OUR MISSION
To conduct activities that facilitate the investment and growth of U.S. businesses in the Lao PDR, thus contributing to the overall development of local communities and the Lao PDR as a whole.
OUR OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of AMLAOBIZZ are to:
- Represent American business interests in Lao PDR;
- Promote and support new direct U.S. investment in Lao PDR;
- Provide opportunities for U.S. businesses/organizations to network and do business with other companies in Lao PDR and in the region;
- Work closely with other chambers, particularly the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“LNCCI”), and also the Lao Government to advocate for and further grow U.S. investment in Lao PDR;
- Liaise with the U.S. Embassy to better understand U.S. Government policy and initiatives in Lao PDR; and
- Invest in non-profit educational programs or other suitable programs which support the community and the mission of AMLAOBIZZ.
AMLAOBIZZ VALUES
Compliance with all applicable laws
Good Corporate Citizenship
Respect for the individual and dignity of the worker
Training and Education for employees
Environmentally responsible business practices
Improved market access and promotion of intellectual property rights
High standards of professional and business ethics.
2023
Board of Directors
President
Souliyo Vongdala
Souliyo is the Co-founder and CEO of LOCA, the largest ride-hailing service in Laos. He is a serial entrepreneur and a U.S-educated electrical engineer with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. With his background in engineering and passion for problem-solving, Souliyo has made a significant impact on the transportation industry in Laos, providing a safe, reliable, and transparent service while creating sustainable jobs for over 500 people, including women. He has received recognition for his efforts, including awards such as the ASEAN Business Award and being listed on Forbes Asia's 100 Companies to Watch.
In addition to his work with LOCA, Souliyo has also been a strong advocate for electric vehicles (EVs) in Laos and has taken steps to transition LOCA's fleet to 100% EVs by 2030. He has also launched LOCA PAY, a payment facilitator that helps tourists make payments to local SMEs using existing QR codes.
Vice President
Anthony Galliano
Anthony is Group CEO of CIM Holdings, Chief Executive Office of Cambodian Investment Management, and Chairman of Cambodian Investment Management Audit Services, Affinity Star Insurance Broker, Phnom Penh BG Serviced Office, Premium Human Resources, Cambodian Investment Management Insurance Agent, Dynamo Innovative Digital Advertising. He is also the former President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, Vice-President of the American-Lao Business Association, Treasurer of the Cambodian Restaurant Association, Director of the Cambodian Insurance Brokers Association,and Board of Director on Digital Classified Group, Tanncam Investment Pte, Backyard Hospitality, Payscout (U.S.A.) Star Insurance Sole (Laos), Fazwaz (Cambodia), and Regiotel (Cambodia). The primary businesses of the group are Corporate Finance, Venture Capital, Accounting, Payroll, Tax, Audit, Human Resources, Insurance Broker, Serviced Offices, and Media.
Treasurer
Wayne McIntosh
Wayne is the general manager of Lao Ford City. Wayne is a reliable and highly motivated manager with 25 years experience, covering the automotive, meat processing, food manufacturing and financial services industries. Proven achievement across sub-sahara Africa: in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Angola, Madagascar, Mauritius, DRC and Nigeria in the roles of Sales & Marketing Director, Managing Director, Chief Operating officer and Business Team Director.
General Secretary
Kongphanh Santivong
Kongphanh (“KP”) is a US-trained lawyer based in the Vientiane office of LS Horizon. He has experience in cross-border investment, concessions business, project finance, capital markets (i.e., IPO and sovereign bond issuance), and international arbitration. He has been involved in significant deals, transactions, and matters in Lao PDR, such as advising a multilateral financial institution on the landmark project financing of the first major wind power project in Laos, advising a major Chinese bank on a multi-million dollar project financing of a hydropower project, advising underwriters of one of the earliest IPO for a Lao-registered company for listing in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and representing a syndicate of Thai banks related to the first sovereign bond issuance for private placement by the Lao Ministry of Finance.
Director
Jacqueline J. Spence
CEO of Black and Brewtiful Coffee, a distinguished coffee brand that exclusively imports single origin coffee from the beautiful Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos. Our focus lies in offering coffee enthusist exceptional single origin coffee while sharing the captivating narratives that accompany each cup.
At the core of our business are the dedicated growers, the very heart and soul of our operation. Our mission is simple: we strive to put a face and a name to each individual behind our coffee, all while ensuring they receive a fair wage that they rightfully deserve. We believe that true quality should be rewarded with honest pricing, and this transparency benefits every link in the supply chain.
Director
Kent Ford
Kent Ford is a pioneering International Development professional with over 30 years of experience, focusing on private sector engagement, economic growth, market systems development, and integrating SMEs into the larger economy. He has worked in over 60 countries, including working and living in Asia, Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and East and West Africa. He has devised groundbreaking initiatives that effectively engaged leading private sector players to open and re-open new regional and international markets for people living in post-conflict periods of rebirth. A two-time entrepreneur, Mr. Ford has spent time in leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies as well as with small and medium-sized businesses.
Director
Anoma Praphanchith
Anoma is a businessman experienced in real estate and insurance in Washington State for more than 25 years. He was the winner of talent award in 2003 and 2004 (Two years). He is presently the CEO of Anoma Company in Laos. Anoma Consulting Sole Co. Ltd. provides consulting services on Lao Law and other country’s law. They are experienced in Lao Law with specialty in Criminal Law, Economic Law, Investment Law and Civil Law. They also provide services on immigration and non-immigration visas for all around the world and selling and leasing movable/immovable assets in Laos and abroad, including the USA.