Brunei and Malacca in the 15th century

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

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ROZAN YUNOS
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN   THU, 14 JAN, 2016 10:00

One of the best sources for Malay history is the “Sejarah Melayu” or in English is known as the “Malay Annals”. The subjects covered in the work included the founding of the kingdom of Malacca and its relationship with neighbouring kingdoms, the advent and spread of Islam in the region, the history of the royalty in the region as well as the administrative hierarchy of the Malacca kingdom and its successor states. It is regarded as the finest literary and historical works in the Malay language. It was originally written in the Classical Malay in the old Jawi script.

The original version of it was said to be written during the reign of the Malacca Sultanate in Malacca. It was brought together when Sultan Mahmud Shah fled from Malacca in 1511. In 1528, the original document was brought to Johor from Kampar. In 1536, the document was seized by the Portuguese but it was later brought back to Malacca.

The original script was rewritten in 1612 commissioned by the regent of Johor, Raja Abdullah who later became Sultan Abdullah Mu’ayat Syah ibni Sultan Abdul Jalil Syah.

Today, despite the fact that there are a number of versions, Malay historians have considered this text as a primary source of historical information on past events as the events are verifiable by other historical sources.

One of the best translation of the “Sejarah Melayu” or the “Malay Annals” in the English version was done by John Leyden and published in 1821. John Leyden’s translation was from this version of the Annals dated 1612 and coded Raffles MS number 18, which is considered the oldest and most faithful to the original.

There is a possibility that Raffles MS number 18 version was developed further from a past genealogical list of kings complete with the periods of reigns and dates. This list of kings was subsequently enlarged by various stories and historically relevant material which was inserted into it in suitable places, but at the same time the dates of their reigns were removed.

It was theorised that this list could have been originally derived from other unknown Malay texts titled “Soelalet-Es-salatina” or “Su lank alatu’l-Salatina”, that was referred to by Petrus Van der Vorm and François Valentijn in their works “Collectanea Malaica Vocabularia” (Collection of Malay Vocabulary) (1677) and “Oud En New Oost Indien” (“A Short History of East Indies”) (1726) respectively.

However, in the introduction of Raffles MS number 18, it was described that the manuscript originated from another manuscript known as “Hikayat Melayu”, which can trace its origin to the time of the Malacca Sultanate (1400-1511).

The manuscript was brought together when the last ruler, Sultan Mahmud Shah fled from the Portuguese invasion in 1511 to Kampar.

In 1536, during the Portuguese attack on Johor Lama, where the exiled sultan established his base, the manuscript was seized by the Portuguese soldiers and brought to Goa, Portuguese India. It was decades later, in the early 17th century, that the manuscript was returned to Johor from Goa by a nobleman known as Orang Kaya Sogoh.

The Annals among others contain the genealogical origin of Sang Sapurba (said to be the father of the Royal dynasties of the Malay World) from Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great); the adventure of Sang Nila Utama from Palembang to Temasek, and the founding of Singapura; the legend of Badang, a man with an unusual strength; the story of Hang Nadim, the saviour of Singapura attacked by swordfishes; the fall of Singapura to Majapahit; the founding of Melaka; the story of Tun Perak, the most revered Bendahara of Melaka; the saga of Hang Tuah and his companions; the Legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang; and the Portuguese conquest of Melaka.

However, many of us in Brunei do not realise that Brunei was mentioned in the Malay Annals. Many assumed that the Malay Annals only contained tales of the Malaysian states and their royal families. But Brunei was indeed mentioned in the Malay Annals.

It is in the XVth chapter that Brunei appeared. According to the translation done by John Leyden and published in 1821, the text about Brunei read as follows:

“…Then, Tun Talani sailed away for China, when a violent storm arose, and carried him with the mantri Jana Petra, to Burne. When the Sangaji of Burne was informed of the circumstance, he sent to call them into his presence, and Tun Talani and the mantra Jana Petra were brought before him.”

“Then, the raja of Burne said to the mantri Jana Petra, ‘What is the stile of the raja of Malaca’s letter to the raja of China?” Tun Talani replied, ‘I, his servant, (sahaya) the raja of Malaca, to the Paduca of my father, the raja of China.” (“Sembah sahaya Raja Melaka, datang kepada Paduka Ayahanda Raja China”)

The raja of Burne enquired, “Does the raja of Malaca send this humble salutation to the raja of China, as an inferior?”

