Lao People's Democratic Republic
Lao People's Democratic Republic - 3.6 Additional Services
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Overview 

The commercial sector in Laos is changing rapidly. Services not available a short time ago are now being offered within country. Quality varies and thus development and updating of supplier shortlists are necessary. There is also agreement within the wider UN community to share shortlists. Thus, whenever certain services are needed that fall outside of normal needs, the first point of call is other UN agencies to inquire if they have a shortlist of suppliers for that service. 

Most goods and many services are imported from Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Delays are sometimes felt as local suppliers must source and then have items delivered to Laos. As a general rule the Procurement process for goods and services benefits from a slow and prolonged process in order to ensure quality goods and services are obtained. 

 
For more information on company contact details, please see the following link: 4.11 Additional Services Contact List. 

Accommodation 

Laos offers a wide range of accommodation options, from guesthouses to luxurious five-star hotels, available at both province and district levels.   They have the capacity to host meetings and conferences at the provincial level, but they are rather uncommon at the district level. 

Electricity and Power 

Electricite du Laos is the main electricity producer and supplier in the country.Lao PDR has four major electricity supply networks, which are not yet linked together. These are described below with additional information shown in the table below: 

  • Central grid-includes Vientiane Municipality, the provinces of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xayaboury, Xiengkhouang, Borikhamxay and Xaysomboun special zone. It is currently supplied by Nam Ngum-1, Nam Dong, and Nam Leuk HPP. This system is connected to EGAT system. 

  • Central-2 grid-includes Sannakhet and Khammouane provinces currently supplied by imports from Thailand and Vietnam, as well as in small quantity from the Theun Hinboun HPP and from diesel generator in some remote areas. In the near future, 75 MW from the Nam Theun 2 HPP will supply this grid. 

  • Northern grid-includes Oudomxay, Luangnamtha, Phongsaly, Bokeo and Houaphanh provinces, now largely rely on imports from Vietnam, Thailand and in the future from Yunnan, China. A small quantity of energy is generated and supplied to MeuangXay from the 1.5-MW Nam Ko hydropower plant. 

  • Southern grid-includes Champassak, Saravane, Xekong and Attapeu provinces, currently supplied by the Xeset-1 and Selabam hydropower plants, and partially by the 152-MW Houay Ho HPP. 

The plan for 2020-2025 aims to enhance the connectivity between power generation and the overall power system. Additionally, the plan for 2025-2030 focuses on improving both the interconnection from power generation to the power system and the interconnection between different power systems for the purpose of power export.   

Power stability 

Power grid / network coverage 

The electricity access rate in Lao PDR for 2021 reached 100.00%, representing a 0.69% growth compared to 2020. The greatest consumption is located in Vientiane municipality, which has over 200,000 consumers. 

Is supply regular and constant throughout the country? 

 Yes 

Please describe 

Wherever the transmission line is available, the electrical current is stable. In case of import electricity in some provinces in the north, instability of the current is expected. 

On average, how often does power supply goes out? 

Once per 3 months in Vientiane and big cities and one a mother in districts 

On average, how long does the outage last? 

Not more than 1 day in Vientiane and big cities and 3 days in districts level. 

 

Electricity and Power Summary Table 

Production Unit 

Type 

(Hydroelectric, Thermal, etc.) 

Installed 

Capacity (MW) 

Current Production (GWh) 

Electricite du Laos 

Hydroelectric 

1,370 

5,750 

Nam Theun 2 Power Company Limited 

Hydroelectric 

1,070 

6,000 

Nam Theun 1 Power Company Limited 

Hydroelectric 

650 

2,638 

Chaleun Sekong Energy Co., Ltd. 

Hydroelectric 

1,804 

n/a 

Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company Limited 

Hydroelectric 

410 

1,879 

Nam Ngiep 1 Power Company  

Hydroelectric 

272 

1,546 

 

Financial Services 

Laos has a variety of banks, including state-owned commercial banks, specialized banks, joint state commercial banks, private banks, subsidiary banks, and branches of foreign commercial banks. These banks are primarily located in the capital and larger towns, with some only found in the capital. Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public, Lao Development Bank Co Ltd, and Agricultural Promotion Bank are three banks with the widest network of branches in the country, spanning from provinces to districts. The majority of banks offer a wide range of financial services, such as deposits, loans, Letter of Credit, Letter of Guarantee, settlements, foreign exchange, ATM/debit and credit cards, as well as mobile and internet banking.  

BANQUE POUR LE COMMERCE EXTERIEUR LAO PUBLIC (BCEL) 

BCEL was founded in accordance with Decision No. 129/BOL, issued on 01 November 1989, which authorized the establishment of the bank. On December 23, 2010, BCEL successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO) and changed its name to Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public, as stated in the Enterprise Registration License No.0061/ERO issued on January 10, 2011 by the Department of Enterprise Registration and Management, Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR. The Government, represented by the Ministry of Finance, had 80% of the overall shares. 

 

Company Overview 

Company Name 

Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL) 

Address 

No01, Pangkham Street, Ban Xiengnheun, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Lao PDR 

 

Available? 

Comments 

(max / min transfer or exchange amounts, etc.) 

Has IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT number? 

