Japan provides grant for disaster relief

The Japanese government has agreed to provide a grant of more than 80.7 billion kip (US$9.1 million) to carry out a project titled “Economic and Social Development Programme”.
A signing ceremony on the exchange of notes for the grant aid project took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

The notes were signed and exchanged by the Ambassador of Japan to Laos, Mr Takewaka Keizo, and Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane, witnessed by representatives from Lao line ministries.
The project will provide the Lao government with equipment worth US$9.1 million for the rescue of disaster victims and the recovery of disaster affected areas. The programme is expected to reduce the damage caused by natural disasters, especially floods, and enable a prompt response by being well-equipped in advance.
There have been growing concerns over the frequency and intensity of natural disasters caused by climate change in Laos.
Reducing the vulnerability of society to natural disasters as well as reducing damage is one of the government’s top priorities on the way to achieving sustainable economic and social development.
The equipment will be stationed at disaster prevention sites throughout the country.
Through the programme, the government is planning to procure water treatment units, vehicles, community tents, rescue tools, early warning equipment, and other items.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update December 24, 2019)