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At MTC today, our various customers from business sectors, and the large scale trading firms to the dominant global supply chain providers, put their trusts on our professional services on this field. We offer to the valued clients the flexible solutions to enhance the value added services on imported raw materials and just-in-time distributions. We emphasize on the cost reduction and revenue improvement, thus allow the competitiveness not only for ourself but for our valued clients as well.

Alpha Links International Co.,Ltd.
Cargo General Sales Agent for Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Mailing Address :

Alpha Links International Co.,Ltd.
Saudi Arabian Airlines Room No. 339 FLR 3, Thai Cargo Terminal Section B2, 999 Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangna-Trad Road K.M. 15,Bang Plee District, Samut Prakarn 10540 Thailand
Telephone : +66 2137 4782-4

Fax Number : +66 2137 4785

Air Canada Cargo provides direct cargo services to over 150 Canadian, U.S. transborder and international destinations and has sales representation in over 50 countries. With hubs in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, London and Frankfurt, our network is extended through interline agreements with other air carriers and through ground trucking services offered in selected markets, serving more than 300 destinations in all.

Air Canada Cargo is Canada’s largest provider of air cargo services as measured by cargo capacity. Our primary customers are large freight forwarding companies and businesses whose products require the use of air services to expedite their time sensitive cargo shipments. We offer shipping solutions tailored to specific commodities and time requirements to meet the needs of our customers efficiently and cost-effectively.

With a focus on innovation, we develop applications and utilize technology to consistently improve operational and business processes and deliver quality service. We are active in many industry initiatives and assume a position of leadership in moving the air cargo industry forward.

Archaeologist studied unearthed bronze utensils and dated civilization in Thailand back to 3600 B.C. The study places the country as one of the earliest civilization known in the world. The history on stone scriptures was recorded in the 13th Century when King Intradit established Sukotai as the capital of the Thai Kingdom.

With the respect commanded by the Monarchy and Buddhism act as symbols of unity, enabling the country to develop and maintain a homogeneous culture. The king acts as the Head of State and the Protector of Buddhism, the national religion, which is followed by 94% of the Thai whereas 6% is mixed of other religions.

Thailand is situated in mainland Southeast Asia in the Central Pacific Basin . It is bounded by Malaysia to the south, Laos and Cambodia to the northeast, and Myanmar to the west and north. Its shape on the map has been likened to the head of an elephant, with its trunk extending down the Malay peninsula. The center of Thailand, Bangkok, is at about 14’ north latitude, putting it on a level with Madras, Manila,Guatemala and Khartoum. The country’s longest north-south distance is about 1860 km. Central Thailand is a vast fertile plain; the north is mountainous (with peaks reaching 2,000 meters); the northeast is semiarid; and the south is tropical.

Average temperature is ranging from 29.5 C to 38 C (85 F to 100 F) . The hottest and coolest months are in April and January respectively. The official seasons are classified into summer (March to May), rainy (June to October) and winter (November to February).

Thailand covers 517,000 square kilometers of land mass and its coastlines stretches to a total distance of 2,400 kilometers, making it slightly smaller than the state of Texas in the USA, or about the size of France. The population of Thailand is about 62 million and its currently growing at a rate of 1-1.5% per annum. About 75% of citizens are ethnic Thais, who can divided into the central Thais, the Thai Lao of North-Eastern Thailand, the Thai Pak Tai of Southern Thailand, and the Northern Thais. Each group speaks its own Thai dialect and to a certain extent practises customs unique to its region. People of Chinese ancestry make up 11% of the population, most of whom are second or third-generation Hakka, Chao Zhou, Hainanese or Cantonese.

Bangkok is the commercial hub of the nation with all governmental offices and business and industrial headquarters heavily clustered in the inner city. Centers of transportation and communications are also located within. Population in Bangkok is growing rapidly toward 8 millions figure as more people are moving in to look for works. Like many capital cities, it suffers from traffic congestion. During the rainy season, parts of it are also flooded.

Social environment

Thailand’s north-east has the lowest inflation rate and cost of living. This region is poorer than the rest of the country. In the South the economy is kept fairly stable with fishing, tin mining, palm-oil and rubber production. Central Thailand grows fruit, sugar cane and rice for country consumption and export. Northern Thailand produces tea, maize, various fruits and flowers. Raw average per capita income by 2000 was usd1949 per year and economy is growing at a rate of 4.5 per annum. The minimum daily wage in Bangkok and surroundings provinces is usd4.05 (local currency baht162).

Ecology

Thailand, like all countries with very high population densities, has put enormous pressure on the ecosystems within its borders. Fifty years ago the countryside was around 70% of the natural forest ; as of 2000 an estimated 20% of the natural forest cover remained. In response to environmental degradation the Thai government has created a large number of protected parks, reserves and sanctuaries since the 1970s, and has enacted legislation to protect specific plant and animal species. The government hopes to raise the total forest cover to 40% by the middle of this century. Marine resources are also threatened by a lack of long-range conservation goals. The upper portion of the Gulf of Thailand, between Rayong and Prachuap Khiri Khan, was once one of the most fertile marine areas in the world. Now it is virtually dead due to overfishing and the release of mainland pollutants. One encouraging move by the Thai Government was the passing of the 1992 environmental Act, which provides for environmental quality standards and the establishment of national authority to designate conservation and pollution control areas.

