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On Saturday, 28 August 2021, Jaguar Land Rover, Gold Sponsor of the British Business Group in Lao PDR (BBGL), carried out the launch of their Jaguar I-Pace All Electric Car with multiple events at the Vientiane Convention Centre to comply with the Lao PDR Government’s COVID-19 restrictions including mask-wearing and social distancing. 

The fully electric Jaguar I-PACE is a new and unique concept in the automotive business, especially for two exquisite brands: Jaguar and Land Rover.

The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Dr Sinava Souphanouvong; U K Ambassador to Laos, Mr John Pearson; General Manager of Jaguar Land Rover Laos, Mr Biju Narayanan; and Automotive Managing Director of the RMA group, Mr Wayne MacIntosh; along with government officials and members of the business community.

In terms of performance, I-PACE is a Jaguar above all else – a true driver’s car, with its powerful electric motor. As for the design, the exterior, featuring an elegant, highly aerodynamic design, the I-PACE has been created to provide efficiency by slicing cleanly through the air for maximum range and stability.

For the interior, the I-PACE seamlessly integrates technology and abundant space. The nature of the electric power train offers additional space, providing more freedom to maximise the comfort provided by I-PACE’s interior. In-car technology, the new one-touch infotainment system, Pivi Pro, delivers all key infotainment at a glance.

Following entertaining performances by a solo Lao male singer and dance troupe, BBGL Board Member and RMA  Managing Director (Automotive) Wayne McIntosh gave a welcoming speech followed by Biju Narayan, General Manager of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) who spoke about the leading role of JLR in bringing electric cars to Lao PDR. 

Chairman, John Cockcroft, represented the British Business Group at the event.  Ms. Sommana Chantharaty and Ms. Keo Oudone Southammavong, respectively co-owners of BBGL Company Members Lao Development Hub and Consulting and Ban Keo Hats and Handicrafts, were also present to support the occasion. 

Individual Member, and soon to be Company Member, Dean Robertson, CEO of Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) was also in attendance, with APA being the first company in Laos to introduce its bespoke Jaguar Land Rover Electric Vehicle Insurance Policy in the Laos market. 

Wall’s Supports Covid-19 Vaccination Campaign in Vientiane Capital

Unilever Services (Lao) Company Limited is pleased to provide 231 million LAK worth 100,000 sticks of Wall’s Ice-cream to those who have got Covid-19 vaccination and medical workers at the vaccination center in Vientiane capital. This support is as part of a series of Unilever’s commitment to help strengthen the Lao Government’s effort in fighting against the pandemic.

Due the Covid-19 outbreak, which has caused the Lao people greatest concern, the bright smile gradually faded. In recent months, the medical workers have been working hard to fight against the Covid-19 outbreak to protect all Lao people.

Wall’s ice-cream would like to bring those smiles back again by helping everyone to find happiness every day, whether that the smiles of your loved ones, the little things and good time from those around us, it is all happiness that grows in our heart.

Because only happiness will make Lao smile again J we will choose to look at everything in positive ways and choose to live with hope. We believe that behind the mask is a smile from everyone , we will fight together. 

So far, we have contributed more than 720 million LAK or 75,566 USD worth essential foods, ice-creams, home care and personal care products and 10 Ventilators to Ministry of Health, some organizations and people of Lao in their fights against the pandemic.

What a great weekend away in Vang Vieng with BBGL members, friends and family! Whisked along the new Expressway at the wheel of a sporty Jaguar E-Pace and a luxurious Range Rover we arrived in time for lunch and spent the afternoon enjoying the impressive karst scenery before gathering for a riverside dinner at the Inthira Hotel. A huge thank you to Jaguar Land Rover Laos and Inthira Vang Vieng for supporting this event, and to everyone who joined.

On Wednesday, 30 September 2020, the BBGL held its September Networking event at the Secret Art & Wine Bar, Mandala Boutique Hotel at which it highlighted the difficulties faced by the tourism and hospitality industry and showed solidarity with those heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. A cheque for more than 11 million kip was presented on behalf of BBGL members to Mr. Bob Preston and Ms Caroline Debonnaire of the Solidarity Canteen in Luang Prabang to help sustain the many families who have lost their jobs and are struggling to sustain themselves.

The event was addressed by the UK Ambassador to Laos, Mr John Pearson, and we heard testimonies from hotel and restaurant owners about the difficulties they are facing, what they are doing to mitigate these issues and their thoughts on the future. Additional speakers were invited to promote hospitality and tourism initiatives. Mr Inthy Deuansavanh of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) spoke about the “Lao Thiao Lao” campaign, Mr Phoutthasinh Keoka spoke about the Lao Airlines “Fly, Eat, Travel” promotion and Mr. Lee Sheridan from the Skills for Tourism project spoke about building capacity within the tourism sector. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success. A special thank you also goes to our sponsors for the evening: Mandala Boutique Hotel, Doi Ka Noi, Le Padaek, Unicity DSC BHJ, Beer Lao and The Spirit House.

A special thank you today to Inthira Group who very kindly donated vouchers to the British Business Group Lao September Networking meeting.The vouchers were presented by Inthira Group Managing Director, Stanislas Fradelizi, and included offers for food and drinks at SunTara Restaurant, a complimentary night at Inthira Hotels, as well as activities in Fly At Tad Fane and The Rock Viewpoint at Phou Pha Marn courtesy of Green Discovery Laos. Attendees names were placed into a hat and drawn at random by BBGL Chairman, John Cockcroft. Congratulations to the lucky winners and thank you once again to Inthira Group for your generous contribution.

The British Business Group Lao saw a great turnout for their October Networking function, which for the first time was hosted simultaneously in two locations: The Spirit House Vientiane and The Spirit House Luang Prabang. Following an update from the UK Ambassador to Laos, Mr. John Pearson, on UK-Laos government initiatives and the upcoming celebrations of 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the BBGL Chairman, John Cockcroft, introduced three key initiatives being launched by the BBGL to provide value for its members, including the member benefits scheme, and the drive to publicise members and sponsors. A prize draw was held with BBGL Gold Sponsor Jaguar Laos providing prizes in the way of one weekend being chauffeur driven around Vientiane in a Range Rover Vogue or Range Rover Sport, and a second weekend driving yourself in the Jaguar E pace or Land Rover Discovery Sport. To toast the evening, The Spirit House Company created an incredible limited-edition gin especially for the BBGL, which was thoroughly enjoyed in gin & tonics by all who attended. Thank you to all our members and sponsors who joined us. A special thank you goes to The Spirit House for hosting and providing the gin and Jaguar Laos for the prizes.