Vientiane administration officials are actively working on their preparations for the 450th commemoration of the founding of the Laotian capital in late 2010.
Ms. Vanpheng Keonakhone, head of the Vientiane Information and Culture Department says preparations are being made in seven project areas, including reviewing and researching the history of the city to be published in a 450-year history book, registering and cataloguing important historical artifacts and sites such as the That Luang Shrine to be included in the book, as well as reconstructing and preserving the ancient wall of the city and turning it into a tourist attraction.
Other projects include building a new city landmark and a new city adminstration headquarters, a trade fair, a beauty pageant, a sport competition and a campaign to instill a feeling of harmony, unity and patriotism among the residents as well as pride in their capital city.
Officials say they will also launch a campaign to invite and encourage overseas Laotians to come back and visit their motherland and participate in the national development.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details in Lao.