23 September 2015 - The Philippine Overseas Construction Board, headed by its Chairman and President of DMCI Holdings, Inc., Mr. Isidro A Consunji, conducted a construction mission to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) from September 15 to 17. The mission was supervised by Ms. Sonia Valdeavilla, officer-in-charge of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines.
The twenty-member delegation of construction contractors, engineering and design consulting companies as well as industry suppliers explored business opportunities in the country.
The delegation visited on-going construction projects and two Specific Economic Zones (SEZs) in Vientiane: the Long Thanh-Vientiane Golf Club (Long-Vien) and Dongphosy SEZs. They were also briefed by a Filipino legal consultant, Atty. Aristotle David, on investment opportunities and doing business in Lao PDR.
Philippine Ambassador to Lao PDR Belinda M. Ante accompanied the delegation during their courtesy calls on Vice Minister of the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce Somchith Inthamith and Vice Minister of the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment Khamlien Pholsena. The Vice Ministers outlined priority development areas of the Lao Government as well as investment prospects for Philippine businessmen in the fields of education and health.
A business forum and business matching activity were conducted on September 16 at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel, with more than 60 participants from member companies of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including the Vice President of the Lao National Construction Association Dr. Khamsen Sisavong, as well as legal consultants, and representatives from the Lao Ministries of Industry and Commerce, Planning and Investment, Public Works and Transport, and Energy and Mines.
The delegation proceeded to the Vietnam on September 17 for the next leg of their mission. END