Vientiane:Japan has donated road and bridge maintenance equipment valued at 955 million yen to Laos. The handover ceremony took place on November 9, 2026, at Road Construction State Enterprise No. 8 in Vientiane as part of Japan's Economic and Social Development Programme. The event saw the attendance of several high-profile dignitaries, including MPWT Minister Leklay Sivilay and Japanese Ambassador to Laos Koizumi Tsutomu.
According to Lao News Agency, the assistance is a continuation of a project initiated the previous year, aiming to assist Laos in overcoming long-term road maintenance challenges while supporting economic development. The total contribution from Japan under the current project amounts to 1.7 billion yen, with the recent phase delivering more than 955 million yen, and further assistance expected in subsequent phases.
Minister Leklay highlighted that a previous 1.5-billion-yen assistance program had been instrumental in repairing roads damaged by natural disasters across Laos. The country frequently faces damage to its road infrastructure due to floods and other natural calamities, affecting travel, transportation, and economic activities. The newly supplied equipment will enable Laos to repair and maintain roads more efficiently with modern, environmentally friendly machinery, thereby enhancing maintenance quality, improving traffic, and strengthening regional connectivity.
The equipment is anticipated to bolster transport links with neighboring countries, support tourism, and improve access to markets and services. Minister Leklay expressed gratitude to Japan, emphasizing the significance of the support for the Lao Government and the benefits for the country's transport infrastructure. The equipment was officially handed over to various state enterprises, including Road Construction State Enterprise No. 8, Transport Construction State Enterprise, and Vientiane Vehicle and Driving Management Center. These organizations will use the machinery for construction, improvement, and maintenance of roads and bridges, while also enhancing the technical skills of operators.
Phoupheuan Sengphachanh, Director of Road Construction State Enterprise No. 8, expressed appreciation for Japan's continued assistance, which is expected to enhance the capacity of state-owned enterprises and support the development of a robust national road maintenance system.