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foodpanda Launches in Laos with Over 300 Restaurants on Board

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Laotian Times
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foodpanda Launches in Laos with Over 300 Restaurants on Board

foodpanda, the on-demand international food delivery service, has officially launched in Laos with over 300 restaurants on board.

Heading to the capital first to open a world of exciting flavors to the residents of Vientiane, foodpanda’s fleet of pink riders will bring meals from over 300 restaurants straight to the homes of customers.

The foodpanda launch ceremony event was opened by foodpanda CEO Jakob Sebastian Angele, in the presence of Bounsaleumxay Kennavong, Deputy Minister of Post and Telecommunications.

foodpanda provides a user-friendly platform that makes it easy for customers to enjoy good food anywhere they are,” says Jakob Sebastian Angele, foodpanda Regional CEO, APAC.

“We are really excited to bring the foodpanda experience to Laos and we look forward to going the extra mile to find the most dazzling dishes to share with our customers,” adds Angele.

Vientiane residents will now be able to order a variety of food directly to their homes, offices or even outdoor hotspots, to share with friends and family or enjoy alone, increasing convenience for customers to access tasty food anytime, anywhere. With the vision to deliver good food across the APAC region, Laos is the ninth country to be a part of the foodpanda family and the aim will be to serve both restaurants and customers in the region of Vientiane to have new avenues to provide and enjoy good food, no matter where they are.

Food Panda Bikes in Vientiane, Laos
Food Panda Bikes in Vientiane, Laos

“foodpanda wants to change the way people see and experience food delivery by efficiently taking care of our customers’ desire to receive food fresh and warm,” said Thanyalat Chaleunsouk, foodpanda Managing Director, Laos. “Whatever our customers crave, we want to help and we will continue to evolve to serve our customers’ needs.”

FoodPanda Laos Managing Director, Thanyalat Chaleunsouk
FoodPanda Laos Managing Director, Thanyalat Chaleunsouk

foodpanda is a simple food order and delivery service offered through a mobile app available for both iOS and Android providing app and web services to allow customers to browse from a large variety of big chains, and well-loved local restaurants to find the perfect meal with optimum convenience. With the ability to track meals, explore new restaurant options, and toggle simply for any deals or specialties required – foodpanda is simplifying food delivery at every step; as they know it is not merely about eating a meal but savoring the experience from start to finish. Customers will also be able to find out the best-selling dishes at each eatery, and read user reviews to aid in their decision-making process.

foodpanda currently has over 300+ curated restaurants available now in Vientiane, between 07:00 – 23:00 Hours daily. To experience the joy of your first foodpanda order, download the app now or visit https://www.foodpanda.la

Laos Engages International Rating Agencies for International Dollar Bond Debut

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Laotian Times
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Laos Engages International Rating Agencies for International Dollar Bond Debut

The Lao Government has engaged Standard Chartered, JP Morgan, and Credit Suisse for its planned international US dollar bond debut.

In December of 2015, Laos sold US$182m worth of dollar bonds in two tranches to institutional investors in Thailand and regularly issues sovereign bonds denominated in Thai baht, but it has yet to offer a bond to international investors.

“China and Thailand are two of Laos’s biggest funding sources but people in Thailand are getting a bit full with the credit and it may need to look elsewhere,” said financial advisor Victor Rattanavong of Kindersen Raleigh & Associates.

It is not yet known whether the deal will come this year or the following year, and the bonds would first need to acquire international ratings.

“This is potentially good for Laos because of the wider pool of investors, meaning there will be more liquidity for Lao government bonds,” continued Victor Rattanavong.

While Laos does not currently have ratings with any of the three aforementioned international rating agencies yet, Thai rating agency TRIS Ratings changed the country’s BBB+ grade by one level to BBB with a stable outlook on rising concerns over falling foreign exchange reserves and a growing debt servicing burden.

“However, this does not necessarily mean that Laos will be getting the best financing rates. It depends on how the rating agencies rate the sovereign, and the market feedback, etc. Going international just means, yes, there are more potential investors, but at the same time the market will be the judge of what the government pays and there will be more eyeballs watching,” added Rattanavong.

“Take, for example, the country of Ghana: rich in natural resources with similar level of development but its GDP is about two to three times that of Laos yet it is still paying around 8% in an international bond issue in London a few years ago.”

