Category: Travel

Myanmar Government Looks to Early Resumption of Development & Infrastructure Projects with China, Its Close Neighbour and Main Trading Partner

The Myanmar Government looks forward to re-start development projects and accelerate bilateral economic and technical cooperation with the People’s Republic China (PRC), its largest trading following disruptions caused by the pandemic and recent social unrest.

The Ministry of Information (MOI) and Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations (MIFER) said in a joint statement that Myanmar enjoys a special ‘paukphaw’ or kinship with its close neighbour and has received substantial economic and technical support from the PRC over 71 years of bilateral ties.

Having achieved national stability in recent months, and with the health situation stabilizing after receiving substantial vaccines from the PRC, a major priority for Myanmar is to implement projects involving PRC development assistance, amounting to 3.8 billion renminbi (RMB).

Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC) has reviewed an original list of 97 projects that were proposed by the previous government in late 2020 in response to the PRC’s offer of 4.0 billion RMB in development assistance to Myanmar. The offer was announced during President Xi Jinping’s visit on 17-18 January 2020.

Following the review, the SAC has consulted with various Ministries to revise the list so as to prioritise projects that can be effectively implemented and which are better suited to the current needs of Myanmar. The SAC also reviewed and revised 15 projects under a separate 200 million RMB PRC grant specifically dedicated for Rakhine State.

The latter grant involves projects related to the environment and improving medical access and rural transport. Myanmar Government appreciates these corporate social responsibility initiatives by the PRC which will contribute to the success of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC).

The CMEC includes road and rail infrastructure stretching 1,700 km from Kunming in China’s Yunnan Province through several regions in Myanmar to Kyaukpyu along the Bay of Bengal. The site of a proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Deep Sea Project, Kyaukpyu is of special significance for infrastructure-related and economic cooperation between the 2 countries.

The Kyaukpyu SEZ is a priority project revised and shortlisted by SAC from a list of 33 bilateral agreements signed during President Xi’s visit. Prior to 2020, China had agreed to provide grants totaling 4.9 billion RMB to Myanmar between 2014 to 2019. Over this period, 1 project has been completed, 12 are ongoing and 18 are at proposal stage, with a combined value of 6.01 billion RMB.

Implementation of the revised list of PRC-funded development programmes and related projects in the coming months will enhance bilateral cooperation after nearly 2 years of disruption caused by the pandemic and domestic issues, the 2 Ministers said.

They said the SAC is confident that bilateral cooperation to improve infrastructure, especially in less developed parts of the country, and to create jobs will be enhance economic recovery as Myanmar prepares for multi-party national elections which are scheduled to be held by August 2023.

To further improve bilateral cooperation, the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has agreed to a pilot project starting next year to accept the RMB as an official settlement currency for border trade.

This settlement, which will substantially improve border trade especially for perishable goods such as fresh agriculture products, will be facilitated by 3 banks – Myanmar’s state-owned Myanmar Economic Bank and the PRC’s Bank of China (BOC) and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). This decision follows the recent relaxation of travel restrictions at 2 Myanmar-PRC border checkpoints after COVID-19 infection rates were reduced nationwide.

Myanmar’s pandemic control has been greatly supported by vaccines donated by or procured from PRC pharmaceutical giants Sinovac and Sino Pharm. The Government remains on target to vaccinate at least 50% of Myanmar’s population above the age of 18 by the end of this month. The majority of all vaccines used in Myanmar originate from the PRC.

The 2 Ministers, on behalf of the Myanmar Government, also announced that:

i) With the improved vaccination rates and national stability, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in fiscal 2020-2021 (November-October) is expected to decline by a single-digit – much less severe than forecasts of some international economists. Myanmar Government expects GDP to record modest growth in 2021-2022.

ii) The Health Ministry is assessing carefully new COVID-19 variants such as Omicron before relaxing travel protocols. Apart from helping to implement development and economic projects, the easing of travel lanes will also facilitate visitor arrivals from the PRC as Myanmar prepares to revive its tourism sector.

iii) The Government has improved security and provided assistance to Chinese factories that suffered attacks by the People’s Defensive Force which had waged a terror campaign against civilians. As such disturbances have declined sharply, the Government is confident that PRC investments to Myanmar will improve soon.

Since the 1 February 2021 Proclamation to declare a state of, civil disobedience and terrorism activities carried out by the outlawed People’s Defensive Force (PDF) have led to deaths of 198 administrative officials and at least 12 Buddhist monks and many injuries. The PDF has also destroyed roads and bridges, schools, government offices and telecommunication towers as well as branches or offices of state-owned and private banks.

“Myanmar has achieved national stability due to efficient handling by the security forces and the clear wish of the general population to resume normal economic and social activities. We are confident that the normalized situation will provide assurance to investors and lead to the improvement of bilateral cooperation with the PRC, a country that enjoys a long and trusted relationship with Myanmar,” said Minister of Information, Mr Maung Ohn.

“Myanmar Government has recently reviewed development and economic projects involving the PRC. This review is to ensure effective implementation of development assistance that can address the current needs of the country. Myanmar Government will do its best to protect all foreign direct investments, including those from the PRC. We also look forward to increased border trade through RMB-kyat settlement,” said Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Mr Aung Naing Oo.

– Issued by Ministry of Information and Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Union Government of Myanmar.
– For more information, please contact mediacontact@e-information.gov.mm or myintkyawmoi@gmail.com

Myanmar Government Prioritizes Economic Recovery as Pandemic Infections Decline Amid Return of National Stability Ahead of Preparations for Multi-Party National Elections

The Myanmar Government said today that it has largely restored national stability after recent civil unrest and is now focused on increasing vaccination rates to reduce COVID-19 infections and attracting local and foreign investments to jump-start economic growth and job creation.

The Ministry of Information (MOI) and Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations (MIFER) said in a joint statement that with the restoration of stability, economic recovery was now a top priority as the Government prepares for multi-party elections to be held by August 2023.