Government and its involvement economy

The country is ruled by an elected civilian coalition government, with strong, bureaucratic government and military institutions. Thailand has been a Constitutional Monarchy since 1928.

Government keeps its intervention in industry and commerce to a minimal level. Government’s major roles are to subsidize and provide necessary infrastructure and education to accommodate growth of business sectors. In fact, the Government has maintained an open policy for private sector participation in the development of the country’s major infrastructure projects.

The export and import data of pre-last and last fiscal years are summerized below:

Currency

Baht, the official currency, is internationally accepted and traded with other major currencies. It is strongly weighed to the US dollar (Exchange rate about Baht 40.00 to 1 US dollar).

Transportation and Communication

AIRPORT: Over fifty international carriers transit at the Bangkok International Airport. Local citizens or tourists can easily arrange flights or connections to almost anyplace in the world. Thai Airways International, a national carrier offers flights from Bangkok to 71 cities in 36 countries. Local services are also provided to 23 domestic airports and five neighboring countries: Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Other domestic international airports are located at Chiangmai. Phuket,and Hat Yai.

SEAPORTS: port of Bangkok (Klongtoey Harbor) is the country’s major port, capable of handling vessels up to 10,000 gross tons. Deep sea ports such as Laem Chabeng and Map Ta Phut will become eminent in near future as their full potential have yet to be realized.

RAILWAYS: The railway system of Thailand was developed in the reign of King Rama the fifth and expanded later to link the whole country together. At present a total of 4,500 kilometers of railway tracks connect the principal cities in Thailand, and rail links have been established with neighboring countries including Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. More importantly, railways plays crucial parts in International transportation as there are daily services from Bangkok to Laem Chabang Eastern Seaport, the most sophisticated and modernized seaport of Thailand.

Vietnam is located at the center of Southeast Asia facing the Pacific Ocean and shares its borders with China in the North, Laos and Cambodia in the West. The country is naturally divided into three regions with different geographical and climatic conditions – the north, the central, and the south. Mountains and tropical forests cover most of the land, but flatlands along the coast belt are fertile and two big river deltas Red River in the north and Mekong River in the south make up the two “Rice Bowls” of Vietnam.

With humid and warm weather year round, Vietnam has two climates; four seasons with a distinct winter in the North, and tropical climate with a dry and a rainy season in the South and the Central Regions. Average rainfall is 2300 mm. Vietnam has a population of approx 79 to 80 million (est 2002) of which over half is under 25 years of age and over 80 percent is under 40 years of age. The literacy rate is approximately 92%. The labor source is considered as one of the most attractive aspects of the country’s investment environment.

Vietnam has significant potential in energy resources (oil, gas, coal, and hydroelectric power) and is very rich in other minerals such as bauxite, iron ore, copper, precious stones, tin, and building materials (granite marble clay silica sand and graphite). This mineral wealth together with significant marine resources tropical forests and agricultural products gives Vietnam high potential prospects for future economic development.

Government policy

The National Assembly is the Supreme State Authority and the single legislative body, which selects the country ‘s President and Prime Minister. The State Government consists of 17 ministries and 12 ministerial agencies. The whole country is divided into 61 administrative provinces and cities under direct control of the State Government. Provinces are divided into provincial capital; towns and districts that are further divided into ward and villages. The local population elects local People’s Councils who have the duty to maintain respect for the laws and decide local economic and social development plans and budgets. Local People’s Committees are the executive bodies of local People’s Councils and act as local administrative bodies whose members (including chairman and vice- chairman) are selected by the People’s Councils at the same level.

Economy

Since 1986 the Vietnamese Government has committed itself to a new Economic Policy (named as “Doi Moi”). The core of this policy was to create a stable and growing economy with a strategic policy towards all economic sectors (State-owned business entities as well as non State business entities). Before 1986, all Economic sectors were under the state control.

In order to implement this new policy, Vietnam has opened its door to overseas investors and has successfully achieved significant development. The government now pays attention to the business expansion of all form of Enterprises (Private Enterprises, Foreign Invested Enterprises and State Enterprises) instead of only the State Enterprises as before.

At present Vietnam has diplomatic relations with 160 countries, and has economic and trading relations with about 140 countries and territories. Vietnam has also established relationships with international organizations and institutions such as World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and Asian Development Bank. It is also a member of ASEAN and APEC and has been participating in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). It is working on joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in near future.

The New Economic policy has brought encouraging achievements to its economy. From 1991 to 1997, Vietnam had an average annual GDP growth of 8.5%. Even during the Asian Financial Crisis in 1998 and 1999, Vietnam had an annual GDP growth of 4.4% and 4.9% respectively. The Economy started to grow faster afterward with annual GDP growth of 6.7% in the year 2000 and 7.1% in 2001. Vietnam’s Export turn over had also increased dramatically from around 2 billion USD in 1991 to over 15 billion USD in 2001.

