Savannakhet shoppers, swimmers score at second Lao-ITECC
Construction has begun on the Second Lao International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC 2) in Savannakhet province.
Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit and Savannakhet province Governor Vilayvanh Phomkhe were among dignitaries present at the stone-laying ceremony.
The centre will be built by the Lao World Group at a cost of about US$4 million, and will be completed at the end of this year.
“The new Lao-ITECC 2 highlight is a big swimming pool, which we hope will attract more people,” Lao World Group Company President Peter Chan said at the ceremony.
M r Chan said he hoped the centre would give shoppers from the province and beyond the chance to buy a greater range of domestic products.
He said Laos had emerged as a market-oriented economy with a strong demand for foreign investments and, as a consequence, trade relations with many countries and trade volume had increased year on year.
Domestic economic policies encourage both public and private enterprises, and Laos is beginning to enjoy greater domestic trade and production, and the fruits of a liberalised economy.
According to the company, Lao-ITECC is well poised to provide both local and overseas business leaders with an excellent platform to stake their business claim in the emerging markets of Laos .
“I think Lao-ITECC 2 is good for people in the province and nearby, because it is the leading and largest exhibition and convention centre in Laos , and well equipped with the latest equipment and facilities,” Mr Chan said.
The Lao-ITECC 2 has a total area of 10,800 square metres.
The centre has purpose-built areas for exhibitions, concerts, trade fairs, and performances, and a convention hall.
Also included in the development are a bowling centre, karaoke club, restaurants, supermarket, and a children's playground.
Mr Peter Chan said he expected the centre to be popular with locals and visitors alike, and would assist further development along the strategic East-West trade corridor.
The Mekong Bridge links Savannakhet with Thailand 's Mukdahan province, an important route not only for Laos , but also as a corridor linking the countries of the Mekong sub-region.
Mr Chan said the increased contact enabled by the bridge was continuing to bring benefits for the region in trade, investment and tourism.
