Laos, Japan vow to make progress in cooperation projects
 
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh, in telephone talks with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on Tuesday, pledged to further push for the implementation of cooperation programmes agreed to by the two countries.
These include improvement of the Chao Anouvong Stadium and the development of infrastructure designed to connect Laos with the rest of the region, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two premiers agreed to continue reciprocal high-level visits and promote people-to-people exchanges following the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition, the two sides agreed to work together to organise activities to mark the 50th anniversary of Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in 2023 and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan in 2025.
Japan is committed to supporting Laos’ preparations to be the Asean Chair in 2024.
During their talks, the two premiers said they highly valued the ongoing friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Japan over past years, despite the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Laos regards Japan as a key partner based on the long history of friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Vientiane Times reported on the growing relations between Laos and Japan in 2020, noting that Japan continues to be Laos’ top aid donor and plays an important part in the international aid provided to Laos. Assistance from Japan averages US$90-US$100 million annually.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment reported in December last year that Japanese companies have invested in more than 160 projects worth more than US$311.8 million over the past 10 years. The number increased significantly since the governments of Laos and Japan signed an agreement on investment promotion in 2008. In 2021 alone, Japanese businesses invested in 18 projects worth more than US$14 million in the fields of agriculture, processing, services and other areas of development.
Japanese investment has contributed to employment creation and the sharing of production technology and management know-how, resulting in the growth of the Lao economy and the nation’s overall development.
Japan has contributed significantly to the development of infrastructure, education, health, unexploded ordnance clearance, and community development.
The relationship between Laos and Japan has strengthened markedly since the two countries elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in 2015.
Prime Minister Phankham thanked the government and people of Japan for assisting Laos over the past years, enabling the multi-ethnic Lao people to improve their living standards.
The Lao premier also expressed his appreciation to Japan for providing medical equipment and vaccine to help Laos’ battle against Covid-19.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 3, 2022)