Duty free mall planned for Vientiane
In this article (5)
A consortium of Lao and Thai investors is building a shopping and hotel complex in Laos’ largest city, Vientiane as the two nations prepare for the new Asean Economic Community.
The US$290 million project will be built on a 32 hectare site in downtown Vientiane. In the first stage a 37,000 sqm duty free mall will be built with tenancies for 200 brands.
Stage two will include a larger shopping mall, a hotel, theme park and commercial buildings. A logistics and distribution centre is also planned.
The first retail facility – to be called the Laos Duty Free Mall – is under construction already with an opening scheduled for February next year.
Targeting Chinese, Thai and Lao shoppers, the centre is expected to draw about 10,000 customers a day.
The project is being undertaken by BM Group, 51 per cent owned by Lao’s, including coffee and duty free business Dao-Heuang Group, and 49 per cent owned by Thai company Sayam International.
BM Group is also planning four more duty free malls within four years in Laos: in Pakse, Vientiane, Savannakhet and Luang Prabang.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the total estimated cost of this project?
What is the total estimated cost of this project?
The total estimated cost for the shopping and hotel complex in Vientiane is US$290 million. This large investment is being made by a consortium of Lao and Thai investors.
Q.Which specific groups of shoppers is the new duty free mall intended to attract?
Which specific groups of shoppers is the new duty free mall intended to attract?
The Laos Duty Free Mall is specifically targeting Chinese, Thai, and Lao shoppers. It is anticipated to attract around 10,000 customers daily once it opens next year.
Q.Which companies are involved in the ownership of BM Group, the project's developer?
Which companies are involved in the ownership of BM Group, the project's developer?
BM Group is 51 per cent owned by Lao investors, including Dao-Heuang Group, which specialises in coffee and duty free operations. The remaining 49 per cent is owned by the Thai company Sayam International.
Q.Are there plans for further duty free malls in Laos beyond this Vientiane project?
Are there plans for further duty free malls in Laos beyond this Vientiane project?
Yes, BM Group is also planning to develop four more duty free malls within the next four years. These are scheduled for Pakse, Savannakhet, Luang Prabang, and an additional one in Vientiane.
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