VLP, Jetro partner to promote Japanese investment in Laos

The developer of the Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) and a Japanese trade representative have partnered to promote Japanese investment in the park, where a number of incentives are set to be offered.
VLP Co., Ltd. – the local developer of the VLP and the operator of Thanaleng Dry Port (TDP) - and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Vientiane Capital to work together to boost Japanese investment in the VLP, which is being developed in Hadxaifong district.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President of VLP Co., Ltd. Mr Chanthone Sitthixay said that with the support of JETRO and investors, the VLP can become a

business and logistics centre in Laos where investors can enjoy many investment and trade privileges.
“For Japanese companies looking to diversify their supply chain, I would like you to see the opportunities to invest, manufacture, export or re-export from Laos and enjoy all the special trade privileges that Laos has to offer,” Mr Chanthone told those attending the ceremony.
“The Vientiane Logistics Park will help Japanese companies by facilitating all the paperwork, processes and logistics services that will make investing in Laos fast, easy and profitable.”
The VLP, which has strategic location, is an important project that will help transform Laos from a landlocked to a land-linked country.
It is located near the 1st Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge  with dedicated international checkpoint linking Vientiane with Nong Khai province in Thailand through the newly developed bonded access road and Lao-Thai railway, which will also connect to the Laos-China railway.
Also speaking at the signing ceremony, JETRO Chief Representative Mr Katsuichi Iwakami said the VLP and JETRO would work together to promote Japanese investment in the logistics park by organising seminars, both offline and online, and other possible activities.
“More importantly, establishing direct linkage for exchanging information between VLP and JETRO based on the MOC (Memorandum of Cooperation), means that this could improve information access and deliver more useful and updated information on VLP to the Japanese business community, at any time,” he said.
He added that most Japanese companies would like to see detailed information, including concrete development plans, the legal framework and the timeframe of the project among other aspects. These are very important for their feasibility studies for new investment projects and business opportunities, with regard to the long-term sustainability and profitability of the project, as well as legal compliances with the local community.
Presenting the Vientiane Logistics Park and Thanaleng Dry Port projects, VLP’s Vice President Mr. Tee Chee Seng said investors can expect to enjoy a number of incentives including tax holidays.
Works are being accelerated to develop infrastructure, facilities, and other essential systems of the Vientiane Logistics Park and Thanaleng Dry Port, which are located just one kilometre from the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
“We will put all the infrastructure in place. We will put the systems in place. We will put everything in place. Investors, just bring your know-how, your market and your products so you can sell them,” Mr Tee Chee Seng said.
Mr Chanthone told signing ceremony participants that the Vientiane Logistics Park is a legacy project born from cooperation between the Lao and Japanese governments, as initiated by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and Nippon Express in 2011.
Mr Chanthone and Mr Iwakami signed the Memorandum of Cooperation, witnessed by Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Keizo Takewaka; former Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and now PTL Holding Company Limited’s President of the Executive Board of Strategy and Planning, Mr Alounkeo Kittikhoun; former Deputy Minister of Finance and now Vientiane Logistics Park Company Limited’s Senior Advisor, Mr Sila Viengkeo; and relevant officials.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
(Latest Update March 29, 2021)