PSVG teams up with Arup Singapore Pte Ltd to conduct feasibility study on airport development in Laos

The Phongsavanh Group (PSVG) and Arup Singapore Pte Ltd (ARUP) have agreed to conduct a detailed feasibility study on joint investment with the Lao government to improve and develop the supervision and management of airports in Laos.
The documents were signed by the Vice Chairman of the Major Shareholder Committee of the PSVG, Mr Phaiboun Phongsavanh, and Country Director - Myanmar, Laos and Thailand of Arup Singapore Pte Ltd, Mr Jason Simpson.
The signing ceremony between the two parties took place in Vientiane last Friday. Minister of Public Works and Transport, Dr Viengsavath Siphandone, along with other senior government and ministry officials were invited to witness the ceremony.
As part of the implementation of a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Civil Aviation Department of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and PSVG in June this year, this agreement is another key factor in spurring practical action.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Phaiboun said Arup Singapore has been shortlisted by PSVG among two other international companies as partners to conduct a detailed feasibility study on the improvement and development of airports.

Mr Phaiboun Phongsavanh.	Mr Jason Simpson.

Mr Phaiboun said several important tasks have initially been planned for airport upgrades, including the improvement and development of international airports to meet global standards in terms of management and services.
“Arup Singapore is a globally renowned engineering designer that will provide services around a feasibility study on the improvement and development of the management systems of airports, to make operations more efficient and effective, as well as upgrading services with respect to technical management and other issues at airports,” he said.
The most important task is to improve and develop logistics for aviation systems so they are of a higher standard and comply with the integrated plan for air transport domestically, regionally and globally, he added.
“This also aims to build capacity towards future competition when passenger numbers are expected to increase in the future. Most importantly, airports will be equipped with advanced technologies and innovations based on the model of smart airports,” Mr Phaiboun said.
The development of air freight systems will also be necessary to upgrade cargo services, and other visible development plans will gradually be put into practice, he added.  
“This project will benefit the government in terms of the increased revenue earned from airport services, including the fees charged for inbound airplanes, passengers, rental fees from stores, the storage of goods, and cargo services,” Mr Phaiboun said.
Mr Phaiboun said he was confident that the airport development project would play a significant role in socio-economic development. It is also in line with the government’s plan to boost trade, investment, services and tourism through the use of the Laos-China Railway that will eventually link to the Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam.
Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Country Director of Arup Singapore Pte Ltd Mr Simpson said he was proud to support PSVG in what he hoped would be a transformational step in aviation infrastructure in Laos.
“We feel fortunate enough to be involved with airport infrastructure development for over 50 years, working with over 100 projects at different airports.”
This project offered a great opportunity to work with PSVG, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and related government departments in order to try to push changes in accessibility to transport within Laos and also connectivity to the world platform for economic advancement, Mr Simpson said.
“So we see airports as national strategic assets. They hold significant importance for all countries, particularly Laos as a landlocked country, to help with socio-economic development, he added.

Mr Phaiboun Phongsavanh (right) shakes hands with Mr Jason Simpson after signing documents.	Dr Viengsavath Siphandone (sixth right) is invited for a photo session along with senior ministry officials and company representatives.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update September 14, 2022)