World

The Lao government has been advised to invest in renewable energy, as the country holds great potential to develop environmentally-friendly power (Source: laotiantimes.com)   Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao government has been advised to invest in renewable energy, as the country holds great potential to develop environmentally-friendly power. Mekong Watch, a Japanese non-profit organisation based in Tokyo, proposed that the Lao government encourage private companies’ investment in renewable energy development, especially wind, solar and biomass energy, to replace hydroelectricity projects.  The construction of dams on Laos’ rivers and the Mekong River in its territory has adversely impacted the environment and the livelihoods of people in the lower Mekong region, according to the organisation. A report from the World Wide Fund for Nature revealed that the building of hydroelectricity dams in the Mekong River in Laos and China forced more than 850 fish species to … [Read more...] about Lao government advised to boost renewable energy investment

Thai artists create artwork telling Tham Luang rescue mission story (Source:http://thainews.prd.go.th) Chiang Rai (NNT/VNA) – Some 200 local artists are working to complete a painting telling the story of the operation to rescue 12 boys and their football coach trapped in Tham Luang cave in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. The painting will be exhibited at Tham Luang Cave Museum.  A renowned national artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, has led a group of some 200 artists in the northern province to create the painting telling the story of the search and rescue operation to bring out the 13 members of the Moo Paa (Wild Boars) Football Academy from the flooded cave. The painting work is now 90 percent completed.  The painting, which artists have started creating since July 14, 2018, will show all people involved in this operation, from key officials to volunteers who helped in ways they can such as transportation and cleaning. The artwork will first be … [Read more...] about Thai artists create artwork telling Tham Luang rescue mission story

Thailand up in Global Innovation Index ranking. (Photo: NNT) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – The Prime Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, has expressed his satisfaction with the Global Innovation Index 2018, released by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), saying the position of Thailand has improved because the country has a potential to produce creative products.  According to the Global Innovation Index 2018, Thailand is ranked 44th out of 126 countries. The country was ranked 51st last year.  Gen. Prayut said Thailand is also categorised as leaders in many aspects, such as the export of creative products at the sixth, the export of advanced technology products at the eighth, and the registration of petty patient at the eventh. The report also states that Thailand is one of the 20 countries with high capacities in innovation development.  The Prime Minister said the government has been giving priority on the development of necessary infrastructure for … [Read more...] about Thailand up in Global Innovation Index ranking

Myanmar armed forces (Source: AFP)   Hanoi (VNA) - Seven armed groups of the Northern Alliance have vowed to continue peace meetings with the government, saying that they will discuss the message delivered by Myanmar authorities at the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference in Nay Pyi Taw, official media reported on July 15. The third session of the six-day Panglong Peace Conference kicked off on July 11 and the groups attended the conference until July 14. The Northern Alliance includes Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP), Mongla's National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta,ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Arakan Army (AA). They did not sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA) in 2015. Vice Chairman of the KIO Gun Maw promised that the armed groups will try to come back again to continue the peace process. On the sidelines of the … [Read more...] about Myanmar armed groups vow to continue peace meetings with gov’t

At the event (Source: VNA)    New Delhi (VNA) – An international workshop on emerging security order in the Indo – Pacific: issues and challenges took place in New Delhi, India from July 14-15. Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh said the Indo-Pacific region is attracting attention in the context of rapid changes in regional and world situation and in power balance along with increasing grave challenges to peace, stability and development. He noted that the current situation in the East Sea is one of the threats to peace, stability and freedom of navigation, aviation and trade in this region. The world is witnessing activities to reclaim and construct artificial islands in the East Sea and militarisation via the installment of equipment and weapons, which the Ambassador said is threatening not only the sovereignty of Southeast Asian nations but also the freedom of maritime, aviation and trade of countries outside the region. … [Read more...] about Emerging security order in Indo-Pacific highlighted at workshop

Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs Idrus Marham. (Photo: netralnews.com) Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian government has announced that it will, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, push efforts to eradicate poverty along its border by concentrating on the development of areas into “Prosperity – Independence Villages” (DSM). The building of the model has enjoyed cooperation between the ministry and universities in Indonesia since 2105. So far, 140 such villages have been built after the model. Besides exploring the villages’ potential, universities are also encouraged to find out difficulties facing those communities. Students have been sent to those areas to experience realities there. … [Read more...] about Prosperity-Independence Village, Indonesia’s poverty reduction model

Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel meets Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi (Source: VNA) Algiers (VNA) – The Vietnam visit by Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel from July 13-14 was given intensive coverage by Algeria’s daily Elmoudjahid. The newspaper reported on the meetings between the Minister and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Hanoi, during which both sides discussed measures to boost bilateral ties and other issues of shared concern. Messahel also conveyed a message from Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to President Tran Dai Quang, which emphasizes the long-standing friendship and solidarity shared by Vietnam and Algeria since the struggle for national independence. The Algerian FM reiterated Algeria’s commitment to lifting bilateral ties to match their political and historical relations and underscored the importance of further tapping … [Read more...] about Algerian newspaper highlights FM Abdelkader Messahel’s Vietnam visit

President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (L) (Source: colombopage.com) Hanoi (VNA) – President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha have reaffirmed their commitment to raise two-way trade to 1.5 billion USD by 2020, along with achieving a trade balance. They also agreed on the need to enhance investment flows between the two countries during their talks within the framework of the Thai PM’s official visit to Sri Lanka from July 12-13, “The Colombo Page” reported. According to a joint press statement, the two leaders had bilateral discussions on July 12, covering a wide range of issues including political, economic, technical, agricultural, fisheries, cultural, religious, tourism, as well as regional and multilateral cooperation. They took this occasion to announce the launch of the Thailand - Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Both sides expressed confidence … [Read more...] about Thailand, Sri Lanka eye 1.5 billion USD in trade by 2020

Malioboro, Yogyakarta. (Source: yogyes.com) Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia has announced that it will host the 35th General Assembly of the International Council of Women (ICW) in Yogyakarta between September 12 and 19 this year. Secretary-General of the Indonesian Women’s Congress Titien Pamudjie said it is the first time Indonesia has become the host of an ICW General Assembly. The event, expected to be opened by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, will see 200 delegations from 80 countries as well as 1,000 representatives of women organisations, ambassadors, and ministers.  Themed Transforming Society through Women Empowerment, it will discuss measures for empowering women particularly in economics. The congress will elect a new president replacing Kim Jung-sook, who has been holding the position since 2015. Yogyakarta is a popular tourist destination in Indonesia.-VNA … [Read more...] about Indonesia to host 35th ICW General Assembly