The major economic sectors are agriculture (rice, coffee, tea), industry (garment, footwear, oil, gas, mining), services, construction and tourism.

Foreign Investment

The amended Law on Foreign Investment in Vietnam is considered one of the most favorable and open investment laws in the region. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy is guaranteed by the Vietnamese Government to be implemented on a stable and long-term basis; and any amendment of and addition to it shall be made on the principle of creating more favorable conditions for investors.

Foreign investors may invest in Vietnam in many economic sectors of the economy in the following forms:

Business co-operation contract;
Joint venture enterprise;
Enterprise with one hundred percent (100%) foreign owned capital.

The Government guarantees fair and equitable treatment and provides favorable conditions and formulates simple and prompt procedures for foreign investors investing in Vietnam. Capital and other assets of the investors shall not be expropriated or confiscated by administrative measures. Business with foreign invested capital would not be nationalized.

To encourage more Foreign Investments, the government provides Investment Incentives:

• In priority projects, tax incentives include:

– Exemption and reduction of corporate income tax

– Exemption and reduction of import and export duties

– Exemption of withholding tax

• In case of projects requiring special investment encouragement, incentives include:

– Profit tax reduction to 10%

– Tax holidays of upto to 4 years, and 50% tax reduction for another 4 years

• Foreigners are allowed to repatriate income abroad, subject to tax payments and foreign exchange regulations.

Officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is 181,035 square kilometres (69,898 square miles) in area, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.

Cambodia has a population of over 15 million. The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, practiced by approximately 95 percent of the population. The country’s minority groups include Vietnamese, Chinese, Chams, and 30 hill tribes. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, the political, economic, and cultural centre of Cambodia. The kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with Norodom Sihamoni, a monarch chosen by the Royal Throne Council, as head of state. The head of government is Hun Sen, who is currently Prime minister and the longest serving non-royal leader in South East Asia and has ruled Cambodia for over 30 years.

Social enveronment

Like the Thais, who have their wai, the Cambodia’s traditionally greet each other with the ‘sompiah’, which involves pressing the hands together in prayer and bowing. In general the higher the hands and the lower the bow the more respect is shown. In recent decades this custom has been partially replaced by the western practice of shaking hands.

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia, the country’s economic statistics are low by international standards, with average salaries less than US$300 a year and about 40% of the population classified as poor. According to official statistics, around 96% of the people who live in Cambodia are ethic Khmers (ethic Cambodians), making the country the most homogeneous in South-East Asia. In reality, there are much higher numbers of Vietnamese and Chinese than such statistics account for.

Transportation and Communication

The international community is funding a massive project to redevelop the roads linking Thailand to Vietnam via Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and also Hwy 7 north to Laos, including a major bridge over the Mekong River at Kompong Cham. Once this is completed, the map of overland travel in Indo-China will be completely redraw, but this work probably won’t be completed for several years. International calls are expensive in Cambodia. To call Cambodia from outside the country, the country code is 855. Internet access is now available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Costs are expensive by international standards and if you are using a mobile phone from remote areas the connection is poor.

Ecology

The biggest threat to the environment in Cambodia is logging. In the mid-1960s Cambodia was reckoned to have around 75% rainforest coverage. Surveys carried out in mid-1993 concluded this had been reduced to 49%, around half of which was primary forest. Cambodia has a pollution problem, but it is not of the same nature as the carbon monoxide crises in neighbouring capitals such as Bangkok and Jakarta: Phnom Penh is the only city that suffers from air pollution.The climate of Cambodia is governed by two monsoons, which set the rhythm of rural life. Maximum daily temperature range from more than 40*C in April, the hottest month, to the high 20*C during January, the coolest month. Daily minimum temperatures are usually no more than 10*C below the maximums. Annual rainfall varies considerably from area to area. Whereas the seaward slopes of the south-west highlands receive more than 5,000mm of rain per annum, the central lowlands average only about 1,400mm. Between 70% and 80* of the annual rainfall is brought by the south-western monsoon.

Economy

For a long time rubber was Cambodia’s primary export, but the plantations in the north and east of the country produce very little compared with colonial days. rubber has been eclipsed in recent years by timber exports, which in 1994 accounted for US$194 millions, nearly half the country’s export earnings. Cambodia’s second biggest export earning is the transhipment of cigarettes and consumer goods. These came from Singapore, Malaysia and China. Cambodia has low import tariffs, and imports can thus be lucratively shipped on to more restrictive regional markets such as Vietnam. The challenge for Cambodia is to create an environment in which sustainable economic development can take place. At present, the signs indicate that the government is all too willing to encourage foreign investment in projects than generate short-term wealth for a few, but offer few long-term benefits for the many. Cambodia has relied heavily on Angkor Wat when promoting itself as a tourist destination, and not without good reason: it really is one of the most impressive signs on earth.

