| A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT |
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As the new President of AustCham Lao, I would like to welcome you to this month’s newsletter. It is an honour to serve in this role and I look forward to leading AustCham Lao through the coming year. I previously served as the Treasurer of AustCham Lao, so I am quite familiar with the chamber. I have already met quite a few of our members at AustCham events, and I look forward to meeting more of you in the coming months. I am looking forward to working with our members through out the year. As we learned at the recent ANZ event, there is a positive outlook for the Lao economy going forward but this is not to say that it will all be smooth sailing. I encourage you to share any issues you are facing with our Executive Director, so that the chamber can work with you to find solutions. This year it is my hope that AustCham Lao will continue to remain as the most active and visible of the foreign chambers. We will do this through our ongoing series of networking events, training programs, and thematic events. This year we also hope to further strengthen our ties to the Lao business community, especially the Lao Australian Alumni. The Alumni often showcase the best of both our countries and we hope to welcome more Alumni members into AustCham Lao. Finally, I would like to thank the outgoing President of AustCham Lao, Mr Alistair Brown. He served with both dedication and distinction, leaving the Chamber in an excellent position to continue its’ valuable work. |
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The start of the year was pretty quiet for AustCham Lao, but this month we are well and truly back to work. We had the first meeting of the new Board of Directors were the new President, Vice President, and Treasurer were appointed. The Board will meet again soon to hold a strategy day to outline our plans for the year and the longer term goals of the chamber.
Earlier this month the ANZ Laos hosted an Economic Outlook event themed “THE RISE OF SOUTH EAST ASIA IN THE YEAR OF THE WATER RABBIT”. It was a great event, and I would like to thank the ANZ for hosting it. I look forward to being able to offer similar events to our members throughout the year.
This month we also held our first Sundowner for the year, which had a great turnout. I would like to thank our Gold Sponsor Linfox for hosting the event. These events are always popular and we look forward to hosting more event through out the year. If you are interested in sponsoring a sundowner, please let me know.
Finally, I would like to thank the outgoing President of AustCham, Mr Alistair Brown. His dedication to the chamber and guidance during my first year as Executive Director was invaluable. Despite some initial reluctance to take on the role, he did an incredible job. I look forward to continuing to work with him on the Board of Directors while working closely with Mr Sheng Lee, the new President of AustCham. |
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On the 10th of February, 2023, Crowne Plaza Vientiane: Gold Sponsor ANZ Laos hosted an Economic Outlook event themed “THE RISE OF SOUTH EAST ASIA IN THE YEAR OF THE WATER RABBIT” which saw subject-matter experts Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research, ANZ and Pedro Martins, Senior Country Economist for Laos, World Bank Group providing insights on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Laos, and on the strategic reform to stabilise macro-economy of Lao PDR.
Sheng Lee, Country Head of ANZ Laos said: “We’re pleased to help our clients and partners better understand how their business can prepare for the New Year especially through our insights on the global economic developments and how these developments impact our region and in particular Laos”. Key highlights from ANZ Head of Asia Research: - After a challenging 2022, economic growth in Lao PDR is expected to pick up this year from positive spill-over effects from China’s reopening and a rebound in the Thai economy.
- Easing inflation pressures alongside a decline in import prices will be favorable for private consumption growth this year.
- ANZ research forecast GDP growth to rise to 3.9% while inflation moderates to 10% in 2023; the Lao kip to 15,800 by year-end as the external pressures which pushed the kip to record lows last year have abated.
- Macroeconomic imbalances remain, which require further structural reforms to be implemented. Although challenges remain, it will be easier to undertake reforms when the economic backdrop is improving.
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| LNCCI awards Lao Business Leader Award 2022 to Phu Bia Mining |
| Phu Bia Mining was announced a winner of the Lao Business Leader Awards 2022 on 23 January at the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) annual awards. The Prime Minister of Laos, His Excellency Dr Sonexay Siphandone while delivering the keynote address, thanked and acknowledged the various business representatives for their efforts and contributions to growing the economy, promoting trade and investment, and fostering a robust business community. The awards recognise registered companies of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for their outstanding performance and strong contributions to the country’s economy and business community in 2022 following the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic conditions. On behalf of PanAust, Phu Bia Mining’s parent company, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Daling Zheng, spoke of PanAust’s goals and contributions that support the Government’s long-term social and economic development goals. |
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| GoL recognises Phu Bia Mining at Mining Sector Conference |
| Phu Bia Mining was recently awarded with the ‘2021 Best Mining Performance Certificate of Excellence’ from the Ministry of Energy and Mines earlier this month. Vice Minister of Energy and Mines Mr Thongphat Inthavong, presented the certificate to Phu Bia Mining Senior Manager External Affairs, Manilath Arounlangsy, at the annual Mining Sector Conference held in Vientiane. The Ministry of Energy and Mines assesses mining companies in Laos on seven best practice principles: legal compliance, reporting obligations, social performance, local employment and human resource development, health and safety, social and environmental impact management and mine closure planning. Phu Bia Mining excelled, achieving an ‘A’ across all principles. On behalf of PanAust – Phu Bia Mining’s parent company - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Daling Zheng, spoke about PanAust’s commitment to long-term sustainable development across its Operations. |
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| WEEKEND ESCAPE PACKAGE
Escape and recuperate at the finest international five-star hotel in Vientiane with our Weekend Escape package. Enjoy 50% off on spa treatment, daily international breakfast buffet or in-room breakfast, and late check-out until 2 pm - subject to availability. |
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| The New Range Rover Sport 2023 launch in Luang Prabang Province
On Thursday 13 January 2023, the launch of The New Range Rover Sport 2023 took place again in Luang Prabang province at an exclusive event that northern customers have been waiting for.