Tun Talani remained silent, but the mantri Jana Petra pushed forward and said, “No, Sire, he does not greet him as an inferior, for the meaning of (sahaya) the word used in the address, signifies slave in the Malayu language, and of course the phrase ‘Sahaya Raja Malaca datang kapada Paduca Ayahanda Raja China, ‘signifies ‘we the salves of the raja of Malaca, humbly salute the Paduca our father, the raja of China’.”

“Then said the raja of Burne, ‘Does the raja of Malaca send a humble salutation to the raja of China?”

READ FULL STORY

http://www.bt.com.bn/features/2016/01/10/brunei-and-malacca-15th-century

Road fatality figures down in 2015

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Vientiane Times   WED, 13 JAN, 2016 7:05 PM

Traffic police have reported that a total of 5,571 road accidents occurred around the country in 2015, in which 995 people were killed, a significant drop compared to the figures for 2014 .

Last year saw the number of accidents fall by 131 and the number of deaths by 59, compared to reports for 2014.

The Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security reported that Vientiane topped the list with 1,488 accidents and 237 fatalities. Compared to 2014, there were 12 fewer accidents but the number of fatalities in the capital was up by 42.

Second on the list was Savannakhet province which reported 657 accidents and 105 fatalities. Third was Champassak province with 575 accidents and 110 fatalities.

In contrast, Xaysomboun province reported just 18 accidents and seven fatalities.

In 2014, there were 5,702 road accidents nationwide in which 10,833 vehicles were damaged, 9,264 people were injured and 1,054 people died.

In 2015, some 9,759 vehicles were damaged, 8,677 people were injured and 995 people were killed.

The main causes of road accidents in 2015 were listed as intoxication, reckless driving and general violation of the traffic rules.

Road accidents continue to kill and maim people across the country, with Vientiane recording the highest number of accidents.

In one recent accident, a Mazda pick-up truck hit an electricity pole in Nalom village, Xaythany district, Vientiane. The pole fell on another pick-up travelling in the opposite direction, killing two people instantly and injuring another two.

The Vientiane Traffic Police Department reported that the driver of the Mazda pick-up was Mr Khamlar, 33, of Khoksivilay village, Xaythany district, while the other vehicle was driven by Mr Phoukhong, 38, of Phakhao village, Xaythany district.

The Mazda overturned several times, killing Mr Khamlar. The six-year-old child of Mr Phoukhong also died while Mr Phoukhong and his wife sustained injures.

The Vientiane Traffic Police Department advises motorists to be aware of the importance of safe driving and safety at all time. Drivers and passengers should always wear a seat belt, while motorcyclists should make sure they are wearing a strong crash helmet.

Driving while drunk is strongly discouraged due to the danger this poses to drivers, their passengers and those around them.

Suu Kyi’s surprise attendance seen as boost for Myanmar peace talks

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WED, 13 JAN, 2016 6:56 PM

YANGON – Aung San Suu Kyi’s last-minute decision to join Myanmar peace talks she had previously criticised took some attendees by surprise, and could boost the chances of progress with rebel groups who have so far resisted joining the process.

The democracy champion, who led her party to a landslide election victory in November, shared the stage in the capital Nay Pyi Taw with members of the former military junta, which kept her under house arrest for years and persecuted her allies.

Suu Kyi has already shown she is willing to do business with former foes, and, despite a constitutional ban on her becoming president, has also made clear that she intends to lead the country.

Her appearance at peace talks this week attended by the military, members of parliament and some of the armed guerrilla groups waging local insurgencies across Myanmar underlined that sense of pragmatism, experts said.

Until now, Suu Kyi had dismissed the ceasefire agreed last year as a pre-election stunt by outgoing President Thein Sein to win votes in ethnic areas.

“Today’s conference shows how the talks over the political transition and change of government in Myanmar are progressing unexpectedly quickly and smoothly as the parties learn to trust one another,” said Yohei Sasakawa, a peace envoy for Japan who has been involved in the talks for the last three years.

By appearing to endorse Thein Sein’s efforts, Suu Kyi is also signalling to rebel groups to trust her and return to the negotiating table, Sasakawa added.

