Expatriate Forums in Asia - Pacific

Nhon Trach City Center (NTCC)

siewlee26 — Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:13 pm

Author: siewlee26

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:13 pm

Nhon Trach City Center (NTCC)

International Future City of Vietnam
Nhon Trach City Center (NTCC); the first satellite township concept in Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai Province; incorporates housing, commercial and recreational complexes to present the opportunity for the elite in Vietnam to experience luxury life where home, work, business and play are all within reach in a secured environment. With the essence of design contributed by specialists with hands-on housing scheme development experiences in Hong Kong, China, India, Australia and Malaysia, NTCC is shaped to be the International Future City of Vietnam!

Strategic Location
The position of NTCC in the would-be administrative center of Nhon Trach; which is about 60km from the bustling HCMC, in close proximity to numerous established industrial parks, namely Nhon Trach Industrial Park I-VI; benefits our tenants / owners in taking advantage of all the current and future planning for either Nhon Trach or its neighbouring cities in the south, collectively known as Southern Key Economic Zone.

Office Tower - NTCC’s kick off!!
NTCC will begin with the construction of our 15-storey Office Tower (Block H) which will be the first international standard high-rise office building in the heart of Nhon Trach. The elegance of the featured façade coupled with the creatively designed floor spaces shall fulfill every discerning owners’ differing investment requirements. Still hesitating? The following facts may help you decide:

- Total net floor area : approx. 16,448 m2 with typical sizes of about 76 m2 to 699 m2 / unit, or up to 1,480 m2 / floor.
- Spacious parking lots in basement and open car parks.
- Floor to ceiling height of 2.6m to 4.0m spreads out high-end visuals.
- Central air-conditioning system.
- 3 high speed passenger lifts and 1 service lift.
- Round-the-clock security services with CCTV surrounding the building.
- Managed by Professional Property Management Company.

Our elegant and first ever Office Tower in Nhon Trach is now opened for registration. It’s only 15 floors. Hurry and be amongst pioneer new owners!! For more details and registration, please contact us via :-

Marketing Hotline : +84 (933) 268 968

MSN FAST MONEY WORK at HOME EARN $2000 PER DAY

shan — Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:04 pm

Author: shan

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:04 pm

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CIA's Secret War in Laos - Global Politician

Laos news — Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:29 pm

Author: Laos news

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:29 pm

<br><table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7><tr><td valign=top><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-0&fd=R&url=http://globalpolitician.com/articledes.asp%3FID%3D1970%26cid%3D6%26sid%3D23&cid=1108137704&ei=V7rFRO3UD5zgHPPT-IcC">CIA's Secret War in Laos</a><br><font size=-1><font color=#6f6f6f>Global Politician, NY -</font> <nobr>8 hours ago</nobr></font><br><font size=-1>The CIA's saturation bombing of Laos killed thousands of people and reduced the tiny country to ruin three decades ago, but 4,500 men, women and children now ... </font><br><font size=-1><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-1&fd=R&url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HG25Ae01.html&cid=1108137704&ei=V7rFRO3UD5zgHPPT-IcC">Hmong and history muddle US-Lao ties</a> <font size=-1 color=#6f6f6f><nobr>Asia Times Online</nobr></font></font><br><font size=-1><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-2&fd=R&url=http://www.manager.co.th/IHT/ViewNews.aspx%3FNewsID%3D9490000094828&cid=1108137704&ei=V7rFRO3UD5zgHPPT-IcC">Govt rejects Vientiane’s claims over refugees</a> <font size=-1 color=#6f6f6f><nobr>IHT ThaiDay</nobr></font></font><br><font size=-1><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-3&fd=R&url=http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/state/minnesota/15100531.htm&cid=1108137704&ei=V7rFRO3UD5zgHPPT-IcC">Report: Laotian government says homeless Hmong not from Laos</a> <font size=-1 color=#6f6f6f><nobr>Pioneer Press</nobr></font></font><br><font class=p size=-1><a class=p href=http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&ie=ISO-8859-1&ncl=http://globalpolitician.com/articledes.asp%3FID%3D1970%26cid%3D6%26sid%3D23><nobr>all 7 related</nobr></a></font></table>

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Training Needs of Hong Kong Expatriate for their ......?

MAGBM — Sat Mar 04, 2006 9:37 pm

Author: MAGBM

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 9:37 pm

Dear All,

Nowadays, more and more economic activities appear between HK & Mainland China since China has been opening. Here, we would like to conduct a meaningful survey for the topic of “Assess Training Needs of Hong Kong Expatriate for their Cross-Cultural Work Adjustment in China” and it is also a part of a research project of Year 2 MAGBM course in City University of Hong Kong. This survey is designed for any Hong Kong Expatriate (not limited to Chinese) who has experienced working in Mainland China. By the way, we thank you for taking time to assist us complete this voluntary survey.

If possible, please kindly also assist us forward the below message & explain to your friends / colleagues / relatives for their same help. Sorry for any inconvenience that caused if any. BTW, please kindly click into the below online link where the concerned questionnaires are located:

http://www.m3q.com/home2/90/jimwong/MAGBMResearchProject.phtml

Please note that all information collected in this survey will be used for academic purposes only.

We look forward to seeing your prompt participate on this study soon.

Thank you again for your kind attention and kind help in advance. Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact us.

Best regards,
MAGBM Students

FX Currency Trading / FX Forex Trading Online - Know More

admin — Sat Jan 28, 2006 10:34 pm

Author: admin

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 10:34 pm

Forex Trading – FX Trading

Foreign Exchange
This short introduction explains the basics of trading Forex online, a brief explanation of the markets and the major benefits of trading Forex online. There are also two scenarios describing the implications of trading in a bear as well as bull market to better acquaint you with some of the risks and opportunities in the largest and most liquid market in the world.

As an additional aid for those who are new to Forex, there is also a glossary at the bottom of this text which explains some of the terms used in connection with currency trading.

Overview
Foreign exchange , forex or just Forex are all terms used to describe the trading of the world's many currencies. The forex market is the largest market in the world, with trades amounting to more than $1.5 trillion every day. This is more than one hundred times the daily trading on the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) . Most forex trading is speculative , with only a few percent of market activity representing governments' and companies' fundamental currency conversion needs.

Unlike trading on the stock market, the forex market is not carried out by a central exchange, but on the "interbank" market , which is thought of as an OTC (over the counter ) market. Trading takes place directly between the two counterparts necessary to make a trade, whether over the telephone or on electronic networks all over the world. The main centres for trading are Sydney, Tokyo, London, Frankfurt and New York. This worldwide distribution of trading centres means that the forex market is a 24-hour market.

Trading Forex
A currency trade is the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another one. The currency combination used in the trade is called a cross (for example, the Euro/US Dollar, or the GB Pound/Japanese Yen.). The most commonly traded currencies are the so-called "majors" - EURUSD, USDJPY, USDCHF and GBPUSD.

The most important forex market is the spot market as it has the largest volume. The market is called the spot market because trades are settled "immediately" or on the spot. In practice this means within two banking days.

