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LuxDev, Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency

• 2013
• • 5 March
  • By Peter Semone
  • 
  • Asia Office
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  Lanith Luang Prabang Hosts Open House

  LUANG PRABANG – Lanith Luang Prabang (LLP) hosted an open house on 28 February to introduce its new hospitality training centre to some 150 guests, including Lao ministry officials, government department directors, local business owners, and a large delegation from Luxembourg along with dignitaries from several neighbouring countries.

  

  Luxembourg Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Marc Franck, Ministry of Planning and Investment Deputy Director General Houmphanh Soukprasith, Director General of Provincial Industry and Commerce Somphong Pradichith, and Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) Department Director General Nouphan Outsa cut the ribbon to the Luxembourg government-supported facility, which aims to advance service quality in Laos.

  Lanith Chief Technical Advisor Peter Semone said, “This open house affords Lanith the opportunity to present Luxembourg’s innovative approach to hospitality training and education. Most important is to handover a fully operational, successful, sustainable social enterprise to Laos.”

  Lanith Technical Advisor, Industry Training, Mike Loose and Manager on Duty/Lanith Core Team Member Chounlachan “Nickie” Phengdy guided guests to LLP’s meeting room, Balcony Bar & Restaurant, and four guestrooms, revenue from which will fund the sustainable operation of LLP’s skills training centre and award-winning Passport to Success programme, which is another source for funds.

  Lanith provided 200,000 EUR for LLP’s construction, while Hong Kong Polytechnic University donated 50,000 USD in kitchen equipment. Lanith Core Team Members oversee the operation of the hospitality complex and training centre.

  Mr Franck stressed that cooperation is also essential for LLP’s expected success, and noted that many in attendance appeared eager to not only support this sustainable enterprise, but also actively participate in its operation.

  We need to be competitive and have a solid marketing plan like other Luang Prabang properties.
  
  Mr Loose, the architect for Lanith’s Passport to Success

  Mr Semone noted that the Ministry of Education and Sports’ (MoES) Ban Khoy location, about 3.5 km from the city’s tourist hub at the Nam Dong Bridge en-route to Kuang Si Waterfalls, is well situated to attract business events, tour busses returning from the falls, overnight guests seeking accommodation in a “real” Luang Prabang neighbourhood, and cyclers looking for refreshments and great river-and-mountain views just a 15-minute pedal from town.

  He also outlined LLP’s pre-opening phase. During the low tourist season from March to September, LLP will concentrate on its extended Passport to Success “Go for Gold” skills training programme for local hospitality staff, while also revving up its banquet facilities. The hospitality training centre’s well-equipped meeting room can accommodate up to 36 persons. Organizers can choose from a selection of set menus for coffee breaks and meals.

  LLP’s four guestrooms are also ready for guests. Minimalistic décor, snug beds, a naturally cool breeze or air-conditioning, and sizeable balconies characterize all rooms, while each presents distinct layouts and pretty views.

  LLP’s signature venue, the 60-seat Balcony Bar & Restaurant, is set to fully open in October, though the outlet, decked out in local wood furnishings and encircled by a wide terrace, can be reserved for special events.

  
  
  
  

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• • 1 March
  • By Peter Heimann
  • 
  • Asia Office
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  Lao-Luxembourg Development Cooperation Opens Luang Prabang Hospital Maintenance Workshop

  LUANG PRABANG – Lao PDR Vice Minister of Health Dr Inlavanh Keobounphan and the Luxembourg Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Marc Franck along with Luang Prabang Vice Governor Bouathong Phaengsavanh and Provincial Hospital Director Dr Bounthiem Siphada cut the ribbon to open Luang Prabang’s new Hospital Maintenance Workshop on 28 February.

  The workshop, located at the provincial hospital, plays a key role in the Provincial Health Technology Service, a critical component of the Ministry of Health’s National Policy on Healthcare Technology Management.

