|  |
The AustCham Year in Review has been published on the AustCham Website, which outlines our achievements and highlights of the year. Compiling all the information gave me a moment to reflect on my year as Executive Director, and what the Chamber has achieved. AustCham have hosted a number of great events, both social and business focused. Additionally, the chamber has been represented at a number of stakeholder engagement meetings with the Government of Laos and Development Partners. I am pleased to say that AustCham continues to be the most active and respected chamber in this space. I am particularly proud of instigating our new Australian Alumni Membership and our enhanced engagement with the wider Lao business community through our Mate to Mate interviews in Lao language. I would like to take this moment to thank Kinoy, our Administration and Finance Officer. Without his tireless work we would not be able to engage with the Lao community nearly as effectively. Our annual financial review has been undertaken and has also been published on the AustCham website. The key takeaway from this review is that the chamber continues to remain profitable, and continues to hold enough financial reserves to meet at least 12 months operating costs. You can read more about this in the AustCham Year in Review which is available on the AustCham Lao website. Finally, I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has agreed to extend my contract and that I will remain as the Executive Director for 2023. It has been a pleasure working with the board and I thank them for the trust they have placed in me. I look forward to continuing to work with you all over the next year. I wish you all happy holidays and a happy new year. |
| | Read More |
|
|
| On the 14th of December AustCham held its' Annual General Meeting. AustCham President, Alistair Brown shared the President’s Report on the Year in Review. Executive Director, David Ormsby, shared the Treasurer’s Report on behalf of AustCham Treasurer, Sheng Lee, who was unable to attend the event.
Alistair Brown shared the nominees for the Board of Directors: - Brendon Bangma
- Jan Tran
- Kristy Newby
- Sheng Lee
- Souphaphone (Nana) Souannavong
As the number of nominees and continuing members of the Board of Directors equals ten candidates the nominees were deemed to be elected automatically, in line with Article 9.3 of the AustCham Constitution. Alistair Brown then thanked the outgoing members of the BoD: - Patria Puyat
- Luke McWhirter
The members present also voted on the proposed changes to the AustCham constitution, which were passed unanimously. After the formalities, the members present enjoyed a short networking session. |
|
|
|
| The AustCham 2022 Year in Review has been released. The report highlights the achievements of AustCham Lao throughout the year and includes the President and Treasurer's Reports. We encourage you to read through the report and reflect on the successes of 2022. Please click read more below to access the full report. |
| | Read More |
|
|
 |
| Online Training: Better Reports | | Layout, Word tools and English skills to improve your reports | 
| Jan 31, 2023
(10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
(GMT+7) |
|
|
| |
| This course is designed for people with intermediate level English and above to learn how to create a report. It will cover how to use various functions within Word to set out the document correctly, how to plan your report and how to avoid some of the most common problems that occur in report writing.
This course is designed as a complimentary course for the report writing course that AustCham held in 2022. We will be running a repeat of that course later in 2023. Whilst that course focused on basic report writing and grammar and other English language issues around report writing, this course looks at making full use of the Microsoft word tools to improve report writing skills. The courses can be taken in any order.
Over the period of the course, we will create a report to practice the points and these reports will receive personalized reviews, and feedback on how to improve. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Alumni Member: Souphaphone Souannavong (Nana) |
|  |
AustCham Lao is pleased to welcome our new Alumni member Souphaphone Souannavong (Nana) Nana is Founder & CEO of Lao first Incubator for startups and TOHLAO Coworking Space to build an entrepreneurial community where ‘like-minded people come to work, to collaborate, to launch and grow their businesses’. Nana and the crew have been investing in startups at seed stage including outstanding startups like Bizgital and Loca. Nana has been working in financial and banking industry since 2005 in various market environments and countries such as the United States, Thailand, Malaysia and an emerging market like Laos.
