(KPL) – On January 5, 2025, Vice President Pany Yathortou visited Champasak Province to encourage and support the Saphay Handicrafts Center in Saphay Village, Sanasomboun District. She was accompanied by her delegation and warmly welcomed by Mr. Somboun Heungvongsa, Vice Governor of Champasak Province, along with other provincial leaders.

Vice President Pany listened a report from Ms. Khanthong Vilaisone, President of the Saphay Handicrafts Center, detailing the center's development since its establishment in 2014 with the approval of district authorities and related sectors.

Ms. Khanthong shared that during its first three years, the center operated rent-free with a modest collection of 20-30 silk skirts, fabrics, and traditional silk-weaving tools such as ki, fum, kasouy, and cotton baskets, all funded by the group’s resources. Over time, the center expanded its inventory by purchasing additional silk skirts to meet customer demand and enhance its services.

By 2016, the center had experienced significant growth. To support local artisans, the center began providing materials upfront to silk weavers. After completing their work, the artisans sold the skirts to the center and repaid the material costs in installments. This collaborative approach strengthened cooperation and boosted participation, establishing the center as a key hub for traditional craftsmanship.

In her speech, Vice President Pany emphasized the importance of preserving Laotian cultural heritage through traditional handicrafts. She encouraged the Saphay Handicrafts Center to continue promoting and sustaining silk weaving as a valuable cultural legacy for future generations, especially for the residents of Saphay Village.

The visit reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting local artisans and advancing sustainable development within the handicrafts sector.

KPL