Local auto company to invest in race track

A local company plans to invest about US$2 million to build a race track aimed at promoting automotive sports in Laos.

Souksomlouay Auto Service Company Director Somlouay Padabvong announced the plan during a press conference in Vientiane on Monday.

“We will invest about 17.4 billion kip (US$2 million) in the track, which will be located on 11 hectares in Xaythany district in Vientiane ,” he said.

Mr Somlouay said the track would be designed for racing all kinds of vehicles including motorcycles and cars...more info>>

He said it was not yet decided whether the race track would be an individual investment or if it would be open to shareholders or other businesses partners.

At this stage the company has not asked for government permission to develop the land, but this request will be made later this year.

Mr Somlouay said construction of the race track would be completed within 12 months of securing the land agr eement.

Vientiane Administration's Deputy Head of Office, Somphone Sengsilavong, said Laos should have a race track because similar tracks in neighbouring countries were very popular.

“So we should learn from their experiences,” Mr Somphone added.

He said the race track would be good for young people, as they like driving fast and could race on a custom-built circuit without fear of violating traffic regulations.

Mr Somlouay made the announcement during Vientiane Drift 2008, an event being held at Lao ITECC this week to promote car racing.

The Vientiane Drift runs until April 13 and will feature a concert and beauty contest.

By Phonsavanh Vongsay
Vientianetimes

(dpa) - A Chinese automobile maker is looking to land-locked Laos for an $80 million assembly plant to produce vehicles for the local market and exports, Radio Vientiane reported Wednesday.
Chang Jung Xin, chairman of the Futam Group from China's Guangdong province met with Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh in Vientiane on Tuesday to discuss the investment, said the state-run radio station in a broadcast monitored in Bangkok.
Chang set no timeframe for the investment, which proposes to use Laos as a production base for Futam brand buses and cars for the domestic market and exports to neighbouring countries.
The assembly plant proposes to employ 2,000 Lao workers, said the radio.

2007 is set to be a huge year for Millicom Laos. We’re evolving the popular Tango brand and introducing a range of exciting new services. In order to do this, we are aligning with the worldwide Millicom Group. This allows us to provide an even greater range of international services and products literally the best the world has to offer. A change of this magnitude requires a groundbreaking brand campaign, which is why ‘Tigo’ is becoming the new face of Tango. Tigo is a leading brand in over 13 countries an international byword for the best in mobile services.

People will soon become familiar with the Tigo brand and its distinctive slogan “Open up your world”
However, it’s important to note that this is more than just a new name or new look - Millicom Laos has invested over 10 million dollars in technological advancements and coverage improvements for TIGO. This significant move is evidence of Tigo’s commitment to continue the tradition of wide spread availability, with easily obtainable services at reasonable prices the company’s three core principles.

In his statement, Mr. Fabien Levassor the General Manager of Millicom Lao says he is confident that “Tigo will revolutionise the entire communication industry in Laos” and goes on to “welcome everybody to enjoy the Tigo difference.”

“While Millicom Laos is extremely proud of Tango’s history in Laos, we believe that Tigo will further reward our existing clients and attract new ones. We’ll maintain the call quality, accessibility and exemplary customer service that got us where we are. But we’ll also be offering a whole lot more to help take Laos into the future”.

So be sure to look out in the coming months, as Tigo announces even more ways for consumers to open up their world. With exciting new developments and services, the future’s bright for Tigo and Laos.