At TOHLAO, Nana mentored more than 80 business ideas, helped launch more than 30 companies, mentored more than 1,200 individuals through different events in Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Nana is a Board Member of Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Executive Vice President of Lao ICT Commerce Association.
Nana graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Business (Banking & Finance) in 2005 under an AusAid Scholarship and obtained Masters of Science in Finance from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2008 through the Fulbright Scholarship Program. |
|
|
|
|  |
Prime Relocations Asia is a dynamic removal company with more than 15 years of experience in international removals, providing tailor-made mobility solutions and quality relocations services to private, corporates and diplomatic clients from around the word.
Prime Relocations Asia has a presence across the territories of Lao, Vietnam and Cambodia with offices and warehouses located in Lao, Vietnam and Cambodia including six main cities of Vientiane, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Hai Phong and Phnom Penh, and an extensive network of partners across the globe. Included among the services that Prime Relocations Asia (Lao) offers to its customers are:
- International personal effect removal services, - Local personal effect removal services, - Local office removal services, - Auto transportation, - Pet transportation, - Warehouse storage services, - Record management services, - Relocation services (home/school search…). Prime Relocations Asia is certified ISO 9001-2015 and proud member of International Association of Movers (IAM), Pan American International Mover Association (PAIMA), Asian Relocations Association ,European chamber of commerce and industry in Laos (ARA), IAMX, IMA… To learn more about Prime Relocations Asia’s services, please visit www.primrelo.asia |
| | Read More |
|
|
| Houng Ah Loun Logistics Sole Co., Ltd is a company that provides transportation services, storing, and clearance, as well as distributing goods from the production site to the destination with efficiency, including 3 main services: 1. Land transportation, export-import and Cross-borders transportation; 2. Clearance services and land transportation for export-import and Cross-borders transportation; 3. Internal express and logistics services. |
| | Read More |
|
|
|  |
Discover timeless elegance in a sophisticated setting where local heritage and French art de Vivre unite to give travelers the quintessential Sofitel experience. Welcome to Sofitel Luang Prabang.
In Laos, richly textured cultural and culinary traditions, along with the country’s approach to physical wellness, give a unique character to ordinary life for its people. We at Sofitel Hotel Luang Prabang aim to represent these traditions for travelers, offering guests authentic cooking classes and very special spa treatments that are informed by centuries of Lao healing tradition.
An easy drive from the international airport, this elegant and spacious offering from Sofitel is simply the best luxury hotel in Luang Prabang. Which is composed of 25 suites with a minimum of 55sqm Its selection of immaculately decorated suites and villas opens into a garden with an outdoor gazebo and bathtub that is perfectly suited to business and leisure travelers alike, with the exquisite balance of style, comfort, and convenience that guests around the world have come to expect from Sofitel. |
| | Read More |
|
|
| FESTIVE DINNER BUFFET AT MOSAIC
Create memories with your friends and family this holiday season at the most-anticipated dinner buffet event of the year right here at Mosaic Restaurant! Be astonished by the impeccable culinary selections from sumptuous festive specialties, carvery, seafood, sushi, dessert, and much more! | Christmas Eve, 24 December 2022 • 650,000 Kip net per person • 1,050,000 Kip net per person with free flow of beverage privilege • 500,000 Kip for free flow Beverage Package (Package including soft drinks, beer, basic spirits, wines and one glass of sparkling) |
| | Read More |
|
|
ໂປຣໂມຊັ້ນພິເສດ
ສະໝັກ ສິນເຊື່ອບ້ານ ທີ່ ທລຝ ວັນນີ້ ຈົນເຖິງ ວັນທີ 31 ທັນວາ 2022, ຮັບຟຣີ ເຄື່ອງໃຊ້ພາຍໃນບ້ານ* (ສິນເຊື່ອຕ້ອງໄດ້ຮັບການອະນຸມັດ) ພ້ອມທັງຮັບສິດທິພິດເສດອື່ນໆທີ່ຫຼາກຫຼາຍ. ບ້ານໃໝ່ຂອງທ່ານຢູ່ທີ່ນີ້, ສະນັ້ນ, ຢ່າພາດໂອກາດດີໆນີ້ເດີ! *ເງື່ອນໄຂ ແລະ ຂໍ້ກໍານົດຂຶ້ນກັບທະນາຄານ ສໍາລັບຂໍ້ມູນເພີ່ມຕື່ມ, ກະລຸນາຕິດຕໍ່ຫາທີມງານຂອງ ທລຝ ໄດ້ທີ່ 021 285 444 ຫຼື contact@bfl.la
Enjoy BFL special promotion Apply for your BFL Home Loan today through December 31, 2022 and get FREE* home appliances (loan must be approved) while benefiting from different special privileges.
