| A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
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This month has been hot and we were thrilled to be able to escape the heat by celebrating Pii Mai Lao. I hope that you were all able to enjoy the celebrations and have come back recharged and reenergised. Despite this month normally being a quite time in the business calendar it has been quite busy for AustCham Lao.
At the start of the month we participated in the Lao Business Forum where our President, Mr Alistair Brown, addressed the forum. He spoke about how AustCham see ourselves, alongside our fellow business chambers, as partners with the Government of Laos in developing the Lao economy. Our partnership is founded on mutual respect built through consistent, respectful and actionable dialogue. He also spoke about the need for open consultation and cooperation, paired with a stable and predictable business environment. This month I was honoured to give the opening remarks at the “Study and Work in Australia” Education Fair, organised by our member Asiania. 14 different Australian education providers, including universities and trade schools, were in attendance speaking with Lao students about the benefits of studying in Australia. AustCham is committed to supporting capacity building in Laos, including showcasing opportunities for students to study in Australia. We know that Australian Alumni are highly sought after in the private sector and I am honoured to work with Australian Alumni on the AustCham Lao Board of Directors. AustCham also partnered with the Australian Embassy to the Lao PDR and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to host a Trends and Opportunities panel discussion to understand the cattle sector in Lao. This was a very popular event, with representatives from the Australian and Lao private sector in attendance. Our panellists shared their experiences in developing the sector in the region and discussed how Lao can leverage this experience to attract additional investment. Barriers to foreign investment were also discussed as well as how to improve the regulatory environment in order to attract more investors into this sector. |
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| We are pleased to welcome our new Bronze Sponsor Vientiane College |
| Vientiane College is the foremost English language training and test centre in Laos, celebrating 30 years of operation in Laos in 2024. An Australian owned business with a diverse staff and a wealth of local and international experience, VC provides unparalleled service in the community. Favourable rates for training programs, testing and staff language assessments for AustCham members. |
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| Wattay Service Unit is now officially operational. |
| The official opening ceremony of BFL Wattay Service Unit was held on Tuesday, 5 March 2024 witnessed by H.E. Siv-Leng CHHUOR, Ambassador of France to Laos, representative from the Bank of Lao PDR, Lao SME Association, French Chamber of Commerce, customers and partners. “The new Wattay Service unit provides exciting opportunities for growth and development.” said Stephane URBAIN, CEO BFL BRED Group. “The decision to establish this service unit was driven by a desire to better serve our community, greater visibility on bustling thoroughfare, and increase accessibility.” BFL continues to improve all of our service units to better serve customers and partner with to tailored made design and additional dedicated offices to answer your needs in a timely manner! Please visit our Wattay Service Unit and enjoy full support for your daily banking. Our Front Office staff and Personal Banker are ready to assist you with your personal and business projects. |
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| BFL BRED Group supports $46,900 to Vientiane Rescue 1623 |
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Banque Franco Lao Ltd (BFL BRED Group) supports Vientiane Rescue 1623 with fire fighting and rescue equipment to transform a pick up truck to a compact fire truck valued of $46,900. Mr Stephane URBAIN, CEO BFL BRED Group hands the support to Mrs. Sisaliao Thammatheva, President of the Foundation for Assisting the Poor in the Lao PDR witnessed by BFL management team and Vientiane Rescue 1623 team. The support includes a transformation of a pick-up truck into a compact fire truck with the capacity of 800 litres and rescue equipment including, electronic rescue spreaders and hydraulic rams. “Quick response by emergency rescue team equipped with well-trained personnel and equipment to emergency events is important to reduce severity of injuries and damage to property” said Stephane URBAIN, CEO BFL Bred Group. As part of a sponsorship agreement with the Foundation for Assisting the Poor in Lao PDR to support the Vientiane Rescue 1623 focusing supporting our community in responding to emergencies ranging from fires and flood to road accidents, first aid and medical emergencies. This compact rescue vehicle could provide a quicker arrival to emergency scene and create a better chance of recovery, avoiding death, and prevent severe damage to properties. Founded in 2007, Vientiane Rescue is the first volunteer-led emergency response service in Laos that operates 24/7 for free. It has four stations in Vientiane Capital and has expanded to other locations such as Pakse, Vang Vieng, and Xiengkhouang.
To support their emergency response effort, please call 1623. |
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