Vientiane (VNA) – Economic expansion of Laos is forecast to contract this year for the first time since 1980s due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the economy will recover in 2021, according to the Asian Development (ADB)’s recent report. The Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2020 Update predicts Laos’ GDP to contract by 2.5 percent in 2020, marking its first negative economic growth since 1986-1987. The growth is expected to rebound to 4.5 percent in 2021, suggesting a slow recovery as the pandemic outbreak is said to subside slowly. ADB Country Director for Laos Yasushi Negishi said the COVID-19 outbreak has not only affected the economic growth in 2020 but also hampered the government’s prospect to collect revenues. The Lao government needs to improve macro-fiscal framework and accelerate public finance reform to create more fiscal space to buffer shocks, he stressed. The bank’s report also shows that agriculture would grow at 1.9 percent … [Read more...] about Laos’ GDP forecast to contract by 2.5 percent: ADB
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Four Vietnamese illegally confined, extorted by Cambodia police officer
The accusation, dated last December, alleged Sok Kheng and his police officers arrested one Vietnamese man and extorted $200,000 from him at the end of 2019, while detained three Vietnamese and two Cambodians and extorting $100,000 from them as ransom within the same time frame. … [Read more...] about Four Vietnamese illegally confined, extorted by Cambodia police officer
Vietnam achieves poverty reduction goals
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Vietnam has gained impressive achievements in poverty reduction in recent years under the leadership of the Party and the Government, but more will be done to ensure these efforts leave sustainable impacts. Under the leadership of the Party and the Government, localities nationwide have implemented solutions and programmes to help local people develop suitable livelihood models to escape poverty and improve their lives, especially in 2016-2020. The Muong Nhe Nature Reserve in the northern province of Dien Bien started to implement a project to develop the livelihood based on the forest in five communes in the buffer zone of the forest. The project of planting Sa nhan tim (Amomum longiligulare T.L.Wu), a valuable species of medical plants, was first conducted in Sin Thau commune, the westernmost area of the country. Initially, local people were reluctant to join the project as they were unaware of the economic benefits gained from growing … [Read more...] about Vietnam achieves poverty reduction goals
British cave experts invited to design cave tours in Thai Nguyen
This comes after representatives from both the Thai Nguyen People and Quang Binh People’s Committees held a meeting with experts from the British Royal Cave Association and Oxalis Adventure Company, the sole tour operator to Son Doong cave in Quang Binh province. … [Read more...] about British cave experts invited to design cave tours in Thai Nguyen
French media highlight “historic trial” of lawsuit against US AO/Dioxin producers
L'Humanité frontpages an article headlined “A story of an American war crime tried 55 years later in France”, reflecting on the lives of Nga and millions of other victims of AO/Dioxin and her enduring fight for justice over the last six years. Screenshot of L'Humanité. (Photo: VNA) … [Read more...] about French media highlight “historic trial” of lawsuit against US AO/Dioxin producers