The meeting, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Phongsavat Boupha, received support from the United Nations Development Program. UNDP Resident Representative to Laos, attended the opening session of the workshop. 

It brought together 80 government officials working in the four main areas of ASEAN cooperation. They reviewed and shared experiences in ASEAN activities over the last two years. 

This was to ensure a more effective participation of Laos in ASEAN activities for the benefit of the regional grouping as a whole in the years to come. 

Delegates to the workshop evaluated the commitments Laos has as a member country of ASEAN, such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN Investment Area, and the area of cooperation in services. 

The delegates also considered the issue of Laos acting as a coordinator country for ASEAN with the European Union for three years starting July 2000. 

Another activity that discussed was for Laos to act as host of ASEAN meetings on a rotation basis. 

The four main areas of ASEAN cooperation involve political and security cooperation, economic cooperation, functional cooperation and cooperation with ASEAN dialogue partners. 

Laos became an observer of ASEAN in 1992, and was admitted as a full member of ASEAN on July 23, 1997. 
 

DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER SPEAKS ON CHECHNYA 
Chechnya is an inseparable part of the Russian Federation and the Chechnya issue is an internal problem of the Russian Federation. Consequently, any settlement should be under the constitution and laws of the Russian Federation. 

Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Phongsavat Boupha said during a meeting with Russian Ambassador Valentine G Yeryomchenko on November 29. 

The Russian Ambassador briefed the Lao Deputy Minister on recent developments in Russian international relations, detailing especially events in Chechnya and the constant activity of terrorist groups against Russia. He further pointed out the constructive stance of the Russian government towards the settlement of problems in Chechnya. 
 

LAOS TO CARRY ON REFORM & OPENING UP 
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Somsavat Lengsavad said on Tuesday that his country would continue to adhere to the policies of reform and opening up and develop its market economy while following the path of socialism. 

In an interview with Xinhua, Lao Foreign Minister said that Laos has achieved remarkable accomplishments over the past 10 years since the country adopted the policy of opening up. It has not only secured political stability, economic growth and better living standards, but also consolidated and enhanced foreign relations. 

He said that since the entry into force of the law on foreign investment in 1988, Laos has absorbed more than US$ 7 billion in contractual foreign investment. 

In the early 2001, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party will convene the seventh national congress to map out future development strategies with an eye toward lifting the country out of poverty by 2020. 

Laos will continue to carry on its reform and opening-up drive and develop a market economy while following the path of socialism, he added. 

In the long ran, he said, Laos will pursue its advantages and put emphasis on the development of agriculture, while making coordinated efforts to improve the industry and service sectors. It will also step up its infrastructure construction and devote more efforts to personnel cultivation and exploitation. 

The Deputy Prime Minister said the bulk of the Lao economy is privately based and accounts for 80 per cent of the entire economy. Laos will continue to absorb foreign funds and make special efforts to develop the hydroelectric industry. The country also invites foreign businessmen to open independent businesses and will provide preferential taxation terms, he added. 
 

  
FORTY PRISONERS RECEIVE PARDONS 
Recently, a pardon ceremony was held for 40 prisoners at the Ministry of Interior in Vientiane. The ceremony was presided over by acting director of the Police General Department, Ministry of Interior. 

This pardon was for prisoners throughout the country on the 8th anniversary of the Laos' Constitution. 

Those granted pardons were released from prison. The report said their offences included corruption, drug trafficking, etc. 

Sentences ranged from to 3 to 17 years. Each of them already served nearly two thirds of their jail term. 

The pardons were granted to inmates considered to have been reformed. Each had acted as a model for other prisoners. 

The granting of pardons to criminals follows the Party's policy of re-educating criminals to be good citizens. 
 

  
INFLATION MEETING IN LUANG PRABANG 
An Ad Hoc committee on taming inflation was organized by the Luang Prabang branch of Lane Xang Bank. 

During the meeting the Ad Hoc committee and Lane Xang bankers presented ideas on how to prevent devaluation of the kip by motivating people to make more bank deposits. 