“I think this has sent a very powerful message toward the groups that have thus far withheld their support for the ceasefire,” he told Reuters.

Thein Sein was on stage with Suu Kyi on Tuesday for the talks, as was army chief Min Aung Hlaing and other leading members of the former junta that ruled the country for 49 years until a semi-civilian government came to power in 2011.

TEST OF MILITARY’S INTENTIONS

In October, Thein Sein’s government signed what it called a nationwide ceasefire agreement, but seven of 15 rebel groups invited to participate declined to sign, including some of the most powerful.

Other groups were not invited to take part or showed little interest in the process.

This week’s five-day meeting attended by hundreds of representatives of guerrilla groups was arranged to advance the peace process.

While ostensibly a conciliatory step towards former enemies, Suu Kyi’s move also carries considerable risks, Western diplomats and political analysts said, because it means she has associated herself with a process she cannot fully control.

Since October, the army has been engaged in an offensive against ethnic rebel groups in the north and the east of the country, displacing thousands of people.

Suu Kyi’s involvement in peace talks will also test how far the military, which maintains considerable influence over Myanmar politics, is willing to submit to civilian control.

Experts and some participants at the talks said Suu Kyi’s appearance is likely to be only the start of her formalengagement, and major breakthroughs in peace talks are unlikely until her government is formed.

Clinching a lasting ceasefire would be a historic feat for Suu Kyi and could help tens of thousands of people displaced by fighting, as well as open up areas of the country where conflict has prevented development since as long ago as World War Two.

It would also bring a more integrated state with a fuller representation of its ethnic nationalities, delegates said.

“In our country, we have many things to negotiate, as there are many key players, such as the army, the government and ethnic groups. So the discussions will take a long time,” said Sui Khar, a leader of the Chin National Front whose armed wing has fought the government for nearly 30 years.

“But I believe it will happen, one step at a time.”

– Reuters

Thailand wins lucrative slice of Chinese tourism market

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The Nation   FRI, 15 JAN, 2016 1:00 AM

Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan are the top five favourite destinations for travellers from the Chinese mainland, who numbered 109 million last year.

According to German market researcher GfK, by the beginning of November 2015, counting air and overnight visits, the number of Chinese travellers to Thailand had increased by 263 per cent since 2011. Japan experienced an increase of 157 per cent, South Korea by 112 per cent, and Taiwan 54 per cent.

Hong Kong, which was the preferred destination for mainland China’s outbound tourists until 2013, saw a 37-per-cent increase in the period, and now ranks No 3 behind Korea and Thailand.

“China’s outbound tourists remain strategic to Hong Kong and its businesses – but other destinations are jumping ahead in winning their favour,” said Laurens van den Oever, global head of travel and hospitality research at GfK.

“Destinations such as Hong Kong need to re-evaluate China’s new breed of young and independently minded travellers, to understand how best to attract them and capitalise on the growth of China’s outbound tourism.”

CLSA, a brokerage and investment group, maintains its forecast of 200 million Chinese outbound trips by 2020. It will release its third annual “Chinese Tourists” report next week.

According to GfK, since 2014, increasing numbers of China’s outbound tourists have been opting for destinations that offer historical and cultural experiences, as well as shopping.

The analyses showed that last year China produced 109 million outbound tourists who spent a total of US$229 billion (about Bt8.3 trillion).

These statistics consolidate China’s position as one of the top global sources of tourists, in terms of both number of trips and money spent during international travel.

At the same time, there have been profound changes in the behaviour of the typical Chinese traveller, with millennials – those aged 15-29 years – firmly established as the core drivers of China’s outbound tourism spending.

Europe remains the most popular destination for Chinese travelling outside Asia, showing an increase of 97 per cent in the number of air and overnight visits in the last four years. This is followed by North America (up 151 per cent) and the Middle East (up 177 per cent).

Africa remains the destination least visited by Chinese tourists, but there are signs this could be changing, as visits have risen by 306 per cent since 2011.

According to GfK data, half of China’s outbound travellers are millennials while 37 per cent are aged 30-44 and 10 per cent are 45-59.

