Annual Lao-Thai trade exhibition kicks off in Vientiane
Annual Lao-Thai trade exhibition kicks off in Vientiane
The annual Lao-Thai Trade Exhibition formally opened on Friday at the Lao International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC) in Vientiane.
Ambassador of Thailand to Laos Mr Vithavas Srivihok, Lao Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr Siaosavat Savengsuksa, and the Royal Thai Embassy to Laos' Minister Counselor of the Office of Commercial Affairs, Ms Pimol Pongkongkaew, attended the ceremony along with senior officials from both sides.
Ms Pimol told Vientiane Times that the Lao-Thai trade exhibition, which this year runs until July 3, was organised annually by Thailand's Ministry of Commerce and Laos' Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
“This provides a great opportunity for Lao and Thai exhibitors to create commercial ties and relations with each other on a variety of products, including consumer products, clothing, home decor and auto parts,” she said.
Apart from the trade exhibition, the five-day event also features activities including job skill training provided free of charge by Thailand's Nong Khai Vocational College. The sessions include massage as well as making painted ceramic souvenirs, key rings and bracelets.
“Exhibitors and traders are featuring good value and quality consumer products, directly from both Lao and Thai manufacturers,” Ms Pimol said.
This year's trade exhibition features 241 companies from Laos and Thailand. The Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce's Product Promotion and Development Department and Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry have made it a priority for provincial manufacturers to display their products at the trade exhibition.
Phongsaly province is selling green tea products, while Tai Leu cotton products are on display from Bokeo province, providing special attractions for shoppers.
Vientiane province is famous for bamboo products which are also on display, along with wood carvings from Borikhamxay province.
According to Ms Pimol, more products are on display at the event this year. The organisers are eyeing over 10 million baht in sales, while last year's event generated 9 million baht.
vientiane times
