The National Preparatory Committee for Vientiane 's 450th anniversary as the capital of Laos says celebrations will start in January and continue every month until the end of the year.
The committee plans to ask permission from the government and Party politburo to organise a week of celebrations each month, said the committee's Standing Deputy President Somvandy Nathavong last week.
The monthly celebrations would be held in the lead-up to the main celebration at the end of the year.
The committee plans to invite performers from friendly countries to join with local entertainers in concerts at the monthly events.
Mr Somvandy, who is a National Assembly member representing Vientiane , spoke to media on Thursday during his attendance at the assembly's 8th ordinary session of the 6th legislature.
It has not yet been decided when the main event will take place, but the committee has asked the government and Party politburo to hold it in November to coincide with the That Luang festival.
To make it a truly national event, the committee includes representatives from all ministries and provinces, Mr Somvandy said.
At the main event, ministries and provinces will organise parades displaying the special traditions and culture of each ethnic group, and showcasing the country's rapid development.
A big meeting to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the capital of Laos will also take place.
“We will also take overseas and local guests to visit the special projects we've planned to mark the anniversary,” Mr Somvandy said, adding that a caravan tour to monuments and symbolic sites of national importance will be scheduled.
Committee President Somsavat Lengsavad, who is also Standing Deputy Prime Minister, announced the event for the information of foreigners, Lao people and Lao expatriates, to encourage visitors to attend.
The committee and relevant sectors are accelerating the rollout of prioritised projects.
Some 21 projects have been prioritised, one of which is the building of the stadium for the 25th SEA Games, which has been completed.
Officials are now working on 16 other projects, including improvements to the That Luang esplanade, which will be used as the main venue for the celebrations.
Other projects underway include the Mekong River embankment from Tadthong in Sikhottabong district to Km 3 in Sisattanak district, and the development of Chao Anouvong Park near Vat Chanh temple, Mr Somvandy told media.
Four other projects have entered the preparation stage.
One includes a 53-hectare border market near the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane .
The bidding process has been completed and work will begin soon.
Discussion about whether the government will invest in the renovation of the Xieng Khuan Buddha or hand control over to the private sector is ongoing, while a survey of the old Vientiane city wall has already taken place.
Mr Somvandy said the relocation of Sikhai, Thongkhankham and That Luang markets will be a focus in the near future.
Source: Vientianetimes, By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
(Latest Update November 23, 2009)
