As part of her working schedule, Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce, Khemmani Pholsena, oversaw the monitoring of imported petroleum quality one month after the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Department of Standardisation and Metrology had checked the petroleum quality.
The minister visits the Vientiane Oil Depot
Minister Pholsena said “The move aims to look back at the monitoring of petroleum quantity and quality done over the past month. The monitoring of petroleum quality and quantity has had positive influence on tax collection, and helped consumers get access to petroleum of good quality.”
The supervision of the quality of Petrolimex Laos’ oil depot was conducted at the presence of the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Boviengkham Vongdara, and representatives from relevant bodies.
Deputy Head of the Mittaphap 1 International Border Gate, Thongthip Syvixay made a brief report on the operation of the border gate, including both advantages and disadvantages. Specifically, the border gate has ensured safety and order in the process of checking people and vehicles entering and leaving the border, and checking goods imported. However, the border gate often faces traffic congestion due to the high quantity of vehicles crossing the border daily, particularly during holidays. A following report by the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Department of Standardisation and Metrology focused on the supervision of the standard and quality of petroleum imported from Thailand through the border gate. Over the past month, dirty petroleum was found on oil tank truck. Warning has also been issued to make sure that import goods are of good quality because Laos is a member of the ASEAN Community and a member of the World Trade Organisation. All types of goods imported into Laos must be of good quality and reach set standards to protect local consumers. The establishment of a monitoring centre in the Mittaphap 1 International Border Gate in order to oversee petroleum quality is a novel step, helping imports meet standards.
After visiting the international border gate and the petroleum quality-monitoring centre, the Minister of Industry and Commerce and the delegation paid a visit to the Petrolimex Laos’ Oil Depot in Nongheo Village, Haxayphong District, Vientiane. The Minister and delegation were warmly received by Chairman and General Director of Petrolimex Laos, Pham Van Minh; Deputy General Director, Khambee Lattanavong; Deputy General Director, Vu Ngoc Tu; and other staff. The company’s leadership made a brief report on its business activities, both advantages and disadvantages in importing petroleum through the international border gate since the inception of the monitoring centre. The company also introduced the delegation with its infrastructure equipped with state-of-the-art devices for the supply of oil and gas at petrol stations, especially the application of the Egas management software which allows the monitoring of the selling process and detection of frauds by staff (if any), and allows the automatic adjustment of petrol price as regulated, etc. The delegation acknowledged considerable efforts that Petrolimex Laos has made to maintain its successes when doing business in Laos over the past time. Petrolimex Laos is a subsidiary of the Mother Company in Vietnam (Vietnam National Petroleum Group). Petrolimex Laos, wholly-owned by Vietnamese Government, was established in Laos in 2011 and has imported 70 per cent of petroleum from Vietnam and another 30 per cent from Thailand. The firm’s major products are Diezel and Mogas 91 and its customers are mostly from projects. The company targets to expand the system of petrol stations to better satisfy consumers’ demand. Currently, the company is operating 21 petrol stations and eight oil depots besides about 100 petrol stations owned by the company’s wholesale customers. Each year, Petrolimex Laos contributes around 300 billion Lao kip (US$37 million) to the State budget. Generally speaking, Petrolimex Laos is a leading company in petroleum trading in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Additionally, Petrolimex Laos is one of the first companies that have applied advanced technology in the management and operation of business activities in accordance with Lao laws.
On this occasion, the Minister of Industry and Commerce applauded the company with achievements it has attained in business operation, contributing to the socio-economic development, and wished the company success in the time to come. The Minister stressed that it was important to import petroleum of good quality, distributing to consumers and providing services quickly. In regard to issues raised by the company’s leadership, the Minister instructed relevant bodies to work with the company to have adequate settlements to enable the company’s business to abide by the law.
Some images feature the Minister’s working visit:
Minister Pholsena listens to report and petitions from the company and relevant bodies
The delegation visits the Vientiane Oil Depot
The company’s leadership gives a short presentation on Egas
The delegation poses for a photo with the company’s leadership