Director of the Luang Prabang branch told the attendants about the situation of the world economy and local economy, with particular reference to the declining value of the kip since 1997. The government has tried very hard to deal with these circumstances. 

They reformed the state economy by checking state enterprise companies and implemented policies to control inflation by encouraging saving in short and long- term savings accounts. 

Other policies included selling state-backed savings bonds. In addition, the government is now giving a 5 percent interest rate per month on six-month deposits. 

Currently, the exchange rates for major currencies are relatively stable. Local people of Luang Prabang have been able to deposit their money in short-term 3-month accounts at the Lane Xang Bank since October 20. Bank officials expect to receive about 4 billion kip in Luang Prabang alone because of the campaign. Deposits can start as low as 10,000 kip. 
 

  
HANDICRAFT DISPLAY ON VISIT LAOS YEAR 
The Vientiane municipal industry and handicraft service recently opened a display of handicraft and industrial products at the Vientiane municipality industry and handicraft promotion center. 

The event is part of the service's campaign to promote the Visit Laos Year 1999-2000, and domestic production, especially industrial and handicraft production by factories around Vientiane Municipality. 

More than 90 handicraft and industrial sent their products to show and sell at this event. The products ranged from clothes, furniture, clay-pottery, woodcarving, household utensils, electrical appliances, garments, educational aids and some sorts of beverages. This was the first such display that the industry and handicraft service organized. 

This event followed the government policy to promote domestic production and as well as export-oriented production in the future. 
 

  
CHAMPASSACK TO PRODUCE BAMBOO PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT 
Laos' southernmost province of Champassak will have its first factory to produce bamboo products for export. 

The factory, which is now in a probation period, was completed last month with an initial investment of nearly 500 million kip. The factory is now producing chopsticks and other kinds of bamboo products and about 70 percent products will be export to Malaysia and Taiwan. The rest will be sold in the domestic market. 

This factory is located in Bachieng Chaleurnsouk district. 
 
 

ROAD SURVEY IN PHONGSALY PROVINCE 
The Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision (LCDC) represented by Head of Permanent Secretariat, and the Communication Design and Research -Institute, recently signed a US$ 19,500 contract for the survey of a 30-kilometer road route in Phongsaly province. This will be the second half of a 60 kilometer planned to reach from a little south of Boun Tai town to Samphan town on the Ou River. It will also be the first road ever in Samphan district. The US government is providing the funds for the road survey, according to an agreement signed with the Lao government in September 1998, construction of the first half of the road is expected to begin in January 2000. 

The road to be surveyed will be the foundation for a new rural development project in Phongsaly province planned by the Lao government and the US government. The project will help poor, isolated farmers in the Samphan Xai area of Boun Tai and Samphan districts to improve their lives by providing better access to markets, education, enable farmer give-up planting opium poppy, which has led in the past to addiction and drug trafficking. 
 

  
40 NEW BRIDGES ON SAVANNAKHET-PAKSE ROAD 
The project to build 40 bridges on Road No. 13 South between Savannakhet and Pakse townships with a Japanese government grant is 59 per cent complete currently 14 per cent ahead of plan. 

The Lao government was granted 5,723 million yen for the work, to take 2.5 years from October 1998 to March 2001. 

The length of the bridges ranges from 15 metros to 75 metros, at present; l4 bridges have been basically completed. Of the other bridges, building of piers and assembly of beams and other parts is underway. 

The work is expected to be 90 per cent complete by October next year, two or three months ahead of schedule, and the bridges should be in service by March 2001. 
 

  
FIRST HYDROPOWER PLANT FOR XIENG KHUANG 
Nam Mo hydropower plant, a facility designed to earn export earnings and provide electricity to Xieng Khuang residents, is going ahead. 

The Nam Mo Hydropower Project Development Agreement was signed in Vientiane, between the government and the developers Mahawongse Group Co., Ltd and Harza International Development Company. 

The company will survey areas of construction project in the first phase of operation work. Nam Mo Hydropower Project Development has received a concession from the Lao government for the period of 25 years. 

