27 July 2010 - The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane reported that members of the Philippine Business Mission who visited Laos on 11-14 July expressed optimism on the prospects of introducing Philippine home-grown brands there after conducting meetings and product presentations to various Lao importers, distributors and retailers.
Among those who attended the meetings were executives from Davies Paints Philippines, Lamoiyan Corporation, Lean Process, Inc., Liwayway Marketing Corporation, More than a Chair, RFM, Splash International Corporation, Q-Phil Products International, and officials from the Bureau of Export Trade Promotion of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippines Embassy in Vientiane. RFM Export Vice President and General Manager, who is also the leader of the private sectior mission participants, Imelda J. Madarang explored agreements with Lao importers and distributors for direct marketing to the country.
Q-Phil Products International proprietors Mr. and Mrs Edwin Onchuan presented processed food products, including Halal certified products, to retailers and distributors in Vientiane.
A high-end supermarket in Vientiane offered to consolidate product shipments, in coordination with a Singaporean partner, to be able to carry Q-Phil Products in its outlets.
Liwayway Marketing Corporation Production Manager Reddie Pitong said that the company has manufacturing facilities already in place in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. He was able to assess the most efficient way for their Oishi, Raybee and other snack products to reach Lao PDR, whether as finished or semi-finished products.
Meanwhile, Splash International Corporation Business Development Head for ASEAN Roelito Aquino said that the first shipment of Splash products would arrive in Vientiane in August 2010.
Earlier, a Lao distributor, who spotted Splash products in retail outlets in Singapore, bought and market-tested these products in Vientiane. The distributor subsequently contacted Splash expressing interest for distribution arrangements in Laos.
Lamoiyan Corporation Senior Manager of Marketing Services Group Peter Paul C. Ang acknowledged the bright possibilities of marketing Lamoiyan products directly in Laos. The company is the manufacturer of Hapee and Gumtec toothpaste.
He is exploring the pooling of shipment of Philippine personal care and processed food products from several manufacturers for direct marketing the Laos.
Davies Paints Philippines Inc. Business Development Officer for Indochina Mr. Christopher Borja, who met with several distributors and visited construction projects, is keen on distributing Davies Paints products in the Lao market at the earliest time to keep up with the wave of the current construction boom in Vientiane and the other cities in the country.
Lean Processes President and General Manager Emilio L. Virtudes discussed possible subcontracting operations and private brand manufacturing with Lao companies. His company is a toll manufacturer for major personal care products in the Philippines.
More-than-a-Chair owner Mr. Allan C. Bituin met with potential business partners for supply sourcing. The company manufactures furniture on contract for hotel projects in the United States and countries.
Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Export and Trade Promotion (DTI-BETP) Director Teresa Reginio expressed appreciation for the warm reception by officials of the host government and the favorable reaction of the distributors and retailers to Philippine products.
She also cited the valuable support extended by the Embassy in organizing the business meetings, arranging calls on Lao officials and prospective partners, and handling preparatory administrative and logistical arrangements of this first Philippine Business Mission to Laos.
Philippine Ambassador Marilyn J. Alarilla affirmed that the Embassy and the DTI-BETP will continue to work together on follow up programs to establish and strengthen the presence of Philippine brands in the country. END