AustCham Lao Newsletter - June

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NEWSLETTER
 
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Another busy month for AustCham Lao! Most notably we have brought on a new team member to take on the role of Deputy Executive Director. Oliver has already started meeting with members and will be going out to meet more of our members over the next few weeks. Through this additional resource we are aiming to improve what we do at AustCham. Greater engagement with our members and stakeholders, greater results from our advocacy, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for our members. You can read more about Oliver below. 

This month were also very pleased to partner with our Gold Sponsor ANZ to present the Economic Outlook Series, with presentations from Khoon Goh, ANZ Head of Asia Research and Phetsathaphone Keovongvichith, Director General of the Foreign Exchange Management Department of the Bank Laos. You can read more about this great event below.  

Coming up: we are pleased to partner with the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance to showcase the Workplace Breastfeeding Awards.

And finally, we are happy to continue our existing partnership with the UNFPA to promote the National Census with a roundtable event in conjunction with our next Sundowner networking event. We hope to see you there where you can learn about how the private sector benefits the national census. You can read more about this event below as well. 
 
AustCham's new Deputy Executive Director
AustCham's new Deputy Executive Director
AustCham Lao is pleased to welcome Oliver Purvis-Smith onboard as the Deputy Executive Director.Oliver is a results-driven leader, originally from Sydney, Australia. He has an extensive background in Business and Commerce and has worked across a wide range of industry sectors including Finance, Recruitment, Supply Chain, Government and Education.

In recent years, Oliver has been based in Thailand, where he has held some unique positions. The first, with the Thai Ministry of Commerce, where he reported directly to the Minister. And subsequently, with Chiang Mai University, ranked number 3 in the country.

Oliver joined Austcham Lao in June, 2024 and he will assist in growing our capacity and our offerings to members. Oliver will be reaching out to members in the coming weeks to learn about their operations and any issues they may be facing.

We are pleased to have Oliver as part of the team and look forward to growing the chamber with him.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Census Roundtable Meeting and Sundowner Networking Event
Census Roundtable Meeting and Sundowner Networking Event

date

Jul 3, 2024
(15:00 - 20:00) (GMT+7)

location

Settha Palace Hotel
Vientiane, Vientiane Prefecture, ...
 
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More Information (English)
More Information (Lao)
All businesses in Laos are invited to apply for the SUN Laos Workplace Breastfeeding Awards. These awards are given to leading workplaces that review their workplace practices against 10 criteria and help improve the rates of breastfeeding of working mothers.
 
To apply for the awards, please visit the S.
Applications can be submitted until 5th July.
For further information, contact Tukta Sonesaksith at .

ຂໍເຊີນຊວນບັນດາຫົວໜ່ວຍທຸລະກິດທັງໝົດ ສະໝັກເພື່ອຮັບລາງວັນ SUN ລາວ ການລ້ຽງລູກດ້ວຍນໍ້ານົມແມ່ຢູ່ບ່ອນເຮັດວຽກ. ລາງວັນນີ້ຈະຖືກມອບໃຫ້ບ່ອນເຮັດວຽກທີ່ມີຄວາມກ້າວໜ້າໃນການທົບທວນຄືນແນວທາງການຈັດຕັ້ງປະຕິບັດນະໂຍບາຍການລ້ຽງລູກດ້ວຍນໍ້ານົມແມ່ຂອງຕົນ ຕາມ 10 ເງື່ອນໄຂ ແລະ ຊ່ວຍປັບປຸງອັດຕາການລ້ຽງລູກດ້ວຍນໍ້ານົມແມ່ຂອງຜູ້ເປັນແມ່ທີ່ເຮັດວຽກປະຈຳ.
 
ເພື່ອສະໝັກຮັບລາງວັນ, ທ່ານສາມາດເຂົ້າເບິ່ງ ໄດ້. ສາມາດສົ່ງການສະໝັກໄດ້ຈົນຮອດວັນທີ 5 ກໍລະກົດນີ້. ສຳລັບຂໍ້ມູນເພີ່ມເຕີມສາມາດຕິດຕໍ່ ຕຸກຕາ ສອນສັກສິດໄດ້ທີ່ .
 
