Malaysian investors visit Laos for water talks
Malaysian investors visit Laos for water talks
Several Malaysian companies may be interested in water supply projects in Laos following intensive discussions with local water supply sectors, according to the Malaysian trade commissioner.
Trade Commissioner of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Mr Ahmad Shanizam, said the meeting on Friday focused on potential opportunities for Malaysian companies to invest in water supply projects.
“I'm not sure whether they will operate in a joint venture with local water supply operations but I'm very positive that some of them might consider investments in Laos,” he said.
The meeting allowed several visiting Malaysian companies to learn about the current situation of urban water supply services in Laos and the Vientiane Capital Water Supply State Enterprise.
Mr Shanizam said representatives from the companies would now go back to their country to discuss the possibilities with their boards of management.
“MATRADE is a trade promotional platform; we encourage Malaysian companies to invest in several sectors… [The business representatives] will come again to follow-up with respective policies and investment regulations in Laos,” he said.
According to Mr Shanizam, two Malaysian companies are currently involved in the development of the Special Economic Zone in Laos. Malaysia was ranked the sixth largest foreign investor in Laos in 2012.
“Besides the water sector, our country has several investments in Laos, including hotels, hydroelectric power projects, finance and banking, the services industry and several more sectors,” he said.
Managing Director of Chuah Valves Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (CVM), Mr Chuah Chee Sin, who attended the meeting, told Vientiane Times Asean was seeing a boost in economy so it was a good opportunity for his company to seek Lao customers.
“We followed the MATRADE to come to Laos for promoting our products in relation to the water works and industrial devices,” he said.
Director General of H ousing and Urban Planning of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr Khamthavy Thaiphachanh, Ambassador of Malaysia to Laos, Mr Dato Than Tai Hing, and other senior officials attended the session.
vientiane times
