The Lao Thatluang Lake International Agriculture and Trade Market Co Ltd has launched its first fair to support agricultural and handicraft products.

The opening ceremony for the fair, to be held during December 21-31, was attended on Tuesday by representatives of bodies such as the Thatluang Lake Specific Economic Zone, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and Planning and Investment Ministry, the Director of the Vientiane Special Economic Zone, Mr Thanongxay Khoutphaythoune, and guests. Speaking at the event, Mr Thanongxay said, “The event aims to introduce this market to the public as well as invite developers and investors to invest in this place to share the benefits of business.”

The event’s organiser, the Lao Thatluang Lake International Agriculture and Trade Market, is hoping the fair will create a proper trading environment for buyers and sellers. The opening ceremony also celebrated the company becoming a new member of LNCCI. The development of Thatluang Lake market began in October last year. The market is located in a 35,000 square metre site in the Thatluang Lake Specific Economic Zone with nearly 670 stalls.

The company has planned the market as a place for the wholesale and retail of agricultural products. It will also be a location for exhibiting agricultural products. The market will focus on products sourced from Vientiane or shipped in from other provinces.

Thatluang Lake Specific Economic Zone is located in the centre of Vientiane with a total concession area of more than 323 hectares. It has total funds of US$ 1.7 billion and a registered capital of more than US$ 90.65 million and an investment plan of US$ 1.633 billion. Since the development of the site began in 2011, its developer and investors have spent more than US$ 306 million and attracted 36 companies to invest and develop their businesses in the zone.

(Officials and representatives of the Thatluang Lake Specific Economic Zone cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the fair in Vientiane on Tuesday)

Cr: Vientiane Time