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Digital Classifieds Group Receives AUD $2.25 million Investment From Strategic Private Equity Firm

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Laotian Times
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Digital Classifieds Group
Digital Classifieds Group

Australian-based Digital Classifieds Group (DCG), a rapidly growing online classifieds business with operations in Cambodia, Laos, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, recently received a major equity investment of AUD $2.25 million from private equity firm Belt Road Capital Management (BRCM).

DCG CEO Mathew Care said the company’s major investments in its technology and core human resources had seen increased investor interest in recent funding rounds.

“We are presently reviewing a range of expansion opportunities, particularly in Southeast Asia, where we have seen a tremendous surge in internet penetration and rapid urbanisation. We believe that our experience, platforms and committed expatriate and local teams are capable of tackling almost any new opportunities – and this additional capital and partnership gives DCG the ability to do this,” Mr Care said.

“When we first commenced the business we undervalued the importance of our platform and bootstrapped every part of the business. With the benefit of hindsight, we have spent over 18 months developing a world class platform, based on proven Australian real estate portal technology, which is now delivering outstanding results.”

Mr Care said the initial approach from BRCM was unsolicited. “We have had a long association with Alex Odom, the Chief Investment Officer at Belt Road Capital Management, and we were flattered when he approached us about investing in our business,” he said.

Mr Odom said he believed DCG had a strong future in both the Cambodian market and internationally.

“I’m excited that BRCM will now be a part of this journey,’’ he said. “ Having seen the swift growth of DCG’s business in Cambodia, and a high level of professionalism across their local and international operations, I was more than confident to introduce the opportunity to the equity partners of Belt Road.’’

Tom O'Sullivan, CEO of Realestate.com.kh (left) and Alex Odem, Chief Investment Officer of BRCM (right)
Tom O’Sullivan, CEO of Realestate.com.kh (left) and Alex Odem, Chief Investment Officer of BRCM (right)

Mr Care said the additional funding was highly strategic, given BRCM’s unique focus on countries exposed to China’s One Belt One Road Initiative, particularly Mekong-based countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand.

“The One Belt One Road Initiative has started in the Pacific and extended into Southeast Asia and the greater globe – which follows the trajectory of DCG’s history thus far. Alex and the team at BRCM have deep experience in our current markets, plus excellent connections into mainland China. Such expertise is both rare and invaluable to DCG moving forward,” Mr Care said.

DCG Director and former CEO of Allhomes.com.au (owned by Domain Holdings Australia Limited, ASX:DHG) Tim White, commented: “DCG does not have immediate plans to IPO. We are currently focusing on growing the business, with an emphasis on leadership in our current markets and expansion to new markets.”

About Digital Classified Group (DCG):

DCG has grown rapidly since its 2014 launch to create the dominant real estate portals in Cambodia (www.realestate.com.kh), Papua New Guinea (www.hausples.com.pg), and Fiji (www.property.com.fj). The group also owns leading general classifieds websites in Laos (www.yula.la), Papua New Guinea (www.marketmeri.com), and Fiji (www.market.com.fj).

DCG has taken leading positions in all of these markets through innovations such as sophisticated search technology, a localised approach to each market (languages spanning English, Khmer, French and Chinese), CRM and website solutions for real estate agents, and high-value real estate sales events.

For more information please visit DCG’s official site: http://digitalclassifiedsgroup.com

About Belt Road Capital Management:

Belt Road Capital Management is a private equity investment manager based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia which focuses on the Greater Mekong Sub-Region consisting of Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam. The company partners with promising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support the achievement of strategic goals, facilitate sustainable growth and expand access to new markets.

BRCM has launched its initial round of fundraising with value up to USD $50 million and has begun deployment and plans to launch subsequent investment funds in the near future.

For more information please visit BCRM’s official site: http://www.beltroadcap.com

Six Red Pandas Rescued from Wildlife Traffickers in Laos

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Laotian Times
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Red Pandas Rescued in Laos

Six endangered red pandas were rescued from wildlife traffickers in Laos this week, according to a report by Free the Bears.

