Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr Phet Phomphiphak recently receives the new representative of the UNICEF in the Lao PDR, Mr Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani at the ministry of planning and investment.  The Minister of Planning and Investment welcomed and congratulated Mr Durrani on his appointment and expressed his thanks for the UNICEF support and close cooperation with Ministry of Planning and Investment over the past years. He further expressed his confidence that UNICEF, under the leadership of the new representative, will continue to actively contribute to the implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), especially in the areas of education, health, nutrition, sanitation, gender equality, women and youth empowerment, child protection and other related areas through the implementation of the country programme of cooperation between the Lao PDR and UNICEF (2022-2026). On this same occasion, Mr Durrani expressed his honour in being appointed as the new UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR as well as his gratitude for the warm welcome and close cooperation of the Government of Lao PDR. He further affirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue working closely with the Government of Laos to promote children's rights in the country during his tenure as representative, especially through the implementation of the country programme of cooperation between the Government of the Lao PDR and UNICEF (2022-2026) so as to contribute to the socio-economic development of Laos and improve the living conditions of all mothers and children throughout the country.

The Governor of Savannakhet province, Mr Bounchom Ubonpaseuth, and his officials visit farmers in Napho and Sompoy villages who grow vegetables and other crops for sale at local markets. The province is trying to improve its crops yields through more efficient agricultural methods so that more food is available for consumption. --Photo Savanhphathana News

Luang Prabang provincial authorities and the crew of the winning boat, LDB, on Monday pose with their cup and prize money at the close of the boat racing festival. The races took place on the Khan River and continued an age-old tradition in the provincial capital. Another team representing JDB came second, with Luang Prabang province’s smart city team coming third. The runners up also received cash prizes. --Photo Lao National Radio