Your new home is here, so don't miss this opportunity! *Terms & Conditions Apply Contact BFL team now at contact@bfl.la and 021 285 444 for more information. |
|
| Jaguar Land Rover Family Day Event
On Saturday, November 12, 2022, Jaguar Land Rover Lao invited all customers to join the Jaguar Land Rover family trip at River Moon Camping.
The purpose of this event is to make a good relationship between Jaguar Land Rover Laos and our customers, had lunch together, and enjoy various activities for customers to participate in the event such as question-and-answer activities to redeem prizes from Jaguar Land Rover Laos, dress-up activities, and taking photos with photo editing for customers.
The atmosphere inside the event was considered to be very exclusive and the conversation is full of joy, which showed the happiness of the guests who came to the event. |
|
|
|
| Join us at the 6th VangVieng Music Fest 2022, sponsored by Beerlao! It will be 2-day outdoor event with music and festive atmosphere for party goers and music lovers alike. Date & Location: December 16 - 17, 2022 Location: Vangvieng, Vangvieng district, Vientiane Province
Ticket Sale Platforms: Domestic: Online: Booknea, Foodpanda and LAOITDEV Offline: Big C, Jmart and Jiffy
International: 7 ELEVEN, Counter Service and All Ticket
For more information, please visit the following facebook pages: |
|
|
|
| Vientiane International Marathon 2022 |
| |
|
|
Event date - Dec 25, 2022 Registration open until Dec 15 Tigerhead proudly presents VTE International Marathon 2022! We aim to promote a heathy lifestyle which incorporates regular exercise to develop a stronger community spirit, and to promote a greener environment. We are expecting more than 5,000 runners with volunteers and the cooperation of various organizations. We hope to see you there! The Vientiane International Marathon will be held on Dec 25, 2022, with race distances of 42KM, 21KM, 10KM and 5KM, to cater for all abilities. The full marathon starts at 3:30 AM (with later start times for other distances) and concludes at 10:30 AM, at the Pha That Luang Grounds. The 42KM, 21KM and 10KM courses are the first-ever courses in Laos to receive official certification by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). This year’s Vientiane International Marathon is a cooperation between Events for Good, Run Laos, and the Laos Ministry of Education and Sports. “Lao citizens and persons residing in Laos can register through https://runlaos.com/ or in-person at our partner locations, such as Toyota Square, Parkson Laos All participants will receive a stunning, locally-designed and uniquely Lao shirt and bag. Those who complete within the cut-off time will also receive a medal to commemorate their achievement .
