Mekong - U.S. Partnership
Lao PDR Launches the Electronic Official Gazette
On October 11, 2013, the Ministry of Justice launched the webpage representing the Lao PDR Electronic Official Gazette (laoofficialgazette.gov.la) at a high-level workshop in Vientiane, Laos. The workshop was chaired by the Minister of Justice, with the Vice-Minister of Justice presenting the new procedures for operating the e-Gazette, and with around 50 participants including a…
Fellowships Available under the LMI Environment and Water Pillar
The MyCOE / SERVIR Initiative is currently accepting proposals for a seven months fellowship program for undergraduate and graduate students from Lower Mekong countries. Interested students should propose a research project that will provide a lasting impact in addressing challenges in Climate Change, Sustainable Landscapes and/or Watersheds. Proposals are due November 3, 2013. Proposals must also include an outreach component to share results with local…
USAID Brings Information Technology to Teachers in Rural Laos
The ASEAN-U.S. Technical Assistance and Training Facility (TATF) supported training for 20 Lao English and science teachers. The project collaborated with the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports (MOE) to help rural teachers use information technology in the classroom. Most had never even touched a computer, but all learned to email, access educational materials and…
USAID’s PEER Program Looking for Researchers in LMI Countries
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is exploring new opportunities to use science and technology to meet the world’s development challenges. As part of its science and technology strategy, USAID is supporting various mechanisms to leverage the investments that other U.S. government agencies make in scientific research and training. In this context, USAID,…
Ensuring Gender Equality in Climate Change and REDD+ in Lao PDR
From September 9-13, the USAID-funded Lowering Emissions in Asia’s Forests (LEAF) program, in partnership with Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management (WOCAN) and the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) carried out the first training in a regional series to provide state forestry agencies and women constituencies with guidelines and…
ASEAN Youth Volunteers Supporting Conservation Efforts in Malaysia
The ASEAN Youth Volunteer Program (AYVP), jointly funded by ASEAN and the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA), was officially launched on August 12. The five-week program is providing 100 volunteers with experience in knowledge driven volunteerism and community engagement while developing ASEAN awareness and regional identity. The inaugural program focuses on the theme of environmental conservation.…
USAID-Supported a Regional Laboratory Network Workshop on Diagnosis of Rabies and Newcastle Disease
The IDENTIFY project of USAID's global Emerging Pandemic Threats program (EPT) hosted a regional laboratory network workshop on diagnosis of Rabies and Newcastle Disease at National Institute of Animal Health, Bangkok on August 26 – September 6, 2013. Led by The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Development,…
Supporting Vietnam’s National REDD+ Fund
With support from the USAID-funded LEAF program, the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) organized a national consultation workshop in Hanoi on August 27 to discuss the establishment of a National REDD+ Fund. Over 70 participants representing government departments, international donors and provinces implementing REDD+ discussed the design of a proposed National Fund, including aspects related…
NEWS: Mekong Region’s Innovators Welcome U.S. Support
(VOV) -Officials and stakeholders have gathered at an August 29 meeting in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss methods of supporting the Lower Mekong sub-region’s young technological innovators.The event, jointly held by the U.S. State Department and the Vietnamese branch of IDG ASEAN, involved government and private sector representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and…
TIGERS@Mekong Strategy Meeting Held in Ho Chi Minh City
Thursday saw a one-day strategy meeting on an initiative to promote tech entrepreneurship kick off in Ho Chi Minh City, where government representatives and stakeholders convened to discuss ways to support young innovators in the tech sector in the Lower Mekong sub-region.The event, co-hosted by the US Department of State and IDG ASEAN, attracted government…
ASEAN Regulators Trained on Medical Devices
The medical device industry, which includes everything from pacemakers and MRI machines to dental equipment and hypodermic syringes, is a growing global business sector. U.S. exports of medical technologies in 2012 were valued at approximately $44.2 billion, a 7.2 percent increase from just the previous year.Training on medical devices regulations in ASEAN will help ASEAN…
Rebalance to Asia III: Protecting the Environment and Ensuring Food and Water Security in East Asia and the Pacific
Testimony of Gregory Beck, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia, U.S. Agency for International Development before Foreign Relations Committee East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee“Rebalance to Asia III: Protecting the Environment and Ensuring Food and Water Security in East Asia and the Pacific”Chairman Cardin, Senator Rubio, and distinguished Members of the Committee, thank you for the…
