Laos celebrates achievements of past 45 years

All Lao hearts were beating with national pride yesterday as more than 1,000 people gathered at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR.
Speaking at the event, Party Secretary General and President of Laos, Mr Bounnhang Vorachit, underlined the importance of National Day and described the ways in which the country has progressed over the past four decades.

December 2, 1975, was a day of great victory for Lao people after their years of struggle to free the nation from foreign imperialists, abolish obsolete feudalism and establish the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
It was a day when Lao people of all ethnicities became the true masters of their country and destiny. Laos gained full independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and everyone is proud to have complete freedom and the right to develop their country as well as enjoy their lives. 
National Day is a time for Lao people to pay respect and homage to the revolutionary leaders, particularly President Kaysone Phomvihane who dedicated their lives for the good of their country and the well-being of all ethnicities. It is also a time for Laos to review its accomplishments and consider what needs to be done in the future.
The president said he was very proud of the victory of national liberation in 1975, adding that the founding of the Lao PDR was the great outcome of the revolution, which was carried out under the capable leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
The founding of the Lao PDR was a victory achieved through the unshakeable solidarity of the Lao people and army, who fought courageously against the imperialists.
As Laos trumpeted its success to the world, yesterday’s celebration reflected the country’s progress, especially accomplishments in the two strategic tasks of national protection and development over the past 45 years.
In 1990, the economy grew by 4.8 percent, surging to 6.2 percent in 2010 and to 7.9 percent in 2015.
Due to Covid 19 pandemic, the country’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2020, with average per capita GDP of US$2,742.
Roads, airports, bridges and other infrastructure have been built to connect different parts of Laos and the rest of the region. This is part of the government’s plan to transform Laos from a land-locked country to a land link within the region and spur socio-economic development.
The country’s 45th anniversary coincides with significant progress in the construction of about 414km Laos-China railway and the 460km Vientiane-Boten Expressway.
The under-construction railway is now more than 90 percent complete and is scheduled to be finished at the end of next year.
The Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway is the first section of the planned Vientiane-Boten Expressway and is expected to open for public use later this month. 
Yesterday’s gathering was attended by senior Party and government leaders and officials.
Conditions for the celebration were perfect yesterday morning with few cars on the roads because government offices and schools were closed for the public holiday.
The highlight of the occasion was a cultural performance and photo exhibition designed to reflect achievements in the fields of national defence and development over the past 45 years.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update December 3, 2020)