The Governor of Khammuan province, Mr Vanxay Fongsavanh, and his officials, sample some of the dishes prepared for a food contest in the provincial capital. The event also featured stalls set up by 15 shops from nine districts and six shops from Thakhaek district, to publicise ethnic traditions among tourists visiting the province. The winners of the cooking competition were rewarded with cash prizes. --Photo Pathetlao

Officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and PCU on Tuesday hand over vehicles worth more than 19 billion kip to a representative of Borikhamxay province’s Public Works and Transport Department for use in rubbish collection and disposal in Pakxan district, under the 4th Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Town Development Project.     --Photo Lao National Radio

As part of Australia’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, Australia is pleased to announce the start of the next AustraliaAwards Short Course ‘Gender Mainstreaming in the Public Sector’. The course, delivered by the University of New England, AU, aims to develop the capacity of officials to effectively implement gender mainstreaming in line with Lao government policies and programmes. 26 participants from Lao government and Party organisations will learn about the concept of gender equality and how gender practices are applied in Australian public sector organisations. This week, the group will travel to Australia where they will engage with Australian organisations about the latest thinking, and practices for progressing gender equality in the workplace.  -- Photo Australia in Laos

The Women’s Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday hosts a Tea Party Friendship Day for the female diplomatic community in Vientiane. The event was attended by the wives of government leaders, female government leaders, female diplomats, and women representing various organisations. The gathering was chaired by the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs Alouny Kommasith, who is President of the Women’s Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. --Photo Pasaxon

A media team from the Vientiane Times is actively promoting Visit Laos Year 2024 through a visit to the Tha Falang tourist attraction in Khammuan province. This picturesque riverside retreat is not only very popular with visitors but also provides convenient access to other nearby tourist destinations. The team’s mission is to highlight the beauty and cultural richness of central and southern Laos, encouraging both Lao and foreign visitors to explore the region’s unique offerings. Through their efforts, they aim to boost tourism and showcase the vibrant experiences that await travellers in Laos.      --Photo Phetphoxay