New Korean asphalt mixture can meet current high demand
New Korean asphalt mixture can meet current high demand
Jelacon Company Limited, a recently established joint venture between Lao and Korean partners, is capable of producing up to 200 tonnes per hour of quality asphalt surfacing to meet the high demand coming from infrastructure development here in Laos.
An investment of US$4 million was required to set up the factory which didn't include the money put up as registered capital to cover business operations.
The Korean side holds 60 percent of the shares while the Lao investor holds the balance.
The company's Vice President Ms Chiengkham Thepkayson, said the country has a high demand for quality asphalt because of the extensive amount of infrastructure development going on at the moment.
“Our company is able to meet the needs of the general public as well, no matter how much is required but basically, we are focused on road construction and resurfacing,” she said.
She explained that her company manufactures to Korean standards and relies on ISO 9002 to produce its asphalt.
“We've just finished the establishment of our company and are already involved in business negotiation with a major client wanting to order our product, which is a great start for us,” Ms Chiengkham said.
Laos is a developing country so expanding its infrastructure is essential as this adds to the attractiveness of the country for potential investors as well as tourists wanting to visit.
The company held a seminar at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on Monday to introduce their hot-mix asphalt pavement, the quality of their various asphalt products and other materials.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Dr Bounchan Sinthavong, the President of Jelacon Company Limited Mr Yang Kyong Yong and other invited guests were present at the seminar.
Speaking at the start of the seminar, Dr Bounchan said the introduction of the new supply of asphalt from Jelacon Company Limited coincided with the country's increased requirement for its infrastructure development.
“Construction and repair of roads, airport runways and buildings are in high demand so the requirement for the right materials to carry out this work is equally large. Most of the current products being used are either imported or being produced locally using older technology,” he said.
“The ROK is one of the world's leading countries for its advances in the modern technology being used for public works and transport engineering, especially for such projects as high-speed rail and modern public transportation,” he said.
“I hope that this seminar will introduce the latest technology for asphalt manufacture in Laos,” Dr Bounchan said.
The seminar regarding the hot-mix asphalt was presented by Professor Tae Soon Park of Seoul National University of Science and Technology (Seoul Tech) and the question and answer session that followed was coordinated by Professor Ko-il Choi also of Seoul Tech and Dr Kyung-ha Lee of Korea Expressway Corporation.
The company is located on Road 13 South (km 31) at Napha souk village in Xaythany district, Vientiane. Jeil Company, a Korean business that has been engaged in the production of asphalt since 1968, is the majority parent company of Jelacon.
