The trade fair, an integral part of the annual That Luang Festival, officially opened yesterday in a ceremony attended by senior government officials and business leaders.
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and Vientiane Mayor Soukanh Mahalath led the proceedings at the grand opening ceremony.
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong (left) and Vientiane Mayor Soukanh Mahalath cut a ribbon to open the 2011 That Luang Festival and Trade Fair yesterday.
The trade fair comprises 394 booths at the That Luang esplanade and another 816 stalls at Lao ITECC. The commercial exhibition takes place alongside the That Luang Festival, which runs from November 4-10.
On sale are textile handicrafts, wooden carvings, manufactured goods, processed products, household goods, and general consumer products.
The trade fair promotes domestic products and also gives Buddhists from around the country the chance to worship at the grand That Luang stupa.
The great 16th-century stupa was built during the reign of King Sayasetthathirath in 1566.
President of the Festival Organising Committee Mr Saithong Keoduangdy said “The festival is a wonderful opportunity to preserve Lao traditions and display the rich and varied cultures of Laos through the participation of many ethnic groups from around the country.”
The event is also an opportunity for farmers to display their produce and for Lao people everywhere to strengthen their bonds of solidarity.
The festival enables Lao people and overseas visitors to experience Lao culture firsthand.
Mr Saithong, who is the Vice Mayor of Vientiane, said that on this special occasion security will be guaranteed and visitors can enjoy the festival in safety.
The festival is a time to practice time-honoured traditions such as paying homage to the sacred stupa, listening to the Buddhist scriptures, watching the wax castle procession, cheering the players in the tikhy match, and taking part in candlelit processions at temples.
