1. Govt instructs further action to address illegal car imports, other issues
The government has instructed relevant sectors to take further action to address illegal vehicle imports after learning more were imported into Laos than previously reported, the government spokesman has said.
Prof. Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher told a press conference on Friday, shortly after the closing of the two-day government monthly meeting, that action to address the illegal import of cars is still unfinished thus further action will be taken. . More >>>

2. Bachelor decision pending as ministry considers draft act for colleges
Students, teachers and administrators of state and private colleges and other educational institutions await official confirmation on whether courses of study can be accredited towards Bachelor and higher-level degrees for the coming academic year.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has not yet confirmed whether it will permit state/private colleges and educational institutions to recommence offering bachelor and higher level courses after they temporarily lost their permission to do so in the 2013/14 academic year.   .. . More >>>

3. Demarcation complete, Luang Prabang eyes investment to push SEZ project ahead
Development of a US$1.2 billion special economic zone (SEZ) in Luang Prabang province has faced delays attributed to project demarcation now completed while its developer seeks further investment and financial backing. The plans for the zone include a 23-storey building, schools, hospitals, shopping centre, bank, hotels, restaurants and residences including homes and advanced nursing care for older people. .More >>>

4. Human traffickers continue targeting young Lao
Thousands of young people including local factory workers have been lured into the trap of human trafficking, experts in the field have highlighted.
Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) has called for governments in the region, notably those in Mekong Sub-region to work harder in cooperation to tackle the crime. . . . More >>>

5. Buying ‘Made in Laos’ can boost nation: economist
An economist supported Prime Ministerial Order No. 09 issued on May 19 to ensure the effective use of the State budget, but called for the government to promote stronger spending on local products.
Independent and experienced economist Dr Mana Southichak told Vientiane Times recently that spending can be good for the country’s economy, but the money needs to be disbursed on efforts that promote productivity, industrial manufacturing and job creation activities.. More >>>

6. Laos, Vietnam cooperate on construction materials
Researchers of Laos and Vietnam met to discuss the use of new technologies to improve construction of the country’s roads in the capital last week. The new technology called ANTI-Blooming Additive (TS) improves the new roadways potentially affected by natural disaster, an official said. More >>>