Japan bolsters support for renovation of NUOL engineering faculty

Japan will provide extra funding to cover the full cost of renovation of the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Laos.   
An agreement signed in Vientiane on Thursday authorises additional funding for the renovation from the previously agreed 2.1 billion yen (US$19.4 million) from March 15, 2022, to 2.5 billion yen.

Mr Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune (right) and Mr Kenichi Kobayashi shake hands after signing a funding agreement on Thursday.

Japan has agreed to provide extra financial support for the project after costs mounted due to changes in currency exchange rates and other expenses associated with construction.
The agreement on new funding for the rebuilding of the Faculty was signed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune and the Japanese Ambassador to Laos Mr Kenichi Kobayashi, witnessed by senior officials from the two sides.
Mr Phoxay thanked the Japanese government and people for their continuing support for the development of human resources in Laos and assistance in other fields, saying Japan’s support was highly valued and in line with Laos’ development needs.
Improvements to the Faculty of Engineering are essential to raise the standard of education in Laos and will contribute to the fulfilment of the government’s National Socio-economic Development Plan for 2021-2025, enabling Laos to achieve its priority development goals, Mr Phoxay said. 
The renovation project would ultimately contribute to the development of industry in Laos, he added, and suggested that more Japanese and other foreign companies invest in Laos in the years to come.
Ambassador Kobayashi said Japan would continue to cooperate with Laos to strengthen the country’s assets and enhance the longstanding friendly relations and strong cooperation between the two nations.
The Ambassador hoped the two partners would continue to implement the Action Plan agreed to by the leaders of Laos and Japan in April 2021, to achieve further successes.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 10, 2023)