BCEL prepares to enter AEC
BCEL prepares to enter AEC
Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur (BCEL) has set a target to improve their services in preparation of entry into the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, after receiving the Asian Banking and Finance Award 2014 from the world class Asian Banking and Finance Magazine.
General Director of BCEL Mr Vankham Vorlavong said this was a good step towards success as BCEL had received the Domestic Retail Bank of the Year, Best Online Initiative, Cash Management, as well as the Technology and Operation awards in addition to the renowned Asian Banking and Finance Award 2014.
BCEL has received these awards three years in a row and has driven them to promote their success through efficiently running their business and providing quality services to their customers.
Mr Vankham said the ceremony was held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on July 10, with 35 Asian banks from 30 countries participating.
Currently, BCEL has 19 branches and 63 service units nationwide. The bank also encourages customers to use the online services as the number of users continues to rise due to convenience.
BCEL has provided modern technology and products such as BCEL One, I-Bank and ATM machines for their customers to use.
BCEL One is an application which can be accessed through the customers' smart phone to pay bills, as well as being able to conveniently pay vehicle fees when passing through the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge among many other features.
BCEL is now set on improving their products and services for the Lao people to build their capacity and prepare for the country's entrance into the AEC.
The bank's customers make up 40 percent of the Lao population, with many people using the bank for their businesses.
BCEL staff celebrated their achievement last Friday at the BCEL headquarters.
Deputy General Director of BCEL Mr Phansana Khounnouvong said a smart card would be introduced to students in the near future for use on public transport, with the hopes of easing traffic congestion.
The BCEL smart card is being produced in cooperation with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and will be tested for a period of 16 weeks. After it is tested the company plans to expand the card for potential use to pay checkpoint fees at 20 local and international border checkpoints around the country.
The public transport smart card testing is expected to take place in August, with the official introduction of the system slated for October 1.
BCEL also has plans to build a branch in Saysoumboun province to provide their services to the public and expand into other parts of Laos.
vientiane times