Currency

Cambodia’s currency is the riel, from around 200 riel to the US dollar in mid-1989 the riel plummeted in value, settling at around 2,600 riel to the US dollar for a few years before the regional economic crisis weakened it further, dragging it down to the current level of about 3,800 riel. Cambodia’s second currency, some would say its first, is the US dollar, which is accepted everywhere and by everyone, though your change may arrive in riel. In the west of the country, Thai baht is also a common use. The sinking fortunes of the riel meant that, until recently, it was hardly worth the paper it was printed on. The government has responded by creating new higher value denominations, although notes of 20,000 riel and upwards are still a fairly rare sight.

Nepal is a land-locked country situated between China in the North and India in the South, East and West. It lies along the southern slopes of Himalayan range. It covers the total area of 147,181 Square Kilometer. Its rectangular shape covers a length of approximately 885-Km from East to West and width varying from 130 – 240 Km. The width is non-uniform. The average width is about 193 Km from North to South. The country can be broadly divided into three parallel geographic regions extending from East to West. They are Mountain Region (4877Meter to 8848 Meters), Hilly Region (610Meter to 4877 Meters) and the Terai (the plain) Region (Below 610 Meter). The Mountain Region lies in the North and covers 35 percent of the land area of the country. The world famous highest mountain “The Mount Everest” lies in this Region. This region accommodates only 7.3 percent of the population. The Hilly Region lies in the central part of the country and covers 42 percent of the area of the country. This Region accommodates 46 percent of the total population. Kathmandu, the Capital of the country lies in this Region. The Terai Region lies in the Southern part of the country and covers 23 percent of the area of the country. This Region accommodates 46.7 percent of the total population of the country. Lumbini, the Birth Place of Lord Buddha, lies in this Region. This Region includes most of the fertile land and dense forest of the country. The major crops of this Region are Paddy, Maize, Wheat, Sugarcane, Vegetables, Tobacco, etc. The total population of the country is about 30 million. The population growth rate is around 3 percent per annum. There is only one international airport in Nepal, which is situated in Kathmandu Valley. As Nepal is a land-locked country, there is no seaport in the country.

Socialenveronment

Nepalese people are very simple and cooperative. The majority of Nepalese people do not possess higher economic status. The GDP per capita income is around USD 2400.00, which means that the purchasing power of majority of Nepalese is very low. The national urban consumer price index rose by only 3 percent in the current year. The GDP growth rate at current price is around 7.5%. The contribution of agriculture sector to GDP is about 38 percent and that of non-agriculture sector is about 62 percent.

Transportation and Communication

According to the latest Management Information system (MIS) report of Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), 97.65 percent of 26.49 million people in the country have access to telephone service.The report includes data of up to mid-December, 2014. Telephone penetration increased by 12.88 percentage points in the one-year period. It stood at 84.77 percent in mid-December, 2013.

Nepal is a Himalayan country where transportation can be difficult due to its mountainous terrain. Nevertheless, there is road and water transportation. Cable transport is also an emerging mode of transportation in Nepal. Manakamana Cable Car and Chandragiri Cable Car are the two cable transport providers in Nepal. Road is Nepals primary transport mode with total of 13223 km of Highway. Of that 4073 km is paved and the rest 9150 kms unpaved. There is only 1 international airport which is located in Kathmandu but construction of 2 more international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa has already been started . There are in totl 46 small regional airports around the country.

Ecology

In spite of the government’s endeavor to control pollution, some degree of pollution exists in Kathmandu valley. Dust and fume discharged by the vehicles are the main causes of increased pollution in Kathmandu Valley. Other parts of the country can be said to be free of pollution as compared to that of Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu is a beautiful valley where the temperature comes down to -2 Degree Celsius in the winter (December, January) and goes up to 34 Degree Celsius in the summer (May, June).