Trading on Margin
Trading on margin means that you can buy and sell assets that represent more value than the capital in your account. Forex trading is usually done with relatively little margin since currency exchange rate fluctuations tend to be less than one or two percent on any given day. To take an example, a margin of 2.0% means you can trade up to $500,000 even though you only have $10,000 in your account. In terms of leverage this corresponds to 50:1, because 50 times $10,000 is $500,000, or put another way, $10,000 is 2.0% of $500.000. Using this much leverage gives you the possibility to make profits very quickly, but there is also a greater risk of incurring large losses and even being completely wiped out. Therefore, it is inadvisable to maximise your leveraging as the risks can be very high. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.

Why trade Forex?

24 hour trading
One of the major advantages of trading forex is the opportunity to trade 24 hours a day from Sunday evening (20:00 GMT) to Friday evening (22:00 GMT). This gives you a unique opportunity to react instantly to breaking news that is affecting the markets.
Superior liquidity
The forex market is so liquid that there are always buyers and sellers to trade with. The liquidity of this market, especially that of the major currencies, helps ensure price stability and low spreads . The liquidity comes mainly from large and smaller banks that provide liquidity to investors, companies, institutions and other currency market players.
No commissions
The fact that forex is often traded without commissions makes it very attractive as an investment opportunity for investors who want to deal on a frequent basis. Trading the "majors" is also cheaper than trading other crosss because of the high level of liquidity. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.
50:1 Leverage
With a minimum account of USD 10,000, for example, you can trade up to USD 500,000. The USD 10,000 is posted on margin as a guarantee for the future performance of your position.
Profit potential in falling markets
Since the market is constantly moving, there are always trading opportunities, whether a currency is strengthening or weakening in relation to another currency. When you trade currencies, they literally work against each other. If the EURUSD declines, for example, it is because the U.S. dollar gets stronger against the Euro and vice versa. So, if you think the EURUSD will decline (that is, that the Euro will weaken versus the dollar), you would sell EUR now and then later you buy Euro back at a lower price and take your profits. The opposite trading scenario would occur if the EURUSD appreciates .

Important Forex Trading Terms

Spread
The spread is the difference between the price that you can sell currency at ( Bid ) and the price you can buy currency at ( Ask ). The spread on majors is usually 5 pips under normal market conditions. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.
Pips
A pip is the smallest unit by which a cross price quote changes. When trading forex you will often hear that there is a 5-pip spread when you trade the majors. This spread is revealed when you compare the bid and the ask price, for example EURUSD is quoted at a bid price of 0.9875 and an ask price of 0.9880. The difference is USD 0.0005, which is equal to 5 "pips". On a contract or position, the value of a pip can easily be calculated. You know that the EURUSD is quoted with four decimals, so all you have to do is the cancel-out the four zeros on the amount you trade and you will have one pip. Thus, on a EURUSD 100,000 contract, one pip is USD 10. On a USDJPY 100,000 contract, one pip is equal to 1000 yen, because USDJPY is quoted with only two decimals.

Trading Scenario - Trading Rising Prices
If you believe that the Euro will strengthen against the dollar you'll want to buy Euro now and sell it back later at a higher price.
<table cellpadding="3"><tr><td valign="top">You buy Euro</td><td valign="top">We quote <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G12%23G12">EURUSD</A> at <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G5%23G5">Bid</A> 0.9875 and <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G2%23G2">Ask</A> 0.9880, which means that you can sell 1 Euro for 0.9875 USD or buy 1 Euro for 0.9880 USD. In this example you buy Euro 100,000, at the quote price of 0.9880 (ask price) per Euro.</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">The market turns</td><td valign="top">Later the market turns in favour of the Euro and the <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G12%23G12">EURUSD</A> is now quoted at Bid 0.9894 and Ask 0.9899.</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Now you want to sell your Euro and get the profit </td><td valign="top">You sell Euro at a <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G5%23G5">Bid</A> price of 0.9894.</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">The profit is calculated as follows: </td><td valign="top">Sell price-buy price x size of trade (0.9894 minus 0.9880) multiplied by 100.000 = $140 Profit (Note that the profit or loss is always expressed in the <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G27%23G27">secondary currency</A> )</td></tr></table>
Trading Scenario - Trading Falling Prices
If, on the other hand, you believe that the Euro will weaken against the dollar, you'll want to sell EURUSD.<table cellpadding="3"><tr><td valign="top">You sell Euro</td><td valign="top">We quote <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G9%23G9">EURUSD</A> at a <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G5%23G5">Bid</A> price of 0.9875 and <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G2%23G2">Ask</A> price of 0.9880 and you decide to sellEuro 100,000 at a <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G5%23G5">Bid</A> price of 0.9875.</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">The market moves in your favour</td><td valign="top">The Euro weakens against the dollar and the <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G9%23G9">EURUSD</A> is now quoted at bid 0.9744 and ask 0.9749.</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Now you buy back your Euro</td><td valign="top">You buy EUR at an <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#G2%23G2">ask</A> price of 0.9749.</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Your Profit/loss is then</td><td valign="top">Sell price-buy price x size of trade (0.9875 minus 0.9749) multiplied by 100.000 = $ 1260 Profit</td></tr></table>
Remember that trading EUR 100,000 as we have done in our examples, does not mean that you have to put up Euro 100,000 yourself. It means that you have to deposit 2.0% of Euro 100,000, which is Euro 2,000 on margin as a guarantee for the future performance of your position.

Further Reading
To see how you can trade the forex market and benefit from our toolbox of information and live quotes, please proceed to our Forex Quick Start found under the Trading menu on the toolbar, under Forex.

