Vientiane Furniture Fair now open
Vientiane Furniture Fair now open
The Lao Furniture Association (LFA) is expecting large crowds to visit the annual Vientiane Furniture Fair in the 10 days from March 23 to April 1 at the Vientiane Centre.
The fair was officially ope ned yesterday and attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Khambounnat Xayanon, and Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Mr Sisavath Thiravong.
Also present were Sisattanak district governor, Mr Phokham Sayasone, Vientiane Industry and Commerce Department Director General, Mr Berlin Phetchantharath, and representatives from the governmen t and private sectors.
A total of 25 business units, of which four units were from other provinces, have brought their furniture and wood products for display and sale at the event, Vice President of the LFA Mr Kongmala Phommalay said at the ceremony.
The value of the products on display and sale is about 5-10 billion kip, with a total of 65 booths, he said.
The products on display and up for sale include a range of wooden furniture, bamboo, rattan and handicrafts.
The aim is to increase the capacity of Lao wood product manufacturers to compete on both local and international markets, particularly in the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
Mr Kongmala said the fair seeks to increase efficiency, quality and value adding to Lao wood and furniture products as well as sustain forest protection efforts by using modern technology and innovation and promote the use of wood from plantations instead of utilising timber from natural forests.
It will also serve to promote Lao wooden furniture both locally and to international visitors, increase the efficiency of Lao workers and furniture factories, create jobs and help the country graduate from poverty.
Mr Kon gmala said event participants will also get to witness many activities at the event such as carving demonstrations, lucky draws, painting and enjoy entertainment performances in the evenings.
The event is important to promoting furniture b usiness growth and gaining recognition among local people and foreigners, LFA President Mr Khamphay Somsana said.
This is one of the numerous events gathering furniture business units in Vientiane and some other provinces to show their ability and highlight opportunities for furniture entrepreneurs able to exchange experience and skills to increase their product quantity and quality, he added.
The Vientiane Furniture Fair seeks to promote furniture business units, add value to Lao furniture products and create job opportunities for local people as well as integrate with the AEC.
