HEADLINE: VIENTIANE, Laos- New NA building to host upcoming inaugural session
The new building of the National Assembly (NA)
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The new building of the National Assembly (NA), of which construction is nearly completed, is set to host the upcoming inaugural session of the NA’s new legislature.
The main structure of the building located at the That Luang esplanade in Vientiane is now complete and builders are now putting the finishing touches to the grand edifice.
Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Planning, Finance and Audit Committee, Mr Ketkeo Sihalath, revealed the progress at a recent event held to place the Lao national logo on the building, according to a source from the NA.
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Lao and Vietnamese officials attended the event at the new building, whose construction is being financed by a grant provided by the Vietnamese government amounting to US$100 million (about 831 billion kip). Groundbreaking ceremony for the project construction took place in November 2017.
Builders are speeding up work to finish the project in time to host the inaugural session of the NA’s 9th legislature.
Laos just finished the national election to choose members of the NA and provincial people’s council. Results of the election are expected in the upcoming days. Later, the two chambers will hold their inaugural sessions to elect leaders of various state bodies including the state president, Prime Minister and approving a new government cabinet.
Work crews are decorating the main conference room, guest rooms and other rooms in preparation for the inaugural session, the source cited Mr Ketkeo as saying.
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The Vietnamese government and people funded the project as a gift to the Lao government and people. The building comprises five floors and a basement. It can accommodate 800-1,000 people. The parking area has space for 273 cars, three buses and 270 motorcycles.
The modern building reflects Laos’ cultural identity and architectural style. Its sturdy construction means it will be able to serve the legislative body for at least 100 years.
There is a large conference hall for debate sessions, a spacious lobby, lounges, medium and small meeting rooms, and offices for members of the Standing Committee.
The old NA’s three-storey building was built in 1990 with government financing. It was built on the site where Laos’ first constitution was approved in 1991. The old building was demolished to make way for the construction of the new one.
By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update March 4, 2021)