An annual study from GfK shows that Chinese millennials are more ambitious than their predecessors, aged 50 and above – and more hedonistic in their willingness to spend money to indulge and pamper themselves. They are also slightly less price-sensitive, being the biggest purchasers of luxury goods in the Asia-Pacific region.

For destinations looking to attract this lucrative group, then, the ideal approach is to see them not as “tourists” but as independent travellers who will respond to opportunities to plan personalised trips.

Lao Sat-1 excites local, foreign companies

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Vientiane Times   THU, 14 JAN, 2016 6:41 PM

Companies in Laos and overseas have expressed an interest in using Laos’ first telecommunications satellite (Lao Sat-1) which was launched into orbit from China on November 21.

An official in charge of the project under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Keoviengxay Souliyavong, said that several companies have said they would use the Lao Sat-1 after their contracts for transmission through existing sat ellites ended.

“Lao National Television have said they will make use of the satellite while companies in Cambodia and Myanmar have also expressed interest in buying satellite communications from us,” he said.

“We are in the process of establishing a joint venture company before business operations can commence. I think everything will be ready by the middle of next month.”

Keoviengxay said there would be an official ceremony to hand over the satellite to Laos at the end of this month.

He said Lao Sat-1 would be cheaper to use than telecoms satellites operated by other countries but could not give details about costs.

Marketing teams working for the joint venture company are looking for customers in both Laos and overseas. “We will have some customers when our business operation begins,” Keoviengxay said.

The Lao Sat-1 is a joint venture operated by Lao and Chinese companies.

The Lao government holds a 45 percent stake in the Lao Sat-1 Joint Venture Company, while APMT has a 35 percent shareholding, SSTC has 15 percent, and APST has a 5 per cent stake.

A shareholders’ agreement for the Lao Sat-1 Joint Venture Company was signed by all sides in Vientiane on October 30 last year.

The project was funded by a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China amounting to US$259 million.

According to a KPL News report, Laos will need to pay US$341 million, including interest payments of US$83 million.

The government has acknowledged that the country faces a big challenge in operating the satellite as the Lao Sat-1 will only function for 15 years.

This means Laos has to earn money from the satellite in a competitive market so that a new one can be acquired to replace it.

The Lao Sat-1 is in the 128.5 degrees East orbital slot. It can provide 22 transponders for both television and telephone telecommunications, but so far demand only requires two or three transponders. The launch of the Lao Sat-1 was a historic event for Laos, and was intended to provide communication links for government work, television transmission and a range of telecommunications applications.

The satellite will also be used for other purposes, in the fields of education, health, defence and security.

BTMU buys 20% of Philippines’ Security Bank

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Philippine Daily Inquirer  THU, 14 JAN, 2016 6:30 PM

Manila – Security Bank has taken in Japanese banking giant Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ as a strategic partner with a 20 per cent stake, resulting in fresh capital infusion of 36.9 billion peso for the local bank.

The core banking unit of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) signed on Thursday a deal to buy 150.7 million newly issued common shares of Security Bank at 245 peso per share, marking a hefty premium over Wednesday’s closing price of 135 peso per share.

The Japanese group is also buying 200 million preferred shares at P0.10 per share, bank officials announced in a press briefing on Thursday.

The deal was priced at 2.8 times Security Bank’s book value as of end-September 2015.

The 36.9-billion peso transaction is expected to be completed within the first half of 2016, subject to regulatory approval in the Philippines and condition precedents. Once completed, the transaction will be the largest equity investment in a Philippine financial institution by a foreign investor.

The deal will increase Security Bank’s shareholder capital from 52.4 billion peso as of September 2015 to 89.3 billion peso on a pro-forma post-transaction basis.

“We are elated to have BTMU as a strategic shareholder and business partner. The transaction will position Security Bank as a large independent bank supporting the growth of the Philippine economy,” said Security Bank chair Alberto Villarosa.

“The additional capital will help us execute faster and with more scale our strategy to build our retail banking business as a third business pillar alongside Wholesale Banking and Financial Markets. It will allow us to accelerate the expansion of our branch network to support retail market penetration as well as make inroads into the Japanese business sector,” said Alfonso Salcedo Jr., president of Security Bank.

Security Bank’s shares rose by 6.67 per cent to close at 144 perso per share on Thursday after the deal was announced.