  Vice Minister Keobounphan thanked the Luxembourg government for its ongoing support for Laos’ health sector.

  The construction of this workshop is very important for upgrading the quality of healthcare service in the public health sector, especially in upgrading the quality of medical equipment maintenance service.

  Mr Franck noted that the warm welcome from some 100 guests, including a dozen dignitaries, reflects the excellent working cooperation between the two governments over many years.

  “This handing-over ceremony for the workshop is very important as it will improve medical equipment maintenance and services for the Luang Prabang people with support from the Ministry of Health,” he said.

  Mr Franck stressed, “The efficiency of the workshop depends on all parties playing their respective roles in order to run an effective program.”

  With support from Lux-Development’s Project LAO/017 Health Sector Support Program (HSSP), the 240-sqm, 70,000 EUR workshop comprises specialty rooms for electrical and plumbing repairs, carpentry, welding, and spare parts, as well as an electronics room for mending medical equipment.

  According to Lux-Development Health Technology Advisor Laurent Mangenot, an additional 66,000 EUR went into maintenance tools, measuring instruments, specialized equipment, and a mobile maintenance vehicle to service district hospitals and health centres in Luang Prabang and other northern provinces.

  Mr Mangenot explained, “The engineer and technicians are responsible for conducting repairs, performing preventive maintenance, training those who use the medical equipment, and installing new infrastructure and equipment.” He added that the project invested 225,000 EUR over four years in establishing the Luang Prabang workshop.

  Leading the workshop’s technical crew is engineer, Sengaloum Xayalath, who was a recipient of one of LuxDev)s scholarships. Mr Xayalath spent three years at Bangkok’s Rangsit University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Instrumentation.

  “I am now capable of repairing high-tech medical equipment,” he said, while conducting a tour of a new workshop room with centrifuges, cardiac monitoring devices, and an ultra-sound machine being overhauled on purpose-built shop tables.

  Mr Xayalath not only repairs medical apparatus, he trains hospital staff in Luang Prabang on how to use and maintain the equipment.

  Vice Minister Keobounphan cautioned that though the Luang Prabang workshop is well-equipped and operated by skilled and knowledgeable maintenance personnel, similar projects, particularly the ongoing training and educating of engineers and technicians, must be expanded nationwide, “especially in Oudomxay, Xieng Khouang, and Champasak Provinces, which are facing hardships in providing…medical services.”

  Besides Luang Prabang, Lux-Development’s HSSP is also currently active in Savannakhet, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, and Vientiane Provinces.

  Mr Mangenot pointed out that Lux-Development’s Health Sector Support Program has assisted in educating five Lao engineers, who graduated from Rangsit University with Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Instrumentation, and in training 20 technicians over the past four years.

  Mr Franck emphasized that training is a large investment, and it must remain ongoing or the original investment will be considered wasteful and ineffective. 

  
  

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• 2012
• • 3 December
  • 
  • Asia Office
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  Conférence de clôture du projet VIE026 “Développement du marché des capitaux au Vietnam”

  Le 26 november 2012, dans le cadre du Projet VIE026 “Développement du marché des capitaux au Vietnam” financé par le gouvernement Luxembourgeois, l'agence luxembourgeoise pour la coopération au développement (Lux-Development) a étroitement coopéré avec la Commission d'Etat des valeurs mobilières/Comité de pilotage pour organiser la conférence de clôture afin d'évaluer les résultats, les leçons tirées lors du déploiement du projet ainsi que de prévoir les aides et les coordinations à venir dans le domaine du marché des valeurs mobilières. La vice - président, directeur du comité de pilotage du projet, Madame Nguyễn Thị Liên Hoa a présidé la conférence avec la participation des représentants du Ministère du Plan et de l'Investissement, du Ministère des Finances, du Commission d'Etat des valeurs mobilières, de Lux–Development, de l'ATTF, et les consultants du projet VIE026.

