VIENTIANE, LAOS
18 JUNE 2009
 
THE STUDY TOUR:
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT POTENTIALS IN RUBBER
PLANTATION, PROCESSING AND MANUFACTURING IN LAOS
 
 
  1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY TOUR OF A SMALLHOLDING AND FORUM ON INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN RUBBER PLANTATION IN LAOS


    2. The visit to the small-holder Rubber Plantation and the forum on Investment Opportunities in Laos is held in conjunction with the 5th ASEAN Rubber Conference, the first ever mega rubber event in Laos. The Conference is jointly organized by NextVIEW and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos. The study tour is supported by the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Laos.

    The study tour is meant to highlight and provide a first-hand experience to discerning delegates comprising captain of the industry, financial analysts and industry experts from the global rubber industry on plantation, processing and manufacturing opportunities in Laos. A forum on foreign investment opportunities in rubber plantation, processing and manufacturing sectors by the Agriculture and Forestry, and Planning and Investment Ministries, and a visit to a successful small-holder plantation will also be part of the program. The study tour ends with a city tour.

    The theme for this year’s Rubber Plantation Study Tour is:
    FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT POTENTIALS IN RUBBER PLANTATION, PROCESSING AND MANUFACTURING IN LAOS

    The objectives are to:
    • Introduce international delegates to planting and nursery programs employed by some of small-holders in Laos
    • Provide prospective investors with first hand experience and information on the rubber industry and investment potentials in Laos
    • Create networking and business match-making opportunities among senior executives from local/international rubber traders, rubber producers, rubber processors, rubber-based and latex-based product manufacturers, and those interested in business and investment opportunities in Laos
    • Provide economic, social and other relevant factors conducive for foreign investment
    • Explore ways to capitalize on various initiatives and activities undertaken within ASEAN
    • Enable and promote direct contact with Laotian Government officials and business partners


  2. BACKGROUND OF PARTICIPATING DELEGATES


    3. We are expecting senior executives and stakeholders of 150 companies from upstream to downstream sectors from the rubber industry, supporting industries and government agencies from 25 countries joining the study tour.

  3. PROGRAM OUTLINE


    4. DAY 1, THURSDAY, 18 JUNE 2009

    7:45AM
    Pick up from the Don Chan Palace Hotel

    8:45AM
    Arrive Rubber Plantation
    Delegates will have the opportunity to view first-hand small-holder rubber plantations under the result of Laos government’s national rubber development program. During the study tour, delegates will gain an understanding on the different clones adopted, best agronomy and management practices suitable for Laos. Delegates will also be exposed to the various intercropping activities implemented in these plantations to supplement the income of the local farmers. To complete the study tour, delegates will be shown selected parcels of land for both cultivation and manufacturing investment purposes.

    10:45AM
    Arrive at the Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry - Refreshment Break with Senior Government Officials

    11:00AM
    WELCOME ADDRESS
    By H.E. Dr. Bounthong Bouahom, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Laos

    11:05AM
    Study Tour Paper 1: National Smallholding Development Program and Policies in Laos
    By Mr. Kham Ouan Khamphoukeo, Director, Smallholder Development Program, National Agriculture and Forestry Extension Service

    11:25AM
    Study Tour Paper 2: Prospects for Natural Rubber as a Strategic Crop in Laos and its Impact on the Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Smallholders
    By Mr. Vongpaphane Manivong, Economist, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute

    11:45AM
    Study Tour Paper 3: A Case Study: Foreign Investment in Natural Rubber Cultivation in Luang Namtha Province
    By Mr. Somay Kosada, Vice Head, Department of Planning and Investment, Luang Namtha Province

    12:05PM
    Open Forum: Comments, Questions and Answers

    12:15PM
    LUNCHEON for Guest Speakers and Delegates

    12:45PM
    Luncheon Keynote 1: Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities in the Rubber Cultivation and Processing Sectors in Laos
    • Agriculture and Forestry Overview
    • Current FDIs by geographical location and land size in Rubber Cultivation sector
    • Rubber planting and processing policies
    • Types of Investment Options
    • Concession Land areas, policies and tenure for rubber planting and processing
    • Labor supply
    • Incentives and support
    By Dr. Ketkeo Phuangphet, Director of Investment Division, Department of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Laos

    01:15PM
    Luncheon Keynote 2: Investment and Incentives for Rubber Downstream Sector in Laos
    • Economic overview
    • Business advantages in Laos
    • Regulations relevant to foreign investors wishing to setting up business ventures in Laos
    • Economic industrial zones and transportation hubs
    • Labour supply and skill composition
    • Investment support services eg. Tax incentives
    • Cost of doing business
    • Profit repatriation and currency exchange policies
    By Mr. Manothong Vongxay, Deputy Director, Department of Investment Promotion, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Laos

    01:45PM
    City Tour

    04:00PM
    Study Tour Ends; Return Trip to The Don Chan Palace

    IMPORTANT NOTE
    (MUST READ)

    A COACH NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED TO EACH DELEGATE AND DELEGATES ARE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL ON THE ASSIGNED COACH FOR THE ENTIRE STUDY TOUR.