Guests cut the ribbon during the launching ceremony for the project for the digitalization of the Lao National TV (LNTV) Channel 3 in Vientiane, capital of Laos, on Feb. 28, 2019. China is helping the LNTV's digitalization with a grant for its upgrade project. (Xinhua/Zhang Jianhua)

VIENTIANE, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China is helping Lao National TV (LNTV)'s digitalization with a grant for its upgrade project.

The launching ceremony for the project for the digitalization of the LNTV Channel 3 was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday with the presence of Director General of Lao National Television, Bounchao Phichit, and Counselor of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Laos, Wang Qihui.

The project will include the comprehensive replacement of the existing standard definition equipment for producing, broadcasting and editing programs and the studio equipment at LNTV Channel 3 with high-definition (HD) technologies.

The Chinese government will also provide the channel with mobile broadcasting vehicles equipped with HD technologies.

The upgrade project has been undertaken in three phases. The first phase began in 2009, the second in 2017 and the third this year.

"I would like to thank the Chinese government for helping us with both funding and technical support. It will help greatly to develop television in Laos, especially allowing LNTV Channel 3 to reach regional and international quality and standards," Bounchao said.

"In addition, the assistance is an important contribution to enhancing cooperation between Laos and China," he added.

The project will improve the TV station's production capacity and the quality of its programs, increase the coverage of television channels in Laos, and meet state-run television policy goals, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Friday.