VIENTIANE : A 100-metre-high Buddha statue will be installed in the That Luang Marsh Specific Economic Zone by a Chinese developer, as part of plans for a new cultural attraction, according to the zone developer.

A report on the project was presented when the National Steering Committee met last week to discuss the statue and its location in the zone in Vientiane.

The meeting on the Buddha Image Construction Project was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prof Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, who is the President of the National Steering Committee overseeing the project.

Meeting participants discussed the construction of the Buddha statue.

Prof Dr Kikeo noted that more special economic zones are being created in Laos, which are contributing to socio-economic development, both directly and indirectly, by helping to improve living standards, creating jobs, and bringing in revenue for the government.

Modern cities are increasingly linked to an improved environment and culture, and the construction of more Buddha statues helps to preserve and promote Laos’ culture, history and traditions, he said.

Members of the National Steering Committee toured the site where the Buddha statue will be located and inspected a replica of the Big Buddha that will be placed in the zone.

Developed by the Chinese-owned Wan Feng Shanghai Real Estate, construction of the zone, located in the heart of Vientiane, is expected to be complete by 2030.

The government believes the US$5 billion project will significantly boost the country’s economic growth and generate job opportunities for local people.

Upon completion, the 99-year concession project will encompass a residential area, public parks and green spaces, a lake, a hospital, an education centre, restaurants, a sports complex, and a commercial centre.

  - ANN