ID :
128213
Wed, 06/16/2010 - 15:18
Auther :

BOI looking for business opportunities in Lao PDR

BANGKOK, June 16 (TNA) - Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) is bringing Thai businessmen to Vientiane in Laos in order to look for trade and investment opportunities there and to build relations with its both public and private sectors, according to a senior BOI official.

BOI International Affairs Bureau director Vasana Mututanont said the trip is scheduled for June 21-23. In cooperation with the Laos Chamber of Commerce, discussions will focus on Thai-Lao trade and investment as well as investment opportunities for Thai textiles in Laos.

The hightlight of the trip, according to Ms Vasana, is that Lao businessmen from various sectors such as travel, transportation, clothing and agricultural industries have confirmed they will meet with Thai entrepreneurs visiting Laos this time.

Information and advice will also be gathered for Thai investors to facilitate their business in Laos.

It is believed this activity will much create opportunities for Thai businesses to expand their trade and investment in Laos, the BOI official said.

Over the past decade, Thais ranked top among foreigners investing in Laos. The BOI International Affairs Bureau director said Thailand's accumulated investment value of 241 projects in Laos from 2000-2009 counted around US$2.6 billion.

Among major Thai businesses in Laos are a hydroelectric power plant,
construction, agriculture together with hotels and tourism.

Laos has been attractive to foreign investors, thanks to its natural resources such as gold, copper, iron and coal. Moreover, the country has plenty of water resources for its irrigation system, which is able to provide nourishment to farming areas.

According to Ms Vasana, in terms of business Laos is a connecting point to larger markets; for instance, to China and Vietnam, with routes which help enable convenient distribution of goods to other countries. (TNA)

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