The Union Election Commission has reviewed weaknesses, fraud and malpractices in the 8 November 2020 elections. It has held 3 consultations with political parties between February and November 2021. A fourth consultation will be held this month to discuss the Proportional Representation System. To update data and to prevent voter fraud, joint inspection teams led by the Commission have started audit of membership, funding, premises, business dealings and election expenses of all political parties.

Preparations for elections are taking place amid a significant rise in domestic applications for investments. Upon approval, domestic investments are expected to increase by over 50% in 2021-2022 (November to October) compared to 2020-2021. The Government is aware of concerns among foreign investors and is addressing issues of business travel, health and safety of staff, and apparent pressure from some quarters of the international community.

The two Ministers, on behalf of the Myanmar Government, announced that:

i) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020-2021 is likely to contract by single digit – less dire than forecasts of some international economists. The single-digit contraction is due to the combined impact of the pandemic and civil unrest. Myanmar Government expects recovery to positive GDP growth in 2021-2022.

The economic recovery is due to the combination of lower rates of pandemic infection amid increased vaccination rates, return to national stability, and increasing investment commitments, especially domestic investments.

ii) The Health Ministry is assessing new COVID-19 variants such as Omicron before announcing business travel protocols including vaccinated travel lanes.

iii) MIFER expects domestic investments (Myanmar Citizens Investments, or MCI) to increase by over 50% in 2021-2022 compared to 2020-2021. MCI will rise further in 2022-2023, based on applications received. To increase Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), MIFER is actively engaging the international business community. It is also addressing issues related to investments in certain sectors such as port development and telecommunications.

iv) The so-called ‘National Unity Government (NUG) Bond’ is deemed illegal as it has not been registered with relevant authorities. Myanmar nationals involved in funds transfer to transact it will be considered to have broken the law. Based on monitoring by Myanmar financial authorities, there is little local interest in this so-called bond, which appears to be a possible channel for terrorist financing from external sources.

National Security Situation

Civil disturbances earlier this year appear to be related to the 1 February 2021 Proclamation to declare a State of Emergency. The Proclamation followed failure to settle the issue of voter fraud list related to the 2020 elections, and subsequent postponement of Parliament sessions. On 2 February 2021 the State Administration Council (SAC) was formed.

Providing an update of civil unrest, MOI said that since the 1 February 2021, civil disobedience and terrorism activities carried out by the outlawed People’s Defensive Force (PDF) had led to:
– 198 administrative officials from various Government and State agencies being killed and 148 other injured; the deaths of at least 12 Buddhist monks;
– Damage or destruction of 397 roads and bridges, 565 Government offices, 409 telecommunications towers and 444 schools or colleges; and
– Damage to branches or offices of 26 state-owned banks and 41 private banks, amongst others.

However, civil unrest has declined significantly since early November 2021 as indicated by the resumption of most schools and normal commercial activity. Nonetheless, security forces remain on the alert.

International Collaboration on Enforcement Against Crime and Terrorism

To prevent rising cross-border cybercrime and terrorism, Myanmar Government has increased collaboration with police and public security officials from the international community.

A Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Lt-General Than Hlaing participated in the INTERPOL General Assembly held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 23 to 25 November 2021. The delegation held discussions with Mr Kim Jong Yang, President of INTERPOL’s Executive Committee, and Mr Jurgen Stock, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, as well as senior police or public security officials from China, Russia, India, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates.

“Despite earlier civil disturbances, the situation in Myanmar has clearly stabilized recently. This is due to efficient law enforcement and the collective wish of most Myanmar citizens to return to normal social and economic life. They are tired of the destruction of lives and property, and of other disruptions. Myanmar Government is committed to holding multi-party elections by August 2023. National stability is a pre-requisite for this important political event,” said Minister of Information Mr Maung Maung Ohn.

Update on Economic and Investment Matters

The Myanmar Government estimates that in the last 23 months (coinciding with the COVID-19 outbreak in the country), 222 factories (many of them from the garment sector) were temporarily closed, 63 were permanently shuttered, and 181 had to reduce their workforce – all largely due to the pandemic.

In total about 185,324 garment workers are estimated to have lost their jobs, mostly in Yangon, Bago and Ayeyawady where most of factories involved in making, garments, shoes and bags are located.

To overcome the challenges of the pandemic, economic uncertainty and domestic issues, and to promote job creation, Myanmar Government has in recent months announced multiple economic stimulus programmes, stabilization of the kyat and assistance to the agriculture sector and small and medium enterprises.

The Government will also announce in the coming weeks the Myanmar Economic Recovery Plan (MERP). Covering the 2021-2022 to 2023-2024 period as a medium-term plan, the MERP will facilitate post-COVID-19 economic recovery ahead of the next election. It will contain 30 goals, 165 outcomes and 430 action plans to accelerate job growth and value-added economic activities. It will include reform of rules, regulations and procedures covering tax, banking, finance, trade, development of digital economy, transport and supply chains, tourism development, and agriculture, livestock and fisheries as well as energy sector and protection of the environment.

MIFER has to date received MCI applications totaling 1,795.36 billion kyat (USD 1.0 billion) for 2021-2022, a 51% increase compared to 1,171.8 billion kyat (USD 660 million) in 2020-2021, the period most affected by the pandemic and civil disturbances. MCI applications received thus far for 2022-2023 stood at 2,107.7 billion kyat (USD 1.18 billion). If approved, MCI investments for the latter period would have increased by nearly 80% compared to 2020-2021.

MIFER believes that the higher MCI, a substantial portion of which is for manufacturing, is due to: i) stabilization of the kyat; ii) increasing national stability; iii) tax incentives; iv) introduction of the Government’s one-stop service for speedy business approvals; and v) relaxation of a requirement that at least 1 director must reside at least 6 months of a year in the country.

Since 2 February 2021, MIFER has approved 18 FDI projects valued at USD 3.3 billion. Approved FDI in 2020-2021 from 49 business enterprises amounted to USD 3.89 billion. The sectors that attracted most FDI were energy/power, followed by manufacturing, transport, telecommunications and real estate.

