Representatives of an Australia-Laos solidarity group last week donate medical equipment worth 626 million kip to Nongbok district hospital in Khammuan province, in the presence of the provincial Governor, Mr Vanxay Fongsavanh, and other officials. The equipment comprised 10 beds, blood pressure kits, and other essential supplies. --Photo Lao National Radio

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officials present a certificate to a rice production group, recognising the quality of the rice seed traded in Vapy district, Saravan province. The rice production and seed trade group involves growers in Samia, Southi, Huaykhon and Muang villages. --Photo Pathetlao

Head of the Laos-Korea Rural Development Training Centre, Dr Vongsavanh Vongkesone (right), last week presents certificates to trainees after a short training course on marketing. The course was part of a rural development project taking place in northern and central Laos, supported by the government of the Republic of Korea through KOICA. Held at the Laos-Korea Rural Development Training Centre in Vientiane from March 16-21, the training was attended by 25 people from Vientiane province. The course aimed to enhance farmers’ marketing skills, helping them to improve their products and earn more money for their families.

Deputy Director of the Rural Development Department, Ms Veomany Thepphavong (front row, seventh from left), and Head of the Laos-Korea Rural Development Training Centre, Dr Vongsavanh Vongkesone (eighth from left), join 23 people from 14 villages in Xieng Khuang, Borikhamxay and Vientiane after a training course on village development fund management. The course, part of a rural development project taking place in northern and central Laos, focused on accounting and financial management. Held at the Laos-Korea Rural Development Training Centre in Vientiane from March 2-7, participants learned about accounting systems, member mobilisation for village funds, treasury management, sustainable fund management, deposit regulations, savings, loan issuance, and other financial matters.

Mounlapamok district authorities and local residents on Monday lay concrete on a road being upgraded in Nhaydonenangloy village, Champassak province, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. The cement was purchased by the local community and the upgrade is expected to be complete by the end of this year. --Photo Champamai newspaper