(KPL) Laos marked UNESCO’s listing of the Plain of Jars as Laos’ third world heritage site in Haihin Village, Phieng District, Xiengkhuang Province on Nov 29.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Xieng Khouang governore, representatives of UNESCO, relevant officials and locals.

The announcement of the Plain of Jars as a world heritage site was made at the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on July 10, 2019.

The Plain of Jars, located on a plateau in northern Laos, is named for more than 2,100 tubular-shaped megalithic stone jars that are believed to have been used for funerary practices in the Iron Age, according to UNESCO.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Ms. Suansavan Viyaket said that all 11 world heritage sites of Plain of Jars cover a large area in four districts of Xieng Khouang province.

Now the effort has become a reality as the intention and expectation, the people of Laos and ethnic groups countrywide and of Xieng Khouang’s people are very happy, which is the highest honor of the nation on the world stage and raised the reputation and image of the nation to the world, make the people of the world interested in visiting Laos.

The world heritage sites have stimulated the cultural and natural tourism industry and attracted investment, international cooperation, comprehensive infrastructure development. It is an important contribution to poverty reduction as well as created jobs for local community, she added.

KPL