UK Trade Envoy makes third official visit to Laos
On 15 - 17 October, the British Embassy Vientiane will welcome Lord Puttnam, Trade Envoy and acclaimed British film producer on his third official visit to Laos.
Lord Puttnam at education reception on previous official visit to the Lao PDR. Photo Pongpat Sensouphone
Lord Puttnam, in his capacity as the UK’s official Trade Envoy for Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Burma, is touring the countries of Southeast Asia to promote British trade interests and promote bilateral trade and investment and other links. In Laos, his programme will cover education, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, boosting bilateral ties as well as trade and investment opportunities.
On Thursday 16 October, Lord Puttnam will attend the first ever EU education roadshow held at the National University of Laos. Four British universities will be present at the roadshow, demonstrating the strength of British education and UK institutions’ growing interest in developing education and research links with Laos. As a representative of the UK parliament’s House of Lords, Lord Puttnam will meet members of the National Assembly to discuss the development of some UK-Laos parliamentary links and open dialogue on areas of mutual interest.
In the afternoon, Lord Puttnam will hold an interactive discussion forum “In conversation with David Puttnam” with a range of young Lao entrepreneurs on the subject of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Throughout his visit Lord Puttnam will meet senior Lao government representatives including their Excellencies Deputy Prime Ministers Somsavad Lengsavad and Phankham Viphavanh, and H.E Mme Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce to discuss trade and bilateral relations between the UK and Laos. Puttnam will also meet important British companies represented in Laos as well as representatives of the National Chamber of Commerce.
The visit will end on Friday 17 October with Lord Puttnam delivering the opening address at a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event jointly organised with the European Chamber of Commerce and Investment in Laos (ECCIL). The event will promote the UK’s interests and experience in CSR and the important role businesses can play in the social and economic development of Laos.
David Puttnam spent thirty years as an independent producer of award-winning films. His films have won ten Oscars, 25 British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards and the Palme D’Or at Cannes. He retired from film production in 1998 to focus on his work in public policy, concentrating on education, the environment, and the creative and communications industries. Lord Puttnam has been the recipient of more than 40 honorary degrees from Universities in the UK and overseas. Recently, he has started delivering online film industry seminar modules to students studying at universities all around the globe.
British Prime Minister David Cameron appointed Lord Puttnam as Trade Envoy for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Burma in November 2012 to promote trade for UK business in this fast developing economic area.