Phongsavanh Group prepares for AEC
Phongsavanh Group prepares for AEC
Phongsavanh Group plans to expand its business cooperation and investment in Khon Kaen province, Thailand, as part of preparations for the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
Group representatives visited Khon Kaen on January 13-14, led by Group Chairman Prof. Dr Od Phongsavanh, to meet officials and discuss business aspects of cooperation and developmen t in human resources, healthcare, aviation, banking and finance.
On the occasion of Phongsavanh Group's visit to Khon Kaen University, Prof.Dr Od was appointed Advisor of International Strategic Consulting at the College of Local Administration (COLA), Khon Kaen University.
Prof. Dr Od is the first Lao national to have been appointed to such a position. It comes after the Group and the university have partnered for over three years to improve the skills of Lao nationals and boost exchanges between the citizens of both countries.
“We will have more discussions with the university on human resource development including Lao language programmes in Khon Kaen to ensure that Thai people can learn Lao and work in Laos,” Prof. Dr Od said.
“Once we have the necessary rooms available, Lao nationals can come to Khon Kaen University to study. And the university will be able to expand and build schools in Laos.”
“In line with government plans, once we are part of the AEC, we will become integrated as one region within Asean, driving human resources development and business operations that will boost competition in the global market.”
Prof. Dr Od said the group and university also have plans to develop Sangthong district in Vientiane as a tourist attraction, and an area of agricultural production and environmental protection, in support of the government's goals.
COLA Dean Prof. Dr Supawattanakorn Wongthanawasu said the cooperation between the two parties also helps business leaders in Sangthong district through public-private partnership, via exchanges intended to drive growth and competition.
Concerning healthcare, the Group's Phongsavanh Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Khon Kaen Ram Hospital to extend and upgrade cooperation in healthcare services for Lao nationals wishing to use the hospital.
Khon Kaen provincial Governor Mr Gumtorn Thavornstit said the province is pleased to support cooperation between the two parties as it is an important step in preparation for the AEC.
The hospital's Executive Director, Dr Somchai Kittiphonghansa, said this is the third year of cooperation in health services for Phongsavanh's customers.
“Our cooperation is a good example of the p reparations needed for when the AEC comes into being at the end of this year,” Dr Somchai said.
In recent years, about 200 Lao people have visited the hospital for treatment each week with numbers on the increase.
In the area of aviation, the Group's Lao Central Airlines Public Company plans to partner with Khon Kaen Airport on flights to facilitate tourism between Khon Kaen, Vientiane, Da Nang in Vietnam, and Siem Reap in Cambodia.
“We hope to have Khon Kaen, Vientiane and Luang Prabang as air transport hubs,” Prof. Dr Od said.
Deputy Director General of Thailand's Civil Aviation Department, Mr Seree Chitsopa, said Thailand is pleased to support and partner in the project to make Khon Kaen airport a hub in this venture, and to help promote the development of tourism in Laos and Thailand.
In banking and finance, the Group's representatives visited the Northeastern Region Office of the Bank of Thailand in Khon Kaen.
Prof. Dr Od said Phongsavanh Bank is interested in investing in or opening more banking and financial services in Thailand.
“Laos and Thailand are neighbouring countries, so we plan to open branches in Thailand. However, we sti ll need the support of the Bank of Thailand,” he said, noting that many Thai banks have opened branches and service offices in Laos.
“Our expansion in Thailand aims to reduce the need for people to carry cash around with them,” Prof. Dr Od said.
The Phongsavanh Group is a leading group of companies in Laos with successful enterprises in international trading, timber, hotels, telecommunications, petrol supply, and security products. The Group received a licence to set up the first privately owned bank in Laos, and offers excellent service to individuals, small companies, large corporate customers, and government agencies.
Lao Central Airlines is the first private airline in Laos and offers premium and budget seats. The airline hired Pricewaterhouse Coopers for management consultancy services to ensure adherence to international aviation standards.