“Declining pandemic infection rates and the return of national stability have contributed to the increase in domestic investments. We have also received substantial interest in recent months from Russia and Asian countries for various economic activities. Business confidence has improved significantly. Our priority is to facilitate safe travel with appropriate health protocols and security within the country so as to generate investments, trade and jobs rapidly to expedite economic recovery,” said Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Mr Aung Naing Oo.

– Issued by Ministry of Information and Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Union Government of Myanmar : https://tinyurl.com/mmpr6
For more information, please contact mediacontact@e-information.gov.mm or myintkyawmoi@gmail.com
https://www.myanmar.gov.mm/web/guest/news-media/news/-/asset_publisher/XsvJM68wX2w0/content/press-relea-6

Myanmar Government to Re-Open Land Borders, Resume International Travel in Early 2022 After Achieving Vaccination Targets Amid Clear Signs of Economic Recovery

The Myanmar Government announced today it will reopen land border crossings with China and Thailand next month ahead of a planned resumption of international air travel by the end of the first quarter of 2022, as vaccination rates have improved significantly amid clear signs of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Information Mr Maung Maung Ohn said travel restrictions will be eased by January 2022 at Muse which borders Ruili city in China’s Yunnan Province and at the three Myanmar towns of Tachileik, Kawthaung and Htee Kee which border Thailand. Travel at border crossings with Laos, India and Bangladesh are currently permitted due to lower incidences of infection.

Status of COVID-19 Infection Rates, Deaths & Vaccinations
Between the first case of pandemic infection in the country on 23 March 2020 to 12 November 2021 (20 months) Myanmar’s Ministry of Health has recorded a total of 511,717 cases of infection and 18,899 deaths due to COVID-19.

In the week (to 12 November) a daily average of 919 new confirmed cases were detected with a positivity rate of 4.2% while 20 deaths were recorded – a fatality rate of 2.3%. These compare with 3,901 new confirmed cases (positivity rate of 30.8%) and 172 deaths (fatality rate of 8.1%) in the first week of August 2021. The numbers of new confirmed cases and deaths have fallen to 76.4 percent and 88.5 percent, respectively, over the comparative periods.

The Government continues to receive vaccines through donations and national procurement programmes. Most of the vaccines are from China.

As at 12 November 2021, the Health Ministry had administered at least one dose of vaccine each to 14.4 million citizens above the age of 18, or 42.5% of the population. This will increase to 50% of the population by end of 2021. To date more than 21 million doses of various vaccines have been administered. By April 2022 Myanmar would have sufficient vaccines to inoculate the entire population.

“Our priority is the health and well-being of each citizen. The vaccinations are being carried out without any discrimination, including of prisoners and members of ethnic armed organisations. However, some individuals who had been involved in civil disturbance activities are reluctant to register for vaccination, especially in major cities,” said Minister Mr Maung Maung Ohn.

Procedures To Prepare for Resumption of Air Travel in Q1 2022
With the fall in infection and fatality rates and the acceleration of the vaccination programme, the State Administration Council is accelerating resumption of social and economic activity to restore national stability following the challenges of the pandemic and the internal social unrest.

To prepare to resume international air travel, six Government ministries are coordinating efforts to standardise testing and safety procedures such as social distancing, contact tracing and quarantine as well as vaccination status certification, the Minister said.

“Air travel is important to facilitate the return of Myanmar citizens, expatriates, aid and development workers, and international business travel. We must ensure that hotels, transportation, health facilities, airports and airline operators are ready to meet the standard operating procedures. We will keep various embassies informed of progress,” he said.

“We are cautiously assessing infection rates abroad ahead of the European winter. Once our vaccination programme reaches targets and if global infection rates drop, we intend to resume international air travel in the first quarter of 2022,” he said.

“This will benefit not just tourism but also commercial activity and bilateral social, cultural and development activities and exchanges. In recent months we have received substantial foreign interest in investments and business opportunities. These parties are eager to travel to Myanmar to conclude transactions,” he added.

Re-Opening of Schools & Universities
With most students above 18 already vaccinated, the Ministry of Education has started to reopen schools. In the first phase that began 1 November 2021, all schools from Grade 1 to 11 (except those in 46 townships) – involving over 473,000 students – were reopened. About a quarter million tertiary students will resume studies next month when universities and colleges reopen.

Since the re-opening of schools there has not been any incident of pandemic infection or fatality. This is due to the vaccination programme and health procedures. As some teachers have not returned to work due to social disturbances and fear of their safety, nearly 7,000 new teachers and over new 3,700 tertiary educators have been appointed in recent months to make up for the shortfall.

Economic Recovery and Resumption of Social Activity
Despite clear evidence of economic sabotage and the effects of the pandemic, economic activity has largely restarted across most parts of the country with the onset of the dry season last month, the Minister said. The Myanmar Government has introduced emergency economic relief in the form of grants to farmers, and to the fisheries and livestock sectors. It has also extended credit to rice exporters and offered assistance to small and medium enterprises.

The Minister noted that the Myanmar currency has strengthened from as low as 2,500 kyat last month to about 1,800 kyat currently. This underscores the economic recovery and success of efforts to counter rumours about the currency. The Central Bank of Myanmar recently strengthened online transactions, introduced incentives and other measures to reduce regulatory red tape, and conducted regular dialogue with local banks to maintain trust.

“Myanmar is recovering from challenges of a health pandemic, an economic downturn and social and political disturbances. The vaccination programme and the economic recovery efforts are gaining momentum. However, the police and security forces must abide by the law and carry out the duties.

“Business confidence is returning especially in major cities where religious activities recently have all been well attended. The resumption of air travel will be an important catalyst for tourism, the return of foreign investments and international business activities,” Minister Maung Maung Ohn added.

