The Lao government expects to spend around 30 million U.S. dollars on the upcoming Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to be held on Nov. 5 - 6 in Laos' capital of Vientiane, not including infrastructure construction and upgrade which has already been funded internationally, local media said on Tuesday.
The upcoming ASEM is expected to be the most important international summit ever held in Laos, one of South East Asia's least developed nations. The meeting will bring together heads of state from Asia and Europe to discuss major world issues as well as increase inter-regional trade and improve relations.
Of the 30 million budgeted by the Lao government, 12 million will go towards importing luxury cars to transport important officials around the city. The remaining 18 million will go to administrative costs. Other expenses, such as construction, have already been met through grants and loans from other countries, according to the state-run Vientiane Times.
In total the government now has 120 Mercedes Benz which will be used by heads of state and high-ranking officials. A further 120 Toyota Camrys will be provided for high-level summit delegates.
Laos has received funding, grants and assistance from China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei, the European Union (EU), Australia, Singapore, and Pakistan. China provided a grand of around 71 million U.S. dollars, a soft loan of 37 million, and 10 buses and four motorcades.
Japan has provided 28 million U.S., Vietnam 500 thousand million U.S. and some equipment. Thailand provided around six million U.S., 30 percent of which is a grant and 70 percent a soft loan. Brunei has granted 500 thousand U.S.
The EU provided a grant of 400 thousand for study tours permitting Laos officials to learn about the experience of European countries with hosting major international summits. The EU will provide translation during the meeting in six languages, with three translators per language.
Australia provided specialized training in protocol, as well as in English and translation. Singapore assisted Laos to prepare for the ASEM Senior Officials Meetings, as well as writing and audiovisual equipment. Pakistan provided 10 sets of computers.