  Lors de la conférence, les consultants et les représentants du bénéficiaire ont résumé les résultats significatifs du projet : l'élaboration d'un cadre légal régularisant le marché des valeurs mobilières, les voyages d'étude dans le pays et à l'étranger, l'organisation des conférences recueillant les idées des participants pour perfectionner les textes et lois, ainsi que de construire un système d'informatique en faveur des fonctions de la surveillance et de la divulgation de l'information auprès les entreprises publiques.

  Les participants ont confirmé les grands résultats du projet non seulement au niveau de la quantité mais aussi de la qualité. Les activités du projet ont contribué à insérer et les pratiques et les normes internationales dans le système de lois régularisant les marchés vietnamiens des valeurs mobilières; à partager les connaissances, le cadre légal, la réalité et les expériences internationales; à renforcer la coopération internationale entre la Commission d'Etat des valeurs mobilières et les organismes internationales.

  Flexibilité est un des points forts du projet. Dans le contexte où les marchés des valeurs mobilières sont changeants, ce n'est pas facile à gérer pour la Commission d'Etat des valeurs mobilières, ce projet a permis d'élaborer de nouvelles stratégies avec une grande capacité d'adaptation dans le but de développer le marché des capitaux au Vietnam.

  D'ailleurs, ce projet a donné l'élan à plusieurs d'activités de la Commission d'Etat, surtout avec la création du système d'informatisation des fonctions de la surveillance et de la divulgation de l'information, financé par le gouvernement Luxembourgeois. Actuellement, la Commission d'Etat est en phase de développement et de perfectionnement, la coopération concernant le cadre légal et le système d'information reste à renforcer davantage dans l'avenir.

  Les représentants de Lux–Development ont également confirmé que les grands résultats et les leçons tirées du projet ainsi que les propositions de la la Commission d'Etat serviront de base pour la formulation de nouveaux projets du gouvernement Luxembourgeois dans le domaine des banques et finances. De plus, les résultats du projet seront clairement mentionnés dans le rapport annuel du Ministère des Finances, rubrique coopération internationale, prévu pour la fin de décembre 2012.

  Juste avant la conférence de clôture du projet VIE026, le 25 novembre 2012, la Commission d'Etat des valeurs mobilières, en coordination avec Lux–Development a solennellement accordé le certificat de mérite "pour le développement du marché des capitaux au Vietnam" par la vice - président de la la Commission d'Etat à Monsieur Geert De Bruycker, représentant régional de Lux–Development au Vietnam, suite à ses excellentes contributions à ce sujet.

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• • 27 February
  • 
  • Asia Office
  • Event
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  Luxembourg-supported LANITH takes 1st placePATA Announces the Grand and Gold Award Winners

  On February 23, 2012 the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced the winners of the 2012 PATA Gold Awards in Bangkok. This year, the awards recognise the achievements of 21 separate organisations and individuals. PATA Grand Awards are presented to outstanding entries in four principal categories: Marketing; Education and Training; Environment; and Heritage and Culture.

  This year, the Grand Awards go to the

  1. Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, for Education and Training;
  2. Tourism Authority of Thailand for Environment;
  3. Heritance Tea Factory, Sri Lanka for Heritage and Culture; and
  4. Tourism New Zealand for Marketing.

  Some 27 PATA Grand and Gold Awards are being presented this year, with multiple awards going to Hong Kong Tourism Board as well as the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Tourism Malaysia. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at The Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the PATA Annual Conference, which takes place April 20-22.

  The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. This year, PATA is proud to celebrate 60 years of developing responsible tourism.

  In partnership with private and public sector members, PATA enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within, the region.

  The Association provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to over 80 government, state and city tourism bodies; nearly 50 international airlines, airports and cruise lines and many hundreds of travel industry companies across the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

  Needless to say that we at LuxDev are very proud of this distinction.