Glossary
<table cellpadding="3"><tr><td valign="top">Appreciation</td>
<td valign="top">Anincrease in the value of a currency. </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Ask</td><td valign="top">Theprice at which you can buy. Traders also speak of an ask price,the price requested. This usually indicates the lowest price aseller will accept. </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Basecurrency </td><td valign="top">Thecurrency that the investor buys or sells (i.e. EUR in EURUSD). <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Bear</td><td valign="top">Someonewho believes prices are heading down. A bear market is one inwhich there is a sustained fall in prices and which does not looklike it will recover quickly. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Bid</td><td valign="top">Theprice at which you can sell. Traders also speak of a bid price,the price offered. This usually indicates the top price apurchaser will pay. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Bid/Ask</td><td valign="top">TheBid rate is the rate at which you sell. The Ask (or offer) rate isthe rate at which you can buy. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Bull</td><td valign="top">Someonewho is optimistic about the market. A bull market is characterisedby enthusiastic and sustained buying. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">cross</td><td valign="top">Whentrading currencies, the investor buys one currency againstanother. These two currencies form the cross: for example, EURUSD.<A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Crossrate </td><td valign="top">Anexchange rate that is calculated from two other exchange rates. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Depreciation/decline</td><td valign="top">Afall in the value of a currency. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Exchangerate </td><td valign="top">Whatone currency is worth in terms of another, for example the $Amight be worth 58 US cents or 70 yen. Currencies traded freely onforeign-exchange markets have a spot rate (applying to tradessettled 'spot', ie, two working days hence) and a forward rate.Countries can determine their exchange rates in a variety of ways:a floating exchange rate system where the currency finds its ownlevel in the market; a crawling or flexible peg system which is acombination of an officially fixed rate and frequent smalladjustments which in theory work against a build-up of speculationabout a revaluation or devaluation; a fixed exchange-rate systemwhere the value of the currency is set by the government and/orthe central bank. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">EURUSD</td><td valign="top">Meansthat you trade EUR against dollars. If you buy Euro you pay indollars and if you sell Euro you receive dollars. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">FX,Forex, Foreign Exchange </td><td valign="top">Allnames for the transaction of one currency for another, e.g. youbuy £100.00 with $150.25 or sell $150.25 for £100.00.<A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Interbank</td><td valign="top">Short-term(often overnight) borrowing and lending between banks, as distinctfrom banks' business with their corporate clients or otherfinancial institutions. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Interestrate differential </td><td valign="top">Theyield spread between two otherwise comparable debt instrumentsdenominated in different currencies. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Leverage(gearing) </td><td valign="top">Inthis case leverage means that the investor only funds part of theamount traded. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Long</td><td valign="top">Tobuy. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Longposition </td><td valign="top">Aposition that increases its value if market prices increase. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Liquid(-ity) </td><td valign="top">Thecapacity to be converted easily and with minimum loss into cash.Ultra-short-dated treasury notes are an example of a liquidinvestment. A liquid market is one in which there is enoughactivity to satisfy both buyers and sellers. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Margin</td><td valign="top">Theinitial amount or deposit required when entering into a position.Margin is a guarantee for future performance. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">NYSE</td><td valign="top">Acomputerised system providing brokers with the prices of sharesand securities traded on the New York stock exchange and over thecounter. The quotes are published in real-time. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Openposition </td><td valign="top">Aposition in a currency that has not yet been offset. For example,if you have bought 100,000 USDJPY, you have an open position inUSDJPY until you offset it by selling 100,000 USDJPY. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">"Overthe counter" </td><td valign="top">Whentrading takes place directly between two parties, rather than onan exchange. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Pips</td><td valign="top">Apip is the smallest unit by which a cross price quote changes. Soif EURUSD bid is now quoted at 0.9767 and it moves up 2 pips, itwill now be quoted at 0.9769. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Position</td><td valign="top">Money-market,futures, foreign-exchange and sharemarket traders talk of 'takinga position' which simply means buying or selling one currencycross. 'Position' can also refer to a trader'scash/securities/currencies balance, whether he or she is short ofcash, has money to lend, is overbought or oversold in a currency,etc. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Risk</td><td valign="top">Tryingto control outcomes to a known or predictable range of gains orlosses. Risk management involves a set of steps which begin with asound understanding of one's business and the exposures or risksthat have to be covered to protect the value of that business.Then an assessment should be made of the types of variables thatcan affect the business and how best to protect against unwelcomeoutcomes. Consideration must also be given to the preferred riskprofile - whether one is risk- averse or fairly aggressive inapproach. This also involves deciding which instruments to use tomanage risk, and whether a natural hedge exists that can be used.Once undertaken, a risk-management strategy should be continuallyassessed for effectiveness and cost. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Secondarycurrency (variable currency or counter currency) </td><td valign="top">Thecurrency that the investor trades the base currency against (i.e.USD in EURUSD). <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Shortposition </td><td valign="top">Aposition that benefits from a decline in market prices. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Short</td><td valign="top">Tosell. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Speculative</td><td valign="top">Buyingand selling in the hope of making a profit, rather than doing sofor some fundamental business-related need. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Spot</td><td valign="top">ASpot rate is the current market price of an asset. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Spotmarket </td><td valign="top">Thepart of the market calling for spot settlement of transactions.The precise meaning of 'spot' will depend on local custom for acommodity, security or currency. In the UK, US and Australianforeign-exchange markets, 'spot' means delivery two working dayshence. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Spread</td><td valign="top">Thedifference between the bid and the ask rate. <A HREF="http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx#top%23top"></A> </td></tr></table>

<table cellpadding="3"><tr><td valign="top">Today'sForex News</td><td valign="top"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><A HREF="http://www.forbes.com/breakingnews/">ForbesBreaking News</A> </td><td valign="top"><A HREF="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/index.html">BloombergNews</A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><A HREF="http://biz.yahoo.com/n/z/z0006.html">YahooCurrency News</A> </td><td valign="top"><A HREF="http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/">NikkeiNews</A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><A HREF="http://news.google.com/news/en/us/business.html">GoogleBusiness News</A> </td><td valign="top"><A HREF="http://home.kyodo.co.jp/">KyodoNews</A> </td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><A HREF="http://www.reuters.com/finance.jhtml">ReutersFinancial News</A> </td><td valign="top"></td></tr></table>

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Financial Services, Planners, Offshore Banking - Know More

admin — Sat Jan 28, 2006 10:32 pm

Author: admin

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 10:32 pm

Financial Services, Planners, Offshore Banking - Know More

Dear members & guests

Due to the continuous marketing approach of our expatriate community by mutiple financial planners services company, Allo' Expat has decided to provided you with some usefull imformation on the Expat Offshore Banking issue. Hope you'll invest wisely..... in the future

Financial Advisors - who are they?

Q1 - How do I get the best offshore financial advice?

The best offshore financial advice is probably given by Independent Financial Advisors. Independent financial advisors (or IFA's, as they are sometimes called) advise their clients on savings, investments and pensions. They may also provide Savings Plans for offshore investing to their clients.

When counselling a client, the best offshore financial advisors should complete the following steps:

* Step 1 - collect detailed information about a client's financial circumstances and requirements ? be they for retirement planning, retirement income, expat investment, or another purpose.

* Step 2 - check all the offshore tax havens for the best offshore plans.

* Step 3 - provide impartial advice as to which plan(s) best meet their client's needs (in the form of a written report).

* Step 4 - arrange for a client to buy the chosen offshore plan(s) on the best terms available.

You may want to complete your own research to ensure you know the right questions to ask your advisor.

When all these stages are completed, you can be confident you have received the best offshore financial advice.

Q2 - What is a Certified Financial Advisor?

Financial advisors may need a license to practice, issued by the Financial Services Regulator in their Country. Only these advisors may be called 'Certified Financial Advisors'.

It may be a condition that prospective certified financial advisors show their Regulator that they are:

* competent to advise

* impartial in their advice

* independent of Providers

* covered by professional indemnity insurance.

So it is important to check that your financial advisor is listed under:

* Certified Financial Advisors, licensed to advise in the Country where you live and

* Independent Financial Advisors - advising on a wide range of offshore plans from a full list of providers.

Now you should feel confident you are receiving the best offshore financial advice.

Q3 - How are offshore financial advisors paid?

Independent financial advisors (IFA's) earn their living from commissions they receive from plan providers. This is their income for the offshore financial advice they give.