AEC could provide 14.5% more jobs for Vietnam by 2025: ILO

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Viet Nam News   THU, 14 JAN, 2016 6:26 PM

HANOI – Vietnam’s participation in the Asean Economic Community (AEC) will create 14.5 per cent more jobs by 2025, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) found in a survey.

Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Doan Mau Diep said at a workshop yesterday in Hanoi that the AEC, formed on December 31, 2015, will help energise the bloc’s labour market and job creation in each member nation.

A considerable benefit from the AEC is the free movement of skilled labour. Through mutual recognition arrangements, the 10 Asean countries have allowed labourers in eight professions (doctors, dentists, nurses, accountants, surveyors, architects, engineers and tourism professionals) to seek employment freely within the bloc. The number of professions could increase in the near future.

However, due to the current development gap, skillful labourers tend to move to more developed countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Most of the remaining workers seeking jobs in the other nations have low qualifications, posing challenges for Vietnam in developing, stablising and managing the domestic labour market, Diep said.

According to the ILO survey, Asean businesses are concerned about a shortage of skilled labour after the AEC’s establishment. About 50 per cent of Aseanemployers said that neither manual workers nor those with university degrees satisfied job qualification requirements.

Facing that fact, Government agencies, policy makers and enterprises must pay special attention to improving human resources’ competitiveness, supporting the free flow of skilled labour and managing overseas workers, workshop participants said.

To share prosperity and ensure better employment, many attendees stressed the need to promote connectivity within and outside of Asean, effectively shift economic and labour structures, capitalise on competitive edges, improve manpower quality, and deftly manage the labour market.

Additionally, it is necessary to fine-tune legal documents to protect employment for Vietnamese labourers, and effectively use foreign workers with high qualifications. Deputy Director of the labour ministry’s Employment Department Le Quang Trung urged the enhancement of law dissemination and co-ordination among State agencies in foreign worker management.

Vinamilk ranked Vietnam’s largest private enterprise

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Viet Nam News   THU, 14 JAN, 2016 6:16 PM

Ho Chi Minh City – The Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (Vinamilk) was ranked the largest private enterprise in Vietnam, showing the higest amount of revenue.

Though, on the list of the top 500 companies in Vietnam in 2015 and the white book about the country’s economy released on Tuesday, state-run Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) remained at the top.

Other enterprises in the top rank of the list include Samsung Electronics Vietnam Co, Ltd, Vietnam National Petroleum Group, Electricity of Vietnam, and Viettel Group.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Minh Hong said the honoured firms were those that have strived to surpass challenges and difficulties over the past year to develop in both production and business.

“These enterprises will contribute to accelerating the country’s integration process,” he said.

The “White book on Vietnam economy in 2016: on path to integration” was launched on the occasion.

The Vietnamese-English bilingual book focuses on the country’s economic achievements in 2015, forecasts for 2016 and the TPP’s impacts on the country’s development and integration.

The report also shows that 57.1 per cent of enterprises had positive changes in production and business in the first 10 months of last year. The other 32.1 per cent had stable operations in comparison to the same period last year.

More than 48.1 per cent of the enterprises pinned high hopes on the production and business situation this year. However, enterprises were more prudent in assessing the long-term with 44 per cent expecting that their business will be “basically better” in the next five years.

The report points out that simplified administrative procedures is the priority to raise the country’s competitiveness after the TPP goes into effect.

Enterprises also express their hope that the government will increase efficiency and transparency during the implementation of regulations, and stabilise the macro-economy.

Analysis: Asean Economic Community for entrepreneurs

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/aec/Analysis-Asean-Economic-Community-for-entrepreneur-30276853.html

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Elisabeth Carolina
Mandiri, Jakarta   THU, 14 JAN, 2016 9:57 AM

Following the launch of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) at the end of December 2015, Indonesians must get ready to face Southeast Asia’s free market.

To recap, the objective of the AEC is to improve economic stability in Southeast Asia, to address economic matters among Asean member countries and to improve ASEAN competitiveness and enable members to compete with China and India in attracting foreign investment.

The AEC is expected to create an integrated market for capital, goods and service as well as labor. The impact of this will be a free flow of goods and services, investment, credit and skilled workers among ASEAN countries. Another positive impact is that Indonesian investors may expand their businesses without facing restrictions in neighboring countries. Conversely, Indonesia can draw investment fromAsean investors.

