(Vientiane, 11th) The Japanese government has donated road and bridge maintenance equipment worth a total of 1.5 billion yen (over 219 billion Kip) to Laos to help improve the country's infrastructure and promote sustainable road development.
The donation ceremony was held on the 8th of this month at the No. 8 Highway State Construction Enterprise in Danmise Village, Saythany District, Vientiane, highlighting Japan’s continued commitment to the socio-economic development of Laos. The equipment was provided by the Japanese government through the 2023 Socio-Economic Development Project.
Laos National Assembly Vice President Souma Pholsena attended the ceremony. In his speech, Japan's Ambassador to Laos, Koizumi Tsutomu, recalled Japan’s longstanding support for Lao infrastructure projects, including the Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, Pakse Bridge, Sekong Bridge, as well as the renovation works of Wattay International Airport and Vientiane No.1 Highway.
He pointed out that these facilities have gradually aged, and at the request of the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Japanese government allocated 10 million USD to purchase a full set of heavy engineering machinery to extend the service life of roads nationwide.
Lettlay Sivilay, Minister of Public Works and Transport, received the donation on behalf of Laos and expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance. He revealed that this is the second time Laos has received such equipment from Japan, with the goal of using modern, efficient and environmentally-friendly machinery to repair roads damaged by adverse weather.
The equipment will be handed over to three state-owned enterprises under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to enhance their operational capacity in road surveying, improvement, maintenance, and construction, and to gradually improve road quality in Laos, setting an example for state-owned enterprises.