The 15th Lao Handicrafts Festival 2016 is slated to be held from October 26 to November 1 at Lao International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC) in Vientiane, seeking to promote local handicrafts and silk weavings.
It is estimated that more than 400 exhibitors’ booths featuring handicrafts and food products from around the country will be on show at the grand festival.
The exhibitors will be selling an extensive variety of products including silk and cotton textiles, jewellery, pottery, non-timber and recycled products, green agriculture goods as well as numerous one district one product items.
Authorities from the Lao Handicrafts Association are currently preparing for the upcoming 15th Lao Handicrafts Festival, which they recently announced to the public at a recent press conference in Vientiane
Vice President of the Lao Journalists’ Association, Mr. Somsanouk Mixay and President of the Lao Handicrafts Association, Mr. Hansana Sisane headed the press conference.
Mr. Hansana reported that the Lao Handicrafts Festival is held to support the marketing of local handicrafts both in rural and urban areas as well as to develop skills and products in handicrafts and weaving.
The festival will delineate two separate zones, with the first zone to be for the exhibition and sale of handicrafts and agriculture products and the second zone dedicated to one district one product’ foods and other items, he said.
The organising committee will invite talented handicraftsman from around the country to exhibit their wares and present the culture and identity of Lao people to local and foreign visitors.
It is envisioned that the festival will serve to enlarge the market for Lao handicraft products both domestically and abroad.
This year’s fair will feature 450 booths, of which many will display goods made in the provinces. Buyers will also have booths at the event.
Visitors attending the festival can also enjoy fashion shows, craft demonstrations and product design competitions.
The festival will offer opportunities for producers, customers, buyers and sellers to meet and interact, and for craftspeople and exhibitors to learn about new designs, innovations and techniques that might be adapted to improve the quality of their products.
This year is very special as the association has sent invitations to embassies of all the Asean countries and some European countries, and provides a platform for Lao handicraft makers to exhibit their various wares.
The festival serves as a platform for handicraft makers to get together and share their business experiences.
Source: Vientiane Times