For more information, please visit the following: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vientianemarathon |
|
| Toyota Laos Co, Ltd has held Toyota Fair Event at Parkson between 3-6 November 2022 to display an all Toyota Car lineup, there was also many activities such as special concert from Tai Akard, Alexandra, Kid’s talent competition, mental health talk show, Basketball competition, quiz game and test drive cars of 3 models: Corolla Cross, Raize and All New Vios. |
|
|
|
| Toyota Donates to the Special Olympics |
| Toyota Laos Co, Ltd has donated a budget of 15 million kips to the Special Olympic Lao to send 12 officers and disabled athletes to participate in the 9th SOSEA Unified Football Competition 2022 during November 12-13 in Thailand. Hand over by Mr. Khamsouk Komuthaphong Sales and Marketing Manager of Toyota Lao and received by Mr. Sengaloun Laungrath Deputy Director of the Department of Policy for devotees Persons with Disability Department and Older Persons. |
|
|
|
| Public speaking competition "Speak For Laos" 2022 Sponsorship |
| |
|
|
Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) is proud to be a sponsor of the public speaking competition "Speak For Laos" 2022, with the prize worth LAK 10,000,000 which aims to inspire young people to speak up and be assertive. And congratulations to the 15 winners of the competition on the topic of "Developing People for National Development.“
Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) have contributed to a lot of CSR, sponsorship events, and donations since their founding, and this event is just one of the examples of the work that they have been doing. |
|
| EZY Life New package upgraded higher coverage “New Plan” with special promotion for Nov-Dec 2022 |
| |
|
|
Protect the people you love and care for from the risk of financial difficulties
- No health examination or questionnaire required
- Fixed premium starts from LAK 550,000/year
- Can be paid in installments every 3 months or yearly
Special offer for customer who buy an “Ezy” Life Insurance new plan, with upgraded and higher coverage of up to LAK 365,000,000. Get a Top up card gift voucher worth LAK 50,000 starting from today until 31st December 2022. *Terms and Conditions apply. For more information, please call 1677 You’re not just another customer. We’re not just another insurer |
|
| APA Health Insurance promotion for Nov-Dec 2022 |
| |
|
|
Year End Promotion! Get a great discount, up to 15% when you buy Happy Health Insurance with these options:
Buy Happy Health Insurance Coverage option 1-4 : Get discount 10% Buy Happy Health Insurance Coverage option 5-8 : Get discount 15%. Valid date: From today until 31st December 2022 *Terms and Conditions apply. For more information, please call 1677 You’re not just another customer. We’re not just another insurer |
|
| LTS Ventures wins Global Fintech Award |
|  |
Washington, DC, The Center for Financial Inclusion selected the Lao FinTech company LTS Ventures for the best “digital financial infrastructure”. “Inclusive FinTech 50” is a global innovation competition that elevates cutting-edge emerging inclusive FinTech companies.
LTS Ventures created the “Lan Xang Banker” microfinance platform and brought it to 6 provinces in Laos. 850 village banks in Laos to manage now their savings and loans on this platform. It helps over 225,000 villagers to have a better access to finance. Villages sometimes are far away from any bank or microfinance institution in Laos. Village banks are helping communities to manage their money and to learn how to manage money.
Mrs. Lattana Keosihavong, Managing Director of LTS said: “We are very grateful to receive such an international recognition for the hard work we have done. It shows the progress of financial inclusion in Lao PDR. We also like to thank the Central Bank of Laos (BOL), the Microfinance Institutions, GIZ and the Australian and German Government for the support and good cooperation.” The award will attract funding for Lao’s Technology sector and will help to create further solutions for unserved or underserved customers addressing limitations in financial services. |
|
|
|
The most wonderful time of the year has begun, the festive season and joy of happiness, Sofitel Luang Prabang is offering up to 40% off this special offer from our best flexible rate during this Festive Period Garden Suite: 315.00 net Booking Period: from now - until 12 December 2022 Stay Period: from 13 -26 December 2022 Remark: Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 December 2022 (price USD 170.00 net/person)
Garden Suite: 390.00 net Booking Period: from now - until 25 December 2022 Stay Period: from 27 -31 December 2022 Remark: Compulsory Gala Dinner on 31 December 2022 (price USD 190.00 net/person)
