|
Luang Prabang eyes US$1 billion in investments by 2015
Luang Prabang provincial authorities hope to obtain US$1 billion in private sector investment by 2015.
Luang Prabang provincial Governor Dr Khampheng Saysompheng said recently the province had targeted this figure in the tourism, service, agricultural and industrial sectors over the next five years.
“We hope to see more than 500,000 tourists in Luang Prabang in the next five years, which should bring in US$140 million for the province,” Dr Khampheng said.
To attract more domestic and foreign investment, the provincial authorities will improve various regulations with a view to more effective management of the provincial capital and World Heritage Site. In addition, some issues that have been having an adverse affect on tourism will be addressed.
Dr Khampheng said there are plans to improve roads to address congestion and disorder in Luang Prabang.
“We want to develop Luang Prabang as a more attractive, green, clean and safe place for both residents and tourists. If we can do that, we will have achieved our goals.”
The province will also continue to source more funding from overseas to invest in the tourism, service, agricultural and industrial sectors.
An additional source of income will come from the sale of crops grown by local people.
Over the past five years, the province has improved the quality of its tourism services and improved conditions for business operators and tourists. More tourist attractions and infrastructure have been developed, particularly roads in the town centre and conservation areas. Services at Luang Prabang Airport have also improved.
Dr Khampheng said the provincial authorities had drawn up regulations for the renovation and protection of temples and old buildings, so that structures contained within the World Heritage Site maintain their value.
The province has also stipulated that new buildings must be in keeping with the town's historic character, to help preserve Laos' cultural legacy.
Last fiscal year, local and foreign business operators invested more than US$58 million in hotels, resorts, restaurants and tourist attractions, and more than 1.8 million people visited Luang Prabang. Local people benefited from the burgeoning industry and earned more than US$167 million.
vientiane times
|
