Mr Tsuge Yoshifumi (left) and Mr Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune display a signed note on grant aid projects funded by Japan.

Japan provides project grants worth US$4.7million

The government of Japan has provided grant aid for two development projects in Laos worth up to 753 million yen (approximately US$4.7 million).
These include the Human Resource Development Scholarship initiative and regional development through acceleration of the clearance of unexploded ordnance in the southern provinces (phase 2).
Notes on the grant aid projects were signed in Vientiane by Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Tsuge Yoshifumi and Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune.
The purpose of the Human Resource Development Scholarship scheme is to assist young administrative officers to improve administrative capacity and strengthen the structure of each ministry and administrative authority.
This project will support up to 21 young government officials to study at Japanese graduate schools from 2025, according to a press release from the Japan Embassy to Laos.
By supporting young government officials and other individuals who are expected to play an active role in the core of the Lao government to obtain a degree (master’s or doctorate) at a Japanese postgraduate school, this programme will help to resolve priority development issues in Laos.
The scheme will also strengthen mutual understanding and the friendly relations between Japan and Laos, thereby enhancing bilateral relations through the establishment of human networks.
Meanwhile, the project for regional development through acceleration of the clearance of unexploded ordnance in the southern provinces (phase 2) is in response to the large amount of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining from enemy aggression during the Indochina War.
As many as 80 million pieces of munition are estimated to be buried across Laos.
The presence of these unexploded devices is a threat to people’s lives and hinders the use of land for farming and the construction of infrastructure.
This project mainly supports the cost of UXO clearance activities in Xekong, Saravan and Champassak provinces following those conducted in 2023.
It is expected to accelerate clearance activities and reduce impediments to development in target areas, thereby spurring development and reducing the number of people injured or killed in UXO-related accidents.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 4, 2024)