Laos in the News...

The GOL Vice Foreign Minister presented a check to the Ambassaodor for $25K for Hurricane Katrina relief today, besting Cambodia's $20K contribution by 25%.

and also, there's this...

Laos...Golf Mecca...

Koreans offer US$3m golf course

Sisay Vilaysack

Two companies from the Republic of Korea, World Link Co and Blueplan Co, yesterday signed a joint venture agreement with the Lao National Sports Committee to build a new golf course in Vientiane . The companies agreed to invest US$3 million to build an 18-hole golf course, which Laos will use for competitions during the SEA Games to be hosted in 2009 . The entire cost of construction will be borne by the Korean companies on land provided by the sports committee. The investors will enjoy a lease on the course for a 35-year duration. The golf course is to be located at Km 16 in Xaythany district close to the area allotted for a new stadium to seat 20,000 to be used in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2009 SEA Games. The investors will begin to survey the golf course site in the second week of October; construction work will begin in January next year. World Link Company chairman, In Koo Shin, said “We expect the international standard golf course to take 18 months to complete for use at the SEA Games in 2009.” “We will not only build a course of international standard but also set up world class facilities on a par with other golf courses in the region.” However, many facilities to be used during the Games in 2009 have not been completed or even begun in some cases. But Laos is confident it can get the Games up and running on time, as the government has already factored the event into its plans. Otherwise, the organising committee has discussed a possible reduction in hosting costs from US$ 100 to US$ 60 million, because it will be extremely difficult for Laos to raise this kind of money.Initially Laos had asked the governments of Japan , China and Vietnam for assistance in building the stadium for the Games. Malaysia is also looking to assist Laos in the stadium's construction. Delegates from Malaysia will meet the Lao National Sports Committee president, Dr Phouthong Seng-akhom, this morning. The two sides will discuss the availability of funds for the project. Laos is planning to hold 22 sports events in the 2009 SEA Games, focusing on sports traditionally held in the Olympic Games.