Yes  

n/a 

Provides currency exchange? 

Yes  

n/a 

Will initiate / receive wire transfers? 

Yes  

n/a 

Provides Loan / Credit services? 

Yes  

n/a 

Other Comments or Key Information 

n/a 

 

Other Locations 

Country 

Service Location(s) 

Laos 

The bank is present in both the Vientiane capital and all 17 provinces of Laos, with a total of 20 branches, 95 service units, and 10 exchange units. 

Other country  

Over 100 correspondent banks around the world. 

 

AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION BANK (APB)  

The Agricultural Promotion Bank (APB) was created by Prime Minister's Decree number 92/PM on June 19, 1993. It is a development bank that primarily provides funding for the agricultural and forestry sectors. 

 

Company Overview 

Company Name 

Agricultural Promotion Bank (APB) 

Address 

Kaisonphomvihan, Phakhao Village, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital. Lao PDR 

 

Available? 

Comments 

(max / min transfer or exchange amounts, etc.) 

Has IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT number? 

Yes 

n/a 

Provides currency exchange? 

Yes 

n/a 

Will initiate / receive wire transfers? 

Yes 

n/a 

Provides Loan / Credit services? 

Yes 

n/a 

Other Comments or Key Information 

n/a 

 

Other Locations 

Region(s) 

Service Location(s) 

Laos 

The bank is present in both the Vientiane capital and all 17 provinces of Laos, with a total of 17 branches with 92 service units country wide. 

Other country 

n/a 

 

LAO DEVELOPMENT BANK CO LTD  

The Lao Development Bank (LDB) is a bank that operates as a joint venture between Chaleun Sekong Energy Co., LTD (70%) and the Ministry of Finance (30%). It is regulated by the Bank of the Lao PDR and adheres to the laws and regulations of the Lao PDR. Additionally, it fulfills its own responsibility towards the national socio-economic development. 

 

Company Overview 

Company Name 

LAO DEVELOPMENT BANK CO LTD 

Address 

013, Avenue Souphanouvong, Chanthabuly District, Vientiane Capital. Lao PDR 

 

Available? 

Comments 

(max / min transfer or exchange amounts, etc.) 

Has IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT number? 

Yes  

n/a 

Provides currency exchange? 

Yes  

n/a 

Will initiate / receive wire transfers? 

Yes 

n/a 

Provides Loan / Credit services? 

Yes  

n/a 

Other Comments or Key Information 

n/a 

Other Locations 

Region(s) 

Service Location(s) 

Laos 

The bank is present in both the Vientiane capital and all 17 provinces of Laos, with a total of 19 branches with 75 service units country wide. 

Other country 

n/a 

Clearing and Forwarding Agents 

By local standards, the freight forwarders in Laos are quite well-organized. The majority are members of LIFFA, an organization established by the Department of Transportation that has official recognition as the industry's representative and is represented on government committees. These businesses typically outsource trucking work to transport operators who own trucks and operate with very little in the way of transport assets. The major freight forwarders in Lao PDR are the holders of customs brokerage licenses. As part of their total business, they offer a customs clearance service. Numerous independent brokers focus exclusively on customs clearance and don't offer freight forwarding services. 

Construction, Material Handling & Power Generation Equipment 

Authorized dealers and intermediaries distribute Construction, Material Handling, and Power Generation Equipment nationwide.   The majority of goods are imported from neighboring nations and require advance ordering, which can be time-consuming, particularly for warehouse equipment like as pallets, forklifts, conveyors, and similar items. 

Postal and Courier Services 

The postal and courier services in Laos have had significant growth in recent years, particularly in the area of transporting small packages inside the country. This is facilitated by the presence of prominent courier service units located in every town around the country.   The package can also be sent by air if the route is open.   Additionally, DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer postal services for sending items outside of Laos. 

Printing and Publishing 

In general, there are numerous possibilities for organizations that perform printing throughout the country. Graphic design, on the other hand, is more complex. Large printing enterprises in Laos have also served and printed for government agencies and International organizations. Some of the materials were processed locally, but others had to be sent to Thailand for printing by the printing company. 

Taxi Companies 

There is a finite amount of taxi businesses in the country.   Locating a taxi service in the main urban areas of Laos is very straightforward, however availability may be limited in certain provinces.   They typically have a casual character.   Tuk Tuks are prevalent in metropolitan areas.   It is customary to pay before leaving without any reduction in price. 

Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance/Workshops 

The car and its accessories or maintenance Workshops are accessible in the urban area for both the official workshop of each branch's vehicle dealer and private and family-owned businesses. The majority of the spare parts are imported from neighboring nations such as Thailand, China, and Japan. 

Vehicle Rental 

Car rental in Laos is an excellent alternative for both operational and tourist-related needs.   Currently, renting a car in Laos is rather simple, however, it usually entails leasing a car with a chauffeur.   Individuals have the option of renting an automobile for self-driving reasons. Renters must, however, convert their Internationalinternational driving permit into a Laos driver's license.   Because of the infamous traffic system, which has repeatedly been a source of embarrassment in Laos, and the time-consuming and complex license exchange process. 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.  

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider. 

 

 

 

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