“Laos issued in Thailand and is paying about 4-5%, so the Thai market has always been attractive because it is close and the risks are well understood. This would explain why the Lao cost of financing is cheaper than a potential new international bond issue. But, if the Lao government opens the books more and courts a wider pool of investors, different perceptions come to play and they’ll have many opinions.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) wrote earlier in August that Laos needed to follow through on planned public financial management reforms to strengthen its debt sustainability.

GDP growth slowed to 6.3% in 2018 from 6.8% the previous year, due partly to natural disasters that impacted agricultural and industrial production, but the IMF is hopeful in its economic growth forecasts that predict the rate to rise to close to 7% in the medium term.

Laos first announced its intention to register government bonds on the Lao stock market in July last year.

Lao Telecom Launches Country’s First electronic SIM card Service

By
Laotian Times
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Lao Telecom Launches Country’s First electronic SIM card Service

Lao Telecom has launched the country’s first eSIM activation service by teaming up with 10T Tech, an eSIM Solutions Company based in Hong Kong.

The new service allows Lao smartphone owners with the latest Apple iPhones and iPads and Google Pixel 3a and 4 devices to sign up for Lao Telecom’s pre and post-paid mobile plans by visiting their local service center to download and activate the eSIM profile, according to a statement by 10T Tech.

The term “eSIM” refers to an embedded SIM card. There are no physical SIM cards involved and no physical swapping over required. It is a small chip inside a phone and works in a similar way to the NFC chip that’s used for payment technologies such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

eSIM needs to be supported by the network or carrier and enabled by them, while not all networks support eSIM as yet.

Apple has turned to eSIM for the iPad Pro, Apple Watch Series 3 and Watch Series 4 and Series 5 as well as dual SIM support for the iPhone XS and XS Max and iPhone XR as well as the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max.

Google’s Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL and new Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL do as well.

Lao Telecom’s move came after the company announced in October that it began trialing its 5G system, becoming the first player in Laos to do so.

Lao Telecom is the first integrated telecommunications provider in Laos. Since 1996, the company has offered wire-line and wireless services to 3.5 million people across the country.

In 2011, the company officially launched 4G network, becoming the first company to provide the system in the country and the second nation to do so in Southeast Asia.

The company also began operating 4.5G services in Vientiane at the beginning of 2017 and then expanded services to the provinces.

Hongsa District Sees Heavy Damage from Earthquake

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Laotian Times
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Hongsa District Sees Heavy Damage from Earthquake

Reports from Hongsa, Xayaboury Province suggest that yesterday’s earthquake has caused considerable damage to property in the district.
Hongsa District has seen severe damage in some localities following the 5.7 magnitude earthquake which struck near Xayaboury Province at 4am yesterday morning.

A temple damaged by the earthquake
A temple damaged by the earthquake

The earthquake has damaged various structures, including residential properties. Many villagers spent the night under makeshift tents, afraid to re-enter their homes.

Image may contain: night, outdoor and nature
Villagers spend the night in makeshift tents

Ms. Bounphak Inthapanya, Deputy Governor of Xayaboury Province, stated in an interview with the Vientiane Times that the earthquake caused damage to property, and large aftershocks were felt in every district of the province.

According to Head of Hongsa District Office, Mr Lae Onsomboun, thirteen homes and four temples suffered damage in several villages across the district.

Fortunately only two residents minor sustained injuries as a result of the quake, however, structural damages has yet to be fully assessed.

Hongsa Power Company reported that their power plant located in Hongsa District was mostly unaffected, however systems have been taken offline temporarily as a safety precaution.

The company has been undertaking an assessment of its peripheral operations, and thus far has not encountered any major damage, hoping to resume operations within 24 hours.

Tremors from yesterday’s earthquake were reportedly felt as far as Vientiane and Bangkok.

Japan’s Kumamoto Bets on Laos for Tourism Boost

By
Laotian Times
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Japan’s Kumamoto Bets on Laos for Tourism Boost

The Japanese city of Kumamoto has said it will increase its promotional efforts for new routes that connect the city and Laos amid a drop in the number of passengers who use the city’s airport.

Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau gave the green light in October for Lao Airlines to launch two new routes connecting the Lao capital of Vientiane and the resort town of Luang Prabang with Kumamoto. New routes will be launched on March 18, 2020.

During an interview with local press, an unnamed city official stressed the importance of the new routes to Laos, adding that the city would try its best to attract more visitors to and from Laos.

A total of 7,161 people used the city airport in September, a 41.7 percent drop from the same month last year.

The official cited the stalled relationship between Japan and South Korea and the ongoing protest in Hong Kong as the main reasons that might have contributed to the decrease.