The Nam Mo is located in Meuang Mok district Xieng Khuang province. Most people in Xieng Khuang still do not have access to electricity. Presently, most people in the province use electricity from electrical generators, which operate only for a few hours in the evening. 

When on-line, Nam Mo Hydropower Plant promises to boost the socioeconomic development of the area and improve living conditions of those currently without power. 

Officials at the signing ceremony said the project will take 3 years to complete, starting in 2001and finishing 2003, and will cost between US$ 100 - 150 million. 

Project financing comes from two sources, the international banking community and from the Lao government and developers themselves. 

Nam Mo Hydropower has a projected capability of producing 105MK of electricity per year. Some 90 per cent of the electricity generated will be exported to Vietnam and the remaining 10 per cent will be used within Xieng Khuang province. 

This project will play a very important role in developing local economies. Environmental concerns will be addressed by Harza International Development Company, which said it has a plan to reforest and protect the watershed area. 

The Survey operations for the project will be the responsibility of Harza International Development Company. It's estimated that in year 2003 it will be able to sell electricity to Vietnam. The Lao government holds a 25 per cent share of the undertaking and Harza International Development Company and Mahawongse Group Co., Ltd together hold 75 per cent. 

Vietnam has a high demand for electricity because of its industrial works. So the electricity from Nam Mo hydropower will be transmitted for export to Vinh, Vietnam, a large city in an industrial region of the country. 
 

  
MEKONG RIVER BANK PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT CONCESSION 
A concession of the Project, for the Mekong River Bank Protection and the development of the Area along the River were signed in Vientiane. 

The project covers the stretch from Wattay to That Khao in the capital. A river bank protection system will be built with anti-rust metal- coated boxes, covered with PVC, as bank protection and as an anti-flood dyke for the capital. 

The development of the area along the Mekong River from Wattay to That Khao will show a new face for the prefecture. It will comprise of parking lots; public utilities; drainage; sanitary, cultural and relaxation facilities, telephones and services. 

Signatories were official in charge of the Foreign Investment and Co-operation Committee, and President of Modem Home Limited Phayboune Netisy. 

The concession runs for 30 years and may be extended with approval from the Lao PDR government. 
 
 

DANISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS NATIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING  
The Government of Denmark is providing DKK 18.2 million (about US$ 2.6 million) to the Lao Government to support for the capacity building within the Natural Resources and Environment Sector. 

The Government Agreement was signed by the Vice-Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and the Danish Ambassador to Laos. 

The two years ( Phase I ) project is an important component under the Lao-Danish Natural Resources and Environment Program and supports human resources development and institutional building within two key areas; natural resources management planning and sustainable development of the industrial sector. 

The project will emphasize on general language and information technology as well as on-the-job training combined with study tours demonstration sites and pilot activities. 

In the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) the project aims central level capacity building and support to watershed management strategies, procedures and a manual through cooperation with projects in the provinces. 

In the Ministry of Industry and Handicraft (MIH) the project activities includes support to development of air emission standards, monitoring equipment and manuals, and introduction of cleaner technology in two audited (pilot) industries. 

In the Science Technology and Environment, the project will include preparation of environment impact assessment guidelines for the industrial sector as well as interaction and co-operation with relevant project activities in MAF MIH. 
 

LAOS, GERMANY DISCUSS COOPERATION FOR DEVELOPMENT 
The Lao and German governments held a three-day annual consultation on cooperation and development for 1999-2000 at the Foreign Ministry. 

The meeting is reviewing the outcomes of the previous cooperation for development between the two governments, and discuss future cooperation. 

The first and third days of the consultation are being held at the Foreign Ministry. On the second day is a workshop in preparation for the assessment of the Lao-German Cooperation Project held at the Handicraft Design Center of the Cooperation Project between the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Handicraft Promotion Center of Auckland. 

For 1998- 1999, the German government operated 17 aid projects for the Lao government, worth 20 million DM, through two major funding sources: GTZ and the Fund KFW. Technical assistance was given through GTZ, which handled half of the assistance in 11 projects. Financial assistance in six projects was channeled through KFW. 

The Lao government places a high value on the cooperation and assistance from Germany, which is important to socio-economic development in Laos. 
 