The government of Indonesia has issued Presidential Instruction (Inpres) No. 11/2011 on the implementation of the AEC blueprint in preparing Asean free trade. The blueprint mentions twelve priority industries to be integrated by the government, namely agribusiness, automotives, electronics, fisheries, rubber products, wood products and textiles.

The remaining five come from the services sector, comprising air transportation, health, tourism, logistics and information technology. In the AEC era, these industries will be integrated to allow for a free flow of goods, services, investment and labor.

According to the Industry Ministry, Indonesia currently has nine industries where the country can excel in theAsean market, namely agro-based businesses (CPO, cacao and rubber), fish and fish products, textiles and textile products, footwear, leather and leather products, furniture, foods and beverages, fertilizers and petrochemicals, machinery, base metals, iron and steel.

Other industries, like manufacturing and tourism, are yet to be developed to reach their full potential. Indonesia will have to retain its position as market leader in several industries to lure prospective investors.

So far, five main measures have been taken by the government to prepare for the AEC. First, the Aku Cinta Indonesia (I love Indonesia) programme as a national branding campaign for the consumption of domestic products such as garments, accessories, entertainment, tourism etc.

Second, the strengthening of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) segment. Entrepreneurial activity in the segment is buoyed by promoting ambition, production efficiency and effective management, supporting market absorption of local MSMEs products as well as creating conducive business conditions.

Third, capacity and quality improvements of infrastructure like land, sea and air transportation, communication and information systems and energy supply. Fourth, the improvement of human resources through education. Lastly, organisational and administrative reform as stipulated in the 2012-2025 national strategy to prevent and eradicate corruption.

To help MSMEs with capital, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) can apply preferential treatment not only by giving subsidies but also through a more flexible approach to non-performing loans (NPL). The government should also facilitate entrepreneurial activity entering the domestic market by providing vocational and training centers and by connecting entrepreneurial activities in one region with those in other areas for information exchange.

See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/01/13/analysis-asean-economic-community-entrepreneurs.html#sthash.TBsaES4N.dpuf

More companies to register on LSX within five years

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Vientiane Times   WED, 13 JAN, 2016 7:16 PM

Between 25-30 companies are expected to register for listing on the Lao Securities Exchange (LSX) over the next five years due to the rapid growth of Laos’ economy, a financial advisor predicted recently.

CEO of APM (Lao) Securities CoLtd Somphob Sakpunpanom spoke to media representatives in Vientiane last Friday, comparing Laos to Cambodia and Myanmar as outstanding countries in terms of the rapid growth of various industries.

“Many companies have registered with the LSX; they come up with interesting profiles, representing several important industrial sectors, especially petroleum, large scale construction, banking and energy,” he said.

He also noted that these companies have great opportunities to grow in shares over the next five years.

“Businesses in real estate will also boom over the next years in various major provinces such as Champassak, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet as well as the capital. These four major cities are strategic provinces that have been granted special priorities by the government in attracting local and foreign investors,” Mr Somphob said.

The government has provided privilege facilities to investors including tax reductions and exemptions, facilitating the rapid growth of businesses in various sectors.

In 2016 and 2017, businesses operating in cement, construction materials, asphalts, logistics and agricultural processing will also boom, he said.

“With the Asean Community now in effect, Laos will have to adjust itself into aggressive trade rather than defensive tactics because Laos is sandwiched by five different countries. They are already strengthened in terms of the capital market,” he advised.

He also said that APM (Lao) Securities Co., Ltd is also set to provide financial consultancy for seven to ten companies in preparation for listing on the LSX from now to 2017.

“According to our company plan, we intend to bring in at least two to three companies to register for initial public offering (IPO) before listing them on the LSX,” he said, adding that his company will do its best to explain the sources of funds to the businesses, including fundraising from the public and the commercial banks.

The LSX was established in 2010 and commenced trading in January 2011. Currently, five companies are listed on the Lao stock market, those being Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL), Lao World Public Company, Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao, Electricite du Laos Generation Public Company (EDL-Gen) and Souvanny Home Centre Public Company.

APM (Lao) Securities Co., Ltd is a financial advisory company for business structure development in preparation for listing on the LSX.