A group photo is taken at the Savannakhet Dry Port to mark the visit of the Australian Ambassador, Ms Megan Jones, and her delegation.

Australia’s envoy and business leader explore investments at Savan Park SEZ

The Australian Ambassador to Laos, Ms Megan Jones, led a delegation on a visit to the Savannakhet Special Economic Zone C (Savan Park) and the Savannakhet Dry Port, highlighting the site’s investment potential.
With fully developed infrastructure, including water supply, electricity and logistics facilities, Savan Park SEZ stands as a key investment hub, attracting businesses from across Asia and Europe.

Mr Tee Chee Seng (right), briefs the Australian Ambassador on port operations.

The visit on Tuesday was aimed at exploring investment opportunities at Savan Park SEZ, which has already drawn interest from numerous international investors.
The Australian delegation,  which included Mr Charles - Business Champion Laos, was welcomed by Chief Executive Director of SEZA, Dr Thanongsai Soukkhamthat, the Director of Savan Park Zone C, Mr Tee Chee Seng, and Chief Executive Officer of Savan Logistics Co., Ltd, Mr Jean Pierre Grzelczyk.

Australian officials join company representatives for a photo during the visit.

Mr Tee Chee Seng provided an overview of the departure and entry system at the Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, and logistics operations at the Savannakhet Dry Port. He highlighted the use of a transparent, secure and modern system to ensure efficiency in payment verification processes.
Mr Tee noted: “Currently, 86 companies are registered in Savan Park Zone C, employing nearly 6,000 people. Many more investors are expected to join the zone this year.”
He emphasised Laos’ attractiveness as an investment destination, saying: “Laos is an appealing country for investment, not only because of its reliance on clean electricity but also due to its young and dynamic workforce, ready to contribute to the industry.”
Following the briefing, the delegation toured Essilor Lao Co Ltd, a French-owned lens manufacturing company renowned as one of the world’s leading producers. The company exports up to 45 million lenses annually and, in 2024, it raised US$35 million in investments and constructed a second manufacturing building.
Currently, Essilor Lao employs 700 people, with plans to expand its workforce to 1,000 this year.

The Australian delegation and company representatives take a group photo at Essilor Lao Co., Ltd. after their tour.

The Savan Park SEZ continues to play a crucial role in driving economic growth in Laos, offering world-class logistics services and a favourable investment climate for international businesses.
Established in 2008, Savan Park was the first SEZ in Laos. The site provides a one-stop service for investors. The zone is protected under a Prime Minister’s Decree approved in 2003, ensuring investor confidence and regulatory compliance.
The Savannakhet Special Economic Zone C (Savan Park) was established in 2008 as Laos’ first special economic zone (SEZ) and later upgraded to the Savannakhet Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA). Strategically located along the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC), Savan Park connects Laos to Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, making it a key logistics and investment hub in the region.
The SEZ, covering 234 hectares, has transformed wasteland into an industrial, commercial and logistics centre, offering one-stop services for investors. Its protection under the Prime Minister’s Decree of 2003 also provides regulatory stability.
The Savannakhet Dry Port, located within the SEZ, serves as a major transit hub for regional trade, offering customs clearance, a large container yard and forwarding services. In 2023, the port handled transit cargo worth US$6.94 billion, with figures rising to US$7.04 billion in early 2024.
With its modern infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and skilled workforce, Savan Park continues to attract businesses and strengthen its role as a leading trade and investment hub in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update March 28, 2025)