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Lao, French firms ink services agreement
A world leader in remote site services from France, Sodexo Laos PVT Sole Co Ltd, signed a joint venture contract with the KP Group Co Ltd of Laos yesterday regarding closer cooperation in event management and catering services.
“We see a lot of potential in the area, especially for future projects in Laos in the mining, healthcare, education and manufacturing sectors,” said Senior Vice President of Sodexo Asia Pacific, Mr Laurent Auzanneau.
“What we want to do is provide catering services in the healthcare sector for both hospitals and private clinics, as well as expand into the areas of education and facility management,” Mr Auzanneau said as the two parties signed off on the agreement.
KP Group Chairman Mr Khemsath Philaphandeth said “Our joint venture will involve business services cooperation in food distribution, housekeeping, and other services, especially in the health care sector.”
“KP will help Sodexo with supply chain management and will import and supply goods to Sodexo,” Mr Khemsath said.
Sodexo has already demonstrated their future business direction, in terms of the localisation of services like laundry and housekeeping. It currently supplies produce and provides logistical support to a number of mining projects in Laos.
Sodexo is confident its partnership with KP will pave the way for increased business expansion in Laos, which is experiencing rapid economic growth in line with its neighbours. The government is also expanding fiscal and monetary reforms, promoting private enterprises and foreign investment, and strengthening the banking sector, which is generating greater investor certainty in Laos.
In the short term the companies will be targeting the significant presence of the mining and hydroelectric industries in Laos, which rely on remote site management expertise. They will also focus on education and government markets, where there is also significant growth potential.
KP has a varied portfolio of interests and has worked with major organisations from outside Southeast Asia, such as Bridgestone, Unilver and Philips, Mr Auzanneau said. “I am confident this partnership will benefit both our great companies,” he added.
Sodexo Laos began operations in May 2005, and specialises in providing catering, laundry and other services for the men and women working on remote sites.
Sodexo commenced operation in France in 1966. It designs, manages and delivers comprehensive service solutions, including technical facilities, energy, clinical technology, food, landscaping and housekeeping management services, and employee benefits such as restaurant, childcare and gift pass services.
KP was established in 19 40, focusing on imports and distribution. Its rapid success attracted different business groups who became shareholders and trade partners and widened their offering, including goods distribution, automotive, industry, logistics, and information technology.
vientiane times
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