Governmentpolicy

With the implementation of liberal economic policy by the Government, participation of the private sector in the economy has increased. As a result of investor-friendly policy pursued by the government, new employment opportunities have been generated in the industrial establishments, bank and finance companies, insurance companies, non-governmental organizations, educational and health institutions, hotels and airlines services.
The present democratic Government with its liberalized economic policy has adopted supportive policy for the industrial growth in the country. Various incentives in the form of tax holiday period, tax exemption, reduction in corporate tax rate is being provided to certain types of industries. Most of the government owned enterprises have been privatized in last few years. Due to the liberalized economic policy of the government, many new industries and big projects are coming up with foreign joint venture. The Government has been pursuing a series of industrial reform measures in order to create a conductive environment for attracting foreign investment and private participation. Thus, for the overall economic growth of the country, the Government has given significant importance to the growth of the industrial sector particularly the export – oriented industries such as garments, carpets, handicrafts, etc.
The Government of Nepal has been adopting liberalized economic policy since last few years. It is trying to create investment friendly environment to attract foreign investments. Nepal Government has pursued open and market oriented liberal policy for economic development of the country. As a result, Industrial Enterprise Act and the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act have been promulgated in 1992. In order to attract foreign investment, the Government has made following provisions:
Hundred percent ownership made possible – Foreign investors are permitted to own up to 100 percent equity share in small (investment in fixed assets up to 10 million Rupees), medium (investment in fixed assets from 10 million to 50 million Rupees) and large scale industries (investment in fixed assets for more than 50 million Rupees).
Areas open for Foreign Investment – Foreign investment is allowed in all areas except some specified areas like cottage industries, arm and ammunition industries, security printing, retail business, travel agency, trekking agency, internal courier service and so on.
No Nationalization.
Simplification in import of machinery and raw materials.
Repatriation of profits, dividend, technical and management fees.
Some structural and economic changes have taken place in the national economy during the current fiscal year. This year, GDP is estimated to record a growth rate of 4.6 percent as compared to 8.6 percent in the last fiscal year. Industry plays an important role for an accelerated economic development of the country. The government has recognized private sector’s role as an inevitable to accelerate the pace of industrial development. With a view to contributing to the industrialization of the country through investment and technology transfer, foreign investment has been regarded as an essential strategy for the industrial development. Foreign investment is a vehicle not only to import capital but also for the management and technology, skill and competitive professional qualities in our corporate culture which will help contribute significantly to the overall economic development of the country. Keeping these things in mind, approval has been given to establish 649 industries as of mid-March 2001 under foreign investment. Total project cost of these industries has been NRs. 71,234.6 million. A total of NRs. 17,342.9 million has been invested in the form of foreign investment in these industries. Once these industries become operational, 81,536 people will get employment opportunities.

With its natural beauty, geographical diversity and cultural and artistic distinction, Nepal carries immense potential for the promotion of tourism industry. The main purpose of majority of the tourists to visit Nepal has been recreation, trekking and mountaineering. Nepal Tourism Board is engaged in qualitative improvement in tourism industry, and promotion and maintenance of infrastructure, and promotion and management of international tourist market. For promotion of tourism, it has sponsored various international fairs and taken part in them.

In spite of Nepal’s huge potential of generating hydro-electricity up to 83,000 MW, only 373.6 MW (0.5 percent of the total capacity) was generated till the last fiscal year. Hence, there is a great scope for foreign investment in this area.

The situation of unemployment and under employment prevailing in the country has not improved as desired due mainly to high rate of population growth of 2.24 percent per annum. In the last year 4.9 percent of the economically active population (11.7 million) remained completely unemployed. The Government is trying to reduce this unemployment rate to 4%. Industry plays an important role in the rapid economic development of the country. Development of the industrial sector is important in mitigating the problem of growing unemployment. Therefore, concrete steps need to be taken to develop industrial sector in Nepal.

Woolen carpets and ready-made garments have been occupying major places in exports to countries other than India since last few years. In the last FY, NRs. 5,390 million worth of ready-made garments were exported to third countries. Similarly, NRs. 4,260 million worth of woolen carpets and NRs.950 million worth of pashmina goods were exported to third countries.

The export and import data of pre-last and last fiscal years are summarized below :

Goverment policy

With the implementation of liberal economic policy by the Government, participation of the private sector in the economy has increased. As a result of investor-friendly policy pursued by the government, new employment opportunities have been generated in the industrial establishments, bank and finance companies, insurance companies, non-governmental organizations, educational and health institutions, hotels and airlines services.

The present democratic Government with its liberalized economic policy has adopted supportive policy for the industrial growth in the country. Various incentives in the form of tax holiday period, tax exemption, reduction in corporate tax rate is being provided to certain types of industries. Most of the government owned enterprises have been privatized in last few years. Due to the liberalized economic policy of the government, many new industries and big projects are coming up with foreign joint venture. The Government has been pursuing a series of industrial reform measures in order to create a conductive environment for attracting foreign investment and private participation. Thus, for the overall economic growth of the country, the Government has given significant importance to the growth of the industrial sector particularly the export – oriented industries such as garments, carpets, handicrafts, etc.

The Government of Nepal has been adopting liberalized economic policy since last few years. It is trying to create investment friendly environment to attract foreign investments. His Majesty’s Government has pursued open and market oriented liberal policy for economic development of the country. As a result, Industrial Enterprise Act and the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act have been promulgated in 1992. In order to attract foreign investment, the Government has made following provisions:

– Hundred percent ownership made possible – Foreign investors are permitted to own up to 100 percent equity share in small (investment in fixed assets up to 10 million Rupees), medium (investment in fixed assets from 10 million to 50 million Rupees) and large scale industries (investment in fixed assets for more than 50 million Rupees).

– Areas open for Foreign Investment – Foreign investment is allowed in all areas except some specified areas like cottage industries, arm and ammunition industries, security printing, retail business, travel agency, trekking agency, internal courier service and so on.

– No Nationalization.

– Simplification in import of machinery and raw materials.

– Repatriation of profits, dividend, technical and management fees.

Stability Of Local Currency

The local currency (Nepalese Rupees) is not stable and it is very weak as compared to American Dollars. Last year the exchange rate was Rs.76.00 per US Dollar on an average whereas the current exchange rate is Rs.78.00 per US Dollar. The devaluation of local currency is not the problem of Nepal only rather it is the problem for all other countries except the USA.

