PM attends launch of new developments at Asia-Potash International Intelligent Circular Industrial

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and other top government officials attended an opening ceremony for new production and expansion processes in the first phase of a project operated by Asia-Potash International in Khammuan province.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (fifth from right) poses for a group photo at an opening ceremony for the Asia-Potash International Intelligent Circular Industrial in Khammuan province on Saturday.

Asia-Potash International Intelligent Circular Industrial (Asia-Potash Industrial Park) is the first Laos-operated project developed through an industrial chain model, backed by the Lao government and Khammuan province in collaboration with Asia-Potash.
Asia-Potash Industrial Park hopes to use its expertise in the potash fertiliser industry to create a modern and national-level park that is a pioneer in both potash fertiliser and multi-mining industries.
Waste materials from potash fertiliser production at the park are to be used to produce the maximum benefits, make new products, and add value by attracting international quality investment.
Modern technologies sourced globally will upgrade and increase the efficiency of the park, develop modern industrial clusters, and help accelerate Laos’ economic and social development.
The first phase of the project at Asia-Potash Industrial Park includes efforts to boost production capacity, such as a 3D printing remanufacturing project, a bromine downstream-flame retardant project with an annual production capacity of 36,000 tons, and a bromine capacity expansion project that will see annual production capacity of 25,000 tons grow to 50,000 tons.
A chlor-alkali capacity expansion project will see its annual production capacity of 30,000 tons grow to 100,000 tons.
Additionally, construction of a dolomite calcining unit with an annual production capacity of 600,000 tons is now underway.
Director and Deputy General Manager of Asia-Potash, Zheng You Ye, said these projects are all the first and largest of their kind in Laos and that once fully operational, the value of the products manufactured by the park will reach US$500 million per year.

The projects integrate multiple industry chains, including bromine chemicals, chemical salts, and high-tech and multi-mining sectors, moving from the planning phase to actual implementation.
After the approval of the industrial park policy, more projects will begin to expand production capacity in the second and third phases.
This park hopes to be a strong force in the supply of local products in Laos and in producing goods for a wider global market, encouraging Laos to develop a new industrial model that can generate income from exports and replace imports in its next stage of development.
The industrial park also aims to attract high-quality businesses within its industrial chain, create a national model project, and make an important contribution to Laos’ socio-economic development.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith raised the start of production and the expansion of production capacity as an important milestone in the development of this Lao industry.
The minister added that it will produce more goods for export and reduce the commodity and currency deficit problems, which the government is addressing while helping the international community recognise and understand Laos more deeply.
The government supports further development of this industry, with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce collaborating with relevant parties to study and implement appropriate policies for developing industrial parks and with legislation on Asia-Potash Industrial Park expected to be promulgated this year.
“I hope that Asia-Potash Industrial Park will create an environment around the project with educational facilities, health services, and other advanced service facilities, as well as build the capacity of more Lao staff and experts,” said Mr Malaithong.
The Governor of Khammuan province, Mr Vanxay Fongsavanh, highlighted that Asia-Potash is a model company for developing the mineral industry in Khammuan.
The governor added that it is a company that prioritises the continuous development of its business and is involved in many industries while respecting and complying with the Lao government’s laws and regulations and fulfilling its contractual obligations to the government.
Asia-Potash is also working to contribute to local development through efforts to resolve people’s poverty, create jobs, and improve the living standards of communities in the project area.
The new project will increase economic value and income for both the Lao government and Khammuan province, contributing significantly to the development of the nation and the province.
“I request the central government, the provincial government, and the surrounding villagers support the company in its production and expansion programme and overfulfilling on its goal”, said Mr Vanxay.
Alongside the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister and his delegation toured the site to gain a deeper understanding of the production processes, product quality, market applications, and positive employment impacts.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 18, 2024)