LAO-AMERICAN OPERATION IN ACCOUNTING FOR MIAS 
The Lao US joint technical mission divided into two main units, worked October 19 and November 17 under the first operation of the 1999-2000 cooperation plan. 

There were 10 explorations in the central provinces of Khammouane and Savannakhet, and the southern province of Saravane. Another technical unit excavated three cases in the districts of Sepone, Viraboury, and Nong of Savannakhet province. The excavation teams found teeth, aircraft debris, and personal effects in cases 1495 and 1369. 

Unidentified items found will be sent to Hawaii for further analysis. This was the 67th  joint operation to account for Americans missing in action (MIA) during the Indochina War in Laos. 

A total of 564 MIAs have been registered in Laos, 123 cases have been officially identified and 441 cases are so far unaccounted for. The operation has received  cooperation from local administrations and people. 

As result of the previous success of the joint operation, a hand-over ceremony of the remains of Americans unaccounted for during the Indochina War took place November 17. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Phongsavath Boupha handed over the remains to US Chargé d' Affaires a.i. Karen Stewart. with the attendance of senior officials of both sides. 

The remains handed over were from case 1655 in Sekong province's Dakchueng district, and case 1564 in Savannakhet province's Viraboury district. The Sekong discoveries included 14 teeth, a skull, and arm bones. 

The joint operation was in implementation of the constant humanitarian policy of the Lao government, in accordance with the 1999 fifth operation plan of the Lao- American joint operations to account for US MlAs in Laos from the Indochina War, and in response to US government requests and those of families of American MIAs. 
 
 

  
INDOCHINA DISCUSSED ON TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 
Communication officials from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam met in Vientiane for a workshop on international settlement reform, costing and pricing of telecommunication services. 

Currently, the three countries use modern telecommunication technology and business is growing very fast in the regional market. However, there are different methods of services and different registration fees. 

To adjust the telecommunication service fees based on the cost of equipment, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) organized the workshop to discuss the adjustment of telecommunication service fees. 

The ITU will also assist the three countries in staff training and in equipment. The assistance ranges from telephone systems, e-mail and Internet to computer systems. 
 
 

  
JICA AND NUOL DISCUSSED ON BUILDING PROJECT 
A Basic Design Study Team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited the Lao PDR. Their aim was to conduct a basic design study on a project for construction of facilities at the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM), and the Lao-Japan Human Resource Cooperation Center (LJHRCC) at the National University of Laos (NUOL). 

The new facilities will be improved the quality of FEM undergraduate education and to provide facilities for research. The Lao-Japan Center will later become a cooperation center for continuous supply of necessary human resources for the market-oriented economy in the Lao PDR and to promote mutual understanding and strengthen the relationship between the Lao and Japanese people. 

The Study Team had discussions with the Education Ministry, the Faculty of Economics and Management at Lao National University, and authorities concerned. The Minutes of Discussion was signed by both sides. 
 

LAW SCHOOL OPENS NEW ACADEMIC YEAR 
The National University of Laos' Faculty of Legislature and Administration recently issued a summary of the academic year 1998-1999 at a meeting to open the new academic year 1999-2000. 

The School of Law has been a part of the national university for the past two years. Since it became amalgamated with the NUOL's organizational structure, the school has been stream into two systems; one is a college system and the other is a university system. 

In the last academic year, the school admitted 1,258 students, 420 of them were women. Some of those students came from preparatory school at Dong Dok and some from upper secondary schools. Students admitted directly from secondary schools had to pass an entrance examination. 

This school has received assistance from French Embassy to Laos to teach and learn in the French language. 

In addition, the school has cooperated with other academic institutions and agencies such as Lyon University II in France, Nagoya University in Japan, the University of Arizona in the United States, Aupelf-Uref and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). 

SIDA will assist the Faculty of the Legislature and Administration. This assistance will last from 1999-2001 and 2002-2006. 

Expansion plans also exist for the new academic year 1999-2000. Improved teacher training, the building of conference hall, and rebuilding sport facilities are all in the works. 

