World

Lao National Assembly opens ninth session

The 7th tenure of the Lao National Assembly convened its ninth session on July 1, intending to discuss a number of important issues of the country during the next three weeks.
The 7th tenure of the Lao National Assembly convened its ninth sessionon July 1, intending to discuss a number of important issues of thecountry during the next three weeks.

Attendingthe opening ceremony were Party General Secretary and State PresidentChoummaly Sayasone and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, amongothers.

NA Chairwoman Pany Yathotu said thatduring the session, deputies will debate and approve measures onimportant issues, including government reports on socio-economicdevelopment, state budget plans and monetary policy in the 2014-2015fiscal year, and discuss the Prime Minister’s proposal to appointseveral new cabinet members.

Lawmakers are alsoexpected to exchange opinions on the draft Law on Cybercrime Combat andPrevention, the draft Law on Competition, the draft Law on LocalPeople’s Councils, the draft revised Education Law, the draft revisedLaw on the National Assembly and the draft revised Law on Election ofNational Assembly Deputies and Local People’s Council Members.

The top legislator affirmed that contents discussed at the sessionhold a decisive role in completing socio-economic development goals andState budget plans.

Also at the openingceremony, Minister of Planning and Investment Somdi Duongdi delivered areport on socio-economic development in the first half and plans for thelast half of the 2014-2015 fiscal year – which began in October 2014and will end in October 2015 – as well as plans for the 2015-2016 fiscalyear.-VNA
Follow VietnamPlus

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: TASS)

Indonesia, Russia discuss nuclear power cooperation

The two sides discussed promising areas of Russian – Indonesian cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including the development of nuclear power projects, nuclear infrastructure, personnel training, and non-energy applications of nuclear technology.

Thai police announce biggest ivory seizure in a decade (Photo: nationthailand)

Thailand busts largest ivory smuggling ring in a decade

According to the wildlife crime suppression force, coordinated raids and seizures were carried out across seven provinces on May 7. Authorities confiscated ivory products worth an estimated 300,000 USD, including cut ivory pieces, ornaments and knife handles.

Laos faces challenges in EV transition

Laos faces challenges in EV transition

Laos currently has 14,466 EVs and 36 businesses investing in the construction of EV charging stations, with 126 charging stations in 14 provinces and cities nationwide, including 65 in the capital Vientiane.

Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia proposes hosting ASEAN oil storage hub in Sumatra

Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said on May 11 that Jakarta is promoting an initiative to establish a joint ASEAN strategic oil reserve as Southeast Asia faces increasing risks of global energy supply disruptions.

Indonesia tightens control over vapes

Indonesia tightens control over vapes

A 2021 survey by the Indonesian Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation shows 11.9% among the Indonesian adult respondents had used a vape. The highest percentage of daily electronic cigarette smokers who had used for over 2 years was found among adults aged 25-44 (8.8%).

Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Enforcement Director-General Datuk Azman Adam said 161 individuals had been arrested, while the total value of seizures was estimated at 23.17 million MYR (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia detects 556 fuel-related violations in two months

KPDN Enforcement Director Azman Adam said on May 10 that authorities had made 161 arrests, with the total value of seized goods estimated at 23.17 million MYR (5.9 million USD). Diesel-related offences accounted for the largest number of cases at 249, followed by petrol-related violations with 119 cases.

Thailand's convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is released from Bangkok's Klong Prem Central Prison on May 11. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra released on parole

Thaksin will remain under strict parole conditions for four months until his sentence officially ends on September 9. The conditions include wearing an electronic monitoring device, reporting regularly to authorities and being prohibited from leaving the country.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn announces the outcomes of the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings held recently in the Philippines. (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN leaders chart course for a more resilient region at 48th summit

Announcing the outcomes of the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings held recently in the Philippines, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said the summit’s theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together”, reflected ASEAN’s determination to ensure future global shocks do not spiral into regional crises.