Laos, the landlocked country, shares borders with China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It covers 235,000 sq. km, an area slightly larger than Great Britain. All of Laos lies within the tropics, between latitudes 14 degree N and 23 degree N and longitudes 100 degree E and 108 degree E. Rivers and mountains dominate the topography, and their interaction accounts for most of the country’s geographic variation. Four biographic zones are recognized: the northern Indochina hilly subtropical sector (most of the north); the Annam Trung Son mountain chain (bordering Vietnam from Bolikhamsai Province in the north to Attapeu in the south); the central Indochina tropical lowland plains (along the Mekong River flood plain from Sainyabuli to Champasak); and a small section forming the Indochina transition zone (at the northern tip of Phongsali Province). Starting 4,350 km from the sea, 5,000 m up on the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong River is known as Lancang Jiang (Turbulent river) in China, Mae Nam Khong in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, Tonle Thom (Great Water) in Cambodia and Cuu Long (Nine Dragons) in Vietnam. Half its length runs through China, after which more of the river courses through Laos than through any other South-East Asian country. The Mekong River valley and its fertile floodplains form the country’s primary agricultural zones as well,

including virtually all of the country’s wet-rice lands. The two largest valley sections surround Vientiane and Suvannakhet, the major population centers. The Mekong and its tributaries are also an important source of fish, a mainstay of the Lao diet. A 1995 census of Laos recorded a total population of 4.5 millions, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%, meaning that in 2001 Laos has an estimated population of 5.5 millions. The nation’s population density is one of the lowest in Asia, around 20 people per sq. km, and Thailand 120. Roughly 85% of the population lives in rural areas.

Social environment

According to the World Bank definitions, an estimated one half of Lao

citizens are living below poverty line. The annual per capita income in

2001 was US$263 (down from US$370 in 1998), which place Laos head of Nepal and Afghanistan, but below both Cambodia and Vietnam. Gross National Product (GNP) growth in 2001 was estimated to be a moderate 4% per annum. Laos has one of the lowest foreign debts in Asia, mainly because of the heavy international aid. Export s of goods and services grew from 4% GDP in 1985 to 23% in 1996, followed by an inexplicable decline to single-digit levels in 1997 and 1998 despite the lower price tags (in dollar terms) for export goods.

Transportation and Communication

The road system in Laos is very underdeveloped. The French built only one road of any significance, Rte Colonial 13 along the lower Mekong River, plus the less impressive Rtes Colonials 7 and 9 through two Annamite mountain passes. Laos currently boasts around 22,500 km of classified road.

An estimated 20% are tarred; approximately 40% are graded and sometimes covered with gravel; the remaining 40% are ungraded dirt tracks. The Pakse-Salavan road has been upgraded and is now one of the best roads in Laos. Thailand, Myanmar, China and Laos also agreed in May 1993 to develop road links in the area bordering the upper reaches of the Mekong River, thus linking Thailand’s Chiang Rai Province with Xishuangbanna District (Yunnan) in southern China via Laos’s Bokeo and Luang Nam Tha Provinces.

Telephone service in Laos has improved substantially in the last couple of years and International Direct Dialing finally became available for businesses and private residences in Vientiane in 1993. With the arrival of satellite telecommunications via IntelSat and AsiaSat, you can now dial 155 countries from Vientiane. The Lao government controls the only legal access to the Net through two government Internet service providers (ISPs), LaoTel and LaoNet. Both struggle for a very limited amount of available bandwidth, so can be excruciatingly slow.

Ecology

Deforestation is the major environmental issue in Laos. Although the

official export of timber is tightly controlled, no one really knows how

much teak and other hardwoods are being smuggled into Vietnam, Thailand and especially China. Tourism, growing steadily in post-1975 Laos, has had no major impact on the environment thus far. Until recently the government has avoided giving contracts to companies wanting to develop large-scale resorts. One of the more disturbing aspects of the hydroelectric industry is the way in which companies deliberately apply for concessions in areas zoned for dams, confident in the knowledge that – even if the facility is never constructed – they can usually stall for time long enough to log the valleys intended for inundation. Temperatures vary according to altitude. In the humid, low-lying Mekong River valley, the highest temperatures occur in March and April (approaching 38*C), and the lowest in December and January (as low as 15*C). In the mountains of Xieng Khuang,

however, December to January temperatures can easily drop to 0*C at night;

in mountainous provinces of lesser elevation, temperatures may be 5*C to 10*C higher. During most of the rainy season, daytime temperatures average around 29*C in the lowlands and around 25*C in mountain valleys.