– Ends –
Issued by Ministry of Information, Union Government of Myanmar

For more information, please contact mediacontact@e-information.gov.mm or myintkyawmoi@gmail.com

Club Med to expand in Asia Pacific within the next five years on expected travel rebound; Targets greenfield opportunities in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines

  • Club Med continues global expansion across four continents, including Club Med La Rosiere, France unveiled in December 2020, Club Med Seychelles in March 2021, Club Med Lijiang, China in September 2021 and Club Med Quebec Charlevoix in December 2021
  • Anticipates opening of greenfield beach resort in Borneo Kota Kinabalu with Golden Sands Beach Resort City in 2023
  • Club Med seeks investors and partners in the next five years, with Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia as key opportunities

Club Med, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays, is gearing up for an aggressive travel rebound in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Following the announcement of the brand’s upcoming greenfield beach resort in Borneo Kota Kinabalu, Club Med continues looking for opportunities in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region, specifically in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

The first large-scale sustainably built BREEAM-certified beach resort in APAC

Positive expansion signal amidst economy’s recovery
While Asia has taken a more cautious approach to the resumption of travel as compared to the rest of the world, this presented an opportunity for travel and hospitality brands in the region to refine operations and enhance safety measures in preparation for a stronger rebound. The pandemic demonstrated the resilience of Club Med, evident from the successful reopening of resorts in China and Maldives, followed by Northern America, the Caribbean and Europe.

Domestic travel to Club Med resorts in China soared by more than 2.5 times in 2021 and is already on track to surpass pre-pandemic demand. Similar success was evidenced in Club Med’s resort in Malaysia, with an increase in business volume of over 60 percent in the weeks following the relaxation of interstate restrictions, before the recent MCO. Beyond the success of its current resorts, Club Med is also readying itself with an aggressive expansion pipeline.

“We entered the pandemic with a strong economic position and are well-placed for a swift, decisive and impactful rebound. Club Med has a demonstrated track record spanning more than 70 years as the pioneer of new destinations and untouched locations, with Club Med Seychelles and Club Med Lijiang as successful case studies of our recent greenfield projects around the globe, as well as the upcoming Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu, said Jean-Charles Fortoul, CEO APAC Resorts, Club Med. “Following these successes, we have also identified Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia as markets that are well-positioned to leverage this rebound and we are on the lookout for investors and partners to tap into the potential of these destinations.”

The first large-scale sustainably built BREEAM-certified beach resort in APAC
Come 2023, Club Med will be opening its first SEA greenfield beach resort in Borneo, Kota Kinabalu, in close collaboration with owners Golden Sands Beach Resort City Sdn Bhd (GSBRC). The 41-acre Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu resort will reveal a brand-new destination, encapsulating the beauty and potential of Sabah. In addition, with growing accessibility of the resort just 6 hours from key Asian markets, Club Med is confident to capture the vast untapped potential of this pristine location.

Club Med envisions exciting growth from this upcoming project. As one of our most upscale resorts in South East Asia, it is expected to attract tourists from all over the world, destined to deliver consistently high occupancy rates.

“Club Med has been an outstanding partner in our collaboration for the Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu resort. They bring expertise in crafting unique experiences at resorts, and they have the right savoir faire to bring them to life and elevate stays in the resort,” said Peter Wong, Managing Director of Golden Sands Beach Resort City. “We have utmost confidence in Club Med’s capabilities of creating a sense of destination at the Borneo Kota Kinabalu resort with upmarket designs that evoke emotional connections for guests with the destination, offering them the iconic Club Med experience in a site that is simply paradise.”

Unique business model poised to yield strong demand
Club Med’s success can be attributed to its capacity to market and distribute its resorts directly, evident from a consistent five percent year-on-year growth and a steady 1.4 million guests pre-pandemic, bringing them a total of 1.7 billion Euros in business volume in 2019. Occupancy rates across the globe reflected this success as well, with pre-pandemic averages of 75 percent in the East, South Asia and Pacific region, as well as 76 percent and 78 percent in the Europe-Africa and North America regions respectively.

Primed to bring the all-inclusive travel model to pioneering heights
As the pioneer provider of premium all-inclusive holidays, Club Med offers a plethora of activities from adventure sports, to culturally immersive programmes and family-focused offerings. Creating a sense of destination by seamlessly blending the resort facilities into the natural surroundings of idyllic locations, the unique Club Med experience is complemented by the resorts’ smooth flow between social, F&B and entertainment venues, to the various tranquil zones as well as the kids’ club and spaces for families to converge. Club Med is the world leader for all-inclusive holidays, having crafted more than 70 years’ worth of experiences in over 70 resorts around the world, bringing across a unique energy that guests feed off of.

ABOUT CLUB MED
Club Med, founded in 1950 by Gerard Blitz, invented the all-inclusive holiday club concept, adding in activities especially for children with the creation of the Mini Club in 1967. Led by its pioneering spirit, Club Med seeks out exceptional destinations and sites. Today, Club Med is the world’s leading provider of upscale, all-inclusive holiday packages with a French touch for families and working couples. Club Med operates nearly 70 resorts, of which 85% are rated Premium & Exclusive Collection. Present in 30 countries around the world, the Group employs more than 23,000 Gentils Organisateurs (GOs) and Gentils Employes (GEs), representing 110 nationalities.

Dusit International partners with leading educational and culinary institutes to develop Thailand’s first academy of gastronomy with business incubation facilities – ‘The Food School’

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is set to expand its hospitality education business in the kingdom with a unique joint venture offering experiential training in Italian, Japanese, and Thai cuisines – plus exclusive incubation services for food and beverage startups – in a state-of-the-art facility in Bangkok.

A winning partnership: Equity partners in the THB 336 million development include Dusit International; Glowfish Co-Working Space; Allied Metals; and La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana (ALMA).

Called The Food School, the project occupies 3,200 sq m of thoughtfully designed space set over three floors at the new Creative & Startup Village in the city’s Sam Yan district, just a five-minute walk from Sam Yan MRT underground station.

Equity partners in the THB 336 million development include Dusit International; Glowfish Co-Working Space (under privately owned real estate investment company, Heritage Estates Co., Ltd.); Allied Metals, one of Asia’s leading suppliers of professional kitchens and kitchen infrastructure; and La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana (ALMA), recognised as the world’s leading education and training centre for Italian cuisine.