This event aims to launch the New Range Rover Sport to show the new design which luxury, capability, and advanced technology for Luang Prabang customers to experience our New Range Rover Sport and get the details on this attractive vehicle.
The New Range Rover Sport event in Luang Prabang was a great success with good feedback from customers and a lot of customers reserve a Range Rover Sport for a test drive, making the atmosphere at this event full of impressive smiles. |
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| BFL KAONA Training Session III |
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Vientiane Capital, January 27, 2023 - Our Silver Sponsor, BFL BRED Group organized the 3rd session of the BFL KAONA training to support MSMEs in Laos towards sustainable growth. This 3rd session was successfully conducted by expert trainers from TACDO with the aim of providing the MSME owners who participated in this training with an in-depth understanding and insight into the financial situation of their own business, which can be useful in adapting their business strategy and preparing them to access the right financial solutions. It was also a great opportunity to allow experience-sharing sessions between trainees from different activity sectors. BFL is committed to supporting their customers move towards sustainable growth through their knowledge-sharing activities and helping them realize new business opportunities that's why this training highlighted BFL's dedication to being a trusted partner to its customers.
If you are interested in joining the next sessions, please stay tuned by following BFL Facebook Page @BFL BRED Group |
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| The Hybrid WOW 2023 event, which took place on January 28 and 29, 2023, was well-received and provided event-goers a memorable experience. The event provided experiences that included learning about the Toyota Hybrid Technology, getting advice from experts, participating in games that made people laugh and smile, making new friends, making sports equipment and 2nd hand clothes donation at Mueng Fueng Primary School and some fuel consumption challenge between the caravan attendants.
Vang Vieng is the second stop of the Hybrid WOW 2023 event caravan, which continued the journey around Laos with its enjoyable group activities between Corolla Cross owners. Toyota Laos would like to thank everyone who attended these events and hopes to see you again at the next event. Please follow us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming Toyota Laos activities. |
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BSP Leasing Lao is pleased to offer special campaign in February 23 as follows: Exclusively for Land Rover, Jaguar, Ford and Mahindra - $0 documentation fee
- Free GPS (Vehicle loss protection)
- Fast approval
- Min 20% Down Payment
- Long installment 84 months
- Loan in Lao Kip
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Special offers from BSP and Suzuki KPN - $0 documentation fee
- Free GPS (Vehicle loss projection)
- Fast approval
- Min 20% Down Payment
- Long installment 84 months
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| Phongsavanh Bank (PSVB) HI APP |
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Phongsavanh Bank (PSVB), one of Laos’ leading private banks, has officially launched “Hi App”, a feature rich mobile banking and digital wallet application. Hi App is for individuals, businesses and merchants. Hi App’s rich functionality includes full account information, Lao QR payments/receipts, interbank transfers, transfers to any phone number in Laos, FX exchange, Bill Payment, mobile top-ups, fixed deposits and an instant Cashback feature, which enables customers to get instant Cashback on some transactions. The digital wallet can also be topped up from a credit card and international payments and Western Union will be added shortly. The QR code is LAPNet Lao QR compliant. The enables a Hi App user to make QR payments to and receive QR payments from the QR codes of 10 different banks in Laos. Lao QR is an important step in the development of the Laos banking industry, as customers will be more able to choose banks based on service quality and reliability. Hi App is available for Android, iOS and Harmony OS platforms, comes in Laos, English and Chinese and is free to download from the App Store, Play Store and App Gallery. To link their account, a PSVB customer can visit any branch. PSVB offers retail and commercial banking services to over 300,000 account holders through 53 branches nationwide. For any questions, please call 1188. |
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| Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) promotion and Job Opportunity |
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Extend Promotion! Customers who buy SME insurance get 20% discount of the first year premium. Start from today until 28th February 2023 SME insurance is a product that covers and responds to the needs of businesses such as the office, guest house, hotel, clinic, gym, salon, barber, bakery, café, various department stores and more. What are the possible dangers that SME insurance covers? We help protect your business from the following: 1. Fire 2. Lightning 3. Explosion 4. Water Damage 5. Aircraft or Vehicles 6. Breakage of Glass 7. Electrical damage 8. Earthquake 9. Burglary 10. Windstorm 11. Public Liability 12. Business Interruption (Maximum 30 Days ) SME insurance detail: *Terms and Conditions apply. For more information, please call 1677 You’re not just another customer. We’re not just another insurer |
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Job Opportunity with Phongsavanh Insurance (APA). Due to our business is growing, so we’re looking for passionate and energetic people to join the team to help shape the future of Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) in the following position: - Corporate Sales Staff Work Place: Luangprabang province
- Corporate Sales Staff Work Place: Champasak province (Pakse District)
If you're interested, please send your CV to career@apa.com.la Closing date for applications: 28th February 2023. |
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Good News ! You can scan the QR code HiApp application from Phongsavanh Bank to pay insurance Premium from today onward as more easy and convenient options with various useful functions. Download now!
