President of Laos extends best wishes for Lao New Year

President Bounnhang Vorachit has offered his best wishes to all Lao citizens and foreigners living in Laos as well as people of Lao origin living overseas on the occasion of Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) which will be celebrated from April 14 to 16.

Delivering an address in Vientiane this week, Mr Bounnhang called on all Lao people to strengthen their unity in addressing the difficulties and challenges that hinder the country’s development.

The President described the past year (2560 BE) as a significant year during which the entire Party, State bodies and people throughout the nation vigorously implemented the Resolution of the 10th Party Congress and the 8th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan, with great success.

Some of the enormous achievements observed by the President were the upholding of unity among the Lao people, and the nation creating firm political stability, public security and social order.

Most Lao people maintained their spirit of patriotism and their tradition of hard work to improve their living standards and escape poverty.

In addition, all sectors worked to improve the business environment to attract more foreign investment to Laos.

In 2560 BE, the economy grew at 6.83 percent with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) income per capita rising to US$2,472.

Mr Bounnhang, who is Party Secretary General, also said great attention had been paid to the development of the education system and various socio-cultural sectors, while people’s lives had improved both spiritually and physically.

Additionally Laos has strengthened relations with foreign countries and international organisations.

Of special note was that Laos and other Asean countries marked the 50th anniversary of Asean and the 20th year since Laos became a member of the bloc.

Another important event was the launching of Visit Laos Year 2018 as a nationwide tourism campaign designed to attract more foreign visitors.

Various natural, historical and cultural attractions are on offer for overseas visitors, and believes tourism can make a huge contribution to economic growth.

The president looked on the New Year (2561 BE) as an important year for Laos in implementing the Resolution of the 10th Party Congress and the 8th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan.

“[This year] we will strive to alleviate poverty and ensure the nation is moving towards graduation from Least Developed Country status by 2020 and becomes an upper-middle income country by 2030,” Mr Bounnhang said.

The president also encouraged people of Lao descent living overseas to turn their faces to their motherland to help develop our beloved country.

Finally, he wished all Lao people good health and success in their duties and a life of happiness in the year to come.

Editor: John Li