Economy

About a third of the population live in the Mekong valley, where trade with Thailand is vital. Another 10% or so live in recently emerging economies in the extreme north (primarily Udomxai, Phongsali and Luang Nam Tha), where trade with China is dominant but where there has been little Lao government economic intervention since 1989. A similar situation exists along the Suvannakhet-Lao Bao corridor between the Thai and Vietnamese borders, where a three-way trade between Laos, Vietnam and Thailand goes on with little Lao government intervention. A slim but significant 3% of all Lao people participate in the insulated Luang Prabang economy, where production is growing but self-limited because of the area’s isolation from exterior markets. Rising incomes in Luang Prabang are heavily infused with foreign-aid money and tourism receipts. Once Rte 13 is extended all the way from Luang Prabang to the Chinese border, the area will become a major trade crossroads. Between 50% and 60% of the nation’s population still live at a subsistence level, largely autonomous from all government involvement, in small villages catered throughout the country. Laos has 60,400 cu m of renewable water resources per capita, more than any other country in Asia. The Nam Ngum dam, 70 km north of Vientiane, generates most of the electricity used in the Vientiane valley. In addition, Thailand buys about 850 millions kilowatt-hours per year from Laos, via high power lines that stretch across the Mekong to as far away as Udon Thani. Near Tha Khaek, the Nam Theun-Hin Bun dam project exports all of its 210-megawatt output to Thailand, and is connected to Thailand’s main grid via a 95 km transmission line. Tourism is the country’s fourth most important source of income, although Laos still lag far behind many countries in Asia.

Government policy

Laos has one of the most liberal foreign investment codes in the world. Unlike in Thailand, where foreign companies are legally limited to a maximum 49% ownership in any enterprise, the Lao government allows 100% foreign ownership in approved projects. Two major conditions apply;

investors must operate through a broker to obtain all permits (including business visas) and 100% foreign ownership is limited to 15 years unless an extension is approved. Standard profit taxes run at 35%, though a lower 20% to 30% rate is available in certain promoted sectors (mostly infrastructure projects). Personal income tax is limited to a low 10%. As of the beginning of 1998, the government had granted foreign investment licenses totaling US$6.8 billions – over a tenfold increase since 1993. Around three-quarters of this investment was in energy, followed by much smaller investments in tourism, mining, garments/textiles, wood products, import/export and agribusiness. Foreign investment in Laos typically out-distances domestic public investment by a ratio of three to one. Of the more than 30 countries with companies operating in Laos, the top five foreign investors are Thailand, USA, Australia, Malaysia and France. The government has plans to develop Khammuan Province in Central Laos – an area rich in mineral and forest resources with easy access to markets in both Thailand and Vietnam – as an industrial center. The regional economic downturn of 1997 has put the breaks on the expansion of manufacturing exports, however, and so far Khammuan has been spared most industry.

Currency

The official national currency in Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). Although only kip is legally negotiable in everyday transactions, in reality the people of Laos use three currencies for commerce: kip, Thai baht and US dollars. In cities such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Suvannakhet, baht and US dollars are readily acceptable at most businesses, including hotels, restaurants and shops. In smaller towns and villages kip or baht may be preferred. The rule of thumb is that for everyday small purchases, prices are quoted in baht, while just about anything costing US$100 or more is usually quoted in US dollars. This is largely due to the relative portability of each currency. In spite of the supposed illegality of foreign currency usage, a three-tier currency system remains firmly in place. Kip notes come in denominations of 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 kip. Kip coins were once available but have been withdrawn form circulation since anything below 100 kip is virtually worthless. It’s high time the government printed at least a 10,000 or 50,000 kip note. Laos has no restrictions on the amount of money you can exchange upon entry. One US dollar equates around 8,780 kip in 1998.

Myanmar Overview

Myanmar covers an area of 671,00 sq km, sandwiched between Thailand and Laos to the east and Bangladesh to the west with India and China bordering country to the north. The country extends from approximately 28 degree north to 10 degree north latitude; the Tropic of Cancer crosses the country just above Mogok in the Mandalay Division and also intersects the Chin, Kachin and Shan states. The shape has been likened to a parrot facing west, with the beak touching Sittwe (Akyab), the claws gripping Yangon, the tail extending down the Tanintharyi peninsula, and outstretched wings forming the three northernmost states. Its greatest length from north to south is approximately 2,000 km, while the widest east to west distance is around 1,000 km. The Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea form the southern boundaries of the country. The central part of the country is marked by expansive plains and wide rivers emptying into the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Martaban (the upper Andaman Sea). Mountains rise to the east along the Thai border and to the north where you find the easternmost end of the Himalayas (highest elevations around 6,000m). Myanmar’s coastline extends 2,832 km from the mountain of the Naaf River near Bangladesh to the southern tip of Tanintharyi Division near Ranong, Thailand. Coastal barrier and delta islands are common in the estuarial areas stretching from the Rakhaing State to Mawlamyaing. Off peninsular Myanmar, farther south, over a thousand continental islands dot the littoral sea, forming a mostly uninhabited island group sometimes call the Mergui archipelago. The complete census has not been possible since the British colonial days, as of 2013 the population is estimated to be about 66 millions according to international sources, with an annual growth rate of around 2.1%. Approximately 74% live in rural areas.

