Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and other government officials view items on show at the Lao Handicraft Festival at Lao-ITECC.

Handicraft group celebrates 25th anniversary, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and artisans

The 21st Lao Handicraft Festival, which is taking place in Vientiane from October 15-23, brings together entrepreneurs, artisans and members of the business community from around the country to exhibit and sell their products.
More than 200 booths have been set up to display the wide variety of colourful items made by skilled craftspeople.
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh attended the opening of the event along with Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr Malaythong Kommasith, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Manothong Vongsay, the wife of the Lao President Mrs Naly Sisoulith, President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) Mr Oudet Souvannavong, and other distinguished guests.
Talking about the fair, the Vice President of the Lao Handicraft Association, Mr Phouthong Xaysanith, said the aim of the event was to mark Lao Handicraft Day as well as celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding the Association.
“The fair is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to be amazed at the creative talents of Lao artisans. People can browse the many stalls and marvel at the fascinating items on display, and will surely want to buy some of the attractive products.”
“There is a wide range of textiles, weavings and other handicrafts to catch the eye and create interest,” he said.
The fair is an occasion for artisans across the country to unite and share their interest in expanding handicraft production, which will contribute to development efforts and provide an income for local people, he added.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs Chanthachone Vongsay, said “The Lao Handicraft Association has become a key driver of socio-economic development in line with the government’s policy on poverty alleviation through the generation of income for rural artisans and craftspeople.”
Exhibitors and artisans will meet to discuss issues such as access to markets and production skills, share lessons learnt, and assess the success of the exhibition and sales volumes.
The nine-day festival includes a panel discussion and demonstrations of various types of handicraft, such as weaving.
There is also a competition to identify the best women’s sash, as well as dance performances and a fashion show featuring models dressed in traditional outfits.
The President of the Lao Handicraft Association, Ms Souvita Praseuth, highlighted the achievements of the group over the past 25 years in preserving local handicrafts and Laos’ fine traditions and culture.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 18, 2022)