Hello

This looks like a fairly busy forum compared to other's I've been looking at for chats about Laos stuff, I have a few questions in me head and hopefully there'll be some people here who can help

Short story is, after a 10 month trip to Thailand and Laos a year ago I've decided I would like to go back to Laos, and basically stay there. So, currently I am saving me cash and doing some research.

There appears to be an easy(ish) way when looking at this website: http://www.invest.laopdr.org

This is linked to by the (based in Bangkok) Laos Embassy website so I beleive it to be at least fairly official. Apparently I can apply for an FI (Foreign Investment) licence, cost me $100 for what I want to do. It then goes on to say that with an FI licence I can then register a limited company which will need >= $500 in a bank account as registered company capital.

It would then seem like I have my own business in Laos which will then allow me to attempt to stay on a long term basis (as long as I have a working business idea).

Sorted. All these costs plus the costs for setting up my business idea are pretty much easily achievable. Whats the problem?

The Email address to contact the people at that website bounces, and the site aint been updated since '03. Information there will be out-of-date at the very least I'd imagine... they might not do these FI licences anymore, and I cant contact them to find out

Email an embassy? Tried this, both the Washington DC embassy and the Bangkok embassy. Maybe because I cant send an Email in Laos they cant read it and reply? Doesn't make sense for the Washington DC embassy... I'd imagine they would need to be fairly English literate. Maybe I am wrong!

Anyway... it seems like there are possibilities but getting actual, real, accurate information looks like its going to be a mission.

Does anybody know if these FI licences are still available? And what are their current costs?

The most important question which will help is: Where is the best official Laos place I can contact from the UK to liaise about all this?

I'm also interesting in hearing any advice more experienced people may be able to offer

Anyway, if you read all that sorry for the ramble, if you post a useful reply, many thanks in advance!

Cheers all

wrong forum.

Hmmmm... dam.

So, where is a more appropriate forum?

NOt Lao Serious Talk for sure, less will response, economy is the least favor subject. Religiion, race and history are their favor. LOL>

Its not all religion, race and history here tho... look at this -> http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?...p;hl=investment

Its a chat about real estate in Lao, man; thats of a similar flavour to what I want to chat about.

Also, I'm not interested in the 'economy' per se, I'm interested in how to go about living in Lao with some degree of stability, which, if you are living in Lao and have been for a while Buddhalove, you should know a little about, innit

In my opinion, if you have traveled in Laos before, the best way may be to discuss with those business people who have been operating in Laos, particularly those in Vientiane, Vang Viang and Luang Prabang. They may be able to tell you how they initiated their business, the types of problems they encountered, and what you should and should not do. Some may have succeeded while others may have failed and left.

I don't think most Lao members here have much idea about how to initiate a business in Laos because many have not even visited Laos. Another person who can tell you about this is Elephant King who has the ons and offs business in Laos and Thailand.

HA! Then this place is a farse (ahem, sorry!)

This very much gives an impression that this should be a place where regular Lao travellers, and ex Pats who have settled in Lao gather and chatter bout Lao issues.

But no, it is some kind os Lao fan club for people who mostly have not even seen the country in real life? Hmmmm...

Take me to your Elephant King, he sounds like the man I need to talk to