Casino operator Macau Legend Development Ltd (MLD) has vowed to help expand infrastructure in Laos if the government will allow MLD some freedom in reallocating its gaming taxes.

The Hong Kong-listed MLD held its annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday, and CEO David Chow Kam Fai updated investors on a variety of topics, including plans for its operations in Macau, Laos, Cambodia and Cape Verde.

In Laos, where MLD operates Savan Legend Resorts (formerly the Savan Vegas, pictured) Chow said the company had requested the right to redirect some of the flat tax of US$10m per year it currently pays the Lao government into developing the local infrastructure, including upgrading the Savannakhet airport to facilitate direct flights from Macau.

Chow said MLD plans to develop a “bungalow-type resort” on land adjacent to Savan Legend, one of “several” projects MLD has on its mind for the Laos market. Last month, Chow suggested MLD could invest up to $500m in expanding its Laos operations.