The commission that advisors (IFAs) receive from offshore financial advice cases may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Good offshore financial advisors should not be influenced by the amount of commission they receive.

Some clients prefer to pay fees to their financial advisors for advice to ensure impartiality. When this occurs offshore financial advisors refund commission received from a plan provider either in cash or as an increased allocation of contributions invested.

Q4 -How do I find a list of Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs)?

Search the web! Try searching using the search words independent financial advisors or certified financial advisors PLUS the name of the Country in which you live.

Personal recommendations are always helpful - ask your friends if they would recommend their offshore financial advisors. Always check that a recommended advisor is both certified and independent.

Offshore Investing - What do that mean

Q1 - What is Offshore Investing or Offshore Investment?

When we talk about Offshore investing plan opportunities it is like the savings plans available in many countries, except these plans:

* Are registered in tax havens and are regulated by their Financial Services Authorities.

* Can be used for investing by non-residents of the tax havens.

* Are sometimes more tax efficient than or have other advantages over domestic savings plans.

Q2 - Why would expatriates choose offshore investing?

Expatriate investment in the savings plans catalogued here and offering offshore investing opprotunities might be appropriate when:

* No local or Home Country tax free regular savings plans are available.

* No local or Home Country tax free lump sum investment plans are available.

* An expatriate is planning to retire to a third country.

If you fit any of these categories of expatriates you should investigate the offshore plans researched by Offshore Boffin and consult your Financial Advisor.

Q3 - Are there other people who might benefit from Offshore Invesment?

Yes. People who are not living abroad might find offshore investment attractive in the following circumstances:

* They have more cash available for savings than can be invested tax free in their resident countries' investment plans (perhaps because the amount they can invest each year is capped).

* They may live in countries which do not have domestic tax free savings plans.

* They live in countries which are not suitable long-term investment environments for political or economic reasons.

* They wish to limit the effects of inheritance tac on their estates.

Q4 - Is there safe offshore investing?

The answer is that All investors should remember that the value of ALL their investments can go down as well as up!

Safe offshore investing is more likely by choosing plans:

* From politically stable tax havens - the quality of tax havens varies.

* From well-regulated tax havens - the tax havens whose savings plans are catalogued here all regulate their financial services companies to avoid 'fly-by-night' companies.

* From reputable investment management and life assurance companies - whilst past performance is not always a guide to the future, the companies whose savings plans are listed here are all well-known names.

* Investing in 'mutual' or 'collective' funds. these funds are based on a simple idea. If a large number of investors pool their savings in - for example - an equity fund, the larger fund can be invested in shares in many companies, spreading each individual's risk.

For expat investment - and others - to be successful the best offshore investment opportunities must be found. For that you'll need a good Financial Advisors.

FEI World Cup Jumping Final Kuala Lumpur 2006

alinaw — Wed Nov 23, 2005 3:39 pm

Author: alinaw

Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 3:39 pm

Asiapromote Ventures is proud to have been awarded the rights to organise the 2006 FEI World Cup Final Jumping in Kuala Lumpur next April. The honour was given to Malaysia following the resounding success of the 2003 and 2004 KL Grand Prix CSI 5* - International Horse Show.

The FEI World Cup Final Jumping is THE most important and prestigious equestrian event in the world and commands a worldwide TV audience and a large influx of sports enthusiasts.

Please visit our websites at www.asiapromote.net or www.klworldcupfinal.com. for latest updates, ticket booking, travel and tours to Kuala Lumpur.

Do contact me for further enquiries.

Many thanks

Backpacking in Laos Guide

sentential — Tue Nov 01, 2005 9:36 am

Author: sentential

Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 9:36 am

paxil - http://www.bestrxpills.com

International Online Shopping

Anonymous — Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:17 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:17 am

Shop at http://laos.sendit.to

Great discounts on top brands and designer goods. Worldwide shipping. Send presents to friends and family around the world. Rate and review your favourite sites. Shops include Harrods, Lands' End, Charles Tyrwhitt, Boden, Shoes.com and many many more. Set your homepage to www.sendit.to to avoid missing out on special offer coupons.
Buy the things you want wherever you are in the world!

I hope you find this site useful.

Foreign embassies in Laos directory directory

Anonymous — Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:54 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:54 pm

Foreign embassies in Laos directory directory

Australia
Nehru Street, Vat Phonsay area
Tel: 413610, 413805, 413602

British Trade Office
Nehru Street, Vat Phonsay area
Tel: 413606

Cambodia
Thadeua Road, Bane Thatkhao
Tel: 314952, 315251, 315252, 314954

China
Vatnak Road, Bane Vatnak Noi
Tel: 315100, 315103, 315105, 315107, 315108

Cuba
128 Bane Saphanthong Neua
Tel: 312904

France
Setthathirat Road, Bane Sisakhet
Tel: 215253, 215257, 215258, 215259, 217571

Germany
Sokpaluang Road, Bane Sokpaluang
Tel: 312110, 312111, 312112, 312113, 312116

India
That Luang Road, Bane Phonesay
Tel: 413802

Indonesia
Phonkheng Road, Bane Pholsaat
Tel: 413909, 413910

Japan
Sisangvone Road, Bane Sisangvone
Tel: 414400, 414402, 414403, 315031, 315032

Korea (DPR)
Vatnak Street, Bane Sisattanak
Tel: 315260

Malaysia
ThatLuang Road, Bane Phonsay
Tel: 414205, 414206, 414732

Mongolia
Thadeua Road, Bane Beungkhayong
Tel: 315220

Myanmar
Sokpaluang Road, Bane
Tel: 314910, 314912, 314171

Poland
Thadeua Road, Bane Vatnak
Tel: 312086

Russia
Bane Thaphalanxay
Tel: 312218, 312219, 312222, 312223

Sweden
Sokpaluang Road, Bane Vatnak
Tel: 315018, 313772, 315003

Thailand
Phonkheng Road, Bane Phonsaat
Tel: 214580, 214582, 214583, 214585

Thailand Consulate (Temporary address)
Nanhai Hotel, Ratsavong Seuk Rd
Khanthabouli District, Savannakhet Province
Tel: 041-212261

United States
Thatdam Bartholonie Road, Bane Thatdam
Tel: 213966, 212581, 212582, 212585

Vietnam
That Luang Road, Bane Phonsay
Tel: 413400, 413401, 413402, 413403

Vietnamese Consulate
Bane Vatphabat, Pakse, Champassack
Tel: 031-212058, 031-212827

LAOS TOURISM GUIDE (Regions, Hotels, etc...)

Anonymous — Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:50 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:50 pm

LAOS TOURISM GUIDE (Regions, Hotels, etc...)