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• 2011
• • 14 February
  • 
  • Asia Office
  • Official visit
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  Visite du Ministre du Plan et de l’Investissement du Vietnam chez Lux-Development

  Ce lundi 14 février, le Ministre du Plan et de l’Investissement (MPI) du Vietnam, Vo Hong PHUC nous a fait l’honneur d’une visite de courtoisie au siège de Lux-Development.

  Accompagnée par l’ambassadeur du Vietnam, Monsieur Manh Dzung NGUYEN ainsi que par une délégation d’officiels du MPI, le Ministre s’est fait exposer la structure de l’Agence et son fonctionnement par le responsable Communication, Richard SCHMID et la conseillère géographique Vietnam/Laos/Mongolie, Christine OMES. La présentation a porté sur l’évolution de notre portefeuille d’interventions au Vietnam ainsi que le mode de fonctionnement de l’agence avec les aspects qualitatifs dans le cadre de la définition de notre mission et de la mise en œuvre de notre Vision 2012.

  

  Photo (g.à.d) Claude JENTGEN, Chargé de Programme Asie au MAE, Geert DEBRUYCKER – Directeur Opérations LD, Robert DE WAHA – Directeur Administration & Finances LD, Gaston SCHWARTZ – Directeur Général LD, Vo Hong PHUC – Ministre MPI, Marc Franck – Chef du Bureau MAE / Hanoi, Manh Dzung NGUYEN Ambassadeur à Bruxelles, Pham Hoang MAI – Directeur général adjoint du MPI.

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• 2010
• • 29 November
  • 
  • Asia Office
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  New Tourism Institute in Laos Seeks Hotel Partner

  VIENTIANE, 25 November, 2010 – The Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH) has launched a global search to identify a private sector investor to partner with it in the development and operation of a unique hotel in Vientiane, Laos.

  The institute has a 3,700 sqm riverfront plot in downtown Vientiane that is suitable for a 75-100 room, four-star hotel.

  LANITH, a modern, purpose-built teaching facility slated for completion in 2012, is part of a EUR 8.5 million bilateral development project between the Lao and Luxembourg governments to strengthen human resources in Laos' hospitality and tourism sector.

  This is a unique opportunity for the right partner with strong CSR credentials, said Peter Semone, Chief Technical Advisor of LANITH.

  The partner will be able to enter the burgeoning Vientiane hotel market, earn a healthy return on investment and do something positive for poverty alleviation and the development of human resources in Laos' tourism sector, he said.

  Non-binding registrations of interest are being accepted until 14 January 2011. After that date, short-listed candidates will be required to submit extensive proposals.

  Mr Semone said that the Lao government is offering the selected partner exclusive terms including land-use rights for 40 years and special zoning privileges. The hotel's annual land rental fee will be used to underwrite a portion of LANITH's operating expenses.

  When fully operable, LANITH will accommodate as many as 400 full-time students in its two-year diploma programme. The diploma will prepare graduates for a career in the hospitality and tourism industry. LANITH will also offer a variety of industry training programmes for the existing hospitality workforce in Laos, which is estimated to be 20,000 strong.

  Tour companies and hoteliers in Vientiane have expressed the need for more four-star properties in the city. The market is currently dominated by small, family-run guesthouses, and only a few hotels address the middle market.

  Vientiane's Ansara Hotel Director of Sales and Marketing, Laurent Granier, said that the capital is a "mid-market destination, where people go after visiting Thailand or Vietnam…We know what the high-end and backpackers want, but what about the middle? We need more value-for-money hotel properties."

  In Q2 of 2011, LANITH will circulate a detailed investment dossier to those parties that have registered their interest. In the latter half of 2011, up to four parties will be invited to submit formal proposals from which a final selection will be made.

  To date, a hand full of registrations of interest by local, regional and international investment groups, operators and developers have been received.

  According to the Lao National Tourism Administration, Vientiane welcomed more than 800,000 tourists in 2009, with annual room occupancy rates reaching 63%.

  For more information on this unique hotel investment opportunity, visit www.lanith.com.

  

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