Designed to provide an innovative, progressive and experiential learning environment, and targeted at young professionals, keen amateurs, career-switchers, and entrepreneurs seeking to get the best possible start for their food and beverage businesses, The Food School will bring together three globally recognised institutions – including Dusit’s own Dusit Thani College; Japan’s renowned Tsuji Culinary Institute; and ALMA. Each will offer long-course modules in Thai cuisine, Japanese cuisine, and Italian cuisine and bakery, respectively.

Students will also have access to The Food School’s unique entrepreneurial incubator platform, The Test Kitchen, which will offer facilities for product testing and experimentation; business planning services; professional coaching and mentorship from renowned local chefs; and exclusive opportunities to get financial support from investors during specially arranged pitching sessions.

Alongside sourcing sustainable produce from selected farms throughout Thailand, the academy will bring in premium imported ingredients to ensure authenticity. Regular events will showcase innovations and new food and beverage business trends. A community dining room, meanwhile, will serve as a venue for students, instructors, locals, visitors, mentors and mentees to exchange ideas and evaluate new concepts.

“The Food School aims to create a vibrant, dynamic and collaborative ecosystem that brings together Thailand’s food community to drive positive social, environmental, and economic developments in the food and beverage industry at large,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “Three clear highlights set The Food School apart as a unique proposition in Bangkok. First, it is the first mover in the market to offer multi-cuisine training and business incubation all under one roof. Second, its Test Kitchen facilities will provide an unrivalled opportunity for experienced or fledgling chefs and savvy entrepreneurs to trial new concepts, receive advice on these concepts from seasoned industry experts, and tap into Thailand’s dynamic food and beverage market. Third, the Food School will play an active role in the food and beverage community by hosting regular events that bring together key industry players to discuss the latest trends, evaluate concepts, and brainstorm the way ahead for established and upcoming food and beverage businesses alike.”

Ms Suthumpun said that no other facility offers such comprehensive services for culinary startups and young professionals in Bangkok.

“By responding to the professional needs of the market in the new normal, fully leveraging Dusit’s rich experience in providing hospitality education for more than 20 years, and offering direct access to mentorship from celebrated chefs and well-known restaurateurs in Thailand, and later globally, we look forward to helping The Food School’s students, entrepreneurial associates, and community supporters to fulfill their potential with services, facilities and hands-on learning specially created to equip them for success in the brighter post COVID-19 days ahead.”

Ms Prim Jitcharoongphorn, Chairperson of the Executive Board at Allied Metals, said, “The highlight of The Food School facility is the design of kitchen classrooms that fosters teamwork and collaboration among peers. Our facility is equipped with eco-friendly equipment which is energy-efficient, user-friendly, and versatile. Kitchens at The Food School are truly state of the art. We are delighted that our innovative solutions will contribute to the sustainable development of culinary talents in Thailand by facilitating maximum productivity with minimal environmental impact.”

Mr Gavin Vongkusolkit, Managing Director of Heritage Estates Co. Ltd & Founder of Glowfish Co-Working Space, said, “Glowfish is all about people, community, and genuine collaboration, and any partnership or project we undertake will always be built on these solid foundations. Bringing our expertise in value-driven collaboration to The Food School, we look forward to building a thriving ecosystem of creativity and innovation, not only for Thailand’s food industry but also for the wider benefit of tourism, agriculture, wellness, sustainability, entrepreneurship, education and many connecting parts of our society and economy.”

For more information, please contact: info@thefoodschool.com or www.thefoodschool.com

Photo caption:
A winning partnership: Equity partners in the THB 336 million development include Dusit International; Glowfish Co-Working Space; Allied Metals; and La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana (ALMA).
https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_Dusit20211028.jpg

Pictured (from left):
– Mr Siradej Donavanik, Managing Director – ASAI Hotels and Vice President of Development & Projects – Dusit International
– Mr Gavin Vongkusolkit, Managing Director of Heritage Estates Co. Ltd & Founder of Glowfish Co-Working Space
– Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International
– Ms Prim Jitcharoongphorn, Chairperson of the Executive Board of Allied Metals (Thailand) Co. Ltd
– Mr Yannis Janssens, Technical Director, The Food School
– Mr Laurent Casteret, School Director, The Food School

About Dusit International

Established in 1948, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Building on its two core areas of business – Hotels & Resorts and Hospitality Education – the company has expanded its operations over the past four years to comprise five business units. The additional units include Foods, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services. Today, the company’s property portfolio comprises more than 300 distinctive hotels, resorts and luxury villas operating under six brands across 17 countries worldwide, as well as two leading hospitality colleges with campuses in Thailand and the Philippines. Following a three-pronged strategy for sustainable growth, including balance, expansion and diversification, the company has recently expanded into food production, on-demand hospitality services, and property development to reach new markets and add further recurring streams of revenue to the company. For more information, please visit www.dusit-international.com

Official photos of Dusit Hotels & Resorts can be downloaded at medialib.dusit.com

Media Contact:
Sureerat Sudpairak | Corporate Director of Public Relations | Dusit International
Tel: +66 (0) 2200 9999 ext. 3321 | Mobile +66 (0) 89 006 8697 | Email: sureerat.sp@dusit.com

NextPlay Technologies, Inc. Announces Plans to Launch a New Class of Tokenized Medical Real Estate in Conjunction with NextPlay’s Extension into Medical Tourism

NextPlay Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXTP) (the Company or NextPlay), a digital business ecosystem for consumers, digital advertisers, video gamers and travelers, announced today the plans to form the MedTrek Fund, which is expected to be a blockchain securitized closed-end fund. The fund once formed, is anticipated to seek to list on multiple regulated exchanges, subject to regulatory approval.

The Company has designed a new class of medical facilities that integrates unique geometries and technologies it believes will reduce the spread of infection.

According to a World Health Organization (“WHO”) report in 2019, an estimated 7 percent of hospitalized patients in high-income countries and 10% of hospitalized patients in low- and middle-income countries will acquire one or more health care-associated infections (“HAIs”) at any given time.