Vientiane & Northern Laos

VIENTIANE: One of Asia’s most relaxed and quiet capital cities, Vientiane is nestled in fertile plains on the banks of the Mekong River. Many buildings reflect the country’s past links with Europe, such as the old French colonial houses and the capital’s Victory Monument, which bears a striking, if somewhat rococo, similarity to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. An important national monument is the 16th-century That Luang (Royal Stupa) that symbolises Buddhist and Lao union. Other interesting sights include the Lao Revolutionary Museum; Wat Ho Prakeo, a former royal temple; Wat Sisaket, one of the capital’s oldest temples; Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park), situated 24km (15 miles) south of the city and displaying fascinating Buddhist and Hindu structures.

XIANG KHOUANG: Xiang Khouang province in the northeast of the country is characterised by lush green mountains and Karst limestone. The capital, Phonsavan, enjoys a favourable climate being at an altitude of 1200m (3937ft). The unusual Plain of Jars is accessible from the city and offers the mysterious sight of hundreds of stone jars, some weighing up to 6 tonnes, scattered over the landscape. The jars are over 2000 years old and legend says that they were used to ferment rice wine in the sixth century in order to celebrate a victory in battle. Some 52km (32 miles) north of Phonsavan, visitors can enjoy bathing in two hot springs: Bo Noi and Bo Yai.

LUANG PRABANG: This ancient royal city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it is the cultural and religious centre of the country, boasting 32 large temple complexes. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most impressive temples, decorated with coloured glass and gold. Testament to the fact that it had been the royal capital until 1975, the royal palace there contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings. Nearby, in the town centre, visitors can ascend Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding rivers. Also worth seeing is the Palace Museum (the former royal palace), easily recognisable by its golden-spired stupa, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts from old rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.

Excursions: Close by is Ban Phanom Village, famous for its weavings, which offers the opportunity to visit a traditional community and to purchase bargain-priced silk and embroideries. Around 25km (16 miles) along the Mekong river lie the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, that can be easily reached by speedboat from Luang Prabang. The two caves, Tham Ting and Tham Phun, are full of Buddha images that have been left there over hundreds of years by worshippers. Further downriver is the small village of Ban Xang Hai, famous for its production of rice whisky. Also worth seeing are the Kuang Si Waterfalls, situated 30km (19 miles) from Luang Prabang. Visitors can swim in the lower pools.

LUANG NAMTHA: Situated in the far northwest of Laos, Luang Namtha province is a mountainous region, with areas of tropical rainforest and over 39 ethnic minority groups. An ecotourism project for the region has been proposed by UNESCO. Muang Xing is a small town on the river plains which used to be an outpost for an ancient southern Chinese empire. A number of guest houses can offer hiking trips starting from here.

Southern Laos

KHAMMOUANE: Khammouane province is accessible from Vientiane by bus. The region is currently being explored for its potential as a place for ecotourism, and its amazing limestone formations, caves, rivers and jungle make it a unique environment. Its capital, Tha Kek, is a good place to reach other sights, such as the Tham Xieng Lap Caves and the That Skihotabang, a stunning stupa built by King Nanthasen in around the 10th century.

SAVANNAKHET: Within easy reach by bus from Khammouane is Savannakhet province. Positioned between Thailand and Vietnam, the province acts as a useful trading junction between the two. Most of the town’s architecture is French colonial, including a large Catholic church, although there are several buddhist temple buildings worth seeing, such as Wat Sainyaphum. It is possible to walk the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a former clandestine route used by the North Vietnamese Army to transport military gear to South Vietnam. The trail was bombed by the USA during the Vietnam war and parts of this devastation can still be viewed. However, the trail must be seen with a guide as large parts of the route still contain unexploded bombs.

CHAMPASSAK: Pakse, capital of Champassak province, is easily reached by air from Vientiane. Pakse is home to many ethnic minority groups, much of the Bolaven Plateau and the famous, although relatively unvisited, Wat Phu temple. Wat Phu was constructed around the fifth century on a mountain top near fresh spring water by the Khmer Hindus, who went on to settle their empire at its former capital – Ankor Wat (Cambodia). There are breathtaking views across the Mekong valley from the temple. The complex can be reached by chartered boat along the Mekong river. Other excursions worth making are to the Bolaven Plateau, where visitors can enjoy elephant riding and trekking, and to Sii Pan Dan (Four Thousand Islands), where islands are formed during the rainy season on the Mekong river. There is the opportunity to see spectacular waterfalls and the endangered irriwaddy dolphins.

HOTELS IN LAOS

Champasack (southern Laos, on the bank of Mekong river, near old Khmer temple "Wat Phu")

Champa Residence Hotel
Road 13 South (near Mekong Bridge). PO Box 504, Pakse, Champasack.
Phone: +856-31-212 120; Fax: +856-31-212 765, 212 649
Email: champare@laotel.com
Hotel, car & boat rental.

Champaxaise Hotel
Ban Done Samsib, Pakse, Champasack.
Phone: +856-31-212 563; Fax: +856-20-530 778

Houyyangkham Hotel
Km 5, 13 South Road. Houyyangkham Neua. PO Box 89, Pakse, Champasack.
Phone: +856-31-212 755, 212 756; Fax: +856-31-212 792

Luang Namtha (northern Laos, hilltribes, China border) |

Hongtha Xaysomboun Hotel
Phomvihanh Road, Ban Saysomboun, Luang Namtha.
Phone: +856-86-312 078, 312 456; Fax: +856-86-312 079

The Boat Landing Guest House
PO Box 28, Luang Namtha.
An ecolodge located on the banks of the Namtha river and offering guests access to the Nam Ha Protected Area through rafting, kayaking, trekking and mountian biking.
Phone: +856-86-312-398; Fax: +856-86-312-239; Email: theboatlanding@yahoo.com
Web site: www.theboatlanding.com

Luang Prabang (Northern Laos, on the bank of Mekong river, museums, Lao style temples, weaving, waterfalls, hilltribes, boating)

Ban Lao Guesthouse
80/5 Ban Mano, Luang Prabang.
Phnoe: +856-71-252 078, 212 438; Fax: +856-71-212 438

Hotel Souvannaphoum
Ban Thatluang, Chao Fa Ngum Road. PO Box 741, Luang Prabang.
Phone: +856-71-212 200; Fax: +856-71-212 577
Email: sunaphum@laotel.com

Maniphone Guesthouse
Phouvao Street, Ban Pongkham, Luang Prabang.
Phone: +856-71-212 636

Manoluck Hotel
121/3 Phou St., Luang Prabang.
Phone: +856-71-212 250, 212 509; Fax: +856-71-212 508; Mobile: +856-20-570 666, 570 054

New Luang Prabang Hotel
Sisavang Vong Rd., Luang Prabang.
Phone: +856-71-212264; Fax: +856-71-212804
Hotel close to the famous tempels such as Wat Phousi, Wat Visoun.

Phou Vao Hotel
Domaine De Phou Vao, P.O. Box 50, Luang Prabang.
Phone: +856-71-212194; Fax: 856-71-212534
Url: www.pansea.com
Hotel with 57 rooms and 2 suites.

