World

Lao National Assembly convenes sixth session

The sixth session of the Lao National Assembly opened in Vientiane on December 9.
The sixth session of the Lao National Assembly opened in Vientiane on December 9.

During the 15-day deliberation, NA deputies will hear reports on theimplementation of the socio-economic development plan for 2012-2013, itstarget, plan and measures to achieve the socio-economic developmentplan for 2013-2014 term, as well as that of the macroeconomic situation.

They will also discuss the establishment of new provinces,mull over the building of six new laws and improving nine amended laws.

Despite the difficult economic situation, Lao Gross DomesticProduct has maintained its 8-percent growth over the past years. Thecountry’s inflation stands at 5.8 percent.

Laos’ average percapita income reached 1,490 USD in the 2012-2013 fiscal year, and isexpected to surpass the target of 1,700 USD in 2015.-VNA
Follow VietnamPlus

See more

Cambodia seeks to improve healthcare quality, support people

Cambodia seeks to improve healthcare quality, support people

Speaking at a ceremony on October 7 marking the 80th anniversary of the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh, PM Hun Manet said more than 2.25 million women had benefited from government cash support from pregnancy until their children turn two in the first half of 2026.

Bangkok named world's best city for 2026

Bangkok named world's best city for 2026

Bangkok scored 97.68 points, surpassing Paris of France with 97.14 points and Istanbul of Türkiye with 96.67 points, which ranked second and third, respectively, according to the magazine's latest poll.

Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the general debate of the Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on October 6, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, ASEAN highlight inclusive social development at UN

ASEAN will continue to work closely with the UN under the ASEAN–UN Plan of Action for 2026–2030, helping translate commitments to social development into concrete and sustainable outcomes and bring tangible improvements to people's lives, particularly those of vulnerable groups, Ambassador Do Hung Viet affirmed.

Indonesia expand carbon market incentives

Indonesia expand carbon market incentives

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan outlined three primary sectors open to green investment, including sustainable agriculture through low-emission rice cultivation, waste-to-energy processing, and marine conservation through blue carbon development.

A shop in Jakarta, Indonesia (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia, Timor-Leste uphold new economic potential

Addressing the Bali–Timor-Leste Business Forum in Denpasar, Bali, last weekend, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the two sides are well-placed to develop sectors where their respective strengths can complement each other.

Malaysia calls on ASEAN to jointly tackle haze

Malaysia calls on ASEAN to jointly tackle haze

Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Arthur Joseph Kurup said on October 6 as host of the 28th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) Meeting in 2027, Malaysia would use its chairmanship to translate the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) into concrete action by enhancing data sharing, improving law enforcement and cross-border cooperation.

Singapore proposes boosting the ASEAN power grid. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Singapore outlines priorities for 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship

Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said at the recent launch of the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey 2026 that ASEAN should focus on building up its regional power grid, boosting climate finance and increasing its resilience against climate change impacts.

Thailand, Laos push for single inspection plan at border

Thailand, Laos push for single inspection plan at border

Under the proposed model, customs authorities and other relevant agencies from Thailand and Laos, and potentially China, would coordinate inspections at a single location. Goods would undergo customs and other procedures only once instead of separate procedures by each side, significantly reducing the time and costs for businesses.

Thailand deploys AI system to manage agricultural supply

Thailand deploys AI system to manage agricultural supply

The system integrates data on production, prices and local conditions to forecast when and where crops will enter the market and estimate their volumes. It can also identify areas at risk of supply gluts and price pressure, allowing authorities to prepare timely responses.

Philippines faces drought risk nationwide

Philippines faces drought risk nationwide

In its October 2026 to March 2027 outlook, the state science agency indicated that drought could begin as early as October in some areas and persist until the last week of March 2027.