Chinese New Year sales down slightly
Chinese New Year sales down slightly
Vendors at markets across Vientiane last week witnessed a slight decrease in sales for the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year compared to the same period last year.
A pork vendor at Khuadin market pointed o ut that sales had decreased from 50-60 kilos to 30-40 kilos this year during the three day lead up (February 5-7) to the Lunar New Year.
Clothing vendors likewise reported slower sales, especially for red traditional suits popular with Vietnamese and Chinese people.
Vendors put the slight decrease down to economic conditions and some prices were higher than last year.
However, sales of New Year staples such as vegetables, rice, candles, and incense sticks had increased slightly as their prices were the same as last year.
An official at Khuadin market said prices had remained the same even though it was a special occasion for Vietnamese and Chinese.
Meanwhile, a Lao Airlines planning and marketing official said flights to Kunming, Quangzhou, Chengdu and Jinghong in China were fully booked last week.
Last year, Lao Airlines opened direct flights to the four Chinese cities making it easier for Chinese businesspeople in Laos to make the traditional pilgri mage back home to celebrate with their families.
He explained that with the new flights Chinese New Year business was up and from February 11-14, flights returning to Vientiane from Chinese cities were fully booked.
An official at the Southern Bus Station said buses to Vietnam cities had sold out every day before Vietnamese New Year and station authorities had scheduled additional buses to meet passenger demand when necessary.
