A member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr Phosay Sayasone (right), hands over 1 billion kip to Minister of Education and Sports Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong to help finance the national proficiency exams for top secondary school students, taking place from April 7-10. --Photo Lao Economic Daily

The Governor of Khammuan province, Mr Vanxay Fongsavanh, his officials and Hinboun district authorities on Wednesday inspect a bridge over the Hinboun River, which has fallen into a state of disrepair. The district’s planning officials requested funding for the repair of the bridge, which is estimated to cost about 2 billion kip. Rebuilding is now underway, carried out by Chaleun Construction Company Limited, with the work expected to be complete in 2027. --Photo Pathetlao

A Chief Correspondent of Xinhua News Agency Vientiane Bureau, Mr Zhao Xu extends best wishes to Editor-in-Chief of Lao Press in Foreign Languages, Mrs Phonesavanh Thikeo and Vientiane Times staff for the upcoming Lao New Year, which will be celebrated from April 14 to 16.

Vice Chairman of the Ethnic Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Young Parliamentarians of the National Assembly, Mr Keochalern Xiayingyang (centre), and his colleagues last week meet with the Governor of Phongsaly province, Mr Khamphoy Vannasane, and local officials to monitor religious affairs and priority development projects in Samphan and May districts of Phongsaly province. The group will collect information about local living conditions and pass on their recommendations to the National Assembly.