 
PAST EVENTS
 
ANZ projects Lao’s economy to grow up to 4.2% in 2024
ANZ projects Lao’s economy to grow up to 4.2% in 2024
ANZ Laos and AustCham Lao jointly hosted the annual ANZ Lao Economic Outlook Series on 12 June 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, providing an update on the current economic situation in Laos. The event was attended by bank officials, members of foreign business chambers and executives from the private sector. Reaffirming ANZ’s commitment to the Lao business community through its regular/annual update on the economic outlook for the region, Sheng Lee, Country Head, ANZ Laos said: “The economic landscape is evolving rapidly, and after a period of weak growth, the global economy is stabilising but there are challenges as rates and inflation remain high. In partnership with AustCham, ANZ is pleased to present our latest Economic Update to our clients and industry stakeholders in Lao. We believe it offers essential insights on the operating environment, helping business leaders to make informed decisions while trying to grow and protect their business.”
Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research, ANZ shared his outlook and projections for the global economy, as well as how global trends may impact the domestic and regional markets. “Labour shortage issues are a key challenge for businesses. However, the services sector performed well as tourist arrivals rebounded strongly in 2023 and is expected to continue doing well this year, especially with the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign. We forecast GDP growth to pick up to 4.2% in 2024 on the back of stronger tourism activity and higher agriculture output and electricity generation as El Niño wanes,” Mr Goh said. Mr. Phetsathaphone Keovongvichith, Director General of the Foreign Exchange Management Department of the Bank Laos, discussed the Bank of Lao’s priorities, as well as recent changes to regulations surrounding imports, exports, and the management of foreign currency. Director General Keovongvichith stated that these regulations are intended to increase the flow of foreign currency into Lao PDR and boost foreign exchange reserves. He cited that whilst it is still early stages, positive signs are already evident. Since the implementation of the regulation, the percentage of export proceeds transferred to commercial banks have increased to 63.33%in the first 5 months of 2024. “Recent announcements by the Australian government committing additional resources to supporting Australian trade and investment in South East Asia are certainly welcomed by AustCham Lao” said Mr David Ormsby, Executive Director, AustCham Lao. “ANZ has been a strong supporter and partner, not just of AustCham but of many Australian businesses, both here and regionally. As we see further Australian investment in Laos and SEA off the back of the A$2 billion announcement by the Australian government, we envision that these ongoing Economic Outlook Series will give businesses a better understanding of the economic environment and the confidence to invest, knowing that they have the support of ANZ, AustCham and the Australian Government,” Mr Ormsby said. ANZ is one of the leading international banks in Laos and continues to lead the advancement of the Laos banking sector and operating environment for their customers. They are a Gold Sponsor of AustCham Lao, the first foreign chamber of commerce in Laos. The two organisations have a strong partnership and will continue to support each other through similar events in the future.
 
MEMBER NEWS
 
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Lao National Single Window 

Exciting news! The new NSWA+ website is now live.

Our new website reflects our commitment to modernizing trade in Laos by serving as a reliable digital partner. It will benefit users by providing easier access to information, a depository of useful documents, and online support materials.
NSWA+ (National Single Window Asycuda+) is an innovative solution supporting international trade in Laos. The fully digital single window system streamlines procedures for import, export, and transit and fosters a robust and efficient trade ecosystem in Laos.
Benefits of NSWA+:
✅ Centralized online portals for all stakeholders.
✅ Streamlined information & document exchange.
✅ Faster clearance times
✅ Efficient permit & payment processing
 
💡 Need to know more about NSWA+? Visit our new website for all the details!
 
