Japan grants US$8.8 million for airport equipment
 
Japan has agreed to provide airport-related equipment to Laos worth 1 billion yen (about US$8.8 million).
 An agreement on “airport-related equipment provision” and grant aid was signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane on Monday by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune and the Japanese Ambassador to Laos Mr Kenichi Kobayashi.

 Under the agreement, the government of Japan will provide US$8.8 million in grant aid, according to the Embassy of Japan.
 The project will provide airport-related equipment, such as buses to transport passengers between the terminal building and planes, airport air conditioning systems, and boarding bridges.
 The grant will contribute to the enhancement of the transportation environment and economic development by improving the quality of airport services in Laos and strengthening the passenger response capacity.
 Speaking at the signing ceremony, on behalf of the Lao government Mr Phoxay expressed his thanks and appreciation to the government and people of Japan for their assistance to Laos, saying it would contribute significantly to the country’s socio-economic development.
 Mr Phoxay also thanked the Japanese entities responsible for sourcing funding for development in Laos and pledged that the government would use the equipment donated by Japan to maximum benefit. Japan’s assistance supports the Lao government’s policy to improve facilities at international airports and promote connectivity between Laos and the rest of the region.

By Somsack Pongkhao
 (Latest Update December 21, 2021)