VIENTIANE; The Government of Japan has added another 1.027 billion yen (US$6.48 million) to the budget allocated for the Wattay International Airport Improvement Project to ensure work continues despite inflation and higher procurement costs.
Representatives of the Lao and Japanese governments signed a revised exchange of notes for the project at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 5, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The revised agreement increases the grant provided by Japan from the 2.836 billion yen agreed in 2024 to 3.863 billion yen (US$26.5 million). The additional funding is intended to ensure the project continues smoothly and achieves its planned goals, as inflation and other factors have driven up procurement costs.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Anouparb Vongnorkeo signed the revised agreement on behalf of the Lao government, while the Ambassador of Japan to Laos, Mr Koizumi Tsutomu, signed on behalf of the Japanese government. Representatives from both countries attended the signing ceremony.
Mr Anouparb thanked the government and people of Japan for their continued support, saying Japan has made an important contribution to Laos’ socio-economic development, particularly through infrastructure projects, including in the aviation sector.
He said the Lao government would carry out the project efficiently to ensure it delivers the expected benefits and expressed hope that Japan would continue to support Laos’ development in the years ahead.
Mr Anouparb also conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Laos to the government and people of Japan, especially to the families affected by the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28.
Ambassador Koizumi said Japan would continue working closely with Laos to strengthen the friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, bringing greater benefits to the people of both nations.
The airport improvement project began with a grant agreement signed in 2024 worth 2.836 billion yen. It involves enlargement of the international passenger terminal, improvement of taxiways and apron pavement, and installation of a new airfield lighting system.
The upgrades are expected to improve passenger services, strengthen aviation safety, and increase the airport’s capacity to handle the growing volume of travellers.
Japan has supported the development of Wattay International Airport since the 1970s through its Official Development Assistance programme, funding airport expansion, renovation and human resource development as part of its long-standing partnership with Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