The school will continue to seek assistance from Aupelf-Uref, SIDA, Nagoya, Lyon II and Arizona Universities and will try for more cooperation with law firms in Vientiane. 
 
 

  
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS TO BE EXPANDED 
The National University of Laos has signed contracts with Vinaconex of Vietnam and Keopaseuth Construction of Laos for the construction of five buildings on its Dongdok campus. 

The construction will start December and finish April 2001, funded with a US$ 2.47 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). 

The project will include a Lao-style four-story Administration Rector's Office building, with rooftop and underground parking. This building, 27x61 meters and 20 meters high, will have 20 office rooms. 

There will also be a two-story 49x45m auditorium with six large lecture halls to hold 700 students; a three-story 69x42.5m laboratory for the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Faculties, a one-story 12x5 m warehouse for laboratory chemical storage; and a one-story 20 m x 10 m biological laboratory. 

In addition, there will be nine 8x6.5m toilet buildings, and a football playground with facilities for track and field events. 
 

  
NARCOTICS CONTROL UNIT OPENS IN LUANG PRABANG 
Another Narcotic Control Unit (NCU) was officially opened in northern Luang Prabang province. The occasion was introduced with a brief overview of the situation in Luang Prabang from the provincial security police chief. Then the Minister to the Presidential Palace, the Chairman of the Lao National Committee for Drug Control and Supervision (LCDC), and US Chargé d' Affaires spoke in turn about the importance of cooperation between the two countries and the world in efforts to control narcotics. 

The US Chargé d’ Affaires reaffirmed that the government and people of the United States would further lend support and assistance to the government and people of Laos in counter-narcotics control which in effect calls for international cooperation. 

Cutting the ribbon were the Chairman of the LCDC, US Chargé d’ Affaires, and Governor of Luang Prabang. 

This is the fifth NCU to be opened in the past year.  Other offices have been established in Vientiane municipality, Oudomsay, Bokeo, and Savannakhet. It is expected that by 2000 NCUs will be opened in southern Champassak, northern Xieng Khouang and Sayaboury and possibly in other provinces where it is deemed necessary. 
 

  
GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN DRUG CONTROL 
The Lao permanent representative to the UN in New York has addressed the 54th United Nations General Assembly. 

The speech was about drugs in Laos, the intentions of the Lao government on stepping up drug supervision and control, amendment and improvement of the law, the integrated rural development project implementation, and law operations against drug abusers and traffickers. 

So far these implementations have been satisfactory, especially the integrated rural development project, reducing opium plantation in Phalavaek area and Saysomboun Special Zone. 

The speech mainly aimed to give information on the agreement between the Lao PDR and United Nations for Drug Control Program on the project for the elimination of drug growing in the Lao PDR, cure addiction, and reduce poverty in the ten Northern provinces of Laos. 

General Director of UNDCP Pino Arlacchi said that one of the priority plans of UNDCP is to help Laos get rid of opium production. He added that last May 5 he visited Vientiane and signed an agreement with the Lao Government for a project to eliminate opium plantation within the next six years. He said funds are being mobilized for rural development projects in Laos focussing on the elimination of opium plantation and the ensuing drug trade, though there was still a need for funds from the international community to carry out the project. 
 

  
SAYABOURY TO FIGHT AGAINST OPIUM PRODUCTION  
In Sayaboury province two targeted villages that used to cultivate opium earlier this month received 19 million kip from a project involved in reducing drug production. 

The money will be used in Phieng district to promote new and permanent occupations for villagers involved in rice farming and animal breeding. 

At present the project was collecting information about hygiene among the people of the two villages. 

The project also has various activities to assist people here. For example, people are being introduced to the ways of using herbal medicines. A mobile library is now also available in these two villages. Reading book have been given to primary and secondary schools in the villages. 
 
 

HOUAPHANH PROMOTES TOURIST SITE  
Houaphanh province will promote a new tourist site to visitors. The province has many impressive things such as spectacular mountains, rivers and forests. 

Houaphanh has an area of 16,300 square kilometers, but the forest covers more than 645,400 hectares. About 37,600 hectares of the total area is covered with grass fields. 

