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. Delays are sometimes felt as local suppliers must source and then have items delivered to Lao. As a general rule the Procurement process for goods and services benefit 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: 4.8 Laos Additional Service Provision Contact List .

Accommodation

Accommodation in Laos is plentiful and available at provincial and district level. See selected accommodation below.

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 which was commissioned in September 1999.

Printing and Publishing

In general there are plenty of options in regard to companies who preform printing within country. However graphic design is more difficult.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Taxi Companies

There a limited number of taxi companies within country. They tend to be informal in nature. Tuk Tuk’s are common in major cities. Negation for price prior to departing is the normal trend for payment.

Vehicle Rental

Due to the size of the tourist industry car rentals are available through the country. The same goes for motorcycle rentals.

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.