Laos special economic zone attracts investors
A total of 24 investors have signed up to do business in the Thakhek Specific Economic Zone in the central Laos province of Khammuan, an official in charge has told Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad.
Somsavat, who is president of the Lao National Committee for Special and Specific Economic Zones, made a working tour of the zone earlier this week.
The 1,035-hectare industrial park is located near the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in the provincial capital.
President of the zone executive board, Daolay Keoduangdy, told the deputy prime minister, who is in charge of economic affairs, that 18 investors have signed memorandums of understanding with zone officials.
The board has also signed agreements and issued investment licences to six other companies to do business in an area of more than 700 hectares, an official source said.
The government signed an agreement with the zone executive board last year, under which private companies will spend at least US$80 million (Bt2.49 billion) on the development of various facilities. Planned developments include offices, healthcare facilities, a shopping centre, hotel, conference centre, residential buildings and a logistics centre.
The new zone is being planned with environmental considerations in mind, as well as safety and the need to preserve Laotian character.
