REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO THE LAO PDR 5TH ANNIVERSARY AND CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DINNER OF RHB BANK LAO LIMITED 18 OCTOBER 2019

REMARKS BY H.E. MR. MOHD AINI ATAN,

AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO THE LAO PDR

5^TH ANNIVERSARY AND CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DINNER OF RHB BANK LAO LIMITED

18 OCTOBER 2019

Madam Vathana Dalaloy

Deputy Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR

YBhg. Tan Sri Azlan Zainol

Chairman, RHB Bank Berhad

Mr. Chin Yoong Kheong

Chairman, RHB Bank Lao Ltd

Board of Directors and Senior Management of the RHB Banking Group,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Sabaidee and Good Evening,

I would like to congratulate RHB Bank Lao Limited on its 5^th Anniversary in the Lao PDR. I would also like to welcome back to Laos, YBhg. Tan Sri Azlan Zainol, who was here in August 2016 for the opening of RHB Bank Lao Limited’s second branch.

2. Malaysia-Laos have enjoyed 53 years of cordial relations. The collaboration between Malaysia and Laos has been strengthening year by year, including in the banking sector.

3. Our strong presence in the banking sector in the Lao PDR, to some extent, was due to the signings of the Investment Guarantee Agreement (1992) and the Bilateral Payments Arrangement Agreement (1994).

4. Both signings had paved the way for Malaysian banks to be setup in the Lao PDR. Ironically, the signing took place during the visit of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed to Laos in 1994, 25 years ago. As we all know, after the General Election last year, Tun Dr. Mahathir make his comeback as the 7^th Prime Minister of Malaysia.

5. On the Diplomatic circle, the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Laos could be regarded as very special. We have always been exchanging knowledge and experience in various fields.

6. For instance, on 10 October 2019, a team from Malaysia Productivity Corporation, which is responsible in improving the ranking of Malaysia to 15^th in 2018 from 24^th previously in the Ease of Doing Business (EDB) under the World Bank. They were here to share their experience and knowledge. The event was attended by several Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Senior Officials.

7. Hopefully the sharing of knowledge and expertise could assist Laos towards achieving its goals in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business from triple digit to double digit in the future.

8. I am also pleased to note that Malaysia’s investments in the Lao PDR is valued at USD 794.33 million with 99 registered projects and Malaysia is listed among the top 5 largest foreign investor in the country.

9. RHB Bank Lao has set a good example in Laos with its continuous momentum of doing business for 5 years with the launching its first branch in 2014, its second branch on 19 August 2016 and its 3^rd branch on 26 January 2018. Three (3) branches within the first five (5) years in Laos is very impressive.

10. RHB Bank Lao has been very supportive to the community in Laos by donation to the poor and needs. Beside that they have been supportive in many events and sport activities organise by the Malaysian community in Laos.

Thank you very much. Kob Chai Lai Lai.