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Did you know? You can buy Phongsavanh insurance (APA)’s product in LOCA application from today onward as more easy and convenient options with various useful functions. Download at: |
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| Job Opportunity at RDK Group |
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We are seeking a New Marketing Manager! Come and Join Us **Roles and Responsibilities** - Serves as the point of contact for all customer account management matters - Builds and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships - Negotiates contracts and close agreements to maximize profits - Develops trusted advisor relationships with key accounts, customer stakeholders and executive sponsors - Ensures the timely and successful delivery of our services according to customer needs and objectives - Forecasts and tracks key account metrics (e.g., quarterly sales results and annual forecasts) - Properly builds and allocates budget for each campaign and closely monitor spendings - Clearly communicates the progress of monthly/quarterly initiatives to internal and external stakeholders - Develop new business with existing clients and/or identify areas of improvement to meet sales quotas - Prepares reports on account status - Collaborates with sales team to identify and grow opportunities within territory - Manages day-to-day work, performance and professional development of the team members and ensures optimisation of work with available resources - Set up goals and objectives for all team members and Conduct performance evaluation using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) **Requirements and skills** • Demonstrable experience in marketing together with the potential and attitude required to learn • Proven experience in identifying target audiences and in creatively devising and leading across channels marketing campaigns that engage, educate and motivate • Solid knowledge of website analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, NetInsight,WebTrends) • Experience in setting up and optimizing Google Adwords campaigns • Numerically literate, comfortable working with numbers, making sense of metrics and processing figures with spreadsheets • A sense of aesthetics and a love for great copy and witty communication • Up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in online marketing and measurement • BSc/MSc degree in Marketing or related field/relevant experience To apply, please send your Cover Letter and CV by email to Hr@rdkgroup.la /Tel: 020 995 22 995, along with your availability and salary expectations. |
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We are looking for a Market Research Specialist Come and Join us to be a part of our team!!! ***Roles and Responsibilities: - Consults with clients to clearly understand objectives, requirements and expected outcomes of the research - Formulates a plan, including methodology, timeline and budget, to be presented to the Senior Management and Accounts Director - Carry out quantitative or qualitative research - Designs specific research methods such as building surveys and questionnaires, organizing field trips - Conducts quantitative and qualitative research, through traditional (field) and modern (online tools) methods - Ensures the accuracy of collected data Compiles and analyzes data and information - Formulates reports and makes recommendations - Remains informed on market trends, other parties researches and implement best practices **Qualifications** The candidate should have: - 2-4 years of research experience working with both public and private sectors - Bachelor Degree in Social Sciences, Economics or Business - Mastery of both Lao and English languages - Excellent analytical skills - Good presentation skills - Strong time management skills - Knowledge of Google Sheets, Slides and Docs ***How to apply: To apply, please send your Cover Letter and CV by email to Hr@rdkgroup.la, along with your availability and salary expectations. |
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| To ensure transparent, fair, effective, and verifiable land tax collection for national socio-economic development, the World Bank is supporting the Lao Tax Department with the drafting of a new Land Tax Law. |
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| Poverty has consistently declined in #LaoPDR over the past 30 years but poverty rates vary greatly across districts within the same province. Poverty is high in mountainous districts bordering Vietnam, but low along the Mekong River plain and in areas bordering China. |
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| February Sundowner - Sponsored by Linfox Logistics Lao Company Limited |
| On Wednesday the 15th of February AustCham held our first sundowner of the year, kindly hosted by Linfox, an AustCham Gold Sponsor.
We were delighted with the turnout and especially pleased to see so many Lao attendees.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next sundowner. |
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