Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (centre) and National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou inspect the ongoing construction of the National Assembly building in Vientiane on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo

VIENTIANE — Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou on Thursday inspected the progress of the new National Assembly Building in the capital city of Vientiane.

Located in That Luang Square, the US$100 million building has five storeys and basement with a capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 people. It is a gift from the Party, State and people of Việt Nam to their Lao counterparts.

Major General Nguyễn Quốc Dũng, head of the military contractor of the project, said despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which had caused problems transporting workers and material from Europe, the building’s structure and raw construction had been completed.

The contractor expected to soon finish the building, Dũng said.

He said over the past two years, attention had been paid to the quality management of the building, with the engagement of Vietnamese and Japanese experts, keeping in mind the special meaning of this important project.

The process of choosing materials and equipment as well as construction had been strictly supervised to ensure the highest quality, he added.

Work is underway at the Lao National Assembly building in That Luang Square in the centre of the capital city of Vientiane. — VNA/VNS Photo

Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith praised the efforts, responsibility and skills of the contractor, making them truly worthy of the title “Uncle Hồ’s soldiers.”

After 700 days of construction, the National Assembly building has met the deadlines set, the Lao Government leader said, expressing his belief that because of the progress made, the Lao people will soon have a modern, sturdy building that still bears the cultural identity of the country and is a symbol of the great friendship between the two nations. — VNS