Miho Kawamura volunteered with JICA to teach dressmaking in Vientiane in 2022. - JICA website
VIENTIANE: The government of Japan has provided more than US$370 million in financial support to implement 150 development projects in Laos from 2019 to 2024, making it the country’s largest bilateral donor, a Lao minister has said.
The assistance package comprises concessional loans, grants and technical cooperation to implement projects in areas such as agricultural infrastructure, environmental management, human resource development, healthcare and vocational training — all aimed at building a modern industrial base.
The long-standing Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) organisation is a key part of this cooperation. It continues to support local communities, build capacity, and enhance mutual understanding between the two countries.
Speaking at a reception in Vientiane to mark the 60th anniversary of JOCV’s activities in Laos, Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane highlighted the Japanese assistance and fruitful cooperation. He said the Lao government highly values the close cooperation with Japan, noting that Laos was the first country to receive Japanese volunteers after the programme was initiated in 1965.
The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, the Ambassador of Japan to Laos, Koizumi Tsutomu, other government officials and President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr Tanaka Akihiko.
Santiphab expressed sincere gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their long-standing assistance and partnership, which he said have made a signficant contribution to Laos’ socio-economic development over the years.
He praised Japan’s continued assistance for the vital role it has played in helping Laos achieve its Sustainable Development Goals and prepare for planned graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2026.
Japanese support has strengthened people-to-people ties and enhanced mutual understanding between the two nations, he added, noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan, which have evolved into a strategic partnership.
Japan provides hundreds of scholarships annually to Lao students and government officials, further contributing to the country’s human resource development.
Santiphab said that as Laos prepares to rollout the 10th five-year National Socio-economic Development Plan for 2026-2030, the government will prioritise seven key areas to drive sustainable growth and move towards upper-middle-income status under a smart, green and sustainable development vision.
He observed that contributions and cooperation from central and local authorities, together with Japanese volunteers, will enhance capacity building and support the successful implementation of the development plan.
The minister expressed deep appreciation to the 1,110 Japanese volunteers who have served in Laos over the years, praising their dedication, resilience, and willingness to share their expertise to support the Lao people and government in various fields. - Vientiane Times/ANN