The new class of medical facilities, planned to be developed by the Fund, is expected to combine proprietary physical designs and technologies with the goal of protecting patients from the spread of infection and harm from physical intrusion.

The Company believes that the Fund, once formed, will have the ability to offer facilities designed to lower the likelihood of infection for four medical asset classes including primary care, tertiary care, long term care and resort convalescent facilities. The Fund is also expected to invest in wellness-oriented residential and commercial facilities that are integrated with the proposed physical and technological layers.

NextPlay is in discussions with prime landowners in several countries to contribute their property assets to the proposed Fund. These countries, including Thailand which had the world’s largest share of medical tourism in 2019 (according to the Grandview Research report discussed below), have experienced significant declines in tourism due to COVID-19, but are expected to have robust medical tourism growth in the coming years. Additionally, NextPlay is also in discussions with certain medical service providers located around the world who are interested in offering services in facilities that resist infection spread, and offer a higher level of physical security.

The Fund’s initial focus is expected to be Southeast Asia where we believe such facilities are most likely to benefit from expected growth in medical tourism. According to Grandview Research, the medical tourism market is expected to grow from $44.8 billion in 2019 to $207.9 billion by 2027, with Thailand currently having the largest market share.

Bill Kerby, co-CEO of NextPlay, stated, “The MedTrek Token is planned to be the first of several crypto-securitized alternative assets that we expect to issue through our FinTech division which includes our indirect ownership in Longroot Holding (Thailand) Company Limited. Through our efforts to date, we believe we have identified opportunities in medical tourism and its adjacencies. Leveraging on our partners’ significant understanding of real estate development, we believe that we can help catalyze on the growth potential we see in medical tourism by using common sense design and the deployment of latest technologies including Internet of Things and Machine Learning.”

The planned Fund discussed above has not been formed to date, and such formation and anticipated benefits and offerings, are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and may not progress on the timeline as currently anticipated, or at all.

The Company’s short video explaining MedTrek is available here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ni1vM7XFno

About NextPlay Technologies
NextPlay Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXTP) is a technology solutions company offering games, in-game advertising, crypto-banking, connected TV and travel booking services to consumers and corporations within a growing worldwide digital ecosystem. NextPlay’s engaging products and services utilize innovative AdTech, Artificial Intelligence and Fintech solutions to leverage the strengths and channels of its existing and acquired technologies. To learn more about NextPlay, visit NextPlayTechnologies.com, and follow us on Twitter @NextPlayTech and LinkedIn.

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimers
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations, opinions, belief or forecasts of future events and performance. A statement identified by the use of forward-looking words including “will,” “may,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimate,” “should,” and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this news release.

Factors that may cause such a difference include risks and uncertainties related to our need for additional capital which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, which raises questions about our ability to continue as a going concern; certain required regulatory approvals, which may not be met within our expected timeframe, if at all; the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant material adverse impact on the travel industry and our business, operating results and liquidity; amounts owed to us by third parties which may not be paid timely, if at all; certain amounts we owe under outstanding indebtedness which are secured by substantially all of our assets and penalties we may incur in connection therewith; the fact that we have significant indebtedness, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition; uncertainty and illiquidity in credit and capital markets which may impair our ability to obtain credit and financing on acceptable terms and may adversely affect the financial strength of our business partners; our ability to close, timely, or at all, the acquisitions of certain intellectual property assets from Fighter Base and Token IQ, as previously disclosed; the officers and directors of the Company have the ability to exercise significant influence and voting control over the Company; stockholders may be diluted significantly through our efforts to obtain financing, satisfy obligations and complete acquisitions through the issuance of additional shares of our common or preferred stock; if we are unable to adapt to changes in technology, our business could be harmed; if we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, our ability to compete could be impaired; our long-term travel business success depends, in part, on our ability to expand our property owner, manager and traveler bases outside of the United States and, as a result, our travel business is susceptible to risks associated with international operations; unfavorable changes in, or interpretations of, government regulations or taxation of the evolving ALR, Internet and e-commerce industries which could harm our operating results; risks associated with the operations of, the business of, and the regulation of our recent direct and indirect acquisitions of Longroot Holding (Thailand) Company Limited (Longroot), HotPlay Enterprise Limited (HotPlay) and NextBank International (formerly IFEB), as well as our compliance with applicable U.S. and Thailand laws in connection therewith; the market in which we participate being highly competitive, and because of that we may be unable to compete successfully with our current or future competitors; our potential inability to adapt to changes in technology, which could harm our business; the volatility of our stock price; risks associated with the integration of the operations of HotPlay Enterprise Limited, which acquisition we recently competed; the fact that we may be subject to liability for the activities of our property owners and managers, which could harm our reputation and increase our operating costs; and that we have incurred significant losses to date and require additional capital which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by the Company are detailed from time to time in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, under the headings “Risk Factors”. These reports are available at www.sec.gov. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on the Company’s future results and/or could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. The Company takes no obligation to update or correct its own forward-looking statements, except as required by law, or those prepared by third parties that are not paid for by the Company. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

The token contemplated in this release (collectively, the “Securities) have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation S thereunder. The Securities referenced herein are not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or to any U.S. person as defined in Regulation S. This announcement is not an offer of Securities for sale into the United States. The Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S) unless they are registered under the Securities Act or they are exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Hedging transactions involving these Securities may not be conducted unless in compliance with the Securities Act.

Source: NextPlay Technologies, Inc.

Company Contact:
NextPlay Technologies, Inc
Richard Marshall
Director of Corporate Development
Tel (954) 888-9779
richard.marshall@nextplaytechnologies.com

Hatten Land Signs Exclusive Agreement with EnjinStarter to Digitise Group Assets and Create New Digital Assets, including NFTs and Tokens Exchangeable with Current Loyalty Points Linked to its Malls and Hotels

Hatten Land Limited (Hatten Land) said today that its subsidiary Hatten Technology (S) Pte. Ltd. (Hatten Technology) has signed an agreement with Prakal Pte. Ltd. (known as EnjinStarter) to develop a dedicated token system and create digital assets, including non-fungible tokens (NFTs), to promote the development of a digital economy in Melaka where it has substantial hospitality and retail assets.

