[THE INVESTOR] Lotteria will open its first outlet in Laos on Sept. 9, it announced on Sept. 4. This is the first time a South Korean company has entered the Southeast Asian country.

Starting with the two-story store in the capital city of Vientiane, the fast food franchise will open a total of 18 outlets in Laos by 2020 under a partnership with Socxay Chaleun Group, a local distribution specialist.

With this, Lotteria will have a presence in seven nations, including among others Myanmar, Cambodia and Kazakhstan.

By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)