Lao PDR
DFDL was established in the Lao PDR in 1994. Our Lao PDR team has the knowledge and insights to help clients navigate the complexities of this emerging market and provide commercially focused advice.
DFDL has a pre-eminent legal practice in Laos, offering impressive regional expertise. The firm is highly reputed for its frequent involvement in complex project financings, including hydro energy and developments for power production and transmission infrastructure. “I trust DFDL’s ability to appreciate the cultural and other aspects of doing business in Lao PDR. The broader awareness is helpful, as is the support with other aspects of business, such as formal translations.” – Chambers Asia Pacific 2023 – DFDL Lao PDR
Our Lao PDR team has developed a dynamic and active corporate and commercial practice geared towards meeting the growing demands of foreign and domestic companies wishing to invest in new projects and acquire interests in established businesses. We have extensive experience in company establishment, corporate advisory, corporate secretarial, and joint ventures.
Our legal experts advised on a comprehensive revision of the Law on Minerals in the Lao PDR, based on detailed analysis of the existing regulatory environment and best practices in the mining sector from across the region.
We have also advised lender syndicates and sponsors on development and financing of domestic and cross-border energy projects. DFDL Lao PDR also helped an ASEAN-based investment fund on its onshore acquisition of a stake in a leading Lao PDR health and education services.
Our legal team also advised a major hydro company in relation to a 1,272MW seven-cascade hydropower project, assisting with project company share transfers, review and negotiation of project documents, licenses and permits.
Key Credentials:
- World Bank and Thai Lender Consortium in relation ongoing advisory assistance to Nam Theun 2 1,070 MW hydropower project with project value USD 1.5 billion.
- IFC in relation to legal advisory report regarding private sector investment in the transmission network covering sector specific regulations, investment promotion and tax, FX, environmental and employment matters.
- Sinohydro (Hong Kong) Holding Ltd with respect to its concession agreement for the development of the 770 MW Pak Lay project.
- Mekong Timber Plantations in relation to advice on all Lao law aspects of a USD 14 million loan from Dutch Development Fund (FMO) required for financing of its processing mill.
- A Singaporean Private Equity Fund on an onshore and offshore acquisition of a stake in a Lao PDR media and advertising company, including due diligence, transaction structuring and assisting through to the financial close.
- A Luxury Hotel Chain in undertaking a due diligence of licensing and land of an existing hotel in Luang Prabang.
- A South Korean Company with a comprehensive report on the tax regulatory frameworks applicable to a foreign-owned retail chain in the Lao PDR, including a detailed analysis of establishment, operation and supply chains.
Awards
2024 asialaw
- Banking and Financial Services Lao PDRHighly Recommended
- Infrastructure Lao PDRHighly Recommended
- Infrastructure Lao PDRHighly Recommended
- General Business Law Lao PDROutstanding
2024 chambers and partners asia pacific
- General Business Law Lao PDRBand 1
2024 legal 500 asia pacific
- Leading Firm Cambodia & Lao PDRTier 1
Address
Visaya Office Building, 4th Floor, 249 Lao-Thai Road,Vatnak Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR
View on Google Maps
Contact
856 21316871
laos@dfdl.com
Opening Hours
8 AM – 6 PM
Monday – Friday
Key Contact
Position
- Partner, Co-Head of Regional Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions
Expertise
- Banking and Finance
- Corporate and M&A
- Employment
Country of Expertise
- Lao PDR
Position
- Partner, Lao PDR
Expertise
- Aviation and Logistics
- Banking and Finance
- Technology, Media and Telecoms
Countries of Expertise
- Cambodia
- Lao PDR
Position
- Partner
Expertise
- Banking and Finance
- Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure
- Tax & Transfer Pricing
Country of Expertise
- Lao PDR