UK Trade Envoy plans second visit to Laos
Lord David Puttnam, the British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for the region arrives in Laos for his second official visit this weekend.
Lord Puttnam during his last visit to Vientiane, speaking at a Commerce and Trade Reception
For the second time in six months, the British Embassy Vientiane welcomes Lord David Puttnam, the UK’s official Trade Envoy and Oscar-winning British film producer and educator. Lord Puttnam is touring the countries of South-East Asia to promote British trade interests and promote bilateral trade and investment as well as education links. In Laos, he aims to deepen his relationship with government officials, Lao film makers and trade and investment partners.
On Saturday, 1 March, Lord Puttnam will hold a masterclass for Lao film makers, sharing his views and experiences in conceptualising, marketing and production. In the evening, the British Embassy opens its garden to welcome guests to a “pop-up cinema” screening of Local Hero, a film produced by David Puttnam in 1983.
On Sunday, Lord Puttnam will open a reception celebrating links between the UK and Laos in education and business. Guests will include British business people based in Laos and Lao and foreign alumni of UK universities.
Monday will see Lord Puttnam holding a series of bilateral meetings with government including with Vice Education Minister Mme Sengdeuane Lachanthaboune and Dr. Nam Vinhaket, Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Topics of interest for his visit will include helping to promote opportunities for British business in Laos’ emerging economy, particularly around infrastructure development using Public-Private Partnerships as a model.
Lord Puttnam will also lead a small delegation of representatives of the British education to scope opportunities for UK-Laos partnerships in education and English Language. At the Research Institute for Education and Sport (RIES), the delegation will witness the finalisation of new primary school English materials developed by RIES using British Embassy project funding.
British Prime Minister David Cameron appointed Lord David Puttnam as Trade Envoy for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in November 2012 to promote trade for UK business in this fast developing economic area. Lord Puttnam last visited Laos in October 2013.