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“Made in Laos” Fair to Battle Covid-19
The Lao economy, like those around the world, is hunting for reasonable ways to get the money machine rolling during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the upcoming “Made in Laos” 2020 fair looks like a logical move. According to the Vientiane Times, the expo, being held at Vientiane’s Lao-ITECC from 25 December though 3 January, aims to present a platform to boost domestic consumption by promoting “Made in Laos” products. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), the event will feature more than 100 Lao companies showcasing their goods. LNCCI’s Vice President Chanthachone Vongsay said, “This will be a platform to promote domestic products and create awareness among the public about using more Lao goods, travelling more within Laos, and other activities,” She emphasized that the fair’s underlying goal is to help restore and promote the Lao economy during the Covid-19 crisis. The “Made in Laos” exhibition runs on the back of the Lao Thiao Lao campaign that is promoting domestic tourism, while raising awareness among the population of the many attractions and activities throughout the country, of which they may be unaware. However, the demand for domestic tourism in Laos pales compared to its neighbours such as Thailand and Vietnam, most likely due to income disparity. Still, travel-related businesses that remain open, are happy to settle for even a small number of visitors, and are offering major discounts, from small hotels to Lao Airlines. In some senses, the “Made in Laos” drive is more practical than domestic travel, not least of which is cost. The country produces everything from hand-crafted household items to food items to fashionable clothes and accessories. Made in Laos is also the second most visited page on WeAreLao.com. Plus the timing for the fair is right, as it occurs during the New Year’s holiday season, when friends and family are seeking gifts. For those living outside the capital, fear not, as “Made in Laos” products are available in shops in the country’s population centres, and many sell at reduced prices. Now is the time to buy – discounts, gifts, personal items, housewares – and buying local will help the Lao economy during these tough times.
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When will the Vang Vieng Expressway Open?
By Bernie Rosenbloom The on-again, off-again opening of the highly touted Vientiane-Vang Vieng expressway has a new (and third) official launch date…20 December. In an attempt to mitigate the recent confusing communications, the expressway’s Chinese operators tried playing nice by offering toll-free travel between 21 to 23 December. But will it happen? Note the vehicles with “approval” The much anticipated 113-km expressway will cut travel time from the capital to the popular retreat to less than two hours from the current half-day romp over a rough road. The toll of LAK 60,000 opens the way for smooth sailing at 100 km/hr. Chinese investors plucked down 95% of the USD1.2 billion cost, and received a 50-year concession in exchange. Construction began in late 2018, with completion expected by December 2021. In mid-September this year, Vientiane Mai reported the expressway would be handed over on Lao National Day on 2 December. The report stated construction was ahead of schedule, and 90% complete. Meanwhile, the expressway appeared to be holding a soft opening. Posts on social media showed photos of trips that were allowed if vehicles received “approval”, though few seemed to know how to get approved. This writer took an approved public minivan on the expressway to Vang Vieng in late September. The trip took a bit over two hours. Then, 2 December rolled around. Eager motorists ready for a long holiday weekend headed to the spanking new expressway, only to be shuffled off to the pothole-plagued old road. No forewarning came and no reason given. However, those with “approval” took to the new tarmac, while those without took to social media and complained, something Lao people rarely do. A week later on 8 December, the Laotian Times reported that the Laos-China Joint Expressway Development Company Limited had rescheduled the expressway’s launch until 31 December, just in time to make it to Vang Vieng for a New Year’s Eve celebration. In their piece, “Vang Vieng Expressway Contractor Clarifies Delay”, the respected publication reported that the contractor blamed the delay on “the finalization of certain points along the expressway, including on-ramps and off-ramps, lighting, and final cleaning works.” Too little, too late. Perhaps the patience at the Lao Prime Minister’s Office was running out. National Day is the country’s independence celebration, the highlight of most country’s holiday lineup. Surprise announcements, vague excuses, and lack of clear communications may not have cut the mustard. On 11 December, the media reported that according to government officials, the expressway would open on 20 December, just in time for the end of the Vang Vieng Music Festival*. However, other reports that same day claim the PM’s office pointed to a less-exact official launch date occurring in “two weeks”, a few days after the 20th. Meanwhile, Vientiane motorists considering a December Vang Vieng holiday must be pondering the old cliché, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” As for the increasingly desperate domestic tourism and hospitality industry…another reason to sigh. *The Vang Vieng Music festival was postponed on 16 december due to Covid-19 fears.
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Laos Going All In on Sustainable Tourism
Laos is shifting its emphasis on developing and promoting sustainable and green tourism to lure more visitors from 2021 to 2025, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune told the Fifth Party Congress on 10 December. The minister reported that ecotourism and agro-tourism lead the list of development and promotional objectives, while tapping into the potential of the country’s natural, historical and cultural attractions to alleviate poverty in rural communities. He noted the need to improve infrastructure and facilities, and develop new and innovative sustainable tourism products to attract visitors. The minister stressed the need for safety and avoiding negative impacts on the communities and the environment. He added that organic farms in Laos have the potential to supply local hotels and restaurants, while noting the need for better services. From January to September 2020, international arrivals reached only 18% of the original target, a 74% plummet compared to the same period last year, due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Other challenges facing the tourism sector include poor road access to tourist sites and limited air connections with the country’s main tourism markets. In spite of the lockdown and dodgy infrastructure, the government and private sector has teamed to launch the Lao Thiao Lao campaign to spur domestic travel and support local communities. Promotional efforts are also reaching into neighbouring Mekong Region countries as well as all of ASEAN. Laos currently lists 1,318 nature-based sites, 596 cultural attractions, and 294 of historical significance. Source: Vientiane Times
