Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr Leklai Sivilay and his officials last week assess the consequences of land filling at an underpass in Xay district, Oudomxay province.                                                                                                  --Photo Pasaxon

Visiting members of the Thai SME Federation representing the northeastern provinces of Bueng Kan and Nakhon Phanom, and the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Industry Council on Sunday give educational equipment, computers and other items worth more than 36 million kip to primary and lower secondary schools in Khounpheth village, Khounkham district, Khammuan province.                                                   --Photo Khammuan News

Khammuan officials inspect repairs to a road leading to the border crossing between Naphao and Langkhang. Sections of the 18-km road have become severely potholed after weeks of rain and will cost an estimated 700 million kip to repair. --Photo Pathetlao

Trainees and the training course organisers gather for a group photo after the completion of a five-day capacity-building training course for local officials involved in the poverty reduction project utilising the Saemaul Undong model (Phase II) officially concluded on July 17 at the Korea-Laos Agricultural Technology and Rural Development Service Centre. Presided over by Centre Head Mr Lianxay Bounmanivanh, the closing ceremony brought together district agriculture and environment officials, sector heads, and representatives from Attapeu and Xekong provinces. The programme aimed to equip provincial and district personnel with the essential skills to effectively implement agricultural extension and rural development initiatives in their local communities. During the event, participants reviewed a video summary of the workshop, received completion certificates, and were urged by the chair to apply their newly gained knowledge to successfully drive poverty alleviation efforts and improve grassroots livelihoods across their regions.