This is the first time authorities in Laos have been able to recover animals of this species from traffickers, although the trade has long been suspected.

The six red pandas were found during a routine inspection of a truck that was traveling from China, bound for Luang Namtha.

Sadly, only three of the red panda bears survived the ordeal, after being stored in substandard conditions.

free-the-bears-red-pandas

The surviving three red pandas are being kept at the Luang Prabang Reserve, which is operated by the Free the Bears organization.

Red pandas are an endangered species of which there are only 10,000 left in the world.

Photo: Free the Bears

Euler Hermes: Growth Is Firm, But Fundamentals Remain Weak in Laos

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Laotian Times
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Euler Hermes Economic Research Country Report - Laos
Euler Hermes Economic Research Country Report - Laos

Euler Hermes, an Allianz company, has released a brief country economic report on Laos. The following is an excerpt from the report:

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Dietician to Offer Free Workshop on Healthy Diets for Children

By
Laotian Times
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Student at Panyathip International School
Student at Panyathip International School

Vientiane – Nutritional expert, Ulla Bahne, will offer a free workshop for parents and community members who are interested in creating a healthy diet for their young children at Panyathip’s Nonsavanh campus on Saturday, January 20th.

The event which is open to the public is part of a continuing series hosted by the Parenting Community, a service offered by Panyathip International School at Nonsavanh. In this workshop, Bahne, a qualified clinical dietician from Denmark, provides useful information on what is needed for both physical development and mental alertness.

A family picnic follows the lecture and discussion on children’s nutritional needs. The presentation is delivered in English with Lao translation.

“This is a fun activity that allows both children and parents to learn,” says Bahne, who has more than 10 years experience with Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden and the Danisk Heart Association in Copenhagen, Denmark. “There are many healthy food options available in Laos which we will explore.”

Bahne, who has two daughters of her own, recently moved to Vientiane in October and has sought out opportunities to engage with the community and improve public health. In addition to volunteerism, she is an avid reader and enjoys running to stay fit.

“We are thrilled to have such a qualified speaker join our parenting community,” says Greg Dolezal, head of school at PIS-Nonsavanh. “We are always lucky in Vientiane when professionals show such a strong desire to share their talents.”

The workshop focuses on foods and drinks that are needed for strong healthy bone and tissue growth as well as cognitive development. The discussion will address food groups and recommended daily allowances for children to consume as well as staples for a healthy diet that are readily available.

For parents in need of childcare during the workshop, the school will provide fun educational activities for children supervised by Panyathip teachers. Later children can join their parents for the family picnic.

“The parenting community is really about empowering families to give the best environment for their children,” says Natalie Taylor, who envisioned the workshop series. “That’s why we open the event to everyone and provide childcare to give parents the chance to engage.”

The event is this Saturday, January 20th, from 9am to 11am at Panyathip’s Nonsavan campus. More information can be found on the parenting community website.

United States Contributes to UXO Clearance in Laos

By
Laotian Times
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United States Contributes to UXO Clearance
United States Contributes to UXO Clearance

Last week, the United States Government handed over vehicles and field equipment worth USD $1.25 million to the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme. Some 15 Toyota Landcruisers, 150 UXO detectors and other equipment will be given to the UXO clearance teams in the southern Lao provinces of Khammuan, Savannakhet and Attapeu to prevent local residents from being injured, disabled or killed.

The supplies were handed over at a ceremony held last week and were graced by the attendance of U.S. Ambassador to Laos Rena Bitter and Khamkeo Sanbounkhounxay, Lao Vice Minister of Labor and Social Welfare.

“Today’s contribution to UXO Lao is part of the United States’ commitment of USD 90 million over three years to fund a national cluster munitions survey, in addition to ongoing clearance of UXO,” said Ambassador Bitter.

