Government leaders and representatives from state, private and international organisations officially opened the That Luang Festival and Trade Fair 2008 at That Luang esplanade on Friday.

The annual festival, held this year from November 7-12, gives devotees from all over the country the chance to worship at the 16th century stupa built by King Sayasetthathirath.

Vientiane Vice Mayor Somvandy Nathavong said the festival played an important role in preserving Lao traditions and culture and showcased the rich and diverse cultural identities of the multi-ethnic Lao people.

Mr Somvandy said this year's celebrations held great significance due to three important upcoming events.

These are the 60th anniversary of the Lao People's Army next January, the 25th SEA Games in December 2009, and the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the capital of Laos in 2010.

He said authorities are working on 21 projects to achieve the government's objectives to make Vientiane secure, green, clean, attractive and civilised in preparation for these special events.

Mr Somvandy said efforts have been made to ensure the festival is safe for everyone, with extra security guards deployed to guarantee visitor safety.

“Festival events include candlelight processions, sermons by monks, the wax castle procession, a game of tiky (hockey) and the trade fair, which encourages the production of domestic goods in line with the government's policy on poverty reduction,” he said

Mr Somvandy said 327 booths displaying goods from 113 sectors have been set up at That Luang esplanade for the trade fair, which is being held in conjunction with the international trade fair at Lao-ITECC where 708 booths are showcasing goods worth a total of more than 4 billion kip.

“Traders are displaying textiles, handicraft products, wooden goods, garments, industrial processing products and general household goods. Eleven import-export companies and 10 major industrial companies are taking part in the fair,” he said.