comrades and friends./.

Source: Lao News Agency

U.S. health advisers on Thursday endorsed new COVID-19 boosters that target today’s most common omicron strains, saying if enough people roll up their sleeves, the updated shots could blunt a winter surge.

The tweaked shots made by Pfizer and Moderna promise Americans a chance at their most up-to-date protection at yet another critical period in the pandemic. They’re combination or “bivalent” shots, half the original vaccine and half protection against the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron versions now causing nearly all COVID-19 infections.

Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention struggled with who should get the new booster and when, because only a similarly tweaked vaccine, not the exact recipe, has been studied in people so far.

But ultimately, the panel deemed it the best option considering the U.S. still is experiencing tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases and about 500 deaths every day — even before an expected new winter wave.

“I think they’re going to be an effective tool for disease prevention this fall and into the winter,” said CDC adviser Dr. Matthew Daley of Kaiser Permanente Colorado.

Comparing the tweak that has been studied in people and the one the U.S. actually will use, “it is the same scaffolding, part of the same roof. We’re just putting in some dormers and windows,” said Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University.

The CDC is expected to adopt that recommendation soon, the last step before shots can begin. Millions of doses are expected to reach vaccination sites nationwide by Labor Day, CDC officials said.

Protection continues

The original COVID-19 vaccines still offer strong protection against severe illness and death, especially among younger and healthier people who’ve gotten at least one booster.

But those vaccines were designed to target the virus strain that circulated in early 2020. Effectiveness drops as new mutants emerge and the longer it’s been since someone’s last shot. Since April, hospitalization rates in people over age 65 have jumped, the CDC said.

The new, updated shots are only for use as a booster, not for someone’s first COVID vaccinations. The Food and Drug Administration cleared Pfizer’s bivalent option for people 12 and older, while Moderna’s is for adults only.

A big unknown: exactly how much benefit people will get from one of those extra shots.

The CDC said more than 1,400 people have been included in studies of a prior tweak to the vaccine recipe — targeting an earlier omicron strain named BA.1. That omicron-targeting combo shot proved safe and able to rev up virus-fighting antibodies — and European regulators on Thursday recommended using that type of booster.

In the U.S., the FDA wanted fall boosters to target the currently circulating omicron strains — and rather than waiting until possibly November for more human studies to be finished, the agency accepted mouse testing that showed the newer tweak sparked a similarly good immune response.

That’s how flu vaccines are updated every year, the CDC noted.

Still, several CDC advisers said that to get the maximum benefit, people will need to wait longer between their last vaccination and getting the new booster than the two months that the FDA set as the minimum. Waiting at least three months would be better, from the last shot or if someone had recently recovered from COVID-19, they said.

Before this new COVID-19 booster update, people 50 and older already were urged to get a second booster of the original vaccine — and those who did saw some extra protection, especially the longer it had been since their last shot, said CDC’s Dr. Ruth Link-Gelles.

The new combination booster “should provide at least similar or better protection against omicron, since it’ll be a better match” to today’s virus strains, she told the panel.

Source: Voice of America