Ambassador Mr Koizumi Tsutomu (right) gives a symbolic key to Mr Leklai Sivilay to mark Japan’s provision of road construction vehicles and machinery.

Japan backs road and bridge repair with 955 million yen in aid

The Government of Japan has provided vehicles and road maintenance machinery worth a total of over 955 million yen (more than 136.6 billion kip) to finance road and bridge repairs in Laos.
The funding support is part of Japan’s 2024 Economic and Social Development Programme aid package of 1,700 million yen (almost 242.9 billion kip) with more funds to be made available in the near future.
The equipment was officially handed over at Road Construction Enterprise No. 8 in Tanmixay village, Xaythany district, Vientiane, on Monday.
The handover ceremony was attended by Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr Leklai Sivilay, Japanese Ambassador to Laos Mr Koizumi Tsutomu, and other officials and guests.
Mr Leklai thanked the Government and people of Japan for their continued support, describing the assistance as an important contribution to improving Laos’ road infrastructure and transport services.
He recalled that Japan had previously provided 1,500 million yen in funding under the Economic and Social Development Programme to support the repair and improvement of roads damaged by extreme weather.
Mr Leklai said the donated machinery would help modernise road maintenance and repair, enabling work to be carried out more efficiently.
Japan’s funding support would play a vital role in improving arterial highways and ensuring smoother and safer transport routes, he added.
Better road infrastructure would support passenger travel, freight transport and tourism, while strengthening connectivity with neighbouring countries and the wider region.
Roads in Laos have been seriously affected by flooding, subsidence and rockfalls in recent years, hindering both passenger and freight transport and creating dangerous conditions.
Damaged roads and bridges have also affected people’s livelihoods, regional connectivity and the country’s broader socio-economic development.
Mr Leklai said the restoration of damaged roads using modern, efficient and environmentally friendly technologies was essential to addressing these challenges.
Japanese funding is expected to strengthen the capacity of road maintenance agencies, improve the quality and efficiency of repair work, and help restore transport links affected by natural disasters.
The aid programme also reflects the continued cooperation between Laos and Japan in improving infrastructure and supporting sustainable socio-economic development in Laos.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 10, 2026)