The number of passengers who used routes to South Korean decreased by 24.2 percent from June to September, while that for Hong Kong dropped 19.8 percent during the same period, according to the city.

Kualao Unveils New Function Halls In Honor of 25th Anniversary

By
Laotian Times
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Kualao Unveils New Function Halls In Honor of 25th Anniversary

Kualao Restaurant, recognized as one of the country’s most popular authentic Lao food restaurants, celebrates its 25th anniversary in business by launching two fully renovated function rooms on the 2nd floor of the restaurant side compound, with a new and modern look.

“It has been a decade since we’ve last made major renovations to the function halls. We felt it was time that Kualao’s physical infrastructure be commensurate with the quality of its food,” says Dalaphone Pholsena, the second-generation owner of the beloved restaurant.

The Kinnaly Room, which is the larger of the two rooms, can accommodate up to 300 persons. It has often been used for small-sized weddings, cocktail receptions, gala dinners, and luncheons.

Kualao’s hostesses pose at the center of the large function room, Kinnari Hall (front stage area in background)
Kualao’s hostesses pose at the center of the large function room (back area in background)

The smaller function room is frequently utilized by organizers to host signing ceremonies, small conferences, lectures, and training workshops.

Both rooms received a full makeover, featuring new ceilings, flooring, curtains and lighting and other electrical works. Each function room is now equipped with a brand new sound system, LCD screens, a projector, and hi-speed wifi internet routers.

Small function room (bar area in background)








Small function room (bar area in background)

 

“I love the new look and feel of the place. We celebrated the one year anniversary of our inflight magazine, Champa Meuanglao, in the Kinnaly room. You get to enjoy the local authentic cuisine in a modern setting and we really appreciated how Kualao specially designed an exquisite finger food menu just for our occasion,” says Cameron Darke, Senior Partner of RDK Group.

Finger Food Menu Display at Champa Meuanglao Magazine One-Year Anniversary
Kao Poon Jeow Keeng (Lao white noodles in ginger sauce)
Jeo Mak Len (Lao tomato dip)
Mini spring rolls, purple sticky rice, crispy rice and pork katong thong in banana leaf boat
Nam Khao Wrapped In Leaf
Fresh seasonal fruits served in pineapple shells
Purple dragon fruits
Mango & sticky rice crepes

Mrs. Pholsena believes that the newly refurbished dining halls are ready to serve guests from around the world as the country prepares new avenues to welcome more tourists and play host to international meetings and conferences.

“As Laos is moving fast and is constantly evolving, we need to keep up with the times and meet our guests’ new expectations in terms of product delivery and facilities.”

“That’s why we had completely revamped our two function rooms to offer our guests new environments, all the while cherishing what has made Kualao so successful all these years, our high-quality Lao food and our family-friendly approach to serving all our guests,” says Pholsena.

Speaker gives presentation at Cultural Studies Series lecture. The CSS hosts monthly lectures at Kualao’s small function room.
Guests listen attentively at a Cultural Studies Series lecture.
LuxDev organises online reputation management seminar for Lao businesses as part of their Skills for Tourism Project
Laos-based private company hosts traditional Baci Soukwan ceremony to welcome foreign business partners
Government entities host dinner parties and typically invite guests to “lamvong” (Lao traditional dance) to the music
Guests mingling at the one-year anniversary of Lao Airlines official inflight magazine, Champa Meuanglao

2019 saw Kualao reach its 25th birthday. The restaurant has served thousands of authentic Lao dishes to locals and tourists and welcomed dozens of foreign dignitaries and celebrities. It has helped to organize countless authentic Baci Soukwan ceremonies, where guests are welcomed or bid farewell to in traditional Lao fashion.

Kualao now offers a complete package for all Lao authentic food lovers, from dining in the French colonial restaurant atmosphere to organizing events in any of its two redesigned halls.

About Kualao

Established in 1994, Kualao is Vientiane’s most popular, upscale authentic Lao food restaurant, where both local and visiting diners bask in an ambience that flawlessly reincarnates the romantic and sophisticated atmosphere of early colonial French Indochina. Kualao is discreetly, and conveniently, nestled on the corner of the city’s landmark That Dam Intersection, which is known for the famous ‘Black Shrine’ stupa that sits at the center of the nearby roundabout. For more details, please visit the official website.

For general inquiries, please send an email to contact@kualaorestaurant.com. For reservations, please send an email to reservation@kualaorestaurant.com.