The Exclusive Framework Agreement is part of a strategic shift by SGX Catalist-listed Hatten Land. Hatten Land is re-purposing its extensive mall footprint in Melaka and pivoting towards digital and blockchain activities as the pace of digitalisation in the world accelerates.

EnjinStarter will develop a token strategy (“tokenomics”) that will allow tokens and NFTs to be exchanged or connected with the current loyalty point system of the Hatten Group as well as other participating hotels, attractions, malls and shops, starting with Melaka. EnjinStarter will also provide maintenance and support services for the Token System and Metaverse to be developed.

This project with EnjinStarter will start mid-October 2021 with delivery of the Token System and the crypto-related elements and/or components connected to the Token System and Metaverse due by end- March 2022. The initial term of the Exclusive Framework Agreement is two years and can be automatically renewed every two years unless the Agreement is terminated.

EnjinStarter has entered into an agreement with Enjin Pte. Ltd. (“Enjin”), that EnjinStarter is a Special Purposes Vehicle (“SPV”) set up to serve as a launchpad for the ecosystem development within the Enjin platform which powers many pioneering blockchain games, applications, and projects.

Also a marketplace for NFTs, Enjin has over 20 million users spanning more than 250,000 gaming communities. Enjin has backed over US$1.14 billion blockchain assets, which collectively contain 12.5 million worth of ENJ coins.

With substantial hospitality and tourism footprint in Melaka, Hatten Land and its parent company, the Hatten Group conglomerate, are the leading developers in this strategic historical city located along the Straits of Melaka that dates to the 15th century. The Group owns and operates retail malls with a combined built-up area of over six million square feet within Melaka, where it also owns or operates four hotels.

Under the Agreement, both Hatten Technology and EnjinStarter will collaborate to develop a Metaverse, starting with a digital ‘twin city’ for Melaka (“Digital Melaka”) that aims to promote physical and digital tourism in Melaka and accelerate the growth of the city’s digital economy.

Mirroring the physical world, Digital Melaka will feature the rich heritage, activities and key attractions in Melaka as well as Hatten Group properties in digital format. This will allow digital assets, including tokens and NFTs, to be created and monetised.

In addition, EnjinStarter will establish its regional headquarters in Melaka, both physically and digitally, to jointly operate a virtual game development incubator, a blockchain gaming showcase and arcade. EnjinStarter will also cultivate and promote Melaka artistic activities such as partnering with local artists for NFT creations, marketing and sales within Digital Melaka.

The EnjinStarter collaboration follows recent agreements signed by Hatten Land under which at least two parties will install and operate up to 3,000 cryptocurrency mining (“cryptomining”) rigs within its properties in Melaka. Hatten Land will leverage its existing infrastructure and lower energy costs in Malaysia. Such costs may be lowered further as Hatten Land installs solar panels on the rooftops of the malls to enable energy-efficient or ‘green’ cryptomining, accelerating its initiatives to create sustainable digital assets.

Hatten Land’s digital strategies include enabling tokens and NFTs as well as online-to-offline (“phygital”) commerce and gaming. Digital assets that emerge from these initiatives can achieve tangible and tradable value over time as creative activities are enhanced and built around a dedicated blockchain platform.

Dato’ Colin Tan, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Hatten Land, said: “The Digital Melaka project is intended to be a major catalyst for our strategic shift to become a hub for blockchain and digital initiatives as we re-purpose our existing mall footprint in Melaka.

“We are partnering with EnjinStarter, which has a proven track record including a recent successful token listing. Together, we will build a dedicated Metaverse which will usher in a new era of blockchain, e-commerce and creative activities and where everyone can trade and live in.”

Mr. Prakash Somosundram, CEO and Co-founder of EnjinStarter, said: “We are really excited to partner Hatten Land. The Metaverse project brings a new dimension which allows us truly to explore ‘phygital’ opportunities. Hatten Land is a forward-looking partner that is also committed to assemble key stakeholders to work together and deliver this ground-breaking project. Beyond the sky’s limits. Together we are bringing Digital Melaka to the Metaverse and seeking to change the way people create, live, work and play.”

About Hatten Land Limited
Hatten Land Limited is one of the leading property developers in Malaysia specialising in integrated residential, hotel and commercial developments. Headquartered in Melaka, it is the property development arm of the conglomerate Hatten Group, which is a leading brand in Malaysia with core businesses in property development, property investment, hospitality, retail and education.

Hatten Land Limited began trading on the Catalist board of SGX-ST on 28 February 2017 after the completion of the reverse takeover of VGO Corporation Limited. For more information, visit: www.hattenland.com.sg
Hatten Land share information available at SGX: PH0 / Bloomberg: HATT:SP / RIC: HATT:SI.
Issued on behalf of Hatten Land Limited by WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd.

Media & Investor Contacts:
Mr Isaac Tang
Mobile: +65 9178 0269
Email: hatten@wer1.net

InvestHK: HKSAR Government’s “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment” highlights Hong Kong’s unique advantages and unlimited opportunities

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (September 29) a series of promotions building upon the “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment: A Place with Unique Advantages and Unlimited Opportunities” (www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/en/environment/index.htm) published this week by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Mr Stephen Phillips

The Director-General of Investment Promotion of the HKSAR, Mr Stephen Phillips, said that the report, announced by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, on September 27, sets out very clearly the exciting opportunities for businesses from around the world in Hong Kong and at the same time sets the record straight about international investors’ misconceptions of Hong Kong as a result of persistent biased media reports in some quarters.

“The report not only outlines clearly the robust strengths of Hong Kong as an international financial, aviation, innovation and technology, legal and cultural hub, but also highlights the many attractive opportunities the city has to offer multinationals and entrepreneurs who want a reliable, efficient business base in Asia,” Mr Phillips said.

“It is very important for us to tell the real Hong Kong story to the international business community that under the Central Government’s support and the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong and businesses in Hong Kong have a bright future with fantastic opportunities.”