“Unexploded ordnance continues to affect Laos. Over the years, thousands of people, usually rural people and their children, have been killed or injured by suddenly exploded UXO,” Vice Minister Khamkeo said.

“Since 1990, the U.S. government has granted more than USD $135 million for UXO clearance and surveys, to help the victims of UXO-related accidents, and provide information about the risks of unexploded ordnance,” Khamkeo added.

According to the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme, in over 20 years of the programme’s implementation, more than 380 square kilometers of land have been cleared for safe use, enabling schools, water supplies and roads to be built.

More than 1,480,000 items of unexploded ordnance were destroyed from 1996-2016 in Laos.

In 2016 a total of 67,166 UXO items were destroyed by the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme’s clearance operations.

According to statistics from Lao authorities, from 1965 to 1973, the United States dropped some two million tons of ordinance on Laos during the Vietnam War, including 2.7 million cluster bombs which are designed to break apart and release a payload of smaller bombs. As many as 30 percent of these bombs did not explode.

Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita. Over the years, thousands of Lao people have been killed or injured, usually farmers tending their fields and children playing.

Source: Vientiane Times, US Embassy Vientiane, Infosurhoy
Photos: US Embassy Vientiane Facebook Page

Laos and Cambodia to Increase Defense Cooperation

By
Laotian Times
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Laos Cambodia Defence Ministers Meeting

Laos and Cambodia have pledged to boost security and stability between the two countries, and prevent military confrontations along their shared border.

Cambodian Defense Minister General Tea Banh made an official visit to Laos this week, and was received by Lao Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath.

During talks, the two ministers vowed to bring unity and cooperation between the two countries and their respective armed forces. A special mention was made of the border area in Stung Treng Province in Cambodia, and Attapeu Province in Laos, where Cambodian troops were mobilized last year after a misunderstanding led to military tensions.

A disagreement over roads being built in border areas ignited the military flare-up, which culminated in peace talks between the prime ministers of Laos and Cambodia on August 12 last year.

Now, the two countries’ militaries  are looking forward to closer ties and peaceful resolution of any further disputes.

Official demarcation between the two nations has not yet been fully completed, and tiffs over border locations have been common in the past. 

Source: Kongthap Pasason Lao
Photo: Khmer Times

Fuel Prices Rise Starting 16 January

By
Laotian Times
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MOIC Fuel Price Hike
MOIC Fuel Price Hike

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) has issued a notice to all fuel providers across the country of a price hike in fuel prices. The following new prices shall be in effect starting 6:00am, 16 January (Tuesday):

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Big Blue Wins Billboard Contract for Visit Laos Year 2018

By
Laotian Times
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Big Blue Advertising Wins Visit Laos Billboard Contract
Big Blue Advertising Wins Visit Laos Billboard Contract

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MOICT) has recently signed an agreement with Big Blue Advertising Agency awarding them the preferred rights to setup all billboards related to the Visit Laos Year 2018 Campaign. A ceremony was held during which Mr Soun Manivong, Director General of the Tourism Promotion Department (MOICT) and Mr Santhalack Chaasane, President of Big Blue Advertising Agency and Mr Savanhkhone Razmountry, Vice Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture were in attendance.

“This signing ceremony is particularly meaningful in that the Ministry has chosen leading company Big Blue Advertising Agency as the preferred supplier/contractor of all billboards related to the Visit Laos Year 2018,” says Soun Manivong.

A total of 50 billboards will be installed across the country, especially in high traffic areas such as international border checkpoints, international airports, urban centers, and famous tourist destinations. The billboards are expected to be complete by February.

Additionally, Big Blue Advertising Agency will contribute 232 million kip in advertising and media value (approximately USD $28,000) to the Visit Laos 2018 Campaign to assist in the promotion of Laos as a tourist destination.

Big Blue Advertising Senior Management Santhalack Chasane and Nattaone Mahitthikul are interviewed by local media
Big Blue Advertising Senior Management Santhalack Chasane and Nattaone Mahitthikul are interviewed by local media
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