There are plenty of waterfalls and hot springs in the districts of Hiem, Viengthong and Samneua. 

The province is also rich of mineral resources suitable for mining industry. 

Houaphanh is located about 650 kilometers northeast of Vientiane. Since it is a mountainous province, travel communication and trade are difficult . 

It shares border with Vietnam, Xieng Khouang and Luang Prabang provinces. 

Lao-Loum is the major ethnic group in the province occupying 61 percent of the total population. Hmong tribe covers only 20 per cent and the rest are smaller  minorities. 

The main occupations of the people is slash and burn cultivation. Gardening, farming, and trading are also practiced. 

Houaphanh people are well-known for their traditional weaving skills. The designs of Lao skirts are mostly from Houaphanh used to be the base of the revolutionary army during the war years, but now the province is safe to welcome for all visitors 

  
CARAVAN TRAVELS FROM AYUDHYA TO LUANG PRABANG 
A Group of 42 tourists from Ayudhya, Thailand, arrived in Laos through the Mittaphab Bridge in a 14-car caravan tour to spend two days in the city of Luang Prabang and enjoy a one-day stay in the beautiful landscape of Dansavan Nam Ngum Resort, the Lao casino center on Nam Ngum Lake. 

They were also expected to visit several country villages to see the lifestyles of some ethnic minority people. The caravan group is composed of business people and officials. 

“This is the third time that Inter-Lao Tourism company welcome such caravan from Thailand,” said Deputy General Director of Inter-Lao Tourism. 

The group was heartily welcomed by a traditional dance and music performance by students of the National School of Music and Dance. 

The tour was Coordinated by Vientiane based Inter-Lao Tourism, which agreed to provide all facilities to the group during their three-day stay in Laos. 

This year, the number of Thai visitors is up over the last two years when the region was hit by an economic crisis. 

According to a survey done by the National Tourism Authority of Laos (NTAL), Thai still form the largest group of tourists visiting Laos and the cities they prefer are Luang Prabang and Vientiane, where there are many temples and unspoiled nature. 

According to the officials of NTAL, to welcome visitors during Visit Laos Year 1999-2000, the government has made every effort to provide all facilities and comfort to tourists. 

Recently, the government has made visitors' entry procedures easier with visa on arrival at some international check-points. 

The market is now larger and there are more visitors arriving from Europe and America. 

The number of individual tourists entering the country is on the increase, but the number of tourists buying pre-packaged tours from tourism companies has remained about the same. 
 
 

  
LAO CITIES FOUND BY AMERICAN TOURISTS  
Just ahead of the official opening of Visit Laos Year, two planeloads of American tourists found their way to an exotic destination called Vientiane. 

The first 112-strong contingent arrived on November 9 for three days of sightseeing. 

Each group of global travelers arrived at Wattay International Airport on a chartered Boeing 757 that is flying them around Asia to eleven cities as part of their "Lost Cities" tour package. This is the third biggest single group of tourists to visit Laos. 

After arriving in Vientiane, the group quickly set out to see some of the capital's main attractions such as Ho Prakeo temple, Sisakat temple and That Luang stupa 

Tour organizers said the group also traveled to Luang Prabang, where they took in the sites that have made it a renowned World Heritage destination. 

It was quite a short trip for them and many in the group said they wished it had lasted a little longer. 

After visiting Laos, the "Lost Cities" tour group then proceeded to other cities and countries specified on their itinerary including: Phnom Penh, Nepal, China, Tibet, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. In the Southeast Asian region Laos and Cambodia were the only two countries decided upon as destinations. Apart from Laos, the ancient ruins of Angkor in Cambodia clearly excited interest from the group, organizers said. 

Inter-Lao Tourisme Co. spent about US$ 33,000 to serve this group, which included the cost of entry visas, two airplanes to Luang Prabang as well as accommodation and food. A fourth group of American tourists was to arrive on November 13 to 15. The TCS Expedition is an undertaking by American TC Swartz, the owner of the company and tour leader. The group of tourists who visited Laos were mainly American nationals but there were also some of German and British nationality. 
 
