Chinese Government provides RMB 42.3 million grant for Lao National Cultural Hall Renovation and Maintenance Project

Project narrative

In 2013, China’s Ministry of Commerce provided an RMB 42.3 million grant to the Government of Laos for the Lao National Cultural Hall Renovation and Maintenance Project. The purpose of the project was to renovate and maintain the Lao National Cultural Hall in the capital city of Vientiane (exact locational coordinates: 17°57'57"N 102°36'23"E). The renovation work involved water supply and drainage, air conditioning, fire alarm, stage sound reinforcement, stage lighting, stage machinery, conference room audio system, and outdoor lighting systems. It also involved roof repairs and decorations. The Lao National Cultural Hall houses a 1,500-seat auditorium, two conference rooms and a lobby that doubles as an art gallery. Its construction was financed with a separate Chinese Government grant in the late 1990s. Construction started in June 1998 and ended on December 21, 1999. The hall was officially put into use on March 17, 2000. 23th Metallurgical Construction Group Co., Ltd. was the contractor responsible for the implementation of the Lao National Cultural Hall Renovation and Maintenance Project. The project commenced on March 14, 2014 and was completed in February 2015. It was officially handed over to the local authorities on May 28, 2015.