The EU delegation joins Savannakhet provincial authorities and Savan Park SEZ representatives during a visit to the Savannakhet Dry Port and Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge cargo terminal last week.

EU Ambassador Mark Gallagher visits Savan Park SEZ, Savannakhet dry port to explore investment Progress and Investment Opportunities

The Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Laos, Mark Gallagher, and other EU officials paid an official visit to the Savan Park Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Savannakhet Dry Port last week to learn more about development progress and explore future investment opportunities.

The EU Delegation discusses trade facilitation with officials during a visit to the Savannakhet Dry Port Customs Office.	Ambassador Mark Gallagher (centre) and officials tour the EssilorLuxottica factory at Savan Park SEZ.

The ambassador was welcomed by the Deputy Director of the Savannakhet Special Zone Authority, Mr Anousone PHIMMASANE; Managing Director of Savan Park SEZ, Dato’ Lee Wai Kok; and Executive Director of Savan Logistics Operator–Savannakhet Dry Port, Mr Tee Chee Seng.
During the visit, Ambassador Gallagher was briefed on Savan Park’s strategic location along the East-West Economic Corridor, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and investment potential in manufacturing, logistics, and sustainable industries.
He also toured the Savannakhet Dry Port, a key regional logistics hub facilitating cross-border trade between Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Ambassador Gallagher (left) learns about the operations of Essilor factory at the Savannakhet SEZ.

The European Union expressed interest in strengthening economic cooperation with Laos through enhanced private sector investment, improved trade facilitation, and support for sustainable industrial growth in the region.
Savan Park SEZ recorded an import value of US$111.7 million and exports worth US$124.3 million from January to June 2025. The Savannakhet Dry Port handled goods in transit worth US$5.183 billion during the same period.
To date, Savan Park has attracted 88 registered enterprises, comprising 50 in manufacturing, 28 in services, and 10 in trading. The zone provides employment to 6,724 people, of whom 6,210 are Lao nationals.
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 Special Economic Zone to be set up 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.
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 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.

EU Ambassador Mark Gallagher (9th from left) and his delegation join representatives of Savan Park SEZ and Savannakhet Dry Port to mark their visit last week.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update August 19, 2025)