Tel: +85621214813

Fax: +85621215777

Mob. :+8562055999456 (available on WhatsApp)

SureStay Hotel opens in the Heart of Vientiane, Laos

By
Laotian Times
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SureStay Hotel opens in the Heart of Vientiane, Laos

Best WesternHotels & Resorts continues to introduce its innovative SureStay Hotel Group to exciting new destinations across Asia with the opening of a new property at the heart of Vientiane in Laos.

Opening its doors in December 2019, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane is located in the center of the Lao capital, a short stroll from the banks of the Mekong River and the city’s lively Walking Street. Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away.

The launch of this hotel will introduce international service standards to the premium economy hotel sector in Vientiane. Designed with a blend of classical Lao art deco and French colonial styles, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane will comprise 68 rooms and suites, all featuring sleep-inducing beds, refreshing bathrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Each day starts with breakfast at the onsite restaurant, while the Sure Spa and top floor fitness center offer a variety of ways to unwind during the day. The biz corner in the lobby is perfect for guests who need to stay connected – including corporate travelers. Then, as the sun sets, the Tipsy Elephant Rooftop Bar promises cool drinks and stunning views over the mighty Mekong.

“We could not wish for a better way to introduce SureStay Hotel Group to Laos. With its prime downtown location in the country’s capital city, surrounded by key tourist sites, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane puts guests in the heart of the action. This desirable location is complemented by elegant décor and amenities for business and leisure travelers. We look forward to introducing a new era of accommodation to Vientiane,” said Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia.

Vientiane is a captivating destination that blends the grace and charm of Indochina with European influences. Visitors can discover a series of enticing attractions, including Patuxai Arch, which resembles the Arc de Triomphe, the spectacular golden stupa of Pha That Luang, and Wat Si Saket, which houses more than 2,000 Buddhist statues. Alternatively, Walking Street and the riverside Night Market are great places to stroll, shop for souvenirs or simply soak up the enchanting ambiance, which feels much more relaxed than many other Asian capitals.

Laos is becoming increasingly popular among international travelers; according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism, 2.2 million people visited the country in the first six months of this year, up 5% year-on-year.

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane will become the fourth operational SureStay® hotel in Asia, following SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sukhumvit 2 in Bangkok, Thailand; SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Shin-Osaka in Japan; and SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western AC LUXE Angeles City in the Philippines. SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Cebu City is also scheduled to open its doors in March 2020.

Launched in October 2016, SureStay Hotel Group is already celebrating more than 260 properties globally, making it one of the fastest-growing brands in the hotel industry today. No matter which SureStay hotel travelers choose, they will enjoy consistent levels of quality, comfort, cleanliness and service guarantee, all at an affordable price.

Best Western will now seek further opportunities to introduce this forward-thinking brand to even more locations across Asia and worldwide.

Applications for Scholarships to Study in Hungary Are Open

By
Laotian Times
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Applications for Scholarships to Study in Hungary Are Open

The Honorary Consulate of Hungary in Laos has announced the opening of applications to study in Hungary for the year 2020-2021, a program called Stipendium Hungarium (SH). Applications have been open since November 15, 2019. The deadline for potential applicants is January 15, 2020.

Hungary provides high-quality education in the heart of Europe. Today, there is a growing demand among international students to study in Hungary. Apart from the excellent education and degrees recognised throughout Europe and beyond, potential and existing scholars appreciate the highly affordable living costs with an extremely favorable cost-to-value ratio, a safe and friendly living environment with convenient public transportation, the country’s centrality within Europe, unspoiled natural beauties combined with a 1000 year-old, rich history featuring several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hungary is among the top countries with the highest number of scientific Nobel Prize Winners per capita, and the bithplace of a number of scientific inventions from Vitamin C to Rubik’s cube and so on.

Each year, thousands of students from all around the world apply for higher educational studies in Hungary. The number of Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships has steadily increased to keep pace with the growing number of applicants every year.

In the 2018/2019 round of applications, more than 4100 scholarships were awarded. In the academic year 2019/2020 more than 5000 students can begin their studies in Hungary in the framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme, which is managed by the Tempus Public Foundation.

There are currently 100 scholarships available to Lao students.

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program was launched in 2013 and is based on bilateral educational cooperation agreements signed between the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and the Government of Hungary. The core mission of the program is to increase the number of foreign students in Hungary and to encourage Hungarian higher education institutions to attract the best of foreign students. The Programme is managed by the Tempus Public Foundation.

Details about applying can be found here.

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