Vientiane MMG Children’s Day Laptop Donation, AI Workshop and Tree Planting Activity
Vientiane MMG Children’s Day Laptop Donation, AI Workshop and Tree Planting Activity
MMG Business Services Lao Limited is thrilled to celebrate the success of our recent Children's Day community event. On May 25, 2024, we organized a donation event for 15 laptops to Ilay High School, carried out an AI workshop engaging both students and teachers and closed the event off with a tree planting activity, making it a day to remember for everyone involved. The AI workshop focused on reducing knowledge gaps and empowering students with vital knowledge and practical skills for their academic pursuits and daily life. The enthusiasm was evident as many students eagerly engaged in the Q&A session, demonstrating a strong interest in AI and knowledge outside of school. Further enhancing the educational resources, we donated 15 laptops to the school's computer room, promising to significantly improve the learning experience and encourage interactive education. In addition to technology, the event embraced environmental sustainability with a tree-planting activity, where 50 trees were planted, beautifying and contributing to the school's greenery. The day concluded with the distribution of snack boxes and beverages to all participants, adding a warm touch to the gathering. Our partnership with Ilay High School was key to the event's triumph, creating a joyful atmosphere filled with smiles and laughter. This collaboration underscores our ongoing commitment to community development and the positive impact we strive to make in the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud of the event's outcomes and remain dedicated to advancing community engagement and development. At MMG Business Services Lao Limited, we firmly believe that dedicating resources to education and the environment is essential for a brighter future for everyone.
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Wine and Cheese
June 27, 2024 (Available to reserve today)
We're uncorking the exquisite wines and delectable treats at Fine Wines & Gourmet Bit!
Have a passion for exploring gourmet cheeses and pairing them with wines? this event is for you!
Relax and unwind with the warm lighting, lively conversation, and easy flow of people create the perfect atmosphere for making new connections, forge new friendships, and indulging in pure cheese and wine bliss.
Read More
 
Pizza promotion
Every Sunday In June
Did you know where the origin of pizza comes from?
It comes from ... Italy
We will make your Sunday Funday and join us in celebrating Italy's Republic Day.
Special
Enjoy our valued deal for Buy 1 pizza and Get another 1 absolutely FREE!
Double the Deal with Buy 2 pizzas and Get 2 more pizzas plus 2 Kronenbourg 1664 beers for FREE!
Every Sunday, 10:00 - 21:00
Read More
 
Afternoon Tea
13 May - 30 June 2024
Beat the heat with a sweet retreat!
Perk up and indulge in our Mango Afternoon Tea in relaxing yet sophisticated lobby lounge at Elephant Lounge!
A delightful escape from the summer scorcher, brimming with seasonal sweet and savory bites guaranteed to put a smile on your sun-kissed face. Come sip, savor, and smile!
Read More
 
Luncheon
NEW PROGRESSIVE LUNCHEON MAY - JUNE
Available Dates 01/05/2024 onwards
Feeling like your brain needs a reboot and your stomach's singing a sad song? Time to hit the pause button and recharge with a delicious lunch meal!
We have a wider variety of options for you to explore whether Moo Krata, Crispy Papaya Salad or even a Lao-Style Pork Burger.
We haven't forgotten our vegetarian friends – our vegetarian options remain on the menu.
Read More
 
Martini Cocktail
INTERNATIONAL MARTINI DAY
1 - 30 June 2024
You are a Martini Lover, Raise your glass!
Celebrate International Martini Day with us throughout June! Raise a glass (or three!) and enjoy our special offer - buy 2 martinis, get the 3rd one free!
Don't miss out on this month-long toast to the perfect martini.
Read More
 
Buffet Dinner
Global Gourmets Night is back for one last hurrah this June!