Remark: This offer cannot combine with any other special room rate or promotion for more info: please contact us at E mail : phetsara.dalaseng@sofitel.com T 020 22350984 Ms PingPong)
E mail : h9669-sm@sofitel.com T : 020 22350986 Mr Toui) +856 71 260777 |
|
| BUSINESS AND ENVIROMENT INFORMATION |
|
|
|
|  |
The Lao PDR Economic Monitor October 2022 was prepared by a team led by Keomanivone Phimmahasay (Economist) and Somneuk Davading (Senior Economist). This report comprises two parts. Part A: Recent Economic Developments and Outlook, was authored by Keomanivone Phimmahasay (Economist), Fang Guo (Economist), Somneuk Davading (Senior Economist) and Pedro Martins (Senior Country Economist). Part B: Exports for Jobs was authored by Melise Jaud (Senior Economist), and Tanida Arayavechkit (Senior Economist). Useful inputs were received from Konesawang Nghardsaysone (Economist), Ekaterine T. Vashakmadze (Senior Country Economist), Ergys Islamaj (Senior Economist), Daisuke Fukuzawa (Junior Professional Officer), Kim Alan Edwards (Program Leader), Michael Corlett (Senior Financial Sector Specialist), Vidaovanh Phounvixay (Financial Sector Analyst), Elena Georgieva-Andonovska (Senior Public Sector Management Specialist), Viengmala Phomsengsavanh (Public Sector Specialist), and Alounny Vorachakdaovy (Consultant). |
|
|
|
|  |
The International Debt Report (IDR), formerly International Debt Statistics (IDS), is a longstanding annual publication of the World Bank featuring external debt statistics and analysis for the 121 low- and middle-income countries that report to the World Bank Debt Reporting System (DRS).
Now in its forty-nineth year, IDR supports policymakers and analysts by monitoring aggregate and country-specific trends in external debt in low- and middle-income countries. It provides a comprehensive picture of external borrowing and sources of lending by type of borrower and creditor. The IDR includes recent findings from academic research on debt transparency and draws on the IDS database to provide empirical evidence of the evolution of official and private creditors’ lending volumes and terms over the past decade.
In addition, the IDS-DSSI database includes the actual debt service deferred in 2021 by each bilateral creditor and the projected monthly debt-service payments owed to all bilateral creditors for year 2022. |
| | Read More |
|
|
|  |
This report explores gender differences in entrepreneurship for micro, small, and medium enterprises in Southeast Asia. It analyzes household and firm-level data from five Southeast Asian countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, and reviews existing evidence from across the region. After establishing stylized facts about gender gaps in participation in entrepreneurship and business performance, the report employs various econometric techniques to understand the factors that are associated with these gaps. Finally, the report makes a case for policy action and presents a review of global evidence on how these factors are best addressed. To explore the report’s findings in more detail, qualitative work was carried out with female entrepreneurs in Cambodia and Vietnam. A photojournalism book and documentary film (scroll further down to watch) present the stories of female entrepreneurs and highlight common challenges revealed through this complementary research. |
| | Read More |
|
|
| Joint Chambers Networking Event - Sponsored by Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Lao |
|
During the event ANZ Country Head and AustCham Treasurer, Mr Sheng Lee, discussed the results of the latest Foreign Business Sentiment Survey. Overall business sentiment remained positive, however there were some ongoing difficulties being faced by foreign businesses across multiple sectors. More details will be available in the final report, which will be released shortly. Sheng Lee, as well as representatives from ECCIL and BBGL, also used the evening to further encourage all members to engage in the next round of the survey.
The event was a great success with many members from the different chambers in attendance. AustCham looks forward to organising more joint chamber events in the future. |
|
|
|
| December Sundowner - Sponsored by ALS (Lao) Co., Ltd |
| |
|
|
On Thursday the 1st of December ALS, an AustCham Silver Sponsor, hosted an incredible sundowner. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate the final sundowner of the year!
We had a number of members in attendance as well as many ALS staff. Everybody had a great night, thanks to the fantastic efforts of Touni and the ALS team who organized an incredible event. We look forward to welcoming you to our next sundowner in the new year. |
|
|
