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Thai firm eyes sugar plantation in Champassak
Plantheon Company of Thailand will conduct a land survey and feasibility study for a sugarcane plantation and sugar-refining factory in Soukhouma and Mounlapamok districts of Champassak province.
A memorandum of understanding to begin the survey was signed yesterday in Vientiane by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Mr Thongmy Phomvixay and Plantheon Company Vice President Mr Prasert Maekwatana. The survey will cover 28,000 hectares of land, Mr Prasert said.
The Lao government has been encouraging investment by foreign companies and the proposed sugar project will help to improve villagers' living standards, he added.
The project is in line with Plantheon's policy to expand investment in neighbouring countries, Laos in particular, and will contribute to socio-economic development in the country, Mr Prasert said.
Plantheon plans to develop the sugarcane industry in Champassak province. Surveys have shown that Soukhouma and Mounlapamok districts are suitable for sugarcane plantations as well as other commercial crops such as cassava and rubber, and the construction of a refinery.
This will create employment and income for local people, and will bring prosperity to Soukhouma and Mounlapamok districts in line with the policies of provincial officials, he said.
Mr Prasert said yesterday's signing ceremony is the first step in the feasibility study for the sugarcane plantation and refinery, and in assessing the viability of other commercial crops.
vientiane times
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