Representatives of the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office and Laos’ Ministry of Public Works and Transport witness the signing of an MOU on Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transit system.

UK backs clean transport, river tech and UXO clearance

The United Kingdom is stepping up support for Laos in areas of climate action, transport, and unexploded ordnance clearance as both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic ties.
Minister for the Indo-Pacific of the United Kingdom, Ms Catherine West, visited Laos on April 23 to witness the impact of UK-backed projects that support sustainable development and improve people’s lives, according to a press release from the British Embassy in Vientiane.
During her visit, the United Kingdom and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport signed a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit system.
Ms West witnessed the MOU signing alongside the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Ngampasong Muongmany.
The agreement allows experts from Transport for London to share technical advice based on their experience managing one of the world’s leading public transport systems.
The Bus Rapid Transit system is part of the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project supported by the Asian Development Bank.
It includes the introduction of 55 electric buses to help ease traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in the capital.
The UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific also visited the Mekong River Commission to highlight the UK’s work in supporting river communities.
The Commission said the Mekong River basin supports more than 20,000 plant species and 850 fish species, and provides livelihoods for about 80 percent of people living along the river.
To help people better manage the impact of climate change, the United Kingdom has provided over 350,000 pounds to support the development of the “One Mekong” app, which provides real-time weather and water level data so communities can plan their daily activities more effectively.
Another focus of the visit was the ongoing UK-funded work to remove unexploded ordnance.
Ms West met with teams from the Mines Advisory Group and the HALO Trust, which have cleared 5,734 explosive devices and made safe over 4 million square metres of land between April 2022 and December 2024.
From 2016 to 2025, the United Kingdom will have provided more than US$27 million to support clearance operations, making it one of Laos’ largest bilateral donors in this area.
Ms West also held talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later hosted a reception in Vientiane to mark the contribution of women in leadership roles.
“As the UK and Laos celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, my visit here has allowed me to reflect on our strong partnership and, more importantly, look to the future,” she said.
“From helping Mekong River communities with better data, to promoting sustainable transport, and of course supporting lifesaving work clearing unexploded ordnance, the UK-Laos partnership is delivering real benefits for people across this country,” she added.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 25, 2025)