Phousi Hotel
Setthathirath Rd., Luang Prabang.
Phone: +856-71-212192, 212717-8; Fax: +856-71-212719

Villa Santi
Rue Sakkarine, Luang Prabang.
Phone: +856-71-212267, 252157; Fax: +856-71-252158

Phongsaly (Northern province, hilltribes, Chian border)

Phoufa Hotel
Ban chommeuang, Phongsaly.
Phone: +856-88-412 057; Fax:+856-88-314 794

Vientiane (Capital city, temples, markets, bridge over Mekong to Thailand) | Back to top

Anou Hotel
01-03 Hengboun St., Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-213630-2; Fax: +856-21-213632
Hotel in town center, Lao traditional cuisine.

Asian Pavilion Hotel
379, Samsanthai Rd., Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-213430, 213431; Fax: 856-21-213432
$25 to $60 a room.

Darasavanh Guesthouse & Restaurant
Ban Houay Hong. PO Box 4614, Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-450 403

Lane-xang Hotel
Fangum Rd., Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-214102, 214106; Fax: +856-21-214108
Hotel with 109 rooms, $22 and above.

Lao Hotel Plaza
63, Samsenthai Rd., Vientiane
Phone: +856-21-218800-1; Fax: 856-21-218808
Hotel.

Mekong Hotel
Luang Prabang Road. PO Box 2161, Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-212 938; Fax: +856-21-212 822
Email: mekonght@laotel.com

Napakuang Resort
Ban Thinkeo, Keoudom District, Vientiane.
Phone/Fax: +856-21-215244
Eamil: napakuan@laotel.com
Hotel with 24 air-conditioned rooms. Located near Nam Ngum dam lake 80 km north of Vientiane city.

New Apollo Hotel
Luang prabang Rd., Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-213343, 214462; Fax: +856-21-213245
Hotel, from $20 to $30 a room.

Novotel Hotel
Unit 9, Samsenthai Rd., Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-213570, Fax: 856-21-213572
Email: novotlao@loxinfo.co.th

River View
Luang Phabang Rd., Ban Sithan Neua, Vientiane.
Mobile: +856-16-216244-6, 216231; Fax: +856-16-216231

Royal Dokmaideng Hotel
Lanexang Av., P.O.Box 3925, Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-214455,214477; Fax: +856-21-214454

Samsenthai Hotel
Manthathoulat Street, Xiangnyeun Village, Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-212 116, 216 287; Fax: +856-21-216 287; Mobile: +856-20-518 258

Sene Souk Hotel
100, Km 2, Luang Prabang Rd., Ban Khounta Thopng, Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-213 375, 215 567; Fax: +856-21-217 449; Mobile: +856-20-514 454

Settha Palace
6, Pang Kham St., Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-=217581; Fax: +856-21-217583
Email: settha@laonet.net
Url: www.setthapalace.com

Tai-pan Hotel
2-12, Francois Nginn St., Ban Mixay, Muong Chanthabury, Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-216 906 - 9; Fax: +856-21-216 223
Email: taipan@loxinfo.co.th
Url: www.travelao.com and www.laohotelgroup.org

Tamnak Lao Guesthouse
That Luang Road, Ban PhonXay, Vientiane.
Phone: +856-21-413 562; Fax: +856-21-213 632; Mobie: +856-20-511 905
Email: anouhotel@laonet.net

LAOS TOURISM & TRAVEL TIPS

Anonymous — Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:42 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:42 pm

LAOS TOURISM & TRAVEL TIPS

Contact Addresses

Location: South-East Asia.

Country dialling code: 856.

Lao National Tourism Authority (LNTA)
PO Box 3556, Lane Xang Avenue, Hadsady, Chanthaboury, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: (21) 222 971. Fax: (21) 212 251.
E-mail: info@visit-mekong.com
Website: www.visit-mekong.com/laos

Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
74 avenue Raymond Poincaré, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: (1) 4553 0298. Fax: (1) 4727 5789.
E-mail: ambalaoparis@wanadoo.fr
Website: www.laoparis.com

Adventure World Ltd
Street Address: 179 Progress Drive, Bibra Lake, 6163 Western Australia, Australia
Postal Address: PO Box 1186, Bibra Lake, 6965 WA, Australia
Tel: ( 5417 9666. Fax: ( 9417 3132.
E-mail: fun@adventureworld.net.au
Website: www.adventureworld.net.au

British Embassy
PO Box 6626, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: (21) 413 606. Fax: (21) 413 607.
British Embassy staff are resident in Bangkok (see Thailand section). Trade Office staff are resident in Vientiane.

Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
2222 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 6416. Fax: (202) 332 4923.
E-mail: laoemb@starpower.net
Website: www.laoembassy.com
Also deals with enquiries from Canada and Mexico.

Embassy of the United States of America
Street address: 19 rue Bartholonie, That Dam, Vientiane, Laos
Postal address: BP 114, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: (21) 212 581-9. Fax: (21) 212 584.
E-mail: khammanhpx@state.gov
Website: http://usembassy.state.gov/laos

Note: The Canadian Embassy in Bangkok deals with enquiries relating to Laos (see Thailand section).

Passport/Visa

Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required?
British Yes Yes Yes
Australian Yes Yes Yes
Canadian Yes Yes Yes
USA Yes Yes Yes
OtherEU Yes Yes Yes
Japanese Yes Yes Yes

PASSPORTS: Passport with at least six months remaining validity required by all.

VISAS: Required by all.

Types of visa and cost: Tourist, Business: €50 (including service and document fees). Families may only be charged €50 per family if all living at the same address, and same surname is indicated on passports.

Validity: Validity starts from day of entry into Laos. Tourist/Business: 30 days (can be extended in Vientiane for 30 days for two times). Visas must be used within three months of being issued.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) or an officially recognised tour operator. A visa valid for Laos can also be obtained from travel agencies in Bangkok (Thailand) or on arrival (see above). Visas are issued on arrival at 14 international checkpoints throughout Laos, including Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport and (Wattay) Vientiane International Airport for stays of 15 days, and costs US$30. For futher details, contact the nearest Embassy.

Application requirements: (a) One passport-size photo. (b) One signed and completed application form. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee payable by cash or cheque. (e) Postal applications should include an additional €5 (inside France) or €10 (international), to cover postage. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter from sponsor in Laos.

Working days required: Three.

Temporary residence: Enquire at nearest Embassy or Consulate. For extension of visa, consult the Immigration Office (tel: (21) 512 012); neglecting to do so will result in a fine of US$10 per day until leaving the country.

Money

Currency: Lao Kip (Kip) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Kip5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 100.

Currency exchange: Thai Baht and US Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange. They are also widely accepted in shops, markets and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Credit & debit cards: Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Limited acceptance. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Thai Baht.

Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency, but amounts greater than US$2000 must be declared.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Lao Kip against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date May '04 Aug '04 Nov '04 Feb '05
£1.00= 14078.0 14447.7 14848.5 15542.2
$1.00= 7882.00 7842.00 7841.00 8230.0

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1730.

Duty Free

Duty-Free: The following goods may be imported into Laos, from countries not bordering Laos, without incurring customs duty:
500 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1 bottle of alcoholic beverage and2 bottles of wine; personal jewellery up to 500g.