Don't miss out on our all-you-can-eat buffet featuring delicious savory and delectable desserts.
Here's what awaits you:
- Unlimited feasting with no time limit!
- A relaxing atmosphere with live music and perfect for a Friday wind-down.
- Family-friendly fun! We have prepared the area for your little ones under 6, and they EAT FOR FREE!
Reserve your table today and see you on Friday, June 28th, 2024!
Read More
 
4 Hands Beer Dinner

Only 1 Week Until the 4 Hands Beer Dinner!
We invite you to an evening of gastronomic delights at the 1-Hands Beer Dinner.
The Delicious Collaboration from our two culinary stars:
Nednapha Sangsri, also known as Chef Mim from 3 Merchants, a fusion chef with over a decade of culinary experience, strives to elevate the local Indochinese food with a modern twist and pushing her team to become more professional chefs.
Gregory Van Der Borght, also known as Chef Greg from The Beer House, brings a strong culinary foundation from catering studies. After honing his skills in Brussels establishments for several years, he embarked on a new chapter in Laos, where he explores and incorporates local flavors into his creations.
The determination and passion of these two talented chefs are evident in every dish they prepare, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience for all guests.
Seats are limited, so book yours today.
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Event on Friday, 28/06/2024
Read More
 
Planting day on 1st June 2024
Planting day on 1st June 2024
As part of the Boart Longyear Lao team’s ESG efforts, the group partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) for a tree planting day on Saturday, June 1, coinciding with International Children’s Day with team members inviting their kids to join in on the planting with raining on that day. The Lao team gathered at 6 a.m. to make the most of the early morning light and cooler temperatures. They met H.E. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, at the area for the plan. The area is 3.4 Hectares, located at Phosy village, Naxaythong District, which is around 50 km from Vientiane's capital. Boart Longyear supported 200 trees that cost 10,000,000 kip. Boart Longyear Lao team looks forward to the next ESG-focused event involving the community, the environment, and forward-thinking leaders.
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Krungsri Leasing Services Teams Up with BigC Super Center for Financial Solutions in Vientiane, Laos PDR
Krungsri Leasing Services Teams Up with BigC Super Center for Financial Solutions in Vientiane, Laos PDR
In a significant move, Krungsri Leasing Services Co., Ltd. (KLS) and BigC Super Center (Lao) Sole Co., Ltd. have joined forces in Vientiane, Lao PDR, to enhance the retail experience at BigC’s soft launched since April 2, 2024. Through this partnership, KLS introduces Krungsri First Choice, a tailored financial solution empowering BigC customers with flexible payment options.

Krungsri First Choice simplifies transactions at BigC, offering convenient installment plans and competitive interest rates. This initiative not only streamlines the purchasing process but also amplifies consumer spending power, fostering economic growth in Laos.
This collaboration symbolizes a commitment to customer-centric innovation and community development. By democratizing access to financial services, the partnership aims to improve the overall well-being and prosperity of communities across Laos.
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Salary Survey 2024: Information presentation event
Salary Survey 2024: Information presentation event
On June 11, 2024, Wise Research and 108 Jobs held an event to present information about the Salary Survey 2024. This event was held at the Training Center of Lao Front for National Development (RTC) where more than 50 companies participated in the presentation. In this event, there were representatives from many companies, organizations and business units of all sizes, including business owners, exclusive and HR managers. At the event, the participants were aware of the labor supply trend in Laos and the results of the survey in 2023 and listened to the salary survey plan for the year 2024. We have the goal of inviting more than 100 companies/organizations to participate in the survey. The positions that will be surveyed are more than 250 positions in a variety of different industries. The survey is expected to be completed in October 2024. In addition, the participants of the event listened to a forum on the topic of "Recruitment strategies and current employee retention" By sharing, discussing, sharing techniques, sharing guidelines from the 3 qualified guests.

Ms. Rawiwan Rattanasuwan, Director of HR at AIF group
Mr. Metta Chantanalong, General Manager of Pathumma drinking water
Mr. Khinnakone Phonsyna, Head of HR at KSD Import and Export Co., Ltd
The moderator of the discussion forum, Mr. Keovisouk Dalasan, Director and founder of 108job.