Social enveronment

The social ideal for most Myanmar citizens-no matter what their ethnic background-is a standard of behaviour commonly termed ‘bama hsan-jin’ or Burmese-ness. Although ethnologist have identified 111 different ethnolinguistic groups, however they are officially recognised as 67 groups. An appreciation of Buddhism and its history in Myanmar is a prerequisite for outsiders wishing to better understand the Burmese mind.

Transportation and Communication

Yangon international airport is able to take anything bigger than an Airbus 300 or a Boeing 767, so aircraft such as 747s and DC-10s can fly there. A new larger airport (50 km north-east of the capital, on the highway to Bago) has been in the planning. There are several major air route options. The first and most common is to travel out and back from Bangkok in Thailand. A second possibility is to slot Myanmar in between Thailand and Bangladesh, India or Nepal – many people travelling from South-East Asia to the subcontinent manage a few weeks in Myanmar in between. Other alternatives include travelling out and back from Kualalumpur,Beijing,Gaungzhou,Kunming,Chiangmai,Qatar,Seoul,Ho Chi Min City, Doha,Hanoi,Phnom Penh,Siem Reap,Gaya,Calcutta, Karachi, Dhaka, Hongkong, Taipei, Tokyo,Osaka,Bangkok and Singapore. Myanmar maintains 468 km of metre-gauge railway line and 550 train stations. As of 1995, rolling stock consisted of 318 locomotives – 48 steam and the remainder diesel – plus 1,139 passenger coaches. The IDD telephone is available everywhere. Government regulated mobile GSH, CDMA phone service is available, but costs – billed in US dollars only are bit high compared to elsewhere in the world. Mobile rental service available at the Yangon Mingaladon International Airport. Roaming phone service from Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia are can be used.Fax transmission service is available .Email access through Internet is available to view the websites is opened.

Ecology

The geography of Myanmar considerably affects the monsoon rains. The delta region around Yangon gets about 250 cm a year, but the rainfall rapidly diminishes as the monsoon continues north; the central area of Myanmar is a large, comparatively dry zone with 60 to 110 cm of rain a year. Temperatures start to rise in February, and during March, April and May it can be unpleasantly hot. In Yangon the temperature often tops 40°C and in Mandalay and Bagan, it gets even hotter. Dry season rains known as ‘mango showers’ occasionally bring welcome but temporary relief. In May the rains start as the south-west monsoon again sweeps northward from the Indian Ocean. In October the rain tapers off and it becomes back to the cool, dry winter season. Monsoon forests are marked by deciduous tree varieties, which shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water; rainforests are typically evergreen. Myanmar currently boasts natural forest cover of 43%. Another 31% of the land surface is covered by secondary forest, most of which is subject to shifting cultivation. Myanmar holds 75% of the world’s reserves of Tectona Grandis; better known as teak to English speakers, and kyun to the Burmese. This dense, long-wearing, highly prized hardwood is one of Myanmar’s most important exports, for which the biggest consumers are China, Singapore and India.

Government policy

Since 1990 the government has moved towards more economic involvement with the outside world and has a number of major foreign-aided projects under way. When it comes to direct foreign investment in Myanmar, the single largest players are Singapore and the UK, each investing around US$1 billion in 1996-1997. The trade figures for 2013-14 are export,sea freight is USD 5834.955million,border trade is USd 2236.397million, import for sea freight is USD 8290.157million and border trade is USD 1375.365million.The government continues to control all legal foreign trade in timber, minerals, gems oil and gas – although foreign companies have been contracted for the exploration and extraction of some minerals and petroleum. The country’s lengthy coastline provides a wealth of saltwater fisheries. Until recently, all fisheries were state-owned, but since 1991 several private domestic and foreign companies have begun large-scale processing of marine products along the coast.

Currency

Myanmar uses two currencies, one of which is legal tender for everyone. Kyat the first is the everyday national currency, called kyat (pronounced chat). Another currency is US dollars. Cash dollars can legally be used only at establishments possessing a license to accept US dollars. There are money changers around the city and exchange services at the private Banks and International Air Port. In reality all merchants are happy to take US dollars as it can be used to exchange for kyat from licensed money changers or on the free market.

The Lilawalai resort is surrounded by a grove of tropical flower trees and the charming ponds formed with seepage of spring water from Khao Yai National Park. Our accommodations and facilities are intended to provide guests with a home-away-from-home atmosphere while offering modern technology for business travelers.

Our 62 acres (155 rais) landscape includes plumeria trees of several hundred cultivars, mainly the varieties of cannas and oleanders, amid the private tropical fruit, organic vegetable and herb gardens, providing healthy ingredients for Thai traditional and international cuisines at our restaurant.

The Lilawalai resort is a perfect hideaway where you can enjoy true nature and exotic surroundings.

Cosmic Thai Co., Ltd.

Lilavadee Trading Ltd.

Pilot Network System Co., Ltd.

Exotic – Plumeria Kingdom

Mercury Logistics Co., Ltd.

Three Trees Transport Co., Ltd.

MTC Travel Co., Ltd.