Public Holidays

Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Jan 6 Pathet Lao Day. Jan 20 Army Day. Feb 1 Chinese New Year. Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Mar 22 Day of the People’s Party. Apr 13-15* Lao New Year (Pi Mai). Apr 21 Birth of Buddha. May 1 Labour Day. Jun 1 Children’s Day. Jun 21 Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast begins). Aug 13 Lao Issara (Day of the Free Laos). Sep 11 Bouk ok Pansa (Buddhist Fast ends). Oct 12 Day of Liberation. Dec 2 National Day. Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Jan 6 Pathet Lao Day. Jan 20 Army Day. Jan 29 Chinese New Year. Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Mar 22 Day of the People’s Party. Apr 13-15* Lao New Year (Pi Mai). May 1 Labour Day. May 13 Birth of Buddha. Jun/Jul Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast begins). Jun 1 Children’s Day. Aug 13 Lao Issara (Day of the Free Laos). Sep Bouk ok Pansa (Buddhist Fast ends). Oct 12 Day of Liberation. Dec 2 National Day.

Note: *Variations may occur.

Health

Special Precautions Certificate Required
Yellow Fever No 1
Cholera Yes 2
Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A
Malaria 4 N/A

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Laos. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.

3: Typhoid may occur. Poliovirus transmission has been interrupted, but complete eradication is not yet certain.

4: Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country, except in Vientiane. The malignant falciparum form is prevalent and is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.

Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Hepatitis A and E occur; hepatitis B is highly endemic. Dengue fever, diphtheria, tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis occur. Some vaccinations may be advised. Liver fluke (opisthorchiasis) is present; travellers should avoid eating raw or undercooked fish.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: Any treatment must generally be paid for in cash. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation.

Travel - International

Note: Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty. Over the past year there have been explosions in the capital Vientiane and attacks on buses, resulting in injury and death. There are also reports of banditry in rural areas and unexploded ordnance is an ongoing danger. It is illegal not to carry an ID document or a passport, and fines for not having one for presentation on demand can be high. The Lao Government prohibits sexual relationships, including sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. Penalties for failing to register a relationship range from fines to imprisonment. Most visits to Laos are trouble-free.

AIR: The national airline of Laos is Lao Aviation (QV) which serves the international routes from Vientiane to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok and Chiang Mai (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Kunming (China). Thai Airways International (website: www.thaiair.com) flies from Bangkok; Vietnam Airlines (website: www.vietnamairlines.com) flies from Hanoi.

International airports: Vientiane (VTE) (Wattay) is 3km (2 miles) from the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Taxis cost US$5, on average. Facilities include bank/bureaux de change, bars, post office, restaurants and car hire.

Departure tax: US$10; children under two years of age and transit passengers are exempt.

RAIL: There are no railways in Laos, but the Thai system stretches from Bangkok via Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai on the Laos/Thailand border. A ferry and a bridge links the Lao side of the Mekong, 19km (12 miles) east of Vientiane.

ROAD: It is possible to enter Laos from Thailand at Nong Khai over the Friendship Bridge. Other border crossings include Chiang Kong (Thailand)–Houei Xay (Laos) in the north; Mukdahan (Thailand)–Savannakhet (Laos); Chong Mek (between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani); Nakorn Phanom (Thailand)–Tha Kek (Laos) and Jouay Kone (Thailand)–Xaingnabouri (Laos). It is possible to enter Laos by road from Vietnam either at Lao Bao or at the new border post of Lak Xao near Vinh. Laos can also be entered from China, from Mengla in Yunnan province to Luang Nam Tha. Overland travel to Cambodia and Myanmar is not feasible owing to security risks. Internally, the road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang to the north has been upgraded.

Travel - Internal

AIR: Domestic air services run from Vientiane to Houayxai, Luang Nmatha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Sam Neua and Sayabouti in the north and Pakse and Savanakhet in the south. Private charter flights are also available through Westcoast Helicopters.

RIVER: The Mekong and other rivers are a vital part of the country’s transport system. The choice is between irregular (and very basic) slow ferries and exciting but noisy and hazardous speedboats. Both services run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Ferries often depart early in the mornings and can take several days, whilst speedboats run more regularly and take approximately eight hours for each leg of the journey. Times and prices alter according to demand. Private jet boats can be hired from Lao River Exploration Services. For further details, contact Lao National Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section).

ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. Many of the roads have been paved in recent years, including the main highway from the Thai border at Savannakhet to the Vietnamese border. However, few main roads are suitable for all-weather driving. In the north of the country, there is a road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Nam Dong and Tran Ninh. Bus: Services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from the more traditional type to the converted pick-up truck. Car hire: It is not recommended to hire cars in Laos as driving standards are low. However, it is possible to hire cars with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies. Asia Vehicle Rental Co Ltd in Vientiane can help visitors with all their rental needs (tel: (21) 217 493 (and fax) or 223 867; e-mail: avr@loxinfo.co.th; website: www.avr.laopdr.com). Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended, although it is not legally required.

URBAN: There is a mixture of old and metered taxis in Vientiane that can usually be located at Wattay Airport, the Friendship bridge and the Morning market. Taxis can also be hired for approximately US$20 per day. Converted motorcycles, known as tuk-tuks or jumbos, are available in all major towns and cities and are perfect for shorter journeys around town. Bargaining is expected. Motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Note: Travel outside Vientiane should be prearranged with a tour company.

Accommodation

HOTELS: There are good hotels and guest houses in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane, but facilities are sparse elsewhere. Local village hostels are available, but with few amenities. For more details of prices and location, contact a tour company with experience in Laos.

CAMPING: There are no facilities for camping in Laos.

ECOLODGES: Laos is eager to promote ecotourism and visitors can stay in specially constructed ecolodges in either Laopako, one hour 30 minutes from Vientiane on the Nam Mgum river, or the Boat Landing in Luang Namtha province.

Sport & Activities

Wildlife: Laos’s pristine landscape hosts a variety of flora and fauna, including rare primates, mammals and birds. Freshwater dolphins can be found in the Mekong river. There is still some unexploded ordinance in the countryside, and official advice should be taken about which areas to avoid.

Trekking: Travellers can head to the hills independently or take part in locally organised guided tours.

Mountain biking: The lack of cars makes cycling a good proposition. Terrain can be difficult, however, and there are not many roads. Visitors are advised to bring their own bicycles, though there are some for hire in the larger towns.

Climate

Throughout most of the country, the climate is hot and tropical, with the rainy season between May and October when temperatures are at their highest. The dry season runs from November to April.

Required clothing: Lightweights and rainwear, with a sweater for winter and upland areas.

LAOS COUNTRY REPORT

Anonymous — Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:51 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:51 pm

LAOS COUNTRY REPORT

Background:

Laos was under the control of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government, ending a six-century-old monarchy. Initial closer ties to Vietnam and socialization were replaced with a gradual return to private enterprise, a liberalization of foreign investment laws, and the admission into ASEAN in 1997.