Companies that participate in the Salary Survey 2024 will receive a summary report (for free) and the report can be used as a reference to compare various welfare payments to be used in determining the strategy of hiring employees and adjust the salary structure. Any company or organization interested in participating in the Salary Survey 2024 can register from today until 30 June, 2024, through the link below:
For more information on Salary Survey 2024, call +85620 98798051 (Office) or email: wiseresearch360@gmail.com
Survey Presentation
Registration Form
 
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Feel the power with Range Rover Sport
Get ready to luxury sports with 510PS power at Lao Land Rover
Book now for Weekend Test Drive
 
For more information: 020 58 888 197 ​
Book for test drive: https://www.landroverlaos.com/t ​

Jaguar Land Rover Lao is the official importer and distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover automotive brands in Lao PDR. 
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Special Promotion for raining season for Range Rover Velar
*0% interest 3 years, pay only 887 USD/month
Limited only for 3 units get:
  • 0% interest
  • 5 years warranty 
  • 5 years maintenance 
  • 5 years roadside emergency service 24-hour

And many other items from Lao Land Rover

For more information: 020 58 888 197
Book test drive: https://www.landroverlaos.com/t
 
Lao Ford City brings excitement to customers in the North of Lao with a Ford Performance test drive in Luang Prabang
Lao Ford City brings excitement to customers in the North of Lao with a Ford Performance test drive in Luang Prabang
On June 5, 2024. Lao Ford City, the official Ford authorized dealer in Laos, went on a tour with the Ford Next-Gen Ranger for customers in the Northern of Lao to test drive the Ford with campaign called “Born to be Smart with Next-Gen Ranger Wildtrak” so that those who are interested or already own Ford vehicles can test drive and acknowledge about the various options of the Ford Ranger Next Generation with ABS brake system testing with obstacle reduction, Slalom (testing the vehicle's flexibility), curve (experimenting high-speed cornering). All this, in order to pay attention and take care of our customers, we have also opened an opportunity for those who already own a vehicle to learn how to use the car and press the traffic while driving with the Owner Clinic to provide knowledge of inspection and maintenance of the car by yourself as a basic knowledge before leaving for every trip. And in order to give laughter and smiles to the participating customers, we also have giveaways for all of you to win a lucky draw to receive electrical appliances worth 50 million kip for all who participated.
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BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
 
Trade can resume its role as driver of poverty reduction – with the right policies
Trade can resume its role as driver of poverty reduction – with the right policies
International trade soared as the world recovered from the Covid-19 induced economic crisis. In 2022, the value of traded goods and services was 24 percent higher than in 2019, before the pandemic struck. But in 2023, trade hit a wall, barely eking out a 0.1 percent gain over the previous year, as underlined in the World Bank’s Trade Watch. It took strong growth in services trade to make up for the first decline in goods trade in 20 years outside of a recession. Where do we go from here? The World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report predicts that trade will recover slightly in 2024 and 2025 as pre-pandemic patterns reassert themselves. Trade is expected to mirror projected weak growth in global output and investment.
Read More
 
Commodity Exporters Can Transform their "Resource Curse" into a Blessing
Commodity Exporters Can Transform their
By virtue of their rich natural resources, commodity-exporting developing economies ought to be able to manage their fiscal books comfortably. It’s true that gyrations in commodity prices can be difficult to handle, but having ample revenue-generating resources must surely be better than having none.
The reality is quite different. The two-thirds of developing economies that rely on commodity exports are prone to crippling boom-bust cycles associated with sharp movements in commodity prices. Their fiscal policies can inflict additional damage, setting in motion a long-term deterioration in debt and budgetary balances.
 
Unseen Green Jobs - A Study on Informal Waste Workers in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR (English)
Unseen Green Jobs - A Study on Informal Waste Workers in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR (English)
Municipal solid waste management is an increasingly important priority in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR’s Capital City. Municipal solid waste management practices in Vientiane Capital are rapidly evolving, and various actors and stakeholders are providing key support to improve service coverage in collection, transportation, and disposal. A key group of actors driving waste recovery in Vientiane Capital is the informal waste workers (IWWs). The work of IWWs reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and this helps to extend the lifetime of landfills and promotes a circular economy. In addition, the role of IWWs activities is evident in their contribution to filling the limited financial investment, infrastructure, and human resource gaps that local governments face in operating waste management.
Read More
 
AUSTCHAM ANNUAL SPONSORS
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