As long as farmers can make more money from opium poppy than from other crops, the problem will continue. And as long as criminal groups can act with impunity in permissive environments, nothing will change.
Category: Viet Nam
Nearly one billion Asians in vulnerable jobs, says ILO
Despite nearly “full employment”, 51% of Cambodian workers are in vulnerable jobs, with Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam ranging between 47-58%.
China’s Southeast Asian rail link is still far down the track
Though there’s progress on rail projects in Laos and Thailand, no one can predict when the dream will become true
Solar, wind may boost Mekong region energy Read more at http://vietnamnews.vn/opinion/421529/solar-wind-may-boost-mekong-region-energy.html#JEZix1xjtssbrqaT.99
if Cambodia, Laos and Việt Nam take advantage of recent advances in renewable power generation and transmission technologies, they can achieve energy security
Experts decry Vietnam’s risky coal compulsions
With Vietnam planning to signigicantly increase its number of coal plants over the next decade, potentially posing great risks to the environment, international experts have advised the country to work on a cleaner path forward.
China’s Supply of Cheap Energy to Southeast Asia Could Stall Hydropower Development: Analyst
An abundance of cheap power from China could stall Laos’ plans to become the “battery of Southeast Asia.”
Mekong observation projects launched
The MRC launched two joint projects to better manage the Mekong basin resources, especially monitoring the impact of the controversial Don Sahong dam.
Organic farming is not for mass production
Agriculture expert, Nguyễn Ngọc Kính, outlines why organic farming should not be applied to mass agricultural production in Vietnam.
Is Chinese investment taking over the Mekong?
By funding infrastructure and development, China can increase its economic and strategic leverage over poorer neighbors.
Reducing water insecurity: Questions of power, politics and equity in the Mekong region
Water management decision making is concentrated in the hands of the politically and financially powerful few, who determine how water gets allocated.