Geography

Location:
Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam
Geographic coordinates:
18 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:
Southeast Asia

Area:
total: 236,800 sq km
land: 230,800 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km

Area - comparative:
slightly larger than Utah

Land boundaries:
total: 5,083 km

border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km
Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
none (landlocked)

Climate:
tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)

Terrain:
mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Mekong River 70 m
highest point: Phou Bia 2,817 m

Natural resources:
timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Land use:
arable land: 3.8%
permanent crops: 0.35%
other: 95.85% (2001)
Irrigated land:
1,640 sq km
note: rainy season irrigation - 2,169 sq km; dry season irrigation - 750 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:
floods, droughts

Environment - current issues:
unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; most of the population does not have access to potable water
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:
landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand

People

Population:
6,068,117 (July 2004 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 41.9% (male 1,277,152; female 1,265,761)
15-64 years: 54.9% (male 1,642,895; female 1,688,175)
65 years and over: 3.2% (male 87,995; female 106,139) (2004 est.)

Median age:
total: 18.6 years
male: 18.3 years
female: 19 years (2004 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.44% (2004 est.)

Birth rate:
36.47 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate:
12.1 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 87.06 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 97.05 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 76.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 54.69 years
male: 52.71 years
female: 56.75 years (2004 est.)
Total fertility rate:
4.86 children born/woman (2004 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.1% (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
1,700 (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
less than 200 (2003 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)
adjective: Lao or Laotian

Ethnic groups:
Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%, Lao Soung (highland) including the Hmong and the Yao 9%, ethnic Vietnamese/Chinese 1%

Religions:
Buddhist 60%, animist and other 40% (including various Christian denominations 1.5%)

Languages:
Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 66.4%
male: 77.4%
female: 55.5% (2002)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic
conventional short form: Laos
local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao
local short form: none

Government type:
Communist state

Capital:
Vientiane

Administrative divisions:
16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural), 1 municipality* (kampheng nakhon, singular and plural), and 1 special zone** (khetphiset, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun**, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Independence:
19 July 1949 (from France)
National holiday:
Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Constitution:
promulgated 14 August 1991

Legal system:
based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice

Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Gen. KHAMTAI Siphadon (since 26 February 1998) and Vice President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 27 March 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister BOUNGNANG Volachit (since 27 March 2001); First Deputy Prime Minister Bouasone BOUPHAVANH (since 3 October 2003) Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since May 2002), Deputy Prime Minister THONGLOUN Sisolit (since 27 March 2001), and Deputy Prime Minister SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since 26 February 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the

National Assembly
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 24 February 2002 (next to be held in 2007); prime minister appointed by the president with the approval of the National Assembly for a five-year term
election results: KHAMTAI Siphandon elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA%

Legislative branch:
unicameral National Assembly (109 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; note - total number of seats increased from 99 to 109 for the 2002 election)
elections: last held 24 February 2002 (next to be held in 2007)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP or LPRP-approved (independent, non-party members) 109

Judicial branch:
People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee)

Political parties and leaders:
Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [KHAMTAI Siphandon, party president]; other parties proscribed
Political pressure groups and leaders:
noncommunist political groups proscribed; most opposition leaders fled the country in 1975

International organization participation:
ACCT, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO (observer)

Flag description:
three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band

Economy

Economy - overview:
The government of Laos - one of the few remaining official Communist states - began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking - growth averaged 7% in 1988-2001 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis beginning in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains a country with a primitive infrastructure; it has no railroads, a rudimentary road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications. Electricity is available in only a few urban areas. Subsistence agriculture accounts for half of GDP and provides 80% of total employment. The economy will continue to benefit from aid from the IMF and other international sources and from new foreign investment in food processing and mining.

GDP:
purchasing power parity - $10.32 billion (2003 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
5.5% (2003 est.)
GDP - per capita:
purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2003 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 49.4%
industry: 24.5%
services: 26.1% (2003 est.)
Population below poverty line:
40% (2002 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 3.2%
highest 10%: 30.6% (1997)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
37 (1997)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
15.3% (2003 est.)
Labor force:
2.6 million (2001 est.)
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture 80% (1997 est.)
Unemployment rate:
5.7% (1997 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $298.5 million
expenditures: $429.9 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.)

Agriculture - products:
sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice, water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Industries:
tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, tourism
Industrial production growth rate:
9.7% (2001 est.)
Electricity - production:
1.317 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - consumption:
824.7 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports:
400 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2001)
Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption:
2,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - exports:
NA (2001)
Oil - imports:
NA (2001)

Current account balance:
$-58 million (2003)
Exports:
$332 million (2003 est.)
Exports - commodities:
garments, wood products, coffee, electricity, tin
Exports - partners:
Thailand 20.7%, Vietnam 15.9%, France 7.3%, Germany 5.3%, Belgium 4% (2003)
Imports:
$492 million f.o.b. (2003 est.)

Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods
Imports - partners:
Thailand 59.4%, China 12.8%, Vietnam 10.2% (2003)
Reserves of foreign exchange & gold:
$201 million (2003)
Debt - external:
$2.49 billion (2001)
Economic aid - recipient:
$243 million (2001 est.)
Currency:
kip (LAK)

Currency code:
LAK

Exchange rates:
kips per US dollar - 10,443 (2003), 10,056.3 (2002), 8,954.58 (2001), 7,887.64 (2000), 7,102.02 (1999)

Fiscal year:
1 October - 30 September

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use:
61,900 (2002)
Telephones - mobile cellular:
55,200 (2002)
Telephone system:
general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: radiotelephone communications
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:
AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 4 (1998)
Television broadcast stations:
4 (1999)
Internet country code:
.la
Internet hosts:
937 (2003)
Internet users:
15,000 (2002)

Transportation

Highways:
total: 21,716 km
paved: 9,664 km
unpaved: 12,052 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:
4,600 km
note: primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,897 additional km are intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m (2003)

Pipelines:
refined products 540 km (2004)

Ports and harbors:
none

Merchant marine:
total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,370 GRT/3,110 DWT
by type: cargo 1 (2004 est.)

Airports:
46 (2003 est.)
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 35
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 21 (2004 est.)

Military

Military branches:
Lao People's Army (LPA; including Riverine Force), Air Force
Military manpower - military age and obligation:
15 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - minimum 18 months (2004)

Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 1,456,500 (2004 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 783,800 (2004 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
males: 68,563 (2004 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:
$10.9 million (2003)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
0.5% (2003)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international:
demarcation of boundaries with Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam is largely complete, but with Thailand several areas including Mekong River islets remain in dispute; ongoing disputes with Thailand and Vietnam over squatters; concern among Mekong Commission members that China's construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels

Illicit drugs:
world's third-largest illicit opium producer (estimated cultivation in 2003 - 18,900 hectares, a 19% decrease over 2002; estimated potential production in 2003 - 200 metric tons, a 11% increase from 2002); potential heroin producer; transshipment point for heroin and methamphetamine produced in Burma; illicit producer of cannabis; growing methamphetamine abuse problem