An art and cultural exchange was held in Vientiane to launch a Lao campaign to vote for Vietnam ’s Ha Long Bay as world natural wonder.

Prominent among participants at the event were Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh, Deputy Minister-Deputy Chairman of the Lao National Sports Committee Boualan Silipannha, and General Secretary of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association Saikhong Saynasine.

Saikhong Saynasine called on Lao people, especially young people, to vote for Ha Long Bay as a practical act in celebration of the two countries’ big festivities in 2010 contributing to boosting the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos .

The final voting stage will take place between 2010 and 2011.

To voted for Ha Long bay, twice recognised by the UNESCO for its landscapes and geological values, please visit the website www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/vote_on_nominees./.