Mr Phillips added, “Our pipeline remains strong with many multinationals, small and medium-sized companies and start-ups still planning to come to our city to develop their businesses and scale into Mainland China and wider Asia. Going forward, with the continued support of the Central Government, we see very bright prospects for Hong Kong’s economy.”

InvestHK is organising a series of global webinars to be held on October 7 for business communities around the world to provide an update on Hong Kong’s latest business environment and key announcements relevant to business in next week’s Policy Address.

A short video summarising the report can be found at https://youtu.be/zhSxxEo32l4.

InvestHK: Government’s “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment” highlights Hong Kong’s unique advantages and unlimited opportunities

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (September 29) a series of promotions building upon the “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment: A Place with Unique Advantages and Unlimited Opportunities” (www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/en/environment/index.htm) published this week by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Mr Stephen Phillips

The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Stephen Phillips, said that the report, announced by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, on September 27, sets out very clearly the exciting opportunities for businesses from around the world in Hong Kong and at the same time sets the record straight about international investors’ misconceptions of Hong Kong as a result of persistent biased media reports in some quarters.

“The report not only outlines clearly the robust strengths of Hong Kong as an international financial, aviation, innovation and technology, legal and cultural hub, but also highlights the many attractive opportunities the city has to offer multinationals and entrepreneurs who want a reliable, efficient business base in Asia,” Mr Phillips said.

“It is very important for us to tell the real Hong Kong story to the international business community that under the Central Government’s support and the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong and businesses in Hong Kong have a bright future with fantastic opportunities.”

Mr Phillips added, “Our pipeline remains strong with many multinationals, small and medium-sized companies and start-ups still planning to come to our city to develop their businesses and scale into Mainland China and wider Asia. Going forward, with the continued support of the Central Government, we see very bright prospects for Hong Kong’s economy.”

InvestHK is organising a series of global webinars to be held on October 7 for business communities around the world to provide an update on Hong Kong’s latest business environment and key announcements relevant to business in next week’s Policy Address.

A short video summarising the report can be found at https://youtu.be/zhSxxEo32l4.

VFS Global opens new UAE Attestation Centres in the Philippines

– From 1 July 2021, customers in the Philippines receive the services at the three new UAE Attestation Centres in Makati, Malate and Cebu
– VFS Global serves the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Philippines to accept applications for attestation from the Embassy

Customers in the Philippines can directly visit the UAE Attestation Centres located in Makati City, Malate in Manila and Cebu without any prior appointment for document attestation services which commenced on 1 July 2021. Services at the Centre include personal documents (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate etc.), educational documents (School Certificate, Diploma etc.), and commercial documents (Business Registrations, Invoices).

Customers who are travelling to UAE or the Middle East can submit their documents in person for attestation by walk-in directly at our new centres that adhere to the stringent safety and physical distancing guidelines prescribed by the World Health Organisation and local authorities. The convenience of doorstep document collection and delivery with real-time tracking of key documents via courier will be made available soon for the residents in these three locations. The mode of payment is cash only at present. Please note that all documents submitted for attestation should already have an apostille by DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), UAE.

Commenting on the inauguration of the new UAE Attestation Centres, Mr Jiten Vyas, Regional Group COO, VFS Global, “We are excited to extend our long-standing partnership with the Government of the UAE to the next level through the launch of the new Attestation Centres in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By leveraging on our vast operations network and expertise in Attestation services globally, our newly opened UAE Attestation Centres across the Philippines will offer an enhanced experience for customers with a secure application process and with a range of Value Added Services like pick and drop, end-to-end support, courier, translation etc.”

Key advantages of the new UAE Attestation Centre include:
– Secured end to end process legalisation process
– Safety of documents shared for attestation and legalisation
– On-time processing and return of important documents

Important information for UAE attestation services customers in the Philippines:

As the safety of our customers and employees is our priority, VFS Global has implemented strict health and safety measures in line with Government guidelines for physical distancing at the Centres. Customers must wear a face mask/face covering to enter the premises, and a temperature reading will be required on arrival. Customers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, including fever (higher than 37.3 degrees Celsius), cough and difficulty in breathing, will not be allowed to proceed with their applications and be allowed to reschedule their appointments for another day.

Customers can visit our website: http://www.vfsattestation.com/philippines/ or call our helpline number +639190615894 or email us infodvpcmnl@dubaivisa.net for more details.

UAE Attestation Centre
– Address in Makati City: VFS Global, Unit M01, Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Building, 2305 Chino Roces Ave.Extension, Makati City, Metro Manila 1231, Philippines
– Address in Malate: VFS Global, Ground Floor, DY International Building, San Marcelino corner Gen. Malvar St. Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines
– Address in Cebu: VFS Global, 5th Floor Unit 503 Kepwealth Center, Samar Loop cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Email id: infodvpcmnl@dubaivisa.net
Helpline: +639190615894
Website: http://www.vfsattestation.com/philippines/
Submission Timing: 0900 hrs – 1300 hrs (Monday to Friday, except holidays)

*VFS Global will be responsible only for accepting applications for client missions. All applications submitted will continue to be assessed and processed by the respective client missions. Timelines for turnaround are as per the discretion of the authorities.

About VFS Global

VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. With 3523 Application Centres, operations in 143 countries across five continents and over 230 million applications processed (since inception in 2001) as on 30 June 2021, VFS Global is the trusted partner of 62 client governments. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport and consular services for its client governments, enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

VFS Global is majority-owned by the global investment organisation EQT. The Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation holds a minority stake in VFS Global. EQT is a global investment organization with offices in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific and a 27-year track record of consistent investment performance across multiple geographies, sectors, and strategies. EQT AB Group is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm stock exchange. EQT manages and advises a range of specialized investment funds and other investment vehicles that invest across the world with the mission to generate attractive returns and future-proof companies. EQT funds’ investors do not influence portfolio companies’ decision making or strategies. Nor do they have access to private and confidential business assets or client and customer data.

Media Contact
Sukanya Chakraborty
sukanyac@vfsglobal.com
communications@vfsglobal.com