Vientiane has set out to achieve significant goals for the 23 rd Francophonie ministerial meeting, to be held here from November 20-21.
Vientiane Deputy Mayor Mr Bounchan Sinthavong said at a press conference yesterday that more preparation was scheduled for the Francophonie meeting, in particular the city decorations along Road No.1.
The capital is making new road markers to identify the road lanes, and installing lights along the roads, as well as at the Presidential Palace, the Horphakeo Museum and That Luang Stupa.
Roads will be washed every morning and evening from November 15 onwards, and nature strips along the main roads are being upgraded. Authorities are also working overtime to install flags and traffic signs throughout the city.
Mr Bounchan said important electricity poles will be guarded 24 hours from November 15 until the end of the meeting, and announced a ban on heavy-duty trucks entering the city centre from November 15 to 25, to minimise traffic congestion
The government has also stepped up public campaigns for city clean-ups as the date of the meeting approaches.
Villagers throughout the capital are contributing by keeping their areas clean, and removing piles of sand and other rubbish left over from construction outside people's houses, as well as bamboo fences and roof extensions.
Last week, hundreds of students and villagers gathered together to clean 17 roads in Vientiane to welcome the meeting.
Meanwhile, authorities are travelling to villages to boost awareness for local people of the importance of the meeting and how it will benefit the country.
On Tuesday, officials spoke to more than 500 people in Nongbuathong village in Sikhottabong district in Vientiane regarding the importance of the Francophonie ministerial meeting, which will be attended by 55 member countries of the International Francophonie Organisation and 13 observing countries.
Mr Bounchan urged Lao people, particularly Vientiane residents, to give a warm welcome to the country's impending guests.
The International Francophonie Organisation was established on March 20, 1970, by an agreement between the leaders of 21 French-speaking countries.
The aim of the organisation is to form a group of countries sharing the French language; this will be the last francophonie meeting at the ministerial level to be held outside France .
I disagree that holding a lot of international conferences will develop Laos in a sustainable way. The conference last for a few days but we have to spend a lot of money for the preaparations. Ofcouse we can notice many development along the city, but the situation will be back to what it used to be if our people are not well trained and educated to have more disciplines. There are a lot of needy Lao people in remote area and the money from these conferences can help them in one way or another.
I disagree with the above comment. More international conferences don't mean more development in Laos, especially this Francophonie one. It doesn't involve any faster development for Laos. It just compels Vientiane authorities to spend a lot more money, times and efforts to beautify the capital, no other towns in Laos will benefit from this language conference.
the direct benefits are for sure for Vientiane city, and not for overall Laos, for sure. AESAN summit, francophonie... many opportunity to spend money (lao money or foreign help) to improve the city... but this don't improve the rest of the country.
Anyway, improve Vientiane is not a bad thing.... that's better then nothing
and the most important: The benefits for overall Laos can be very important, but not direct. such event can encourage foreign countries to stregthen cooperation and help with Laos. he rest of the world will know laos better, wil like/love laos more, so maybe they will develop economic cooperation and financial help. This benefits are for all the laos, especialy the poorest cities and villages.... but they are not immediate.