 

  
TRADE FAIR 99 MAKES INTERNATIONAL IMPRESSION 
The 1999 International Trade Fair, coinciding with the opening of the Visit Laos Year 1999-2000 campaign and the traditional That Luang Festival, closed after a successful six days. 

The fair ran in an atmosphere of sound security, social order and enjoyment from beginning to end, attributing the success to the high sense of responsibility of Party conunittees and administrations at all levels with support from ministries and equivalent committees, security forces and all people. 

The success reflected the safeguarding, restoration, and development of traditions, culture, customs and ways of living passed on from ancient times of the Lao nation. The exhibition and sale of both traditional domestic and colorful modern foreign goods made a major contribution to boosting domestic production, goods exchange, investment and tourism to a new growth and improvement of people's living conditions. All this was in salutation of the 24th forthcoming National Day, December 2, and in anticipation of the forthcoming congress of the Party Committee of Vientiane municipality. 

This year the fair comprised 116 stalls and pavilions, including stalls from seven friendly countries. Foreign exhibitors attended, were from the Socialist Republic of' Vietnam, the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Kingdom of Thailand, India, the Republic of France, and the United States of America. 

There were also stalls and pavilions from Vientiane municipality, the provinces of Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Oudomsay, Bokeo, Sayaboury, Luang Prabang, Xiengkhouang, Vientiane, Boirikhamsay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Saravan, Sekong, Champassak, Attopeu and Houaphanh, and the Special Zone of Saysomboun. 

Over half the exhibits and products on display and sale at the fair were from domestic sources, being industrial goods 40 % handicraft 20 %, agricultural produce 20 %, and natural and cultural items 20 %. 

The total value of the exhibits and goods was 1.7 billion kip, and sales are initially estimated to have reached 1.1 billion kip. 

The closing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh, ministers and deputy ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of international organizations and business units. 
 

  
ONE-SIDED CLAIMS ABOUT LAOS  
In response to the Article in Washington Post November 29, 1999, written by Marc Kaufman, the press section of Embassy of the Lao PDR wrote to the Editor of the newspaper a letter dated November 30, 1999, which read as follows: 

Dear Editor, 

Referring to the Washington Post, November 29, 1999, an article written by Marc Kaufman, entitled " Missing Tourists as Reprisal Victims?" which reflects the one-sided and sensational views on the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. I would like to emphasize that the case of the disappearance of the two Hmong Americans along the border between Thailand and Laos is now in the process of investigation by the Joint US-Lao investigation Team. So far, no evident had been found. 

The allegation made by Kaufman, that the Lao government has sought to settle old scores by capturing and executing two Hmong Americans is misleading. The circumstances and motive surrounding this allegation have not been provided. 

The Washington Post does a great disservice to its readers by not checking facts before rushing to decry that "the Lao government officials are responsible for the kidnap and murder of these folks". The fact is that, after the claim, the US Embassy in Laos informed the Lao government and requested for cooperation in investigation the matter. After the first field investigation, no information has been found to support to the rumor that Mr. Ly and Mr. Vang entered Laos, legally or illegally. To clarify the report on the disappearance of two Hmong Americans, the Lao Embassy, on November 5, 1999 issued a press release. (It is available at the Lao Embassy Web Site: http://www.laoembassy.com ) 

With reference to Kaufman assertions, " the fate of the Hmong has been tied to the Cold War". We recognize that any who harbor hatred toward or fear the Lao government are swelling on the past, but no one can change historical events. It is important, however, to learn from history and not repeat it.  The Lao Government is looking to the future and developing great efforts for the socio-economic development of the country in order to improve the living standard and prosperity of the Lao multi-ethnic people, as well as to promote cooperation with other nations. 
Sincerely, 

Mai Sayavongs 
Press Section, Embassy of the 
Lao People's Democratic Republic 
(This letter had been edited by the Washington Post and published in December 9, 1999) 
 
 

 From All Our Heart, We Wish You and Your Family  
All The Best For Good Health Great Success And Happiness For Christmas, New Year 2000 And Wonderful Millennium.