Public, private sectors unite for China coronavirus fundraiser

Various companies and organisations from around the country gathered in Vientiane on Tuesday to raise more than 2 billion kip to assist victims of the new coronavirus (Covid-19) in China.
The Laos-China Friendship Association and Vientiane Administration Office jointly organised the fundraising event which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr Somdy Duangdy; Vientiane Mayor, Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, government officials and representatives of companies and organisations at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel.

Addressing the fundraiser, Vice Mayor Mr Sihoun Sitthileuxay said “Laos and China have a longstanding friendship and have always helped each other so we would like to collect funds to buy important equipment to assist the Chinese people.”  
China is currently in need of face masks and hand sanitiser, he added.
Organisers urged other companies wanting to support the fundraising effort and assist people in China to contact the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan in December, the disease has spread to many provinces in China and to over two dozen countries across the globe.
No cases of the virus have been confirmed in Laos. According to the Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday, overall confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection on the Chinese mainland had reached 44,653 by the end of Tuesday, and 1,113 people had died of the disease.

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
(Latest Update February 13, 2020)