NAN: Nan and Luang Prabang have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, cultural heritage and tourism.
Nan governor Chainarong Wongyai recently led a delegation to Luang Prabang to sign the memorandum of understanding with Bounleua Sinxayvoravong, chairman of the Luang Prabang Provincial Administration Committee.
Mr Chainarong said the agreement would build on the two provinces' shared Lanna-Lan Xang history, Buddhist art and Mekong culture. Cooperation will cover heritage conservation, cultural exchanges, creative industries, healthcare, education and quality of life.
Luang Prabang has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1995, while Nan is preparing a case for its cultural heritage to be recognised by Unesco.
The Chiang Man-Luang Prabang bridge project is expected to cut travel times by 30-45 minutes. It is also projected to bring an additional 80,000 tourists to Nan each year.