(From third left) Phu Bia Mining Sustainable Livelihoods Programs Manager, Mr Lone Phonphakdy, and company representatives present a cheque for 103 million kip to Xaysomboun provincial Vice Governor, Mr Souksavath Vongphomlek, and Head of the Provincial Cabinet Office, Mr Somboun Sonelitthideth, at the Xaysomboun Provincial Cabinet Office recently.

Phu Bia Mining showcases positive impacts in Xaysomboun as province marks 10 years

Phu Bia Mining (PBM) showcased its positive socio-economic contributions to the Government and people of Xaysomboun province at a Trade and Food Fair held from January 7 -11.

Farmers from Sustainable Livelihoods Programs present their fruit and vegetables for sale at the Trade and Food Fair held in Xaysomboun province recently.

The Fair was part of several provincial events organised to mark the 10-year establishment of Xaysomboun province.
To honour the provincial celebrations, PBM provided 103 million kip to the Xaysomboun Provincial Vice Governor, Mr Souksavath Vongphomlek, who represented the provincial government.
At the fair, Company representatives set up displays highlighting projects from the PBM Community Development Fund and Sustainable Livelihoods Programs (SLP), enabling attendees to learn more about our support to local communities in Xaysomboun province.
Attendees also met with local SLP communities, discussed opportunities for future commercial partnerships, and had the opportunity to purchase locally produced clean fruit and vegetables.
The Company’s SLP was established in 2018 to assist local SLP communities to develop good quality, clean commercial agricultural products.
PBM has now completed 436 Community Development Fund projects over the past 15 years, with a total investment of US$4,945,772, in Ban Nam Mo, Nam Gnone and Nasaysavang.
The Fund has six focus areas including agriculture, education, community health, infrastructure provision, small business development and access to finance, and capacity building for government agencies. PanAust Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Daling Zheng, congratulated the government and people of Xaysomboun province for their friendship over the past decade.
Mr Zheng said “For the past 10 years, Phu Bia Mining has partnered with the national and provincial governments to improve the livelihoods of local communities in the country and Xaysomboun province in particular. In 2022, our payments to Xaysomboun province’s budget totalled US$56.9 million, accounting for 77 percent of PBM’s total contribution in the country. In 2023, PBM is expected to generate US$70 million for Xaysomboun province.”
“These payments and other Community Development Fund and SLP investments are a key part of our long-term objectives to grow our business in Xaysomboun province and create positive socio-economic impacts for the country.”
Phu Bia Mining Chairman Mr Chanpheng Bounnaphol added “We are committed to furthering our business in Laos beyond another decade and to continue to build a strong mining industry in Laos. We are financially and technically capable of delivering and investing in new projects which will bring prosperity to the government and the people of Laos.”

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update January 18, 2024)