The laotian government has approved a special economic zone in the southern city of pakes, a 625-hectare site dedicated to small and mid-sized japanese companies. businesses operating there will have corporate taxes waived for 1p years starting in the first profitable year,among other benefits. the zone is expected to attract some companies relocating from thailand to obtain lower costs. ando,a kyoto-based maker of traditional japanese goods,and five other companies have qualified for the preferential tax treatment so far. nishimatsu construction is expected to begin building an industrial park within the zone as early as next year. in april,Nishimatsu became the first japanese general contractor to establish a laotian unit